OHL Writers

INTRODUCING THE OHL’S DRAFT ELIGIBLE PLAYERS

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

In previous years of doing this, we have only looked at players eligible for the National Hockey League Entry draft for the first time. You don’t need reminding that the past 18 months have been nothing like we’ve ever seen before.

Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by OHL Images.

Because the Ontario Hockey League did not have a season, there weren’t a lot of eyes on OHL players. And that means that many of them will be re-entering the draft for 2022. Mind you, the majority won’t be selected by NHL teams, but they might just do enough to get camp invites and such.

We normally bring you player profiles on the players we feel will get drafted, or in our opinion those that should get drafted. While we can’t do it for every player on this list, we will endeavor to bring you that coverage throughout the season.

OHL teams had 230 players listed on their training camp rosters eligible for the NHL Entry Draft for the first time and re-entering the draft.

After the first week of regular season games, there are 208 players still remaining on rosters that are draft eligible. Of those 208 players, 113 of them are eligible for the first time while 95 of them re-enter the draft.

Also, of those 208 players, 23 are goaltenders, 64 are defensemen and 121 are forwards.

Here are the players eligible for the draft in order of teams:

BARRIE COLTS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Connor Punnett	D	16-Jun-03	6’2	196	Draft re-entry
Vladislav Dvurechenskii	LW	18-Jun-03	6’4	207	Draft re-entry
Jacob Frasca	C	19-Mar-03	6’4	208	Draft re-entry
Trey Zagrzebski	RW	01-Jan-03	5’9	185	Draft re-entry
Hunter Haight	C	04-Apr-04	5’10	167	First Time Eligible
Cooper Matthews	RW	11-Feb-04	5’9	170	First Time Eligible
Oliver Smith	LW	02-Mar-03	6’1	188	Draft re-entry
David Burri	D	22-Jul-03	6’1	200	Draft re-entry
Ryan Del Monte	C	03-Apr-03	5’10	175	Draft re-entry
Beau Jelsma	LW	24-Apr-04	5’9	174	First Time Eligible

ERIE OTTERS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Ryan Thompson	D	10-Oct-02	6’3	195	Draft re-entry
Owain Johnston	D	19-Oct-03	6′	186	First Time Eligible
Christian Kyrou	D	16-Sep-03	5’11	182	First Time Eligible
Spencer Sova	D	10-Jan-04	6′	185	First Time Eligible
Lucas Ross	LW	30-Mar-04	5’6	150	First Time Eligible
Colby Saganiuk	C	05-Feb-03	5’6	151	Draft re-entry
Cameron Lowe	C	04-Mar-04	6’1	174	First Time Eligible
Artyom Kulakov	D	14-Feb-03	6’2	216	Draft re-entry
Brett Bressette	C	04-Jul-03	5’8	160	Draft re-entry
Marshall Nicholls	G	13-Jun-03	6′	171	Draft re-entry
Noland LaLonde	G	14-Feb-04	6’1	186	First Time Eligible

FLINT FIREBIRDS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Luca D’Amato	D	18-Aug-04	5’8	155	First Time Eligible
Samuel Assinewal	LW	16-Apr-04	5’11	154	First Time Eligible
Zacharie Giroux	C	05-Apr-03	5’6	155	Draft re-entry
Ty Petrou	C	10-May-04	5’11	176	First Time Eligible
Gavin Hayes	RW	14-May-04	6’1	177	First Time Eligible
Amadeus Lombardi	C	06-Jun-03	5’10	165	Draft re-entry
Ian Michelone	G	21-Jun-04	6’2	205	First Time Eligible

GUELPH STORM
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Michael Buchinger	D	25-Apr-04	6′	185	First Time Eligible
Jacob Maillet	C	13-Mar-03	6’1	187	Draft re-entry
Jake Karabela	C	07-Mar-04	5’11	170	First Time Eligible
Matthew Poitras	C	10-Mar-04	5’11	170	First Time Eligible
Braeden Bowman	RW	26-Jun-03	6’2	195	Draft re-entry
Danny Zhilkin	C	19-Dec-03	6’2	185	First Time Eligible
Marko Sikic	C	24-Mar-03	6’3	183	Draft re-entry
Ryan McGuire	LW	29-Feb-04	5’10	185	First Time Eligible
Leo Hafenrichter	D	29-Jul-04	6’1	175	First Time Eligible
Jacob Oster	G	26-Mar-03	6’3	187	First Time Eligible
Dixon Grimes	G	05-Mar-03	6’4	196	Draft re-entry

HAMILTON BULLDOGS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Gavin White	D	12-Nov-02	6′	180	Draft re-entry
Avery Hayes	RW	10-Oct-02	5’10	175	Draft re-entry
Ryan Humphrey	LW	08-Mar-03	6′	175	Draft re-entry
Lawson Sherk	C	03-May-03	6’2	201	Draft re-entry
Jorian Donovan	D	05-Apr-04	6’2	180	First Time Eligible
Jonathan Melee	C	01-Jan-04	6’1	183	First Time Eligible
Mark Duarte	RW	27-Sep-02	6’2	185	Draft re-entry
Patrick Thomas	C	21-Aug-04	5’11	160	First Time Eligible
Tristan Maloeuf	G	21-Mar-04	6’1	170	First Time Eligible

KINGSTON FRONTENACS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Jackson Stewart	LW	18-Jun-04	6′	191	First Time Eligible
Chase Costantino	D	28-Sep-03	6’3	175	First Time Eligible
Gage Heyes	RW	21-Apr-04	5’11	165	First Time Eligible
Paul Hughes	RW	27-Feb-03	6’1	180	Draft re-entry
Paul Ludwinski	C	23-Apr-04	5’11	172	First Time Eligible
Thomas Budnick	D	14-Feb-04	6′	190	First Time Eligible
Nathan Poole	C	28-Jul-04	6’1	197	First Time Eligible
Shane Wright	C	01-Jan-04	6’1	185	First Time Eligible

KITCHENER RANGERS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Andrew LeBlanc	C	03-Jun-04	5’11	165	First Time Eligible
Jacob LeBlanc	D	03-Jun-04	6′	168	First Time Eligible
Simon Motew	D	31-Mar-03	5’11	170	Draft re-entry
Trent Swick	LW	25-Apr-04	6’4	185	First Time Eligible
Mitchell Martin	LW	06-Jan-03	6’3	174	Draft re-entry
Jesse Fishman	C	26-Feb-03	5’7	165	Draft re-entry
Ty Hollett	D	27-Aug-03	6’4	205	Draft re-entry
Matthew Sop	LW	03-Feb-03	5’11	150	Draft re-entry
Pavel Cajan	G	13-Oct-02	6’2	174	Draft re-entry

LONDON KNIGHTS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Isaiah George	D	15-Feb-04	6′	196	First Time Eligible
Stuart Rolofs	LW	28-Mar-03	6’2	204	Draft re-entry
Abakar Kazbekov	C	30-May-04	6′	177	First Time Eligible
Ethan MacKinnon	D	22-May-03	6’1	175	Draft re-entry
Colton Smith	LW	09-Feb-04	6’3	195	First Time Eligible
Connor Federkow	D	26-Jul-03	5’10	188	Draft re-entry
Brody Crane	LW	29-May-03	5’11	183	First Time Eligible
Bryce Montgomery	D	11-Nov-02	6’4	218	Draft re-entry
Ben Bujold	C	03-Mar-03	5’11	175	Draft re-entry
Roger Ben	D	03-Nov-02	6’4	205	Draft re-entry
Landon Sim	C	17-Jul-04	5’11	174	First Time Eligible
Jackson Edward	D	27-Feb-04	6’2	187	First Time Eligible

MISSISSAUGA STELLHEADS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Adam Barkley	D	09-Apr-03	6’1	195	Draft re-entry
Kai Schwindt	LW	17-Dec-03	6’3	195	First Time Eligible
Dylan Gordon	D	13-Aug-04	5’9	160	First Time Eligible
Kasper Larsen	D	23-Sep-02	6’5	229	Draft re-entry
Zakary Lavoie	RW	13-Mar-03	5’11	170	First Time Eligible
Chas Sharpe	D	28-Nov-03	6’2	194	First Time Eligible
Ty Anselmini	LW	11-Jul-03	5’9	187	Draft re-entry
Luca DelBelBelluz	C	10-Nov-03	6’1	178	First Time Eligible
Zander Veccia	RW	27-Jul-04	5’10	175	First Time Eligible
Callum Chisholm	LW	28-Aug-03	6’4	214	Draft re-entry
Owen Beck	C	03-Feb-04	6′	190	First Time Eligible
Justin DiLauro	G	06-Mar-03	6’2	201	Draft re-entry

NIAGARA ICEDOGS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Landon Cato	D	31-Mar-03	6’1	205	Draft re-entry
Anthony Agostinelli	C	01-Jan-03	5’11	163	Draft re-entry
Issac Enright	D	08-Feb-03	6′	170	Draft re-entry
Brice Cook	LW	23-Mar-03	6’1	174	First Time Eligible
Ryan Struthers	C	01-Jan-04	6′	161	First Time Eligible
Pano Fimis	C	17-Jun-04	5’11	157	First Time Eligible
Dylan Roobroeck	LW	27-Jul-04	6’3	157	First Time Eligible
Alec Leonard	D	13-May-03	5’11	174	Draft re-entry
Aidan Castle	LW	08-Jan-04	5’11	167	First Time Eligible
Rodwin Dionicio	D	30-Mar-03	6’2	203	First Time Eligible
Josh Rosenzweig	G	27-Feb-03	6’2	159	Draft re-entry

NORTH BAY BATTALION
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Cam Gauvreau	D	08-Mar-03	6’1	185	Draft re-entry
Paul Christopoulos	D	26-Mar-03	5’11	187	Draft re-entry
Tnias Mathurin	D	15-Jan-04	6’3	197	First Time Eligible
Simon Rose	D	23-Mar-03	6′	186	Draft re-entry
Liam Arnsby	C	20-Nov-03	5’11	181	First Time Eligible
Dylan Wakely	C	05-Mar-04	6’1	182	First Time Eligible
Owen Van Steensel	LW	04-Aug-04	5’10	174	First Time Eligible
Matvey Petrov	LW	12-Mar-03	6’2	181	Draft re-entry
Ty Nelson	D	30-Mar-04	5’10	197	First Time Eligible
Alex Christopoulos	RW	26-Mar-03	5’11	192	Draft re-entry
Kyle Jackson	C	17-Oct-02	6’2	191	Draft re-entry
Alexander Lukin	D	27-Mar-04	6’2	213	First Time Eligible
Dom DiVincentiis	G	04-Mar-04	6’2	181	First Time Eligible

OSHAWA GENERALS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Thomas Stewart	D	06-Jan-03	6’2	200	Draft re-entry
Ryan O’Dell	D	14-Feb-04	6’4	190	First Time Eligible
Kevin Niedenz	LW	02-Apr-03	6’1	170	Draft re-entry
Luke Torrance	LW	30-Mar-04	6′	202	First Time Eligible
Cooper Way	C	11-Jun-03	6’3	193	Draft re-entry
Andrew Whitton	RW	05-Oct-03	6’4	190	First Time Eligible
Daniel Michaud	LW	14-Feb-03	6’3	190	Draft re-entry
Riley Pitt	D	19-Feb-03	6’4	185	Draft re-entry
Patrick Leaver	G	04-Sep-03	6’1	183	Draft re-entry
Carter Bickle	G	27-May-04	5’11	157	First Time Eligible

OTTAWA 67’S
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Derek Smyth	D	17-Apr-04	6’4	204	First Time Eligible
Teddy Sawyer	D	12-Dec-03	6′	184	First Time Eligible
Steven Laforme	C	07-Feb-03	6′	192	Draft re-entry
Ranvir Gill-Shane	D	17-Jun-03	6’2	190	Draft re-entry
Thomas Sirman	D	05-Mar-04	5’10	172	First Time Eligible
Brenden Sirizzotti	RW	14-Apr-03	6′	180	Draft re-entry
Thomas Johnston	LW	04-Jul-03	5’9	161	Draft re-entry
Brady Stonehouse	RW	06-Aug-04	5’9	182	First Time Eligible
Will Gerrior	LW	02-Mar-04	5’10	162	First Time Eligible
Vincenz Rohrer	RW	09-Sep-04	5’11	168	First Time Eligible
Vsevolod Gaidamak	C	09-Apr-03	5’11	196	Draft re-entry
Max Donoso	G	11-Jun-03	6’1	173	Draft re-entry

OWEN SOUND ATTACK
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Taos Jordan	D	29-Mar-04	5’9	151	First Time Eligible
Madden Steen	D	18-May-04	6’2	199	First Time Eligible
Deni Goure	C	15-Jul-03	5’10	176	Draft re-entry
Sam Sedley	D	08-Jun-03	5’11	187	Draft re-entry
Cedrick Guindon	C	21-Apr-04	5’11	163	First Time Eligible
Gavin Bryant	C	24-Jul-04	5’10	185	First Time Eligible
Lorenzo Bonaiuto	LW	20-Apr-04	6’2	199	First Time Eligible
Servac Petrovsky	C	10-Aug-04	5’11	174	First Time Eligible
Julian Fantino	RW	05-Feb-04	6′	182	First Time Eligible
Stepan Machacek	LW	05-Dec-02	6’1	190	Draft re-entry
Kaleb Lawrence	LW	10-Jan-03	6’6	225	Draft re-entry
Cedricson Okitundu	D	01-Jan-04	5’11	201	First Time Eligible
Ethan Burrows	RW	19-Jun-03	5’10	166	Draft re-entry
Corbin Votary	G	12-Apr-04	6’3	197	First Time Eligible

PETERBOROUGH PETES
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Samuel Mayer	D	15-Apr-03	6’2	199	Draft re-entry
Stevie Leskovar	D	09-Sep-04	6’3	183	First Time Eligible
Ryan Gagner	C	08-Apr-04	5’9	145	First Time Eligible
Justin DeZoete	RW	02-Jan-04	6′	178	First Time Eligible
Josh Kavanagh	D	06-May-03	6′	177	Draft re-entry
Cole Patey	RW	11-Feb-03	5’11	166	Draft re-entry
Jaden Reyers	C	01-Jun-04	6’2	200	First Time Eligible
Tucker Robertson	C	22-Jun-03	5’10	187	Draft re-entry
Jax Dubois	C	18-Jun-03	6’3	195	Draft re-entry
Sam Alfano	RW	18-Jan-04	6’4	205	First Time Eligible
Michael Simpson	G	09-Feb-03	6’1	191	Draft re-entry
Liam Sztuska	G	01-May-04	6′	164	First Time Eligible

SAGINAW SPIRIT
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Pavel Mintyukov	D	25-Nov-03	6’2	195	First Time Eligible
Dean Loukus	RW	12-Feb-03	5’10	180	Draft re-entry
Charlie Fink	RW	04-Mar-04	6’2	200	First Time Eligible
Matyas Sapovaliv	C	12-Feb-04	6’4	190	First Time Eligible
Davis Codd	RW	19-Aug-03	5’10	180	Draft re-entry
Evan Klein	LW	12-Jan-04	6’2	210	First Time Eligible
Roberto Mancini	D	08-Jul-03	6’2	195	Draft re-entry
Ian Phillips	LW	03-Jul-03	5’10	165	Draft re-entry
Andrew Oke	G	06-Mar-04	6’2	195	First Time Eligible
Brett Fullerton	G	25-Jun-04	6’2	190	First Time Eligible

SARNIA STING
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Ryan Pryce	D	06-Feb-04	6’2	183	First Time Eligible
Nolan Dann	LW	21-May-03	5’9	182	Draft re-entry
Zach Filak	C	21-Jan-04	6′	163	First Time Eligible
Andrei Malyavin	D	30-Jan-04	5’10	150	First Time Eligible
Max Namestnikov	C	06-Feb-04	5’7	173	First Time Eligible
Nolan Burke	C	09-Dec-02	6’1	185	Draft re-entry
Nikita Tarasevich	RW	09-Feb-03	5’9	170	Draft re-entry
Anson Thornton	G	28-Jun-03	6’3	174	Draft re-entry

SOO GREYHOUNDS
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Marc Boudreau	LW	29-Apr-03	6’2	182	Draft re-entry
Owen Allard	C	13-Jan-04	6’1	181	First Time Eligible
Landen Hookey	RW	19-Jan-04	6’4	196	First Time Eligible
Bryce McConnell-Barker	C	04-Jun-04	6’1	188	First Time Eligible
Connor Toms	D	13-Mar-04	6′	163	First Time Eligible
Kiriil Kudryavtsev	D	05-Feb-04	5’11	200	First Time Eligible
Charlie Schenkel	G	16-Aug-04	6’5	193	First Time Eligible
Samuel Ivanov	G	01-Jan-03	6’3	165	Draft re-entry

SUDBURY WOLVES
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Jashua Hoover	D	15-Feb-04	5’10	199	First Time Eligible
Landon McCallum	C	05-Sep-03	5’11	172	Draft re-entry
Kocha Delic	C	11-Mar-04	5’10	180	First Time Eligible
Nick DeGrazia	C	03-Dec-02	6’1	181	Draft re-entry
Ethan Larmand	C	12-Dec-03	5’11	181	First Time Eligible
Payton Robinson	D	30-Apr-03	6’2	195	Draft re-entry
Nolan Collins	D	28-Apr-04	6’3	192	First Time Eligible
Andre Anania	D	02-Mar-03	6’1	191	Draft re-entry
David Goyette	C	27-Mar-04	5’11	174	First Time Eligible
Evan Konyen	RW	22-Feb-04	5’10	158	First Time Eligible
Samuel Vachon	C	02-Oct-02	6′	174	Draft re-entry
Jonathan Lemaire	G	15-Oct-02	6’6	180	Draft re-entry

WINDSOR SPITFIRES
PLAYER	POS	D.O.B.	HT	WT	NHL DRAFT STATUS
Daniil Sobolev	D	03-Mar-03	6′	210	Draft re-entry
Ryan Abraham	C	05-Apr-04	5’10	164	First Time Eligible
Nicholas DeAngelis	D	22-May-04	6’2	192	First Time Eligible
Avval Baisov	LW	26-Apr-04	6′	187	First Time Eligible
Wylie Birkett	LW	05-Mar-04	6’6	210	First Time Eligible
Mattew Maggio	RW	25-Nov-02	6′	181	Draft re-entry
Oliver Peer	RW	09-Mar-03	6′	166	Draft re-entry
James Jodoin	D	04-Feb-03	6’3	210	Draft re-entry
Kyle Downey	G	04-Mar-04	6’1	179	First Time Eligible

OHL THIS WEEK: OCTOBER 14 TO 17, 2021

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The 2021-22 OHL season is up, up and away and OHL This Week makes its return to your newsfeeds!

Opening Week saw a successful return of OHL action and now we’re gearing up for another weekend of matchups with 20 games from Thursday through Sunday.

Here’s a glance at what’s happening across the League this week.

Knights, Colts and Frontenacs make Week 2 edition of Kia CHL Top 10:
The 3-0 London Knights shot up the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings in Week 2 while the Barrie Colts and Kingston Frontenacs remain on the national radar. READ

Wolves’ Thompson named OHL Player of the Week, earns CHL honours:
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jack Thompson of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week after record seven points over two Opening Week victories. Thompson was also named to the premiere edition of the CHL Team of the Week. READ

OHL Plays of the Week:
It’s a Central Division special in the first edition of the OHL Plays of the Week! Check out contributions from Sudbury Wolves rookie Quentin Musty, Niagara IceDogs forward Jake Uberti, North Bay Battalion winger Brandon Coe, Sudbury Wolves forward Chase Stillman and Mississauga Steelheads attacker Luca Del Bel Belluz. WATCH

OHL Saves of the Week:
Niagara IceDogs netminder Tucker Tynan headlines the premiere edition of the OHL Saves of the Week, as netminders opened the season with sensational saves across the League. WATCH

OHL Milestone Moments:
With so many rookies, we’ve got a lot of first goals to cover! A total of 41 players scored their first career OHL goal last weekend while Flint Firebirds netminder Luke Cavallin logged his first shutout. WATCH

OHL Weekend Notebook:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. READ

What’s new for the OHL in 2021-22?:
With the long-awaited start of the 2021-22 OHL season comes a slew of new faces, some upgrades to facilities across the League as well as the OHL’s first woman linesperson. READ

Captains named across the League:
Teams across the OHL have been naming their leadership groups in the opening weeks of the season. Click on a team name to see their leadership group details: Erie Otters (C: Daniel D’Amato, Brendan Sellan), Hamilton Bulldogs (C: Colton Kammerer), Kingston Frontenacs (C: Shane Wright), London Knights (C: Luke Evangelista), Mississauga Steelheads (C: Ethan Del Mastro), Niagara IceDogs (C: Cameron Butler), North Bay Battalion (C: Liam Arnsby), Oshawa Generals (C: Ty Tullio), Owen Sound Attack (C: Mark Woolley), Saginaw Spirit (C: Camaryn Baber), Sarnia Sting (C: Brayden Guy), Windsor Spitfires (C: Will Cuylle).

OHL Officiating Team for the 2021-22 season:
The OHL has unveiled a 105-official crew that will work games throughout the 2021-22 regular season. MORE

Sting’s Thornton signs with Coyotes:
The Arizona Coyotes have signed Sarnia Sting rookie goaltender Anson Thornton to a three-year entry-level contract. Thornton becomes the first-ever OHL Under-18 Priority Selection choice to sign an NHL contract. READ

67’s’ Matier signs with Predators:
Ottawa 67’s defenceman Jack Matier has signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Nashville Predators. He was Nashville’s fourth round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft this past summer. READ

Sting add alumnus Micheal Haley to coaching staff:
The Sarnia Sting have hired alumnus and former long-time NHL forward Micheal Haley as an assistant coach. READ

Derek Smyth commits to 67’s:
The Ottawa 67’s have received a commitment from 11th round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Derek Smyth who joins the team’s blueline. READ

Antonino Pugliese commits to Rangers:
The Kitchener Rangers have received a commitment from 14th round 2020 OHL Priority Selection choice Antonino Pugliese who has enjoyed a hot start to his season with the GOJHL’s Fort Erie Meteors. READ

Chase MacQueen-Spence commits to Battalion:
The North Bay Battalion have received a commitment from fourth round 2021 OHL Priority Selection choice Chase MacQueen-Spence who has started the season with the affiliate Powassan Voodoos. READ

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Firebirds host Pink Out the Rink on Thursday:
The Flint Firebirds will be raising funds and breast cancer awareness on Thursday night when the Erie Otters visit at 7:00pm. The ‘Birds will be wearing specially themed pink uniforms that will be auctioned off live postgame, with proceeds benefitting breast cancer initiatives and partner the McLaren Flint Foundation. More at flintfirebirds.com

Frontenacs salute Frontline Workers on Friday:
The Kingston Frontenacs are extending a special discount to Frontline Workers on Friday night when they play host to the Sudbury Wolves. The Fronts are offering the special rate to any frontline worker and their family members. More at kingstonfrontenacs.com.

Eventful opening weekend planned in Saginaw:
The Saginaw Spirit will open their regular season at home on Saturday against the Erie Otters as fans in attendance will receive a free magnet schedule. The Spirit host the Otters again on Sunday at 5:30pm in their annual Pink Out game in support of Ascension St. Mary’s. Fans attending will receive a light up bracelet. Be sure to take part in the post-game jersey auction with proceeds benefitting breast cancer awareness initiatives.

ALUMNI NOTES:

198 OHL grads named to NHL Opening Night rosters:
A total of 198 OHL graduates started the 2021-22 regular season on NHL rosters. The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the way with 13 to open the season and the London Knights produced a league-leading 32 graduates starting the season in ‘the show.’ READ

McTavish scores in NHL debut:
Peterborough Petes star and third overall 2021 NHL Draft selection Mason McTavish lit the lamp in his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. The Carp, Ont. product helped the Ducks defeat the visiting Winnipeg Jets 4-1 in their home opener, recording a goal and an assist on the night. McTavish finished second among OHL rookies with 29 goals in 2019-20 and helped steer Canada’s National Under-18 team to a gold medal this past spring.

Perfetti makes NHL debut with Jets:
Saginaw Spirit graduate and 10th overall 2020 NHL Draft choice Cole Perfetti skated in his first career NHL contest on Thursday night in Anaheim. The 19-year-old Winnipeg Jets forward cracked Winnipeg’s opening night roster following a strong AHL showing with the Manitoba Moose in 2020-21, posting 26 points (9-17–26) over 32 games. The Whitby, Ont. was the CHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year in 2020 and holds Saginaw’s single season record for goals by a rookie with his 37 in 2018-19.

Henrique records 400th NHL point:
Former back-to-back Memorial Cup champion Adam Henrique hit a career milestone on Wednesday, recording his 400th career point as his Anaheim Ducks were victorious over the Winnipeg Jets 4-1. Henrique, of Burford, Ont., played in 45 games with the Ducks last season, recording 21 points (12-9–21). The 31-year-old was an integral part of two Windsor Spitfires Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010. He played four seasons with the Spits from 2006-10 and has been in the NHL since 2011-12, spending time between New Jersey and Anaheim.

Nolan joins Kings front office as Community Relations Consultant:
Soo Greyhounds graduate and two-time Stanley Cup champion Jordan Nolan is returning to the Los Angeles Kings as a Community Relations Consultant and Ambassador. A member of the First Nations community, Nolan will play a critical role in the Kings’ We Are All Kings initiative, which is special programming that reflects values which the LA Kings holds to its core, inclusivity while ensuring every hockey player and fan feels welcome in the LA Kings family. The son of former OHL and NHL player and head coach Ted Nolan, Jordan played five OHL seasons from 2005-10, spending time with the Greyhounds, Windsor Spitfires and Erie Otters. He’s a veteran of 375 career NHL contests.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Soo Greyhounds at Barrie Colts
Thursday, October 14, 7:30pm
Los Angeles Kings prospect Brandt Clarke makes his season debut on the Barrie Colts blue line as his team seeks its first victory. Colts fans got a taste of Swedish newcomer Oskar Olausson can do as the Colorado Avalanche first round pick scored twice last weekend. The opposing Soo Greyhounds hit the road with stops in Barrie, Guelph and Owen Sound for a three-in-three. They’ve certainly got depth up front with veterans Rory Kerins, Cole MacKay, Tanner Dickinson, Joe Carroll and Tye Kartye all able to put points on the scoresheet. The Hounds will miss captain Ryan O’Rourke on Thursday as he finishes serving a two-game suspension.

Peterborough Petes at Oshawa Generals
Sunday, October 17th, 6:05pm
As is often their custom, the Oshawa Generals close out the weekend at home on Sunday evening, facing the long-time rival Peterborough Petes in the first of 12 encounters this season. The Generals are still in search of their first win, most recently falling to the Ottawa 67’s 7-3 in the nation’s capital on Monday. Second overall 2021 OHL Priority Selection choice Calum Ritchie looks like the real deal, recording three goals and an assist through his first three games after leading the pre-season in scoring. The visiting Peterborough Petes also enter the weekend looking for their first win. A younger group in 2021-22, the Petes will lean on newly-signed Philadelphia Flyers prospect J.R. Avon for offensive contributions along with recent overage additions Emmett Sproule and Joe Carroll.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Thursday October 14th
Erie at Flint – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday October 15th
Niagara at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Sudbury at Kingston – 7:00pm
Mississauga at North Bay – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Sarnia at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Windsor at London – 7:30pm

Saturday October 16th
Hamilton at Niagara – 7:00pm
Kingston at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm
London at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Mississauga at Barrie – 7:30pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday October 17th
Barrie at North Bay – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Erie at Saginaw – 5:30pm
Peterborough at Oshawa – 6:05pm

KNIGHTS, COLTS AND FRONTENACS MAKE WEEK 2 EDITION OF KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the Week 2 edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.

A perfect opening week to the season has the London Knights climbing from an honourable mention in Week 1 into the sixth slot this week. The Knights scored consecutive victories over the Owen Sound Attack to open the season before edging the Windsor Spitfires 4-3, requiring an eight-round shootout marathon to get the job done on Thanksgiving Monday. Newly named Knights captain and Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista sits tied for the OHL lead in goals with four through three games. Big winger Stuart Rolofs scored the first two goals of his OHL career while goaltender Brett Brochu stood tall, stopping 92 of 100 shots along with 11 of 12 shootout attempts against him over the weekend.

The Barrie Colts drop three spots down from fifth into eighth on the Top-10 following an 0-1-1-0 start to the campaign. The Colts fell to the Niagara IceDogs by a score of 4-1 on opening night in Barrie before picking up a point in a 5-4 overtime road loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday. Colorado Avalanche first round pick Oskar Olausson was joined by Jacob Frasca with a pair of goals on the weekend. The Colts, who have been without star defenceman Brandt Clarke due to a case of mononucleosis, return to action on Thursday at home to the Soo Greyhounds.

The Kingston Frontenacs fall five spots on the list from number four in Week 1 down to nine this week. The Fronts enjoyed a promising start, defeating the Ottawa 67’s 8-1 at home on Friday as overage newcomer Lucas Edmonds led the way with four points. Things got a little rough from there though as the Mississauga Steelheads downed the Fronts 7-2 a night later on Saturday before Kingston fell 3-2 on the road in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon. Edmonds leads the Frontenacs with five points (3-2–5) through three games. Newly-named captain and top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Shane Wright joins Dallas Stars draftee Francesco Arcuri and rookie teammate Paul Ludwinski with four points thus far.

The Windsor Spitfires fell into the honourable mention category following a 1-1-0-1 start, falling 6-3 to the Sarnia Sting on opening night before rebounding to defeat the Sting 3-2 in overtime on a Will Cuylle game winner. The Spits fell to the London Knights on Monday afternoon by a score of 4-3, earning a point as they dropped a decision determined in the eighth round of a shootout.

For further analysis on the Week 2 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.ca.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.

198 OHL GRADUATES ON 2021-22 NHL OPENING NIGHT ROSTERS

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that a total of 198 graduates are included on Opening Night rosters for the 2021-22 NHL Regular Season.

A number of recent OHL graduates who skated during the 2019-20 season including Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish (Anaheim), Oshawa Generals alumnus Philip Tomasino (Nashville), Hamilton Bulldogs career scoring leader Arthur Kaliyev (Los Angeles), former Erie Otters power play quarterback Jamie Drysdale (Anaheim), Saginaw Spirit sniper Cole Perfetti (Winnipeg), Sudbury Wolves star Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles) and former Flint Firebirds captain Ty Dellandrea (Dallas) are included on the list.

All 20 OHL member teams are represented by at least one alumnus, with the London Knights leading the way with a total of 32 graduates on the list. The Soo Greyhounds trail with 19 followed by the Barrie Colts and Erie Otters with 14 graduates respectively.

Among the NHL’s 32 clubs, the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the way with 13 OHL graduates on their Opening Night roster followed by the Edmonton Oilers and defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning each with 11.

The puck dropped on the NHL season on Tuesday with games in Tampa Bay and Las Vegas.

OHL Graduates on NHL Opening Night Rosters:

^- Injured or non-roster player
Players listed in accordance with OHL graduating team

Anaheim Ducks (8):
Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters), Cam Fowler (Windsor Spitfires), John Gibson (Kitchener Rangers), Adam Henrique (Windsor Spitfires), Max Jones (Kingston Frontenacs), Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes), Rickard Rakell (Plymouth Whalers), Anthony Stolarz (London Knights)

Arizona Coyotes (6):
Kyle Capobianco (Sudbury Wolves)^, Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting), Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs), Christian Fischer (Windsor Spitfires), Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia Sting)^, Conor Timmins (Soo Greyhounds)

Boston Bruins (3):
Nick Foligno (Sudbury Wolves), Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires), John Moore (Kitchener Rangers)

Buffalo Sabres (3):
Craig Anderson (Guelph Storm), Colin Miller (Soo Greyhounds), Jeff Skinner (Kitchener Rangers)

Calgary Flames (10):
Rasmus Andersson (Barrie Colts), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston Frontenacs), Trevor Lewis (Owen Sound Attack), Andrew Mangiapane (Barrie Colts), Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67’s), Tyler Parsons (London Knights)^, Brad Richardson (Owen Sound Attack)^, Brett Ritchie (Niagara IceDogs), Matthew Tkachuk (London Knights), Nikita Zadorov (London Knights)

Carolina Hurricanes (6):
Tony DeAngelo (Soo Greyhounds), Steven Lorentz (Peterborough Petes), Jamieson Rees (Sarnia Sting)^, Jordan Staal (Peterborough Petes), Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts), Vincent Trocheck (Plymouth Whalers)^

Chicago Blackhawks (9):
Calvin de Haan (Oshawa Generals), Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters), Patrick Kane (London Knights), Dominik Kubalik (Kitchener Rangers), Connor Murphy (Sarnia Sting), Alec Regula (London Knights)^, Andrew Shaw (Owen Sound Attack)^, Riley Stillman (Hamilton Bulldogs), Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)

Colorado Avalanche (4):
Andre Burakovsky (Erie Otters), Nazem Kadri (London Knights), Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers), Kurtis MacDermid (Erie Otters)

Columbus Blue Jackets (4):
Adam Boqvist (London Knights), Max Domi (London Knights), Scott Harrington (London Knights), Boone Jenner (Oshawa Generals)

Dallas Stars (5):
Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds), Radek Faksa (Sudbury Wolves), Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs), Tyler Seguin (Plymouth Whalers), Andrej Sekera (Owen Sound Attack)

Detroit Red Wings (10):
Tyler Bertuzzi (Guelph Storm), Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm), Sam Gagner (London Knights), Filip Hronek (Saginaw Spirit), Vladislav Namestnikov (London Knights), Alex Nedeljkovic (Niagara IceDogs), Givani Smith (Kitchener Rangers), Marc Staal (Sudbury Wolves), Mitchell Stephens (London Knights), Pius Suter (Guelph Storm)

Edmonton Oilers (11):
Evan Bouchard (London Knights), Cody Ceci (Owen Sound Attack), Warren Foegele (Erie Otters), Zack Kassian (Windsor Spitfires), Slater Koekkoek (Windsor Spitfires), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters), Ryan McLeod (Saginaw Spirit), Darnell Nurse (Soo Greyhounds), Brendan Perlini (Niagara IceDogs), Dmitri Samorukov (Guelph Storm)^, Mike Smith (Sudbury Wolves)

Florida Panthers (7):
Sam Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie Colts), Olli Juolevi (London Knights), Mason Marchment (Mississauga Steelheads), Joe Thornton (Soo Greyhounds), Owen Tippett (Saginaw Spirit), Carter Verhaeghe (Niagara IceDogs)

Los Angeles Kings (9):
Andreas Athanasiou (Barrie Colts)^, Dustin Brown (Guelph Storm), Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)^, Drew Doughty (Guelph Storm), Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs), Brendan Lemieux (Windsor Spitfires), Olli Maatta (London Knights)^, Akil Thomas (Peterborough Petes)^, Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)

Minnesota Wild (2):
Marcus Foligno (Sudbury Wolves), Ryan Hartman (Plymouth Whalers)

Montreal Canadiens (5):
Josh Anderson (London Knights), Ben Chiarot (Saginaw Spirit), Christian Dvorak (London Knights), Nick Suzuki (Guelph Storm), Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa 67’s)

Nashville Predators (4):
Nick Cousins (Soo Greyhounds), Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion), Ben Harpur (Barrie Colts), Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)

New Jersey Devils (9):
Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie Colts), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs), Janne Kuokkanen (London Knights), Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads), Marian Studenic (Hamilton Bulldogs), P.K. Subban (Belleville Bulls), Scott Wedgewood (Plymouth Whalers), Colton White (Soo Greyhounds), Pavel Zacha (Sarnia Sting)

New York Islanders (5):
Josh Bailey (Windsor Spitfires), Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors), Cal Clutterbuck (Oshawa Generals), Matt Martin (Sarnia Sting)^, Adam Pelech (Erie Otters)

New York Rangers (3):
Barclay Goodrow (North Bay Battalion), Ryan Strome (Niagara IceDogs), Jarred Tinordi (London Knights)

Ottawa Senators (10):
Connor Brown (Erie Otters), Josh Brown (Oshawa Generals), Michael Del Zotto (London Knights), Alex Formenton (London Knights), Victor Mete (London Knights), Matt Murray (Soo Greyhounds), Nick Paul (North Bay Battalion), Scott Sabourin (Oshawa Generals), Chris Tierney (London Knights), Austin Watson (London Knights)^

Philadelphia Flyers (4):
Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires), Travis Konecny (Sarnia Sting), Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals), Zayde Wisdom (Kingston Frontenacs)^

Pittsburgh Penguins (2):
Jeff Carter (Soo Greyhounds), Brock McGinn (Guelph Storm)

San Jose Sharks (5):
Brent Burns (Brampton Battalion), Logan Couture (Ottawa 67’s), Jonah Gadjovich (Owen Sound Attack)^, Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts), Jacob Middleton (Ottawa 67’s)

Seattle Kraken (6):
Nathan Bastian (Mississauga Steelheads), Vince Dunn (Niagara IceDogs), Mark Giordano (Owen Sound Attack), Philipp Grubauer (Kingston Frontenacs), Jared McCann (Soo Greyhounds)^, Jamie Oleksiak (Niagara IceDogs)^

St. Louis Blues (8):
Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound Attack), Robert Bortuzzo (Kitchener Rangers), Kyle Clifford (Barrie Colts), Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting), James Neal (Plymouth Whalers), Ryan O’Reilly (Erie Otters), Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit), Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Tampa Bay Lightning (11):
Zach Bogosian (Peterborough Petes), Erik Cernak (Erie Otters), Anthony Cirelli (Erie Otters), Remi Elie (Erie Otters)^, Boris Katchouk (Soo Greyhounds), Pat Maroon (London Knights), Corey Perry (London Knights), Taylor Raddysh (Soo Greyhounds), Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor Spitfires), Gemel Smith (London Knights)^, Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting)

Toronto Maple Leafs (13):
Mike Amadio (North Bay Battalion), TJ Brodie (Barrie Colts), Michael Bunting (Soo Greyhounds), Jack Campbell (Soo Greyhounds), Travis Dermott (Erie Otters), Mitch Marner (London Knights), Petr Mrazek (Ottawa 67’s), Jake Muzzin (Soo Greyhounds), Nick Ritchie (Soo Greyhounds), Rasmus Sandin (Soo Greyhounds), Wayne Simmonds (Soo Greyhounds), Jason Spezza (Belleville Bulls), John Tavares (London Knights)

Vancouver Canucks (5):
Jason Dickinson (Guelph Storm), Bo Horvat (London Knights), Juho Lammikko (Kingston Frontenacs), J.T. Miller (Plymouth Whalers), Tanner Pearson (Barrie Colts)

Vegas Golden Knights (4):
Connor Corcoran (Windsor Spitfires)^, Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads), Robin Lehner (Soo Greyhounds), Alex Pietrangelo (Barrie Colts)

Washington Capitals (2):
John Carlson (London Knights), Tom Wilson (Plymouth Whalers)

Winnipeg Jets (5):
Dylan DeMelo (Mississauga Steelheads), Bryan Little (Barrie Colts)^, Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit), Mark Scheifele (Barrie Colts), Logan Stanley (Kitchener Rangers)

THOMPSON AND TYNAN NAMED OHL TOP PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of regular season games ending Sunday, October 10, 2021.

Wolves’ Jack Thompson named OHL Player of the Week
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jack Thompson of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week with a league-leading seven points including two goals and five assists over two games.

Thompson, who was named captain of the Wolves ahead of Friday’s home opener, logged consecutive first star performances as Sudbury got off to a perfect start with a pair of victories. The 6-foot-1, 185Ib. defenceman recorded a goal and two assists in a 6-3 win over the visiting Peterborough Petes on Friday, scoring his first of the season on a third period power play. He followed that up with a career-high four point performance on Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie, scoring while adding three assists as the Wolves defeated the Greyhounds 6-3.

A 19-year-old native of Courtice, Ont., Thompson is entering his third season with the Wolves having put up 55 points (21-34–55) over 117 career regular season contests with the franchise. He was a third round (93rd overall) pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 NHL Draft before spending part of the 2020-21 season with Surahammars IF of Sweden’s HockeyEttan circuit. Thompson made his pro debut with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch last season, recording an assist in his lone contest. He signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Lightning on May 19, 2021. The right-shot rearguard was originally Sudbury’s second round (30th overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Clarington Toros U16 program.

Thompson is the first Wolves representative to earn the distinction since goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen did so for the week of October 1-7, 2018.

Also given consideration for the award were Edmonton Oilers prospect Matvey Petrov of the North Bay Battalion who started the season with a hat-trick on Thursday, posting a total of four goals and an assist over two games. Montreal Canadiens draftee Jan Mysak of the Hamilton Bulldogs also started strong, recording two goals and three assists over two games.

IceDogs’ Tucker Tynan named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Tucker Tynan of the Niagara IceDogs is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 1.44 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage in a pair of contests.

Tynan was victorious in his return to the crease on Thursday in Barrie, stopping 25 of the 26 shots he faced as the IceDogs defeated the Colts 4-1. The game was Tynan’s first regular season matchup since the tragic events of December 12, 2019 that saw the goaltender suffer a deep laceration to his thigh. The long road of rest and rehabilitation continued to pay off for Tynan on Saturday in Niagara as he earned first star honours, stopping 32 shots before turning aside four of the six Oshawa Generals shootout attempts he faced in a 3-2 home opening victory.

A 19-year-old native of Chicago, Ill., Tynan is embarking on his second season in Niagara after impressing as a rookie in 2019-20 when he went 11-8-3-1 with a 3.80 goals-against average and .910 save percentage over 23 games. The 6-foot, 159Ib. goaltender was originally Niagara’s 10th round (192nd overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection from the Detroit Little Caesars 16U program.

A pair of other candidates were given consideration for the award as Flint Firebirds netminder Luke Cavallin was perfect in his lone appearance last week, posting a 35-save shutout as the Firebirds defeated visiting Erie 3-0 on Saturday. London Knights goaltender Brett Brochu joined Tynan in going 2-0 while posting a 2.40 goals-against average and .919 save percentage as London defeated the Owen Sound Attack on back-to-back nights.

OHL MOVING TO FULL FAN CAPACITY IN VENUES STARTING OCTOBER 9

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that following the Government of Ontario’s expansion of spectator capacity limits at indoor sporting venues, the League’s 17 Ontario-based facilities will be welcoming 100 percent capacity, fully vaccinated crowds beginning Saturday, October 9.

“We are grateful for the continued work and leadership of our Government and public health officials led by Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Sport Lisa MacLeod and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “Yesterday’s launch to our 2021-22 Regular Season was an incredible night for everyone, and more fans being safely permitted to enter OHL facilities across the province only adds to that excitement we’re all feeling.”

Tonight’s schedule features seven contests after the season got underway in North Bay, Barrie and Windsor on Thursday. Saturday’s OHL schedule includes an additional seven games.

“The health and safety of our players, staff, officials, fans, billets and communities is paramount,” Branch added. “We’re very excited to welcome OHL fans back for what’s sure to be a great season.”

Follow along as the 2021-22 OHL season continues tonight. For full coverage, follow the League on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit ontariohockeyleague.com.

KIRSTEN WELSH TO BECOME FIRST WOMAN LINESPERSON IN OHL HISTORY

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Kirsten Welsh will become the first woman linesperson in OHL history when she takes the ice tonight in OHL Pre-Season action between the host Mississauga Steelheads and visiting Guelph Storm.

Originally from Blackstock, Ont., Welsh will also work Friday’s pre-season game between the host Oshawa Generals and visiting Windsor Spitfires. She will be a member of the OHL Officiating Team for the 2021-22 season after attending the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine this past August in Buffalo, NY.

“This is an incredible opportunity and I can’t really put into words what it feels like to be working in the Ontario Hockey League,” said Welsh. “Just being one of the first women to do this, it really opens that door to women in hockey who want to have an alternate avenue that maybe isn’t playing in the Premier Hockey Federation or playing on a national team.

“Being an advocate and having this opportunity, I just feel so lucky,” she added. “It’s an incredible process to be a part of. I’m so lucky I can be a part of something that is going to affect generations of little girls.”

Welsh, 24, resides in Freedom, Pennsylvania after graduating as captain of the Robert Morris University women’s NCAA hockey program where she patrolled the blue line from 2015-19, recording 91 points (34-57—91) over 128 regular season games. A graduate of the Whitby Wolves Women’s Hockey Program, her collegiate career included several awards and honours including being named the 2018 CHA Defender of the Year.

In September 2019, Welsh became one of four women to officiate at the NHL level for the first time, working in the Buffalo Sabres’ pre-season prospects tournament held at the LECOM Harborcenter. She also worked the Elite Women’s 3-on-3 event at the 2020 NHL All-Star Game in St. Louis, MO.

“We first met Kirsten at the NHL Exposure Combine in 2019 and we were immediately impressed by her presence on the ice,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “She approaches and prepares for each game in a professional way, is a great skater and has a tremendous desire to continually improve. These traits will not only make her a great OHL official, but also a great ambassador for our League.”

“On behalf of the OHL and its member teams, I’d like to extend a warm welcome and congratulate Kirsten Welsh on the accomplishment of joining the OHL Officiating Team,” said Commissioner David Branch. “Kirsten has demonstrated an ability to officiate the game at a high level and we’re excited to see her break barriers as she continues her development as a linesperson in the OHL.”

Welsh, who has spent the past year officiating throughout Pennsylvania covering NCAA Division III hockey as well as the NAPHL, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League and Pittsburgh Amateur Hockey League, will take the ice tonight in Mississauga for her first official OHL assignment at 7:00pm.

Related Links:

Images/Headshots of Kirsten Welsh

FRONTENACS, COLTS AND SPITFIRES IN PRE-SEASON EDITION OF KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today the preseason edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2021-22 season.

The rankings were selected with input from NHL Central Scouting and come prior to the 2021-22 season opening Thursday as the defending President Cup champion Victoriaville Tigres host the Shawinigan Cataractes. The WHL opens its season Friday while the OHL begins play October 7. Rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams will resume on a weekly basis.

The Kingston Frontenacs lead OHL clubs at number four on the first instalment of 2021-22, boasting top 2022 NHL Draft prospect and former CHL Rookie of the Year Shane Wright down the middle. Kingston features added offensive firepower in overage veteran Jordan Frasca, 20-year-old newcomer Lucas Edmonds, Dallas Stars prospect Francesco Arcuri and Philadelphia Flyers draftee Zayde Wisdom who is currently sidelined following offseason surgery. In the crease, the Fronts boast one of the League’s most intriguing netminders in Ottawa Senators third round pick Leevi Merilainen coming out of Finland. Kingston played to a perfect 4-0 pre-season record under first-year head coach Luca Caputi.

The Barrie Colts follow close behind at number five, headlined by Los Angeles Kings first round pick Brandt Clarke, a creative puck-moving defenceman who will be heavily utilized by Colts head coach Marty Williamson. Barrie brings a range of weapons up front in Colorado Avalanche first round selection Oskar Olausson, San Jose Sharks prospect Ethan Cardwell, New York Rangers draftee Evan Vierling and the potential return of Philadelphia Flyers hopeful Tyson Foerster who enjoyed a strong showing in the American Hockey League last season.

The Windsor Spitfires lead OHL Western Conference clubs at eighth on the list as newly named head coach Marc Savard will have plenty to work with in his first OHL assignment. Big 6-foot-4, 210Ib. power winger Will Cuylle leads an offensive cast that also includes newly-signed Dallas Stars first round pick Wyatt Johnston alongside overage shooter Daniel D’Amico and 6-foot-5 winger Kyle McDonald. Colorado Avalanche prospect Jean-Luc Foudy made a good impression with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last season and would give the Spits one of the League’s fastest skaters should he return.

The ever-competitive London Knights earned an honourable mention on the pre-season edition. The traditionally high-scoring Knights will look to Nashville Predators prospect Luke Evangelista and Dallas Stars selection Antonio Stranges to carry-on that legacy while San Jose Sharks picks Max McCue, Liam Gilmartin and 6-foot-2, 204Ib. Stuart Rolofs provide some muscle up front. The Knights are anchored by Brett Brochu in the crease, who enjoyed an outstanding rookie season with London in 2019-20. Expect Ottawa Senators second round choice Ben Roger to see lots of ice on a defence corps that currently features five bodies at 6-foot-2 or taller.

For further analysis on the pre-season edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings, visit CHL.ca.

OHL UNVEILS 2021-22 REGIONAL TELEVISION BROADCAST SCHEDULE DETAILS

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today unveiled details surrounding its 2021-22 regional television broadcast schedule, with over 600 games being carried across the province on the OHL Action Pak.

Rogers tv will broadcast over 400 games throughout the season on its local stations that serve Barrie, Guelph, Kitchener, London, Oshawa, Ottawa and Owen Sound.

YourTV stations will air over 350 games and continue to produce all home games in local markets including Kingston, Niagara, North Bay, Peterborough, Sarnia and Windsor. YourTV subscribers in OHL markets can also watch all of the away broadcasts involving the local team. YourTV is exclusively available to Cogeco television customers.

Additionally, Cable 14 will carry all home and away action of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Eastlink will broadcast 27 Wolves home games in Sudbury and Shaw Spotlight will air 23 Greyhounds home games along with 26 road games in Sault Ste. Marie. The Erie Otters, Flint Firebirds and Saginaw Spirit will see each of their 34 home games aired on the OHL Action Pak.

“The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to provide over 90% of all regular season games on television as well as 100% of our season and playoff streaming live and online with OHL Live on CHL TV,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “We’re all excited about the return of OHL hockey and fans have the opportunity to enjoy it in a variety of ways with the support of our great broadcast partners.”

Select pre-season games will be televised before the regular season gets underway on Thursday, October 7 with games in North Bay (vs. Peterborough), Barrie (vs. Niagara) and Windsor (vs. Sarnia).

The OHL Action Pak is part of the Rogers Super Sports Pak and is available through Rogers, Cogeco and Eastlink. Find more information at rogers.com/sports and a complete schedule at supersportspak.com.

Related Links:

OHL BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF GUELPH STORM HOCKEY CLUB

Posted on September 17, 2021September 17, 2021 by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Board of Governors’ approval for the Transfer of Ownership of the Guelph Storm Hockey Club from current owners Rick Gaetz, Scott Walker, Rick Hoyle and John Heeley to Toronto businessmen Joel Feldberg and Jeffrey Bly. The transfer of ownership is effective immediately.

The Storm franchise began as the Toronto Marlboros before a brief two-year stint as the Dukes of Hamilton, arriving in Guelph in 1991. The Storm have enjoyed great success, winning four OHL championships, two of which came under the guidance of the current ownership group as the club hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2014 and 2019.

“On behalf of the Ontario Hockey League and our Board of Governors I would like to acknowledge the contributions made by Storm Governor Rick Gaetz and the rest of the Guelph ownership group consisting of Scott Walker, Rick Hoyle and John Heeley. Throughout their tenure, the Storm have remained a competitive force on the ice and done tremendous things in the Guelph community,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “We are excited to welcome Joel Feldberg and Jeffrey Bly to the OHL family.”

“This was an extremely difficult decision,” commented Rick Gaetz, who was named the OHL’s Executive of the Year in 2010. “I can speak for the entire ownership group when I say that we will miss the Storm very much. We are proud of what we have all achieved on the ice and in the great community of Guelph. It has been a sincere privilege to be a part of this great League and tremendous city.”

Incoming Storm Owners Joel Feldberg and Jeffrey Bly are the President/CEO and Senior Vice President respectively of The Global Furniture Group of companies.

“We are eager to get involved with the team, the League and the community of Guelph,” said Feldberg. “I want to thank the current ownership group for this opportunity. The Storm have always been an integral part of the community and we look forward to carrying out that legacy.”

The Storm return to the ice for pre-season action on Sunday in Mississauga at 2:00pm, squaring off against the Steelheads in a rescheduled matchup that was previously postponed last Sunday. Their next home action comes Friday, September 24th against the Niagara IceDogs at 7:30pm. The Storm open their 2021-22 regular season in Kitchener on Friday, October 8th before hosting the Rangers in their home opener at the Sleeman Centre on Saturday, October 9th at 7:00pm.

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