OHL CLUBS SELECT 27 PLAYERS IN 2021 CHL IMPORT DRAFT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – Ontario Hockey League member teams selected 27 players from across 12 different countries in the 30th annual CHL Import Draft held Wednesday online at CHL.ca.

Eighteen OHL clubs made selections with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Mississauga Steelheads passing on both of their picks. The Barrie Colts, Erie Otters, Guelph Storm, Kitchener Rangers, Niagara IceDogs, Oshawa Generals, Sarnia Sting, Soo Greyhounds and Sudbury Wolves each made two selections.

The two-round draft took place online with the order of selection rotating through each of the CHL’s three regional leagues. The OHL’s order of selection was determined through a draft lottery process held back in May. OHL clubs selected in inverse order of their positioning for the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, and conducted the 2021 CHL Import Draft in a serpentine format.

CLICK HERE TO SEE COMPLETE 2021 CHL IMPORT DRAFT RESULTS

The Barrie Colts led the way for the OHL, selecting Ukrainian-born 18-year-old defenceman Artur Cholach with the third overall pick. Cholach, who spent the 2020-21 season with Sokol Kiev of Ukraine’s top circuit, is the highest-chosen Colt in the CHL Import Draft since Barrie selected eventual OHL Rookie of the Year Andrei Svechnikov with the top choice in 2017. The last OHL player to be chosen third was 2020 Red Tilson Trophy recipient and OHL Goaltender of the Year Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves who was the OHL’s top pick in 2018.

The Soo Greyhounds followed at sixth overall, adding Russian defender Kirill Kudryavtsev with their highest pick since 2002. The 6-foot, 176Ib. rearguard spent the 2020-21 season with Loko Yaroslavl of Russia’s top junior circuit, posting seven points (2-5–7) in 20 games. Kudryavtsev isn’t NHL Draft eligible until 2022.

The Kitchener Rangers rounded out the OHL’s top ten selections with the addition of Slovakian winger Filip Mesar at ninth overall. The 17-year-old played in Slovakia’s pro circuit in 2020-21, posting 14 points (4-10–14) in 36 games with HK Poprad before adding four more points (2-2–4) in 15 playoff games. Mesar is a 2022 NHL Draft prospect.

Other picks of intrigue included the Niagara IceDogs going to Switzerland for the third time in the past four years to select defenceman Rodwin Dionicio with the 18th overall selection. He follows countrymen Giancarlo Chanton (2019) and Kyen Sopa (2018) as an IceDogs first round Import Draft selection. The Ottawa 67’s also went to familiar territory, going back to the country they found reigning Red Tilson Trophy recipient Marco Rossi in 2018 with the addition of forward Vinzenz Rohrer from Austria at 27th overall. The North Bay Battalion followed the first overall choice of Matvei Petrov last year with another Russian addition in 6-foot-1 defender Aleksander Lukin at 30th overall. The Kingston Frontenacs nabbed the lone goaltender and NHL prospect selected by OHL teams, taking recently signed Ottawa Senators 2020 third round pick Leevi Merilainen out of Finland at 48th overall. The 18-year-old Merilainen comes off a tremendous season with Karpat of Finland’s top junior league.

In the second round, the Guelph Storm charted new territory with the selection of Belgian-born defender Leo Hafenrichter, making him the first Belgian selected in the CHL Import Draft since the Val-d’Or Foreurs took Mitch Morgan 71st overall in 2008. The Niagara IceDogs picked up British talent Alex Graham with the 105th overall choice. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Brit and Sheffield Steelers forward Liam Kirk who recently signed an entry-level NHL contract with the Arizona Coyotes following a two-year stint with the Peterborough Petes from 2018-20.

OHL member teams selected a total of seven players in their first year of eligibility for the upcoming 2021 NHL Draft in addition to 19 eligible for next year’s 2022 NHL Draft.

Each CHL team is permitted to dress a maximum of two import players each season who are selected annually through the CHL Import Draft.

OHL at the 2021 CHL Import Draft Summary:

Draft Picks by Position:
Forwards – 15
Defencemen – 11
Goaltenders – 1

Draft Picks by Country:
Russia – 6 (SOO, LDN, SAR, NB, WSR, GUE)
Czech Republic – 5 (SAG, ER, OS, FLNT, SBY)
Germany – 3 (PBO, OSH, SOO)
Sweden – 3 (SAR, KIT, BAR)
Finland – 2 (KGN, SBY)
Slovakia – 2 (KIT, ER)
Austria – 1 (OTT)
Belarus – 1 (OSH)
Belgium – 1 (GUE)
Great Britain – 1 (NIAG)
Switzerland – 1 (NIAG)
Ukraine – 1 (BAR)

Draft Picks by Birthdate and NHL Status:
2004-born late and 2023 NHL Draft eligible – 2
2004-born early and 2022 NHL Draft eligible – 16
2003-born late and 2022 NHL Draft eligible – 1
2003-born early and 2021 NHL Draft eligible – 6
2002-born late and 2021 NHL Draft eligible – 1
2002-born early and 2020 NHL Drafted – 1

NHL Draft picks by OHL teams in the CHL Import Draft:
48. Leevi Merilainen (G) (Kingston – 3rd round to Ottawa in 2020)

2021 NHL Draft Prospects Ranked by NHL Central Scouting:
33. Jiri Tichacek (Erie – 104th ranked European skater)
118. Oskar Olausson (Barrie – 13th ranked European skater)

Last summer OHL teams selected a total of 23 players from 10 different countries led by seven players from Russia consisting of 12 forwards, nine defencemen and two goaltenders.

For full coverage of the 2021 CHL Import Draft, 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.

OHL ANNOUNCES 2021-22 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the regular season schedule of games for 2021-22, kicking-off a brand new #GameON campaign in celebration of the League’s return to the ice.

The 2021-22 regular season gets underway on Thursday, October 7 with a three-game opening night schedule featuring action in North Bay (vs. Peterborough, 7:00pm), Windsor (vs. Sarnia, 7:30pm) and Barrie (vs. Niagara, 7:30pm). This marks the first of 16 home openers scheduled on an #OHLOpeningWeek Thanksgiving long weekend.

“It’s an exciting time of new beginnings for our League,” said Commissioner David Branch. “The OHL continues its tradition of developing the world’s best young student athletes and we’re very much looking forward to having players back in OHL communities as they pursue both their hockey and academic-related goals.

“We’re also looking ahead to the safe return of our great fans to OHL arenas this season,” Branch added. “The OHL benefits from a long and storied past on the ice, but the fans, billets and community partners have always played an integral role in making our League so special.”

Divisional alignment remains the same in 2021-22, with each of the League’s 20 member teams playing a 68-game unbalanced schedule predominantly consisting of intra-conference play. Cross-conference matchups will occur in select instances between opponents of close geographical proximity. The OHL’s three American-based teams – the Erie Otters, Flint Firebirds and Saginaw Spirit – will open the season facing each other exclusively through the end of October.

The OHL continues the tradition of being primarily a weekend league in order to accommodate families and the student athlete with close to 82% (586 games) of the schedule played between Thursday and Sunday. Friday night remains an OHL fixture with 206 games scheduled followed by 164 games on Saturdays and 126 on Sundays.

Following opening night action, key dates on the calendar include Sunday December 19, which marks the final day before the holiday break as well as Thursday December 28 when the schedule resumes. The final day of the regular season schedule is Sunday April 3 before teams embark on the 2021 OHL Playoffs for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The 2021-22 season includes a total of three Friday nights with all 20 member teams in action including November 12, December 17 and March 11. There are a total of four School Day games with special morning start times including February 8 in Mississauga, February 9 in Erie, February 23 in Ottawa and March 3 in Hamilton.

YourTV’s eighth annual Hockey Day in the OHL event is scheduled for Sunday February 6 with a broadcast tripleheader that features Kingston visiting North Bay at 1:00pm, Peterborough at Hamilton at 4:00pm and Sarnia visiting Windsor at 7:00pm.

Milestone seasons in 2021-22 include 65 years for the Peterborough Petes, the Soo Greyhounds celebrating 50 years, the 30th season for the Guelph Storm, the 25th season for the Erie Otters, the Saginaw Spirit celebrating 20 years as well as the Mississauga Steelheads saluting 10.

Day – No. of Games (Percentage)
Monday: 14 games (2.1%)
Tuesday: 20 games (2.9%)
Wednesday: 60 games (8.8%)
Thursday: 90 games (13.2%)
Friday: 206 games (30.3%)
Saturday: 164 games (24.1%)
Sunday: 126 games (18.5%)

SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE ONLINE

PRINTABLE 2021-22 SCHEDULE (PDF)

Help promote the return of OHL action and join the conversation using #GameON on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for #GameON contests and great prizes throughout the summer with full details at ontariohockeyleague.com.

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.

OHL ANNOUNCES 2021-22 HOME OPENERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced 2021-22 regular season home openers for all 20 member teams.

The 680-game OHL regular season opens on Thursday October 7 with action in North Bay (vs. Peterborough, 7:00pm), Windsor (vs. Sarnia, 7:30pm) and Barrie (vs. Niagara, 7:30pm). Opening Week action continues on Friday October 8 with seven home openers followed by an additional five on Saturday October 9 and another on Sunday October 10.

The entire 2021-22 Ontario Hockey League regular season schedule will be released on Tuesday June 29 at 3:00pm.

FULL LIST OF HOME OPENERS, 2021-22 SEASON:

Barrie Colts: Thursday Oct 7 vs. Niagara at 7:30pm

Erie Otters: Saturday Oct 23 vs. Saginaw at 7:00pm

Flint Firebirds: Saturday Oct 9 vs. Erie at 7:00pm

Guelph Storm: Saturday Oct 9 vs. Kitchener at 7:00pm

Hamilton Bulldogs: Saturday Oct 9 vs. Barrie at 7:00pm

Kingston Frontenacs: Friday Oct 8 vs. Ottawa at 7:00pm

Kitchener Rangers: Friday Oct 8 vs. Guelph at 7:30pm

London Knights: Friday Oct 8 vs. Owen Sound at 7:30pm

Mississauga Steelheads: Friday Oct 22 vs. Ottawa at 7:00pm

Niagara IceDogs: Saturday Oct 9 vs. Oshawa at 7:00pm

North Bay Battalion: Thursday Oct 7 vs. Peterborough at 7:00pm

Oshawa Generals: Friday Oct 8 vs. Hamilton at 7:35pm

Ottawa 67’s: Sunday Oct 10 vs. Kingston at 2:00pm

Owen Sound Attack: Saturday Oct 9 vs. London at 7:30pm

Peterborough Petes: Thursday Oct 14 vs. Sudbury at 7:05pm

Saginaw Spirit: Saturday Oct 16 vs. Erie at 7:05pm

Sarnia Sting: Friday Oct 8 vs. Windsor at 7:05pm

Soo Greyhounds: Friday Oct 8 vs. North Bay at 7:07pm

Sudbury Wolves: Friday Oct 8 vs. Peterborough at 7:05pm

Windsor Spitfires: Thursday Oct 7 vs. Sarnia at 7:30pm

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.

WOLVES ANNOUNCE QUENTIN MUSTY AS FIRST OVERALL PICK IN 2021 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Sudbury Wolves Hockey Club today announced that 15-year-old forward Quentin Musty of the U.S. Youth Tier-1 U16 National champion North Jersey Avalanche 16U program will be the first overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

The announcement was made at a news conference held via Zoom and broadcast as a live showcase on the team’s YouTube channel today, with Musty introduced to Sudbury media from his home in Hamburg, New York.

“To receive the Jack Ferguson Award as the first overall pick is very humbling and exciting,” said Musty. “To follow in the footsteps of some of the game’s greatest players like Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Connor McDavid and Quinton Byfield is a huge honour. I am grateful and so excited to join Dario Zulich and Rob Papineau in Sudbury with the ultimate goal of bringing the city an OHL and Memorial Cup championship. I am excited to play with and against some of the best competition in the world, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Musty joins a Wolves organization that won a Central Division title in 2020 and has seen four members of that team sign NHL contracts in the past year including Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles Kings), Jack Thompson (Tampa Bay Lightning), Isaak Phillips (Chicago Blackhawks) and Blake Murray (Carolina Hurricanes).

“It was an amazing night when the Sudbury Wolves won the Priority Selection Lottery but today is even more amazing to be able to add Quentin Musty to our team,” said Wolves VP & General Manager Rob Papineau. “He has been a dominant player for a number of years, and he was exceptional this season especially in the recent USA Hockey Youth Nationals where, as an underage player he led his team to the National Championship. Our fans are going to love Quentin as he is extremely talented, skilled and plays the game with such high compete that he will have our fans at the edge of their seats.”

A 6-foot-2, 190Ib. left-winger from Hamburg, New York, Musty starred for North Jersey at the USA Hockey Youth Tier-1 U16 National Championship in Maryland Heights, Missouri, racking up a tournament-leading 17 points (9-8–17) in six games as the Avalanche defeated the Colorado Thunderbirds to be crowned the top 16U team in the country. He also registered 23 goals, 33 assists and 56 points across 27 games during the season. Born July 6, 2005, Musty will be eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Musty is the 2021 recipient of the Jack Ferguson Award presented annually to the player selected first overall in the OHL Priority Selection. The “Fergie” recognizes the dedication and contributions made by Jack Ferguson during his 25 year association with the OHL, first as a scout with the Ottawa 67’s and followed by his appointment as head of the OHL’s Central Scouting Bureau in 1981 as its Director of Central Scouting. First presented in 1981, Musty becomes the sixth member of the Wolves to receive the award following Dave Moylan in 1984, John Uniac in 1987, John McFarland in 2008, David Levin in 2015 and Quinton Byfield in 2018. He’s also the sixth American-born player to be selected first overall following Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia, 2014), Alex Galchenyuk (Sarnia, 2010), Rob Schremp (Mississauga, 2002), Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga, 2001) and Pat Peake (Detroit, 1990).

“Quentin Musty is a highly-skilled forward that brings an intriguing combination of skill, size, speed and exceptional offensive instincts,” said Director of OHL Central Scouting Darrell Woodley. “He has great composure with the puck and makes all the players around him better with his elite playmaking skills. He possesses a pro shot already with an extremely quick release. Quentin was a big reason why North Jersey came out on top at the U.S. Nationals.”

Join Quentin Musty as he hears his name called to kick-off the first round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection Draft Stream presented by Real Canadian Superstore beginning at 7:00pm on Friday night. The will be streamed live in its entirety on the OHL’s YouTube channel with pick-by-pick results provided at ontariohockeyleague.com. For the first time since the Priority Selection moved online in 2001, the event will be held across two days, with Rounds 1-3 being held on Friday before Rounds 4-15 commence on Saturday morning at 9:00am.

Winners of the Jack Ferguson Award Include:
1981 Dan Quinn, Belleville Bulls
1982 Kirk Muller, Guelph Platers
1983 Trevor Stienburg, Guelph Platers
1984 Dave Moylan, Sudbury Wolves
1985 Bryan Fogarty, Kingston Canadians
1986 Troy Mallette, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1987 John Uniac, Sudbury Wolves
1988 Drake Berehowsky, Kingston Raiders
1989 Eric Lindros, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
1990 Pat Peake, Detroit Ambassadors
1991 Todd Harvey, Detroit Ambassadors
1992 Jeff O’Neill, Guelph Storm
1993 Alyn McCauley, Ottawa 67’s
1994 Jeff Brown, Sarnia Sting
1995 Daniel Tkaczuk, Barrie Colts
1996 Rico Fata, London Knights
1997 Charlie Stephens, Toronto St. Michael’s Majors
1998 Jay Harrison, Brampton Battalion
1999 Jason Spezza, Mississauga IceDogs
2000 Patrick Jarrett, Mississauga IceDogs
2001 Patrick O’Sullivan,Mississauga IceDogs
2002 Robbie Schremp, Mississauga IceDogs
2003 Patrick McNeill, Saginaw Spirit
2004 John Hughes, Belleville Bulls
2005 John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
2006 Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting
2007 Ryan O’Reilly, Erie Otters
2008 John McFarland, Sudbury Wolves
2009 Daniel Catenacci, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
2010 Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting
2011 Aaron Ekblad, Barrie Colts
2012 Connor McDavid, Erie Otters
2013 Travis Konecny, Ottawa 67’s
2014 Jakob Chychrun, Sarnia Sting
2015 David Levin, Sudbury Wolves
2016 Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm
2017 Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts
2018 Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves
2019 Shane Wright, Kingston Frontenacs
2020 Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion
2021 Quentin Musty, Sudbury Wolves

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.

67’s’ ADAM VARGA NAMED OHL’s TOP ACADEMIC POST-SECONDARY STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Ottawa 67’s forward Adam Varga is the 2020-21 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Varga achieved an impressive 94% average over seven courses at the University of Maryland, excelling in Academic Writing II (100%), Marketing Principles (99%), Organizational Leadership (97%), Academic Writing I (95%), Principles of Macroeconomics (94%), Principles of Microeconomics (93%) and Principles of Accounting (84%).

“It is a huge honour to receive the Roger Neilson Memorial Award,” said Varga. “My family is at the core of my academic success as they have taught me the importance of continuing my education. The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, James Boyd, Jan Egert, and Eileen Duffin have helped me tremendously with all of the support they have given me to succeed. My coaches and teammates have also contributed to this accomplishment as they push me to become a better version of myself on the ice and in the classroom. I am truly grateful to be a part of the Ottawa 67’s organization and look forward to seeing everyone back at TD Place.”

A 19-year-old native of Bel Air, Maryland, Varga appeared in 56 games between the 67’s and Mississauga Steelheads during the 2019-20 season, recording seven goals and four assists for 11 points. A former seventh round (121st overall) pick of the Steelheads in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Varga has played in 165 career OHL regular season games, registering 33 points (14-19–33) along the way.

“This year was extremely challenging and is unlike anything that I have ever experienced,” Varga continued. “Not being able to play a season this year was extremely heart-breaking. It has been over a year since our last game played in March of 2020. All of this extra time gave me an opportunity to focus on my education. With the support of OSEG and the 67’s, I was able to take more courses than I normally would during a demanding OHL season. I took advantage of this opportunity and received high marks. Although this year has been difficult, it helped me grow as a person.”

2020 Jim Gregory OHL General Manager of the Year Award recipient James Boyd had high praise for Varga, who persevered through a year of uncertainty.

“Adam is a conscientious student who has fully dedicated himself to the continuation of his studies at the University of Maryland while playing in the OHL,” Boyd stated. “His proactive and diligent approach over the past year has been admirable. The 67’s are extremely proud of Adam being awarded this most prestigious League honour.”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Varga becomes the third 67’s player to receive the honour following back-to-back recipient Danny Battochio (2005, 2006) while joining Sasha Chmelevski (2019) as the second American-born player to have his name engraved on the trophy.

Finalists for the Roger Neilson Memorial Award include Brendan Kischnick of the Erie Otters and Eric Uba of the Guelph Storm.

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.

BULLDOGS’ LAWSON SHERK NAMED OHL’s TOP ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Hamilton Bulldogs forward Lawson Sherk is the 2020-21 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic High School Student.

Sherk achieved a 95.2% average over six University-level Grade 12 courses at Ancaster High School. His grades included a 97% in Advanced Functions, a 97% in Healthy Active Living, 96% in Calculus and Vectors, 95% in Physics, 94% in Chemistry and 92% in English.

“I’m honoured to receive the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Sherk. “COVID has made this a tough year but I’ve had a lot of time to focus on my education. It’s very rewarding to be recognized for my academic achievements during a year that has been difficult for all.”

An 18-year-old native of Halton Hills, Ont., Sherk collected 15 points (5-10–15) in his rookie season with the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-1, 175Ib. centreman was a second round (40th overall) pick by the club in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after earning OMHA (SCTA) Player of the Year honours with the Halton Hurricanes U16 program. He was recently ranked 153rd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2021 NHL Draft in July.

“From the moment Lawson walked through the doors he has exemplified everything that being a Hamilton Bulldog should be,” said Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios. “Through his commitment, dedication and leadership it comes with great pride but no surprise to see Lawson awarded the 2021 Ivan Tennant Award. The Hamilton Bulldogs would like to congratulate and commend Lawson and his family, with a special thank you to academic advisor Sean Nicholson, for their commitment to education and his work to be a role model both on and off the ice for his teammates and future athletes in the Hamilton community. 

“The Hamilton Bulldogs share the same pride in Lawson as he does in representing our team and community and look forward to his continued development in Hamilton.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee. Sherk becomes the first Bulldogs player to win one of the League’s three major academic awards. Other past recipients include back-to-back winner Mack Guzda (Owen Sound, 2018 & 2019), Kyle Keyser (Flint, 2016), Stephen Dhillon (Niagara, 2015) and Adam Pelech (Erie, 2012).

Finalists for the award included rookies Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm, Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads and Isaiah George of the London Knights.

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.

61 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON FINAL 2021 NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING DRAFT RANKINGS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to recognize 61 players included on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings for the 2021 NHL Draft to be held on July 23-24.

A total of 55 players on Central Scouting’s North American rankings in addition to six from the International list combine to include 37 forwards, 19 defencemen and five goaltenders, all of whom have played at least one game in the Ontario Hockey League. An additional 13 players who had committed for the 2020-21 season, but who have yet to play in an OHL game were also listed.

Peterborough Petes centre and recent IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medalist Mason McTavish comes in as the second-ranked North American skater on the list. The 18-year-old from Carp, Ont. scored 29 goals and added 13 assists, finishing with 42 points in 57 games as a rookie with the Petes in 2019-20. McTavish wore an ‘A’ for Canada at the U18 Worlds, finishing with 11 points (5-6–11) over seven games.

“McTavish is that coveted skilled power centre who is capable of making a difference in any situation,” said NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Marr. “He’s big and plays a smart, competitive game. McTavish has deceptive speed and quickness. He utilizes his size to effectively protect pucks while driving to the net and can still make plays while being checked.”

Barrie Colts defenceman Brandt Clarke and Flint Firebirds forward Brennan Othmann, both members of the 2019 OHL Cup champion Don Mills Flyers, gave the OHL three players in the top-10, coming in at seventh and eighth respectively.

In goal, Canadian National Under-18 Team netminder Benjamin Gaudreau is North America’s second-ranked goaltender. The Sarnia Sting product from Corbeil, Ont. is followed at third on the list by late 2002-born Saginaw Spirit goaltender Tristan Lennox.

Guelph Storm defenceman Daniil Chayka, who hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2019, ranks fifth on Central Scouting’s list of International skaters. The Russian blueliner spent the 2020-21 season with Russia’s CSKA Moscow organization after two seasons in Guelph.

The London Knights lead the League with seven players included on the rankings followed by the Barrie Colts, Kitchener Rangers, Ottawa 67’s, Peterborough Petes, Sarnia Sting, Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires all tied with four.

A total of 31 OHL players were taken in the 2020 NHL Draft including five chosen within the top-10 selections. Los Angeles Kings second overall choice Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves) and Anaheim Ducks sixth pick Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters) both made their NHL debuts this past season.

OHL Players Included on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings

*-player committed for 2020-21 season, not included in overall total

North American Skaters:

RANKPLAYERTEAMPOS.HTWT
2McTavish, MasonPeterborough PetesC6.01207
7Clarke, BrandtBarrie ColtsD6.02185
8Othmann, BrennanFlint FirebirdsLW6.00175
15Pinelli, FrancescoKitchener RangersC6.00185
16Johnston, WyattWindsor SpitfiresC6.01178
23Mailloux, LoganLondon KnightsD6.03212
33Winterton, RyanHamilton BulldogsC6.02175
35Stillman, ChaseSudbury WolvesRW6.01180
50Harrison, BrettOshawa GeneralsC6.02188
57Del Mastro, EthanMississauga SteelheadsD6.04210
70Holmes, JacobSoo GreyhoundsD6.01205
74Roger, BenLondon KnightsD6.04200
79Matier, JackOttawa 67’sD6.04200
82Beck, JackOttawa 67’sRW5.11162
83Goure, DeniOwen Sound AttackC5.10182
85DeGrazia, NickSudbury WolvesLW6.00180
89Mast, RyanSarnia StingD6.04210
99Guryev, ArtemPeterborough PetesD6.04225
103Kressler, BraedenFlint FirebirdsC5.09165
104Lockhart, ConnorErie OttersRW5.09165
107Voit, TySarnia StingLW5.09160
113Bloom, JoshSaginaw SpiritLW6.02182
114McCue, MaxLondon KnightsC6.01175
120Frasca, JacobBarrie ColtsC6.04215
122Arcuri, FrancescoKingston FrontenacsC6.02193
127Hayes, AveryHamilton BulldogsRW5.10175
129Motew, SimonKitchener RangersD6.00185
131Enright, IsaacNiagara IceDogsD6.00190
135Zito, PasqualeWindsor SpitfiresLW6.00175
138Burroughs, EthanOwen Sound AttackRW5.10183
143Sirizzotti, BrendanOttawa 67’sRW6.00180
146Montgomery, BryceLondon KnightsD6.04220
148Punnett, ConnorBarrie ColtsD6.01202
153Sherk, LawsonHamilton BulldogsC6.02200
154Hardie, JamesMississauga SteelheadsLW6.00180
156Calisti, RobertSoo GreyhoundsD5.10190
158Jackson, KyleNorth Bay BattalionLW6.02187
159Cardwell, EthanBarrie ColtsRW5.11193
163Gill-Shane, RanvirOttawa 67’sD6.02185
169Romeo, Chandler*Hamilton BulldogsD6.05205
171Michaud, DanielOshawa GeneralsC6.02190
172Rolofs, StuartLondon KnightsLW6.02200
174Sop, MatthewKitchener RangersLW6.00175
175Maggio, MatthewWindsor SpitfiresRW5.11180
181Haché, BradenKingston FrontenacsD6.04200
182McCallum, LandonSudbury WolvesC5.11175
183Robertson, TuckerPeterborough PetesC5.11186
193Saganiuk, Colby*Erie OttersC5.07160
200Avon, J.R.Peterborough PetesC6.00180
206Boudreau, MarcSoo GreyhoundsLW6.02180
213Dann, NolanSarnia StingRW5.10180
215Lawrence, KalebOwen Sound AttackRW6.06225
221Maillet, JacobGuelph StormC6.00173
222Robinson, Payton*Sudbury WolvesD6.02194

North American Goaltenders:

RANKPLAYERTEAMPOS.HTWT
2Gaudreau, BenjaminSarnia StingG6.02175
3Lennox, TristanSaginaw SpiritG6.04190
6Vrbetic, JoeNorth Bay BattalionG6.06190
11Brochu, BrettLondon KnightsG5.11177

International Skaters:

RANKPLAYERTEAMPOS.HTWT
5Chayka, DaniilGuelph StormD6.03187
24Grushnikov, Artyom*Hamilton BulldogsD6.02198
32Sobolev, Daniil*Windsor SpitfiresD6.00210
35Petrov, Matvei*North Bay BattalionLW6.02178
64Kulakov, Artyom*Erie OttersD6.02202
70Rafkin, RubenWindsor SpitfiresD5.11190
72Kuzmin, Dmitry*Flint FirebirdsD5.09178
74Steklov, KirillLondon KnightsD6.04187
83Gaidamak, Vsevolod*Ottawa 67’sC5.11198
90Ottavainen, VilleKitchener RangersD6.05210
115Suni, OliverOshawa GeneralsLW6.02186
117Larsen, Kasper*Mississauga SteelheadsD6.06229
149Zanetti, Brian*Peterborough PetesD6.02181

International Goaltenders:

RANKPLAYERTEAMPOS.HTWT
2Kolosov, Alexei*Erie OttersG6.01185
10Malik, NickSoo GreyhoundsG6.01177
11Cajan, Pavel*Kitchener RangersG6.01177

For full 2021 NHL Central Scouting Final Draft Rankings, visit nhl.com.

OHL ANNOUNCES KEY DATESFOR 2021-22 SEASON

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – With the 2021 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore fast approaching on June 4-5, the League is excited to circle another date on the calendar as opening night for the 2021-22 regular season is set for Thursday, October 7.
 
“It’s an exciting time for everyone as we turn our attention to a new season,” said Commissioner David Branch. “We look forward to getting our players back into their OHL communities where they can continue to pursue their goals both on the ice and in the classroom.”
 
Players will report to training camps on Saturday, September 4 before the League embarks on a conventional 68-game regular season schedule commencing Thursday, October 7 and concluding Sunday, April 3, 2022. The 2022 OHL Playoffs will get underway on Thursday, April 7 and run through Monday, May 30 at the latest with the presentation of the prestigious J. Ross Robertson Cup. The OHL champion will advance to the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia to be held June 2-12.
 
“The League is currently in the process of developing a regular season schedule,” added Commissioner Branch. “Our tremendous fans mean so much to the OHL and its communities and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back into our venues next season.”
 
A complete 680-game 2021-22 OHL regular season schedule of games will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
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.

The 2021 NHL Draft Raises a Question

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

It all began with simple tweet by yours truly.

In a following tweet, I tagged Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet who provided some insight on his 31-Thoughts.

In his column, Friedman said “I looked into it and was told these things still need to be sorted out.”

Why is this important? Well, for players drafted out of the Canadian Hockey League there are only two choices for them: 1) make the NHL roster or 2) Return back to their Junior club. In other words, the American Hockey League is not an option. Players drafted outside the CHL are eligible to play in the AHL.

The unanimous response I was getting on twitter was that the players are on loan and therefore are considered being drafted from the OHL.

Not so fast. I’ve done some checking.

Under the Transition Rules agreed to by the NHL and the NHLPA, Article 8 answers the question definitively.

For purposes of determining where a Player who is drafted in the 2021 NHL Draft was “drafted from” under the provisions of Article 8, a Player will be deemed to have been “drafted from” the league and team as follows:

 i) if the Player played during the 2020-21 season, the league and team for which he played during the 2020-21 season as per traditional practice, provided, however:

A) if the Player played in a league outside North America during the 2020-21 season but had never played in a league outside North America prior to the 2020-21 season, the league and team for which he played during the 2019-20 season as per the traditional practice,

B) if the Player played in North America during the 2020-21 season but had never played in North America prior to 2020-21, the league and team for which he played during the 2019-20 season as per the traditional practice,

ii) if the Player did not play during the 2020-21 season, then the league and team for which he played during the 2019-20 season as per the traditional practice.

i) A) is the important one for OHL players that played in Europe. If a player played in Europe this season and has played in Europe prior to the 2020-21 season, then that player will be considered “drafted from Europe” and therefore be eligible to play in the AHL.

If a player played in Europe this season but has never played in Europe prior to the 2020-21 season, then that player will be considered drafted from the OHL and not eligible to play in the AHL.

13 OHL PLAYERS CAPTURE U18 WORLDS GOLD AS CANADA DEFEATS RUSSIA 5-3

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate 13 OHL players who will return from the Lone Star State with gold medals after defeating Russia by a score of 5-3 in the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship gold medal game on Thursday in Frisco, Texas.

Kingston Frontenacs star Shane Wright found the back of the net twice as Canada’s National Under-18 Team completed a perfect 7-0 tournament, outscoring opponents 51-12 in the process to claim their first U18 Worlds gold since 2013.

“It means the world to this country, to the guys in our dressing room, all of the coaches and all of the staff,” said Wright after the win. “Just the effort we put in, how hard everyone has worked since day one. I couldn’t be prouder of the work everyone has put in and all the sacrifices that have been made.”

Russia presented a new challenge to Canada in the early going, with tournament scoring leader Matvei Michkov netting his 12th of the U18 Worlds 5:13 in, marking the first time Canada had surrendered the first goal in the event.

“We had scored first every single time, which is a great thing, but we knew it was going to happen,” said Canadian coach Dave Barr, who was OHL Coach of the Year with the Guelph Storm in 2006. “We talked about it in the first intermission about playing from behind and how we aren’t going to change the way we play the game. We just did what we needed to do to work our way back into the game.”

Just over a minute after a denied penalty shot, exceptional talent Connor Bedard (Regina Pats) beat Sergei Ivanov on the backhand with 4:01 remaining in the first to tie things up as Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves) picked up a secondary assist. Russia quickly responded with a goal from Dmitri Buchelnikov before Wright ripped home a wrist shot on the power play to make it 2-2 after one.

A shot from a tight angle off the stick of Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds) put Canada in the lead 3-2 off a feed from Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads) 4:42 into the second. Logan Stankoven (Kamloops Blazers) delivered a wrist shot to double the Canadian lead near the period’s end as Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts) and Wright pitched in with assists.

Following a scoreless nine minutes to start the third, Vladimir Grudinin brought Russia back within one on the power play. Wright ultimately struck on the empty net with 40 seconds remaining off an impressive pass from Bedard to seal an undefeated tournament for Team Canada. With his ninth goal, Wright surpassed Connor McDavid‘s 2013 mark of eight to set a Canadian record at the U18 Worlds.

Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting) amassed 31 saves in net to improve to 5-0 for Canada as the shots ended an even 34-34.

“It was really exciting, the last minute felt about as long as the entire game,” said Gaudreau after the buzzer. “Once Shaner (Wright) put the icing on the cake there with 40 seconds left it really set in. The feelings can’t really be described. I couldn’t have done this with a better group of guys.”

Wright finished the tournament tied for second in scoring with fellow exceptional status forward Bedard, racking up 14 points (9-5–14) in just five games, two back of tournament-leader Michkov of Russia who wound up with 16 points.

Brandt Clarke finished tied for second in tournament scoring by defencemen with seven points (2-5–7) in as many games, being named to the event’s media all-star team.

Between the pipes, Gaudreau paced all goaltenders with five wins, a 2.20 goals-against average and .919 save percentage over five games to be recognized as the tournament’s top goaltender by the IIHF directorate.

“I have had a great time coaching this team,” said Barr. “It was a lot of fun to be able to bring the gold medal back to Canada, and I was very fortunate to have two great assistant coaches in Mike Stothers and Gordie Dwyer. Ultimately you are trying to win the gold medal and you never know how a game like tonight’s is going to go, but we focused on what we were able to control and that gave us a great chance to win.”

Since 2002, Canada has won four gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), in addition to one silver (2005) and three bronze (2012, 2014, 2015).

13 OHL players winning gold with Canada at the U18 Worlds:

Goaltender:
Ben Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting)

Defence:
Brandt Clarke (Barrie Colts), Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads), Jack Matier (Ottawa 67’s)

Forwards:
Brett Harrison (Oshawa Generals), Wyatt Johnston (Windsor Spitfires), Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes), Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds), Francesco Pinelli (Kitchener Rangers), Chase Stillman (Sudbury Wolves), Ryan Winterton (Hamilton Bulldogs), Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs), Danny Zhilkin (Guelph Storm)

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.