CHL Announces 2017-18 Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Regina, SK – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 10 national award winners for the 2017-18 season including Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Alex Barré-Boulet of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada who earned Sportsnet CHL Player of the Year honours.

The awards were presented as part of the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities in Regina.

2017-18 CHL Award Winners: Sherwin-Williams Top Prospect Award: Andrei Svechnikov, Barrie Colts

Barrie Colts forward Andrei Svechnikov is listed number one in NHL Central Scouting’s Final North American Rankings for the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas.  The 18-year-old forward from Barnaul, Russia, registered 40 goals, 32 assists and 72 points in an injury-shortened 44-game rookie season.  He becomes the first OHL player to win the award since first overall NHL Draft pick Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters did so in 2014-15. Finalists for the award include Filip Zadina of the Halifax Mooseheads who was listed third by NHL Central Scouting, and Ty Smith of the Spokane Chiefs ranked 14th.

CCM Top Scorer Award: Jayden Halbgewachs, Moose Jaw Warriors

San Jose Sharks prospect Jayden Halbgewachs led the CHL with 70 goals and 129 points in 72 games, helping the Moose Jaw Warriors capture the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL regular season champions for the first time in franchise history. The 21-year-old product of Emerald Park, Sask. became the first WHL player to reach the 70-goal plateau since 1998-99 when Pavel Brendl did so with the Calgary Hitmen. The offensive outburst earned Halbgewachs a free agent contract with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. He follows Regina Pats forward Sam Steel as the second straight WHL player to earn the distinction. Finalists for the award were Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Alex Barré-Boulet of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada with 53 goals, 63 assists and 116 points in 65 games, and Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts with 50 goals, 65 assists and 115 points in 68 games.

Bumper to Bumper Sportsman of the Year Award: Aleksi Heponiemi, Swift Current Broncos

Florida Panthers prospect Aleksi Heponiemi of the Swift Current Broncos was one of the most proficient passers in the WHL during the 2017-18 season, recording a single-season franchise record 90 assists along with 28 goals and 118 points in only 57 games. Heponiemi recorded just 28 penalty minutes in the process to earn the Brad Hornung Trophy as WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year. A product of Tampere, Finland, Heponiemi represented Finland at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship before helping his Swift Current Broncos claim the Ed Chynoweth Cup as 2018 WHL Champions. Heponiemi becomes the first WHL player to claim the award since Kelowna’s Rourke Chartier did so in 2014-15. Finalists for the award were Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada forward Joel Teasdale.

CHL Award Winners
Humanitarian of the Year Garrett McFadden of Guelph Storm, Defenceman of the Year Nicolas Hague of Mississauga Steelheads, Coach of the Year Drew Bannister of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Top Prospect Andrei Svechnikov of Barrie Colts at the Brandt Centre on May 26, 2018 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/CHL Images)

TVA Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award: Garrett McFadden, Guelph Storm

Guelph Storm captain Garrett McFadden is the CHL’s Humanitarian of the Year after being named a finalist for the award last season, establishing himself as an exceptional ambassador for his team and the league both on and off the ice. The 20-year-old native of Kincardine, Ont. continued his tremendous work with ‘McFadden’s Movement’ in support of youth mental health awareness.  The initiative took new heights in 2017-18 with the introduction of an Ambassadors Program along with fundraising efforts that totaled $20,000 to local mental health resources. The $20,000 raised by McFadden’s Movement fundraising programs and corporate partnership support more than triples his donation from 2016-17, and has been split between WES for Youth Online (a free youth online counseling service created in memory of McFadden’s family friend), and the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington Branch. On the ice, the fifth-year veteran recorded six goals, 38 assists and 44 points in 68 games. McFadden is the first OHL player to win the award since Saginaw’s Will Petschenig did so in 2015-16. Finalists for the award were New York Rangers prospect Ty Ronning of the Vancouver Giants and forward Vincent Tremblay-Lapalme of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.

CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year Award: Alexandre Alain, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

Montreal Canadiens prospect Alexandre Alain excelled in Natural Sciences studies at Cégep St-Jérôme this past season while also serving as captain of the QMJHL regular season champion Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. The 21-year-old native of Québec, Que. recorded 44 goals, 43 assists and 87 points in 65 games, earning an NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens in his overage season.  Alain is the first QMJHL player to earn the award since Shawinigan’s Alexis D’Aoust in 2015-16. Finalists for the award included 2018 NHL Draft prospects Ty Smith of the Spokane Chiefs and Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Janes Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award: Drew Bannister, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Drew Bannister led the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to an all-time franchise best record of 55-7-3-3, topping the CHL Top-10 Rankings throughout much of the 2017-18 season. The 44-year-old from Belleville, Ont. helped the Greyhounds earn a Western Conference crown, capturing their fifth Hamilton Spectator Trophy as OHL regular season champions.  They set a franchise record 23-game winning-streak from October 28 to December 30 which ranks third best in OHL history, and generated a run of 29 consecutive contests without a regulation loss.  The Hounds also went on a 27-game home winning-streak from October 20 to March 14 which stands as the second-longest in OHL history following the club’s undefeated season at home in 1984-85.  The 116 points and .853 winning-percentage are both tied for second best all-time under the 68-game schedule. Bannister is the OHL’s second straight recipient of the award following Owen Sound’s Ryan McGill in 2017. Finalists for the award were Manny Viveiros of the Swift Current Broncos and Joel Bouchard of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

Wawanesa Rookie of the Year Award: Alexis Lafrenière, Rimouski Océanic

2020 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Lafrenière of the Rimouski Océanic turned in a dominant 16-year-old season, leading CHL underage rookies with 80 points including 42 goals and 38 assists in 60 games. The product of St-Eustache, Que. was the QMJHL’s first overall pick in 2017 and didn’t disappoint, becoming the first Quebec-born CHL Rookie of the Year since Rimouski star Vincent Lecavalier back in 1997. He follows in the footsteps of another prominent Océanic forward in 2003-04 recipient Sidney Crosby. Finalists for the award were Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts and Dylan Cozens of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Vaughn Goaltender of the Year Award: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips Philadelphia

Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips becomes the first two-time recipient of the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Year Award after winning 31 of his 41 appearances, logging a 1.60 goals-against average and .947 save percentage with seven shutouts. The Sherwood Park, Alta. product earned his third consecutive Del Wilson Trophy as WHL Goaltender of the Year and represented Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, backstopping his nation to a gold medal before taking his Everett Silvertips to Game 6 of the 2018 WHL Championship. Hart also tied a CHL record, recording his 26th career shutout this past season. Finalists for the award were Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies netminder Samuel Harvey.

Superstore Defenceman of the Year Award: Nicolas Hague, Mississauga Steelheads

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nicolas Hague of the Mississauga Steelheads earns Superstore CHL Defenceman of the Year honours after setting an all-time franchise record for goals by a defenceman with 35, adding 43 assists for 78 points in 67 games. His 35 tallies were the most by an OHL defenceman since 1998 as he finished the season with 26 multi-point performances. Hague becomes the first OHL recipient of the award since Sault Ste. Marie’s Anthony DeAngelo claimed the honour in 2014-15. Finalists for the award were Los Angeles Kings prospect Kale Clague of the Moose Jaw Warriors and fifth-year veteran Olivier Galipeau of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

Sportsnet Player of the Year Award: Alex Barré-Boulet, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Alex Barré-Boulet led the QMJHL with 53 goals and 63 assists for 116 points in 65 games. The recently turned 21-year-old native of Montmagny, Que. wrapped up his four-year career with 337 points (140-197–337) in 263 games, earning an NHL contract in his overage season. Barré-Boulet led the Armada to a QMJHL regular season title before steering them to Game 6 of the President Cup Final.   He is the first Armada player to win the award and the QMJHL’s first recipient since Val-d’Or’s Anthony Mantha claimed the honours in 2013-14. Finalists for the award were Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips and St. Louis Blues prospect Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting.

Advertisement

CHL announces 2017-18 Award Finalists

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the nominees for the 10 major awards that will be presented at the annual CHL Awards Ceremony which takes place on Saturday May 26 as part of the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup festivities in Regina.

Sherwin-Williams Top Prospect Award:
Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs)
Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
Filip Zadina (Halifax Mooseheads)


Most recent winner by league: Nolan Patrick (Brandon Wheat Kings 2017), Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 2016), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters 2015).


CCM Top Scorer Award:
Jayden Halbgewachs (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Most recent winner by league: Sam Steel (Regina Pats 2017), Conor Garland (Moncton Wildcats 2016), Dylan Strome (Erie Otters 2015).

BRP Sportsman of the Year Award:
Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Joel Teasdale (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Most recent winner by league: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack 2017), Samuel Girard (Shawinigan Cataractes 2016), Rourke Chartier (Kelowna Rockets 2015).

TVA Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award:
Ty Ronning (Vancouver Giants)
Garrett McFadden (Guelph Storm)
Vincent Tremblay-Lapalme (Chicoutimi Saguenéens)

Most recent winner by league: Tyler Wong (Lethbridge Hurricanes 2017), Will Petschenig (Saginaw Spirit 2016), Danick Martel (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 2015).

CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year Award:
Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs)
Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Alexandre Alain (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Most recent winner by league: Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 67’s 2017), Alex D’Aoust (Shawinigan Cataractes 2016), Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert Raiders 2013).

Janes Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award:
Manny Viveiros (Swift Current Broncos)
Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Joel Bouchard (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Most recent winner by league: Ryan McGill (Owen Sound Attack 2017), Gilles Bouchard (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 2016), Jim Hiller (Tri-City Americans 2012).

Wawanesa Rookie of the Year Award:
Dylan Cozens (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
Alexis Lafrenière (Rimouski Oceanic)

Most recent winner by league: Nico Hischier (Halifax Mooseheads 2017), Alexander Nylander (Mississauga Steelheads 2016), Brett Connolly (Prince George Cougars 2009).

Vaughn Goaltender of the Year Award:
Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies)

Most recent winner by league: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound Attack 2017), Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips 2016), Philippe Desrosiers (Rimouski Oceanic 2015).

Superstore Defenceman of the Year Award:
Kale Clague (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)
Olivier Galipeau (Acadie-Bathurst Titan)

Most recent winner by league: Thomas Chabot (Saint John Sea Dogs 2017), Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings 2016), Anthony DeAngelo (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2015).

Sportsnet Player of the Year Award:
Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)

Most recent winner by league: Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters 2017), Anthony Mantha (Val-d’Or Foreurs 2014), Brendan Shinnimin (Tri-City Americans 2012).

For more information please visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

Colts’ Andrei Svechnikov named OHL Rookie of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL Announces First and Second All-Rookie Teams

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the 2017-18 recipient of the Emms Family Award presented to the OHL’s Rookie of the Year. 

Svechnikov led all OHL rookies with 40 goals and 32 assists in just 44 games for a point total of 72 that ranked 25th overall in league scoring and a points-per-game mark of 1.64 that was fifth best. 

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

“I am extremely happy to accept this award as the OHL’s Rookie of the Year,” Svechnikov said. “I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for all of the help they have given me this year to achieve this goal. I am very excited.” 

The 18-year-old from Barnaul, Russia, is the top ranked prospect for the 2018 NHL Draft among North American skaters as listed by NHL Central Scouting.  He joined the Colts as the first overall pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft and becomes the club’s fourth player to receive Rookie of the Year honours following Aaron Ekblad (2011-12), Bryan Little (2003-04), and Sheldon Keefe (1998-99). 

“We are really proud of Andrei for the season he had with our club,” said Colts General Manager Jason Ford. “He came into the lineup and made an immediate impact. We feel that the composure he showed on and off the ice, really excelled his game to this level, which ultimately earned himself this award. We could not be more proud of him for what he did this past year and we wish him the best of luck at the NHL Draft this June in Dallas.” 

Svechnikov was an OHL star from start to finish in 2017-18 beginning with a two-goal performance in his debut against the Ottawa 67’s on September 21, right through to season’s end where he carried the league’s longest point-streak at 23 games from January 18 through the final game of the regular season on March 17.  He recorded 24 multi-point games including a stretch of nine-straight in January and was named OHL Rookie of the Month four of the six times the award was announced.  The Russian National Junior Team member was also recognized in the annual Coaches Poll where he was voted Best Skater and second Best Shot in the Eastern Conference.  His 72 points are the most by a Colts rookie since Mark Scheifele produced 75 in 66 games back in 2010-11, while his 1.64 points-per-game mark is the best among OHL rookies since London Knights Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner posted 2.50 and 2.23 figures respectively in 2006-07. 

First presented in 1973, Emms Family Award recipients include Wayne Gretzky (Sault Ste. Marie 1977-78), Joe Thornton (Sault Ste. Marie 1995-96), Rick Nash (London 2000-01), John Tavares (Oshawa 2005-06), Taylor Hall (Windsor 2007-08), Connor McDavid (Erie 2012-13), Travis Konecny (Ottawa 2013-14), Alex DeBrincat (Erie 2014-15), Alexander Nylander (Mississauga 2015-16), and Ryan Merkley (Guelph 2016-17). 

The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines OHL franchises.  The award is selected by all 20 member club General Managers.  Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.  Voting was conducted in two stages beginning with a Conference only vote followed by a Final ballot that included the top three candidates from the initial Conference phase.  Players received five points for a first vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote. 

Svechnikov earned 86 of a possible 95 voting points ahead of forward Cam Hillis of the Guelph Storm who finished second with 37 voting points and forward Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs who finished in third place with 31 voting points. 

The Emms Family Award will be formally presented to Svechnikov at the OHL’s annual Awards Ceremony at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Wednesday June 6.  He will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Rookie of the Year to be announced at the Mastercard Memorial Cup on Saturday May 26 

Svechnikov was also announced to the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team at right wing along with Hillis at centre and fellow NHL Draft eligible forward Blade Jenkins of the Saginaw Spirit at left wing.  Rasmus Sandin of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Alec Regula of the London Knights comprise the First Team defence corps, with Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack between-the-pipes.  Kaliyev was among the Second Team honourees voted behind Svechnikov at right wing and joined up front by first overall Priority Selection pick Ryan Suzuki of the Colts at centre, and Maxim Golod of the Erie Otters at left wing.  Oshawa Generals Mitchell Brewer and Nico Gross were both voted Second Team defenders, with the Knights’ Jordan Kooy in goal. 

The OHL All-Rookie Teams were also selected by the OHL’s General Managers.  Players were voted on initially by position within their conference receiving five points for a first place vote, three for a second place vote, and one for a third.  Top vote getters in each position made up the final ballot that was then circulated to all 20 teams. 

2017-18 OHL All-Rookie Teams (voting points in brackets): 

First Team:

Centre – Cam Hillis, Guelph Storm (68)

Left Wing – Blade Jenkins, Saginaw Spirit (84)

Right Wing – Andrei Svechnikov, Barrie Colts (95)

Defence – Rasmus Sandin, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (87)

Defence – Alec Regula, London Knights (57)

Goaltender – Mack Guzda, Owen Sound Attack (55) 

Second Team:

Centre – Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (53)

Left Wing – Maxim Golod, Erie Otters (36)

Right Wing – Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (59)

Defence – Mitchell Brewer, Oshawa Generals (34)

Defence – Nico Gross, Oshawa Generals (32)

Goaltender – Jordan Kooy, London Knights (50)

 

Colts’ Andrei Svechnikov named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that top 2018 NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 8 after recording four points in three games including three goals and one assist with a plus-minus rating of plus-3.

Svechnikov extended his playoff point-streak to four and helped the Colts win two of their first three games in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Kingston Frontenacs.  Last week on home ice he picked up an assist in Wednesday’s Game 1 overtime contest won 6-5 by the Colts, then scored twice in Friday’s 4-1 victory in Game 2 including a late insurance marker to earn third star honours.  He also scored once in Sunday’s Game 3 on the road despite the 4-2 loss.  Svechnikov and the Colts will look to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series when they resume play on Tuesday night in Kingston. 

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A 17-year-old from Barnaul, Russia, Svechnikov is playing in his first OHL season after being selected first overall by the Colts in the 2017 CHL Import Draft.  He led all rookies in scoring with 40 goals and 32 assists for 72 points in 44 games and has been voted a finalist for the OHL’s Rookie of the Year award.  In just five games so far this post-season he’s tallied five goals and four assists for nine points.  Svechnikov represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and was ranked first by NHL Central Scouting in their Midterm list for the 2018 NHL Draft.  

Watch video highlights of Svechnikov and the Colts against the Frontenacs in Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3

Also considered for the award this week was Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Frontenacs with two goals and three assists for five points in three games against the Colts, and Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack with two goals and one assist for three points in two games against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.  In goal, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers has one win and an overtime loss in their second round series against the Sarnia Sting making 61 saves to date for a goals-against-average of 2.30 and save percentage of .924. 

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Playoffs:

Apr. 2 – Apr. 8: Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
Mar. 26 – Apr. 1: Gabriel Vilardi (Kingston Frontenacs)
Mar. 19 – Mar. 25: Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s) 

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Mar. 12 – Mar. 18: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Mar. 5 – Mar. 11: Dmitry Sokolov (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Feb. 19 – Feb. 25: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Feb. 12 – Feb. 18: Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
Feb. 5 – Feb. 11: Liam Foudy (London Knights)
Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Kenny Huether (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Joseph Garreffa (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Serron Noel (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Brady Hinz (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

2018 NHL Draft: Where’s the Offence From the OHL?

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

If it sounds like we’re beating a dead horse, it’s because we are. If Barrie Colts’ superstar Andrei Svechnikov had not missed two months of the season, things would look different. Despite that, it is in the end, a legitimate question to ask.

The 2017 National Hockey League Draft was a very good draft and there were some pretty good offensive players selected from the Ontario Hockey League. But when comparing 2018 to 2017 we must ask, where’s the offense? So, let’s compare the two.

A season ago, Nick Suzuki led all draft eligible players with 96 points. This season, London Knights’ defenceman Evan Bouchard led the way with 87 points. Svechnikov placed third with 72 points behind Akil Thomas of the Niagara Ice Dogs with 81 points. It’s reasonable to assume had he not missed 24 games, Svechnikov would have surpassed Suzuki’s total.

Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

A deeper look tells us that Gabriel Vilardi missed almost as much time as Svechnikov, missing 19 games yet putting up 61 points. But when we compare the top ten producers from the 2017 draft to those that will be selected in June, some may be surprised by the comparisons.

The top ten from 2017 registered a combined 701 points in 635 games. The 2018 class played an equal number of 635 games and contributed a combined 685 points. If we were to project Svechnikov and Vilardi over a full season, then we’d find the difference at just 4 points.

Last season we saw Jonah Gadjovich (46), Suzuki (45), Owen Tippett (44) and Jason Robertson (42) all score 40 or more goals. This season saw only Svechnikov hit the mark with 40. In fact, only Aidan Dudas (31) and Pavel Gogolev (30) hit the 30-goal mark. All the top ten in 2017 scored 25 or more while 7 of the top ten hit the total this season.

Playmaking however seems to be up this year, at least according to the numbers. Last season the top ten provided teammates with 419 helpers, but this season the top ten assisted on 451 goals. Both years were led by a blueliner. Bouchard assisted on 62 goals while Conor Timmins assisted on 54. The difference though, was top heavy with the bottom five virtually equal from year to year.

Points by blueliners was also extremely top heavy. Bouchard (87) and Ryan Merkley (67) combined for 154 points this season. In 2017, Timmins (61) and Nicolas Hague (46) combined for just 107 points. Rasmus Sandin (45) and Markus Phillips (43) were virtually equal, but Sandin played in 15 fewer games. The rest of the class however is more favorable to 2017 with the next five point-getters finishing with 35 points or more, but none of the rest of the 2018 class finished with more than 26 points.

With Bouchard and Merkley out-performing their cousins from a year ago, how much does the 47-point difference skew the numbers among the forwards? Timmins was the only defenseman to place in the top 10 a year ago. If we are concentrating solely on forwards, 2017 wins hands down.

So where is the offense?

OHL Top Performers of the Month for March

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in March 2018, including Barrie Colts forwards Dmitry Sokolov and Andrei Svechnikov, Mississauga Steelheads defenceman Nicolas Hague and Sarnia Sting goaltender Justin Fazio.


 OHL Player of the Month – Dmitry Sokolov (Barrie Colts):

Dmitry Sokolov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Dmitry Sokolov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.


Minnesota Wild prospect Dmitry Sokolov of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Player of the Week for March after leading all players with 20 points including eight goals and 12 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12. Sokolov had point in all eight of his March contests, recording multi-point outputs in all but one to carry a 16-game point streak into the post-season. The Russian winger eared first star honours in a 6-3 win at Hamilton on Mar. 7th, recording a goal and two assists. The month was further highlighted by a pair of multi-goal performances on Mar. 8th with four points (2-2–4) in a 6-5 loss to Owen Sound and again on Mar. 10th with a pair of markers in a 6-4 win over Peterborough. Sokolov scored his 50th goal of the season in a three-point (1-2–3) showing on Mar. 16th at Sudbury as the Colts defeated his former club, the Sudbury Wolves 6-4.


 A 19-year-old native of Omsk, Russia, Sokolov wrapped up his third OHL season tied with teammate Aaron Luchuk for the league goal-scoring lead. Sokolov lit the lamp 50 times and added 46 assists for 96 points over 64 contests, scoring 30 of his goals over just 29 games with the Barrie Colts. The 6-foot, 206Ib. winger has recorded 220 points (128-92–220) over a 196-game OHL career after being Sudbury first round (3rd overall) pick in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. He was Minnesota’s seventh round (196th overall) pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads):

Nicolas Hague of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Nicolas Hague of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images


For the second time this season, Vegas Golden Knights prospect Nicolas Hague of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Defenceman of the Month after leading all blueliners with 12 points including five goals and seven assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-5. Hague had at least a point in all eight of his March contests, recording multi-point totals in four of those games. His month was headlined by a two-goal, record-breaking night on Mar. 16th in an important 5-2 win over the Ottawa 67’s. Hague scored his 34th and 35th goals of the season for his 76th point, surpassing the prior single-season points record of 75 held by Alexander Nylander (2015-16) and teammate Owen Tippett (2016-17). The win kept the Steelheads from falling any lower than seventh, where they finished in the Eastern Conference. Hague carries an 11-game point streak into the 2018 OHL Playoffs where the Steelheads will square off with the Barrie Colts.


 A 19-year-old native of Kitchener, Ont., Hague finished the season as Mississauga’s leading scorer with 78 points including 35 goals and 43 assists over 67 games. Mississauga’s all-time leader in points by a defenceman, Hague set a single-season franchise record for goals by a blueliner when he scored his 21st back on Jan. 5th against Kitchener. His 35 goals are the most by an OHL defenceman since Kingston’s Chris Allen scored 38 during the 1997-98 season. Hague represented Team OHL in the 2017 CIBC Canada-Russia Series back in November and was a second round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights this past summer. He was Mississauga’s second round pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts):

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.


For the fourth time this season, Barrie Colts forward Andrei Svechnikov is the OHL Rookie of the Month after leading all newcomers with 17 points including nine goals and eight assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-10. The Russian winger produced points in all eight of his March contests, scoring twice on three different occasions. Svechnikov collected three points (2-1–3) in an 8-3 win over the Kingston Frontenacs on Mar. 3rd before embarking on a big weekend that saw him collect three goals and five assists over three contests from Mar. 7th to 10th. He tied a season-high with four points (2-2–4) in a 6-4 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Mar. 16th. Svechnikov enters the playoffs on an OHL season-high 23-game point streak dating back to Jan. 18th. He becomes the first player to earn four different OHL Rookie of the Month honours in one season since Ottawa’s Travis Konecny did so during the 2013-14 season.

A 17-year-old native of Barnaul, Russia, Svechnikov led OHL rookies in both goals (40) and points (72) over just 44 games. His 40 goals are the most by an OHL rookie since Erie’s Alex DeBrincat scored 51 in 2015.  Svechnikov represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Buffalo, recording five assists in as many games against much older competition. The top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s January Midterm Rankings, Svechnikov represented Team Orr at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Guelph. He was the first overall pick of the 2017 CHL Import Draft. 


 Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting):

Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images


For the second time this season, Sarnia Sting netminder Justin Fazio is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month. The fourth-year veteran played to a 4-1-0-0 record with a 2.76 goals-against average and .927 save percentage over five games. Fazio opened the month with a 25-save effort, helping the Sarnia Sting earn a franchise record 43rd victory over the Owen Sound Attack on Mar. 4th. His March performance was highlighted by a pair of 40-save efforts, with the first coming in a 2-1 win over the Guelph Storm on Mar. 10th. He turned in another 40-save effort in his final start of the season on Mar. 16th as the Sting defeated the London Knights 4-2. Fazio earned a pair of first star honours and was recognized as second star once in March.

A 20-year-old native of Sarnia, Ont., Fazio finished the season with a 37-11-3-0 record, a 2.85 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He concluded his OHL regular season career as the Sting franchise’s winningest goaltender at 92-62-10-3 with a 3.26 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. He was originally Sarnia’s fourth round (60th overall) pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.


 2017-18 OHL Performers of the Month:


 Player of the Month:
March – Dmitry Sokolov (Barrie Colts)
February – Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
January – Sam Miletic (Niagara IceDogs)
December – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
October – Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Defenceman of the Month:
March – Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)
February – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
January – Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
November – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
October – Sean Durzi (Owen Sound Attack)
 Rookie of the Month:
March – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
February – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
January – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
December – Rasmus Sandin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Blade Jenkins (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
 Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
March – Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)
February – Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
January – Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
December – Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
October – Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)

OHL Writers’ Draft Eligible Player of the Month for February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

With eight goals and nine assists in nine games during the month of February, Barrie Colts forward and top prospect for the 2018 National Hockey League Draft Andrei Svechnikov is our draft eligible player of the month for February.

Despite missing two months of the season with an injury, Svechnikov now has 31 goals and 24 assists in just 36 games on the season. He leads all draft eligible players in goals.

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Svechnikov posted points in each of his nine games in February. Six of his none games were multi point games including a hattrick on February 3rd, a 6-2 victory over the Windsor Spitfires at home. He is currently on a 15-game point streak, dating back to January 13th when the North Bay Battalion kept him off the scoreboard.

The Ontario Hockey League named Svechnikov the Rookie of the Month for February. He was named one of the games three stars 5 times in his 9 games in February, receiving first star honours once, second star once and third star on three occasions.

Svechnikov gets our nod on consecutive months following back-to-back consideration for Evan Bouchard of the London Knights in November and December.

Speaking of Bouchard, we gave him some serious consideration this month after scoring 5 goals and 11 assists in 11 games. Consideration was also given to Bouchard’s teammate Liam Foudy, who scored 10 goals and 6 assists in 11 games as well as Allan McShane of the Oshawa Generals with 6 goals and 12 assists in 12 games.

Player of the Month

Andrei Svechnikov – Barrie Colts (February)

Andrei Svechnikov – Barrie Colts (January)

Evan Bouchard – London Knights (December)

Evan Bouchard – London Knights (November)

Brady Hinz – Sarnia Sting (October)

Matthew Struthers – Owen Sound Attack (September)

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders: February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

With all due respect to London Knights’ star defenceman Evan Bouchard, were it not for a two-month absence of Barrie Colts’ superstar Andrei Svechnikov, things may look a little different then they do statistically as we roll into the final couple weeks of the Ontario Hockey League season.

As you may be aware by now, I am a big fan of Bouchard, but one cannot deny that a healthy Svechnikov would change the leader board. However, for the third time this season, both were named by the OHL as best defenceman and best rookie respectively.

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Bouchard led all draft eligible players in points with 76. He is followed by Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs with 68. A trio of players that includes Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack, Ryan McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads and Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm are tied for third with 58 points. Only Allan McShane of the Oshawa Generals lies between them and Svechnikov.

It goes without saying then that Bouchard also leads defencemen in scoring. Not only the draft eligible defencemen but all defencemen, and barring a meltdown in the final 9 games, he should end the season at the top of the list. Merkley sits in second place while Rasmus Sandin of the Soo Greyhounds places third with 39 points.

Despite playing in 20-plus fewer games, Svechnikov leads the way in goal scoring with 31. He is followed by Dudas with 28. Pavel Gogolev of the Peterborough Petes, who is climbing fast, comes in third with 26 goals.

Here is a list of leaders (first time draft eligible players) in a variety of categories. For official stats, always refer to the OHL website.

Points Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Evan Bouchard London Knights 58 21 55 76
Akil Thomas Niagara IceDogs 59 19 49 68
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 59 28 30 58
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 60 19 39 58
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 54 12 46 58
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 59 17 39 56
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 36 31 24 55
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 57 20 34 54
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 57 19 35 54
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 59 23 27 50
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player Team GP G GPG
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 36 31 0.86
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 59 28 0.47
Pavel Gogolev Peterborough Petes 57 26 0.46
Serron Noel Oshawa Generals 54 25 0.46
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 59 23 0.39
Evan Bouchard London Knights 58 21 0.36
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 57 20 0.35
Liam Foudy London Knights 56 20 0.36
Akil Thomas Niagara IceDogs 59 19 0.32
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 60 19 0.32
Assist Leaders
Player Team GP A APG
Evan Bouchard London Knights 58 55 0.95
Akil Thomas Niagara IceDogs 59 49 0.83
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 54 46 0.85
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 59 39 0.66
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 60 39 0.65
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 57 35 0.61
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 57 34 0.60
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 51 32 0.63
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 43 31 0.72
Semyon Der-Arguchintsev Peterborough Petes 59 30 0.51
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Evan Bouchard London Knights 58 21 55 76
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 54 12 46 58
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 43 8 31 39
Giovanni Vallati Kitchener Rangers 57 3 20 23
Merrick Rippon Ottawa 67’s 59 3 18 21
Riley McCourt Flint Firebirds 48 4 16 20
Caleb Everett Saginaw Spirit 50 5 14 19
Connor Corcoran Windsor Spitfires 54 3 16 19
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player Team GP +/-
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 43 +33
Barrett Hayton Soo Greyhounds 57 +26
Tyler Tucker Barrie Colts 52 +21
Ryan Roth Soo Greyhounds 60 +19
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 36 +16
Evan Bouchard London Knights 58 +16
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 51 +15
Curtis Douglas Windsor Spitfires 57 +14
Alec Regula London Knights 58 +12
Holden Wale Soo Greyhounds 33 +11
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player Team GP PIM M/G
Tyler Tucker Barrie Colts 52 75 1.44
Kevin Bahl Ottawa 67’s 50 72 1.44
Daylon Groulx Owen Sound Attack 49 70 1.43
Merrick Rippon Ottawa 67’s 39 63 1.62
Curtis Douglas Windsor Spitfires 57 61 1.07
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 54 59 1.09
Max Grondin Saginaw Spirit 58 59 1.02
Faceoff Leaders  (minimum 200 faceoffs)
Player Team GP FOA FOW %
Billy Moskal London Knights 57 633 371 58.6
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 51 564 314 55.7
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 59 737 410 55.6
Akil Thomas Niagara IceDogs 59 992 535 53.9
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 60 1238 662 53.5
David Levin Sudbury Wolves 41 342 176 51.5
Blade Jenkins Saginaw Spirit 60 244 123 50.4
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 59 1292 647 50.1
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 57 913 455 49.8
Max Grondin Saginaw Spirit 58 636 317 49.8
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 59 815 404 49.6
Longest Goal Scoring Streak
Player Team From To Gms Goals
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 1/26 2/9 7 11
Brady Hinz Sarnia Sting 10/9 10/19 5 7
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 2/2 2/19 5 6
Kody Clark Ottawa 67’s 10/12 10/21 5 6
Nathan Dunkley Kingston Frontenacs 11/26 12/3 4 5
Longest Assist Streak
Player Team From To Gms Assts
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 10/22 11/16 9 13
Akil Thomas Niagara IceDogs 9/30 10/19 8 10
Evan Bouchard London Knights 2/10 2/25 8 10
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 10/27 11/9 6 9
Rasmus Sandin Soo Greyhounds 12/29 1/10 6 6
Longest Point Streak
Player Team From To Gms Pts
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 1/18 2/25 15 29
Ryan McLeod Mississauga Steelheads 10/6 11/10 14 20
Akil Thomas Niagara Ice Dogs 12/9 1/13 12 18
Allan McShane Oshawa Generals 1/27 2/19 11 19
Ryan Merkley Guelph Storm 11/19 12/15 10 16
Shooting Percentage
Player Team GP G S %
Serron Noel Oshawa Generals 54 25 95 26.32
Andrei Svechnikov Barrie Colts 36 31 137 22.63
Nathan Dunkley London Knights 52 18 87 20.69
Brady Hinz Peterborough Petes 60 18 89 20.22
Cam Hillis Guelph Storm 57 19 98 19.39
Shots On Goal Leaders
Player Team GP SOG
Evan Bouchard London Knights 58 252
Ty Dellandrea Flint Firebirds 59 215
Aidan Dudas Owen Sound Attack 59 203
Akil Thomas Niagara IceDogs 59 177
Pavel Gogolev Peterborough Petes 57 161
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player Team GP Min GA Avg
Jordan Kooy London Knights 21 1000 52 3.12
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 16 750 40 3.20
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 14 741 40 3.24
Jacob Ingham Mississauga Steelheads 38 2136 134 3.76
Mario Peccia Oshawa Generals 9 390 26 4.00
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player Team GP SH  SVS SV%
Jordan Kooy London Knights 21 529 477 0.902
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 16 371 331 0.892
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 14 342 302 0.883
Jacob Ingham Mississauga Steelheads 38 1098 964 0.878
Mario Peccia Oshawa Generals 9 209 183 0.876
Goaltending Leaders – Wins
Player Team GP W L OL
Jacob Ingham Mississauga Steelheads 39 13 20 2
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 14 9 1 1
Jordan Kooy London Knights 21 8 7 1
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 16 7 4 0
Cameron Lamour Saginaw Spirit 15 5 5 1
Goaltending Leaders – Shutouts
Player Team GP SO
Mario Peccia Oshawa Generals 9 1
Nick Donofrio Hamilton Bulldogs 14 1
Kai Edmonds Barrie Colts 16 1

OHL Top Performers of the Month for February

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in February 2018, including Barrie Colts forward Aaron Luchuk, London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard, Barrie Colts rookie Andrei Svechnikov and Kingston Frontenacs goaltender Jeremy Helvig.


 OHL Player of the Month – Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts):
Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Player of the Month for February, leading all players with 26 points including six goals, 20 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-9. Luchuk recorded points in all 12 games he played, extending his current point streak to 18 games, two shy of the OHL’s season-high. He earned first star honours on three different occasions, starting in a 6-2 win over his former Windsor Spitfires teammates with a goal and three assists on Feb. 3rd. Luchuk was again named first star in an 8-5 road win over the Flint Firebirds on Feb. 14th, recording a goal and two assists. His top performance of the month came in his return to the WFCU Centre on Feb. 15th as he netted the overtime winner and added three assists in a 5-4 Colts win. Eight of Luchuk’s 12 games featured multi-point outputs as he guided the Central Division-leading Colts to a 9-3-0-0 record in the month of February.

Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.


 A 20-year-old native of Kingston, Ont., Luchuk sits tied for second in league scoring with 99 points including a league-leading 43 goals and 56 assist in 60 games. He scored the game winner in last spring’s Mastercard Memorial Cup final, leading the Windsor Spitfires to a national championship on home ice. Originally Windsor’s fourth round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection, Luchuk’s strong performance this season earned him an entry level NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators on Dec. 26th.


 OHL Defenceman of the Month – Evan Bouchard (London Knights):
For the third time this season, draft eligible blueliner Evan Bouchard of the London Knights is the OHL Defenceman of the Month after leading all blueliners with 16 points including five goals and 11 assists. After starting the month with two goals and an assist in an 8-4 loss to the Barrie Colts on Feb. 2nd, Bouchard was named first star on two occasions. He had two assists to claim top honours in a 5-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Feb. 10th and had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires on Feb. 19th. Bouchard also put forth a second three-point performance with two goals and an assist in a 6-2 win over Kitchener on Feb. 16th. Bouchard becomes the first three-time recipient of the OHL Defenceman of the Month award since Niagara’s Dougie Hamilton earned the distinction four times during the 2011-12 season.

Evan Bouchard of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Evan Bouchard of the London Knights. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images


 An 18-year-old native of Oakville, Ont., Bouchard leads OHL defencemen in points (76) and assists (55) along with 21 goals in 58 games. The right-hand shot rearguard has 137 points (34-103–137) over his 169-game OHL career and was an OHL champion and Mastercard Memorial Cup champion with the Knights during his rookie season in 2016. Bouchard was NHL Central Scouting’s fifth-ranked North American skater in January’s Midterm Rankings. He led Team Cherry to victory at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Guelph, setting a new event record with four assists to earn MVP honours for his team. Bouchard was London’s first round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Oakville Rangers Minor Midgets.


 OHL Rookie of the Month – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts):
For the third time this season, draft eligible forward Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts is the OHL Rookie of the Month after leading all first-year players with 17 points including eight goals and nine assists. Svechnikov had points in all nine games he played, extending his current point streak to 15 contests. The Russian winger had six different multi-point performances, helping the Colts earn an honourable mention in the CHL Top 10 Rankings to close out the month. He recorded his third hat-trick of the season on Feb. 3rd, helping the Colts defeat the Windsor Spitfires 6-2. He added two more goals a week later as Barrie took a 5-1 road win in Hamilton on Feb. 8th. Svechnikov’s other three-point showing came on Feb. 22nd with a goal and two assists in a 7-4 loss to the Mississauga Steelheads. He’s the first three-time OHL Rookie of the Month award recipient since Mississauga’s Alexander Nylander accomplished the feat during the 2015-16 season.

Andrei Svechnikovof the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.


 A 17-year-old native of Barnaul, Russia, Svechnikov leads OHL rookies in both goals (31) and points (55) over just 36 games. He represented Russia at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Buffalo, recording five assists in as many games against much older competition. The top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s January Midterm Rankings, Svechnikov represented Team Orr at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Guelph. He was the first overall pick of the 2017 CHL Import Draft.


 Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs):
Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month for February. The overage veteran led all netminders with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage over nine games, guiding the Frontenacs to a 6-1-2-0 record in the process. Helvig earned first star honours on three different occasions. He earned top honours on Feb. 3rd, guiding the Frontenacs to a 5-3 win over the Niagara IceDogs with a 36-save effort. He made 23 saves to backstop the Fronts to a 2-1 win over the Peterborough Petes on Feb. 16th and followed that effort up by setting a new all-time franchise record with his 76th win on Feb. 18th, turning aside 29 shots in a 6-1 win over the Kitchener Rangers. He finished the month of February by helping Kingston earn a point with 30 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs on Feb. 23rd.

Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images


 A 20-year-old native of Markham, Ont., Helvig leads OHL goaltenders with a .920 save percentage to go along with a 2.53 goals-against average, a record of 27-13-6-3 and two shutouts in 49 games. Kingston’s all-time career wins and shutouts leader, Helvig is currently in his fourth season with the club, playing to a record of 77-46-12-7 with a 2.70 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and 10 shutouts over 149 games. Originally Kingston’s third round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection from the Markham Majors Minor Midgets, he was Carolina’s fifth round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.


 2017-18 OHL Performers of the Month:
 Player of the Month:
February – Aaron Luchuk (Barrie Colts)
January – Sam Miletic (Niagara IceDogs)
December – Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
October – Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
 Defenceman of the Month:
February – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
January – Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
November – Evan Bouchard (London Knights)
October – Sean Durzi (Owen Sound Attack)
 Rookie of the Month:
February – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
January – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
December – Rasmus Sandin (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Blade Jenkins (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
 Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
February – Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
January – Mario Culina (Kitchener Rangers)
December – Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
November – Matthew Villalta (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
October – Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)

Generals’ Kenny Huether named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending February 4 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5. 

Huether produced a pair of multi-point performances that helped the Generals finish the weekend with two straight victories climbing into a tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-23-3-0 record.  Following a 7-1 loss to the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday, Huether put together a first star effort on Saturday in Peterborough scoring one of five first period goals for the Generals and assisting on two which led to an 8-2 road win over their rival Petes.  His week wrapped up Sunday with a season-high four points including two goals and two assists earning second star honours in a 6-3 win over the Windsor Spitfires. 

Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Kenny Huether of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

A 20-year-old from Londesborough, Ont., Huether is playing in his fourth season in Oshawa after being chosen by the club in the ninth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.  The overage forward is currently the longest serving General with his tenure dating back to the 2014-15 season which included an OHL and Mastercard Memorial Cup title.  In 236 career games he’s compiled 145 points including 39 points in 51 games this season with a team-high 24 goals. 

Watch video highlights of Huether and the Generals against the Petes and Spitfires. 

Huether wasn’t the only General to have a strong week as Domenico Commisso tallied three goals and four assists for seven points in three games.  A pair of Barrie Colts were also considered for the award after each recording seven points in three games including top NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov with six goals and one assist, and Ottawa Senators prospect Aaron Luchuk with two goals and five assists.  In goal, Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds posted a 3-0-0-0 record including one shutout making 69 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.64 and save percentage of .932.

2017-18 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week:

Jan. 29 – Feb. 4: Kenny Huether (Oshawa Generals)
Jan. 22 – Jan. 28: Jeremy Helvig (Kingston Frontenacs)
Jan. 15 – Jan. 21: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Jan. 8 – Jan. 14: Taylor Raddysh (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Jan. 1 – Jan. 7: Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads)
Dec. 25 – Dec. 31: Ben Jones (Niagara IceDogs)
Dec. 11 – Dec. 17: Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Dec. 4 – Dec. 10: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Joseph Garreffa (Kitchener Rangers)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Serron Noel (Oshawa Generals)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Ryan Merkley (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Jordan Kyrou (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Brady Hinz (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Jonathan Ang (Peterborough Petes)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)