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

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CANADIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2021-22 CBC BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League announced today that six games from the upcoming 2021-22 regular season schedule will be televised by CBC as part of the CHL’s new multi-platform, multi-year broadcast rights partnership.
 
“We are very excited to drop the puck on Saturday afternoons during the 2021-22 season with the CBC,” said CHL President Dan MacKenzie. “Their iconic position in Canadian hockey combined with the CHL’s role as the top development league in the world will make for a winning partnership.”
 
The six games include representation from each of the CHL’s three member leagues with action beginning Saturday, Oct. 2 featuring the Regina Pats and 2023 NHL Draft favourite Connor Bedard hosting the Prince Albert Raiders. The schedule concludes with a matinee contest featuring the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads taking on the Kingston Frontenacs and 2022 NHL Draft headliner Shane Wright.
 
All six CBC games will air Saturdays in October and November at 3 p.m. Eastern time:
 
Sat., Oct. 2 – Prince Albert Raiders vs. Regina Pats (WHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Oct. 9 – Rouyn-Noranda Huskies vs. Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Oct. 16 – Calgary Hitmen vs. Red Deer Rebels (WHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Oct. 23 – Ottawa 67’s vs. Barrie Colts (OHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Nov. 6 – Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) – 3 p.m. ET
Sat., Nov. 13 – Mississauga Steelheads vs. Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) – 3 p.m. ET
 
“We’re proud to partner with the CHL and we’re looking forward to sharing the excitement of Canadian major junior hockey with fans across the country this fall,” said Chris Wilson, Executive Director, Sports & Olympics, CBC. “We’re committed to engaging our audiences on a regional and community level, and this partnership with the CHL helps to further that commitment by providing fans more opportunities to cheer on their local teams.”
 
In addition to being broadcast on CBC TV, all six games will also be available via CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Beginning in November, CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca and the CBC Sports app will offer live streaming coverage of one CHL game per week through the end of the regular season. The schedule for these games will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
 
The 2021-22 CHL regular season begins September 30 as part of an exciting new campaign that features the stars of tomorrow in Bedard and Wright in addition to the return of the CHL’s signature national events including the 2022 Memorial Cup presented by Kia.
 
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About the Canadian Hockey League
The Canadian Hockey League is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
 
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

Also of note: Many have asked me how the new TV deal affects the OHL Action Pak on the Rogers Sports Pak on cable. In an email I sent to Josh Sweetland, Director of Communications of the OHL, he replied it does not have any effect.

Hi Dominic,


The national TSN deal has no impact on the OHL Action Pak or regional coverage on Rogers, YourTV, Eastlink, Shaw or Cable 14 channels. The Action Pak will continue to carry upwards of 700 OHL games throughout the regular season and playoffs.


A complete television broadcast schedule is forthcoming.


Thanks,
Josh Sweetland

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Lawson Sherk of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Hunter Haight of the Barrie Colts, Connor Lockhart of the Erie Otters and Gavin Hayes of the Flint Firebirds have been named the OHL Academic Players of the Month for November.

Though the puck has yet to drop on the 2020-21 OHL Regular Season, players are striving for excellence in the classroom through their studies. The League continues to work with government and public health agencies to prepare a safe return to play with a targeted Regular Season start date of Thursday, February 4, 2021. Academic players of the month are listed in correspondence with their 2019-20 divisions. Details concerning the structure of 2020-21 team alignment will be made available upon release of the OHL Regular Season schedule.

Here’s a closer look at the OHL’s Academic Players of the Month for November:

East Division: Lawson Sherk of the Hamilton Bulldogs is being recognized as November’s East Division Academic Player of the Month. He achieved 100% in Grade 12 University Level Advanced Functions; one of few Ancaster High School students to have ever achieved the perfect grade. Sherk also scored the top mark in Grade 12 University Level Physics with 94% and earned a 93% in his Personal Life Management course.

Sherk’s teachers and coaches regularly compliment his work ethic, positive attitude and kindness and point out his perseverance and teamwork both in the classroom and on the ice. He is known around school as a mentor and a leader.

The 17-year-old Halton Hills, Ont. native put up 15 points (5-10—15) over 62 games in his rookie season with the Bulldogs. He was selected 40th overall by Hamilton in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after a 50-point season (15-35—50) with the OMHA’s Halton Hurricanes.

Central Division: Barrie’s Hunter Haight is November’s Central Division Academic Player of the Month. Over his first term at Blyth Academy, he put up an impressive 98% in Grade 11 University Level Physics and 95% in Grade 12 Community Technology. Out of the 19 courses Haight has completed so far, he has yet to receive a grade lower than 90%.

Haight is described by his teachers as extremely focused and as someone who “continuously puts forth his best efforts both on and off the ice.” He was also recently recognized with the Emerging Leaders Award on account of his outstanding personal leadership, positive impact and contributions within the community.

The 9th overall 2020 OHL Priority Selection pick led the ALLIANCE U16 ranks with 32 goals last season and led his Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs to a league championship. Haight finished the 2019-20 season with 58 points (32-26—58) in 33 appearances and put up 26 points (11-15—26) in the playoffs.

Midwest Division: Connor Lockhart of the Erie Otters has been named the Midwest Division’s Academic Player of the Month for November after undertaking a full courseload that included Grade 11 Academic Math, Grade 12 Athletic Leadership, Grade 11 English, Grade 12 Nutrition and Grade 12 Personal Life Management.

Lockhart has been praised for fulfilling his course responsibilities at John McRae Secondary School and Blyth Academy before the start of the season so that he will have more time in his schedule for increased demands during his draft year. His ability to adapt to new ways of learning, time management, self-motivation and prioritization during this difficult time have also been praised, as well as his decision to front load his schedule to maximize his free time while maintaining his workouts and pre-season preparation.

The 17-year-old forward amassed 27 points (9-18—27) over 57 contests in his rookie campaign with the Otters following a 79-point (30-49—79) production with the Kanata Lasers U18 in 2018-19.

West Division: Flint Firebirds rookie Gavin Hayes is the West Division’s Academic Player of the Month for November. Hayes earned an 88% in U.S. History, 84% in Grade 11 English and 83% in Algebra II at SOAR Academic Institute.

Drafted 16th overall by the Firebirds in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Hayes led the High-Performance Hockey League in goals (16) and points (33) over 21 appearances with the Detroit Compuware U15 AAA squad.

2020-21 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

Players listed in correspondence with 2019-20 divisions. Details concerning the structure of 2020-21 team alignment will be made available upon release of the OHL Regular Season schedule.

East Division:
November – Lawson Sherk (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Central Division:
November – Hunter Haight (Barrie Colts)

Midwest Division:
November – Connor Lockhart (Erie Otters)

West Division:
November – Gavin Hayes (Flint Firebirds)

A total of 334 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2019-20 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3 million.  Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.

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.

Ethan Cardwell – Barrie Colts – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 180 Pounds

Date of birth: August 30, 2002

Hometown: Courtice, Ontario

Position: Center/Right Wing

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 33rd overall, 2018 Priority Selection (Saginaw Spirit)

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season

 November Mid-term Final
C Prospect N.R. 104 N.A.

70 N.A.

Its quite possible that, according to NHL Central Scouting’s lists, there is no bigger enigma then Barrie Colts forward Ethan Cardwell. Coming into the season NHLCS had him as a C – Prospect, to unranked in November to 104 (among North Americans) on their mid-term to 70 (among North Americans) on their final rankings. That is about as close as you can get to the definition of all over the map.

Cardwell played Minor Midget AAA hockey during the 2017-2018 season with the Clarington Toros and in 35 games scored 30 goals and assisted on 24. He went on to play the final 2 regular season and playoffs with the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League where they captured the Buckland Cup. Cardwell also represent Team OMHA Black at the OHL Gold Cup, scoring twice in two games and capturing Bronze.

Cardwell’s grandfather Steve played junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals and spent 3 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL and 2 in the WHA. His father Justin played NCAA hockey with Western Michigan before going on to have a lengthy career in the ECHL, AHL and IHL. His Uncle Matt also played hockey, most notably for York University and had a brief 9 game stint of professional hockey in the ECHL.

The 2018-2019 season was a whirlwind season for Cardwell that almost required a program to keep track of.

Ethan Cardwell of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images
Ethan Cardwell of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images

 

Cardwell began the season with the Saginaw Spirit training camp and got into some exhibition games. But the Spirit sent him to the OJHL and the Trent Golden Hawks who had just acquired his rights in a trade. He got called up to the Spirit on December 8 and would score his first OHL goal in that contest. After a brief stint he was back in the OJHL, this time with the Pickering Panthers before coming back to Saginaw to finish out the year.

This season was a slow start for Cardwell, who posted 4 goals and 4 assists in his first 15 games. The numbers aren’t particularly bad, but considering 5 of those points came in just 2 games, one could suggest there was consistency issues in terms of providing offence. The next 22 games for Saginaw saw him score 8 goals and 5 assists.

But on January 10, 2019 in a blockbuster deal, the Barrie Colts acquire Cardwell, Connor Punnett and draft picks while sending Nick Suzuki to the Spirit. That’s when things took a turn offensively for Cardwell as he scored 11 goals along with 15 helpers in 26 games.

There were many questions about Cardwell that were unanswered until the trade to Barrie.

What is evident first and foremost is Cardwell’s extremely high hockey IQ. In the offensive zone, he alludes defenders and finds those soft spots almost unnoticed and when teammates find him, he releases an above average wrister with a superb release. He uses that same IQ defensively. As one of the youngest players available in the draft class, his defensive abilities and understanding is ahead of most of his peers. His positioning is superb, he gets into lanes with his body or stick and does extremely well at creating turnovers.

Cardwell is a good technical skater, good edges and control, strong on his blades and agile. However, he lacks speed in both his first strides and top end. If he can continue to work on his speed that would help him even more. What we do know is that Cardwell is an extremely hard worker so putting in the effort is something we expect from him.

Cardwell has shown he can play up and down the lineup and play an offensive role with talented players, or take on a checking role on a lower line. By all accounts, he is a coachable kid willing to do whatever is asked of him.

In Saginaw, Cardwell did very well on the faceoff dot at 58.5% but took a big dip in Barrie at 35.8%. But he spent most of his time in both cities on the wing. I would like to see him with more time in the middle to make a definitive decision on which position he is best suited for.

As of now, I believe Cardwell’s upside is of a defensively responsible third liner who could kill penalties and provide some offence at the next level with an ability to move up the lineup in a pinch. If he can add some speed, he could end up on a second line.

Evan Vierling – Barrie Colts – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 167 Pounds

Date of birth: June 20, 2002

Hometown: Aurora, Ontario

Position: Center/Left Winger

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 2nd overall, 2018 Priority Selection (Flint Firebirds)

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season

 November Mid-term Final
C Prospect C Prospect LV

66 N.A.

It’s been a path worth watching as Barrie Colts pivot Evan Vierling has his sights set on the National Hockey League Draft (whenever that may come). Vierling, the second overall pick of the Flint Firebirds at the 2018 Ontario Hockey League Draft, played his Minor Midget AAA hockey with the York Simcoe Express during the 2017-2018 season (OMHA Minor Midget AAA Champions). In 33 games, he amassed 27 goals and 36 assists and added 4 goals and 6 assists in 6 playoff games.

Vierling and the Express went on to the OHL Cup where Vierling scored 5 goals and 5 assists in 6 games. It was Vierling’s second appearance at the tournament with the Express, posting identical numbers during the 2016-2017 season.

Here is what OHL Central Scouting had to say about Vierling:

Evan is a smooth skating centre that has very good offensive instincts. He is one of the nicest skaters in the draft, plays a good 10-foot game, has a long, powerful stride and is very agile on his skates. He has a great skill set and can makes plays at full speed. He is a smart player that understands the situations of a game and makes very few mistakes. He plays a simple but effective game. Evan was a big part of the success his team had in the second half.

Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images
Evan Vierling of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Vierling appeared in 60 games during his rookie OHL season with the Firebirds. He scored 6 goals and assisted on 21 others. He would also represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 where he had a leadership role and in 6 games scored twice and assisted on another.

This season was somewhat of a challenge for Vierling. He began the year with the Firebirds scoring 2 goals and 8 helpers in the first 15 games. But Vierling wanted to be closer to home and went back home to Toronto while awaiting a trade.

On January 7, that trade finally came to fruition as the Colts send Tyler Tucker and Riley Piercey to the Firebirds for Vierling and a pair of draft picks. Vierling told CTV Barrie “This is the team I looked up to, so it’s cool to play here.”

The trade paid dividends to both Vierling and the Colts. Vierling appeared in 28 games following the trade scoring 12 goals and 22 assists. He went pointless in his last 5 games with the Firebirds, He was held off the scoresheet in his first game with the Colts (did he need to shake off some rust?) but then recorded points in 13 consecutive games. He was held off the score sheet just 5 times in 27 games and back-to-back just once. And despite playing just 28 games with the Colts, his 34 points ranked 6th in a Colts uniform.

A season ago, the knock on Vierling was a simple one: while he showed he had some skill, too often he stood still and lacked consistency from shift to shift. I think his brief time with the Colts can lay that to rest.

Vierling is a two-way pivot who is more of a playmaker then a goal scorer. While he did have a 12.2 shooting percentage overall (14.6% with the Colts), he did start shooting more with in Barrie (2.9 shots per game) then Flint (2.2 shots per game). He is however, more dangerous setting up teammates. He is a highly skilled passer who is dangerous from the hashmarks with an uncanny ability to find teammates on the back door.

Vierling is a very good technical skater with a smooth stride. He doesn’t have explosive speed and lacks a separation gear, but if he can continue to work on those traits, there is no telling how far he can go. Combined with his confidence and vision and ability to transition and maintain puck control, he can be even more dangerous.

Right now, Vierling projects as a third liner that won’t hurt you defensively and provide a bit of offence. His ceiling may be that of a second liner who can run your second powerplay unit from the half wall considering his playmaking abilities and how dangerous he is with space. I think his game is better suited down the middle rather then on the wing.

OHL ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

academic players for February

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Lawson Sherk of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Ethan Cardwell of the Barrie Colts, Aidan Campbell of the Erie Otters and Braeden Kressler of the Flint Firebirds have been named OHL Academic Players of the Month for February.

East Division: Hamilton’s Lawson Sherk is February’s East Division Academic Player of the Month. Sherk achieved a 93.3% average over three first semester courses at Ancaster High School that included university level Physics and Chemistry.

His teachers praise him for his good attendance and his perseverance and his second semester teachers have already provided positive feedback.

The Bulldogs rookie has put up four goals and 10 assists for 14 points over his first 58 games. He was drafted by Hamilton 40th overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection following a 50-point season (15-35—50) with the OMHA’s Halton Hurricanes.

Central Division: Ethan Cardwell has been recognized as February’s Central Division Academic Player of the Month. The Barrie Colts winger received marks of over 90% in three of his four university level courses and over 80% in his fourth. His courses included English, Calculus, Leadership and Elite Athlete, and he’ll graduate from high school upon completing his current university courses in English, Business Management, and World Issues.

Cardwell was commended for his involvement both on the ice and in the community. His dedication, maturity, and commitment to balancing academics with athleticism were also applauded.

The 17-year-old sits second in scoring among his Barrie teammates with 44 points (21-23—44) over 57 games in his sophomore OHL season. The Courtice, Ont. native was originally a second round pick of the Saginaw Spirit in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

Midwest Division: Aidan Campbell of the Erie Otters is February’s Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month. The 17-year-old goaltender has been working toward six online courses as well as a major senior project at Fairview Senior High/Seneca Valley Senior High.

“He consistently works at the highest academic level and maintains a positive attitude despite his rigorous schedule,” wrote advisor Leigh Kostis.

The native of Cranberry Township, Penn. has posted an .878 save percentage and 3.50 goals-against average over 25 appearances in his rookie season with the Otters. He was picked up in the 12th round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection out of the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U15 team and spent the 2018-19 season with the U16 elite squad where he posted eight shutouts and held a 0.69 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.

West Division: Braeden Kressler of the Flint Firebirds has been named the West Division’s Academic Player of the Month for February. He earned a 3.78 GPA in Physical Education, Modern Tech, Leadership, and Math at Grand Blanc High School, and has been praised for his work ethic both in the classroom and on the ice.

The rookie centreman has amassed seven goals and eight assists for 15 points through 41 games in his rookie season with the Firebirds. The Kitchener, Ont. native was drafted 28th overall by the ‘Birds in last year’s OHL Priority Selection after spending the 2018-19 season with the Mississauga Senators where he put up 30 points (18-12—30).

2019-20 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

East Division:
February – Lawson Sherk (Hamilton Bulldogs)
January – Tye Austin (Peterborough Petes)
December – Cameron Tolnai (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Lleyton Moore (Oshawa Generals)
October – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Central Division:
February – Ethan Cardwell (Barrie Colts)
January – Ethan Del Mastro (Mississauga Steelheads)
December – Giordano Biondi (Sudbury Wolves)
November – Jonah De Simone (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Pacey Schlueting (North Bay Battalion)

Midwest Division:
February – Aidan Campbell (Erie Otters)
January – Logan LaSage (Owen Sound Attack)
December – Stuart Rolofs (London Knights)
November – Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)
October – Zack Terry (Guelph Storm)

West Division:
February – Braeden Kressler (Flint Firebirds)
January – Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)
December – Jacob Holmes (Soo Greyhounds)
November – Ryan Mast (Sarnia Sting)
October – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 340 OHL Alumni at 69 different academic institutions across North America with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.2 million. Since the 2007-08 season, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.

Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 18th edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Jan. 20-26.

Leading the way is Flint Firebirds captain and Dallas Stars first-round pick Ty Dellandrea who wrapped up the week with 10 points counting six goals and four assists over three games. Dellandrea began the week on a high note putting up two goals and two assists for four points in Wednesday’s 7-4 road win over the Soo Greyhounds in which he also claimed second-star honours. For his efforts, Dellandrea was recognized as the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Also up front is Portland Winterhawks centre and 2020 NHL Draft prospect Seth Jarvis who recorded four goals and five assists for nine points over a pair of appearances. Against the Tri-City Americans on Friday, Jarvis matched a season-high of five points as he finished with two goals and three assists to help his club to an 8-2 victory in which he was also recognized as the game’s first star. Given his successful showing, Jarvis was honoured as the WHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Sherbrooke Phoenix captain and Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick Samuel Poulin who registered eight points counting five goals and three assists over a pair of contests. Poulin’s best showing came against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan on Friday as he put up five points and tied a franchise-record with four goals while adding one assist to help claim a 10-1 victory and first-star honours. For his efforts, Poulin was recognized as the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Leading the blue line is Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman and Penguins prospect Calen Addison who impressed with nine assists over a trio of appearances. Addison’s top showing came against the Regina Pats on Friday as he finished with a season-high of five points – all coming as helpers – en route to a 7-2 road victory and first-star recognition.

Partnering on the back end is Addison’s teammate in Hurricanes blue liner Alex Cotton who wrapped up the week with two goals and five assists for seven points over three games. The stretch included back-to-back three-point efforts versus the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats with the former counting a trio of assists in a 7-1 road victory in which Cotton was recognized as the game’s third star.

Between the pipes, Barrie Colts netminder and Vancouver Canucks draft pick Arturs Silovs shined over a pair of appearances and 123 minutes of ice time in which he came away with a pair of victories. Against the Oshawa Generals on Thursday, Silovs turned aside 19 shots en route to a 5-0 victory and his first career shutout to earn second-star honours. In all, Silovs wrapped up the week with a miniscule 0.98 goals-against average coupled with an outstanding .964 save percentage.

 

Tyson Foerster – Barrie Colts – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’1

Weight: 193 pounds

Date of birth: January 18, 2002

Hometown: Alliston, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 3, 55th overall, 2018 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season November Mid-term Final
C Prospect B Prospect 41 N.A. 21 N.A.

Tyson Foerster played his Minor Midget AAA hockey during the 2017-2018 season with the Barrie Colts where in 34 games he compiled 20 goals and 41 assists. He would add 5 more tallies to go along with 9 helpers in 8 playoff games and 5 goals and 4 assists in 5 OHL Cup contests, solidifying himself as a point producer.

Foerster made his Ontario Hockey League debut with the Colts a season ago and appeared in 64 games scoring 10 goals while assisting on 13. He’s taken his offence to another level this season. Through 32 games Foerster has 19 goals and 23 assists and leading his team in goals, assists, points, powerplay goals and is second in powerplay assists.

Tyson Foerster of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Tyson Foerster of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images

Clearly, there were questions about Foerster coming into the season. NHL Central Scouting had him pegged as a C prospect (4th, 5th or 6th rounder) while we had him pegged as a 4th or 5th rounder. But by the time November lists had been released, Foerster found himself as a B Prospect (2nd or 3rd round).

The only real question coming into his draft year was whether Foerster would be able to take the next step offensively and he has answered that and then some. Now the question surrounding him is whether he can maintain the consistency from start to finish.

Going into December, Foerster sat fourth in points among draft eligible players and second in goals, averaging 1.52 points per game and .70 goals per game. But heading into the New Year’s Eve matchup at home to the Guelph Storm, Foerster’s production has taken a dip in the month of December with .77 points per game and .33 goals per game, both more then being a considerable drop off from what he showed the first two months. If Foerster wants to keep drawing attention from NHL Scouts, then he needs to be close to the production he displayed earlier in the year. Once the calendar flipped to January, so far, he is at a better pace then the first two months.

Foerster’s hockey IQ is solid. He has a good understanding of positioning both offensively and defensively. He eludes traffic and gets into the open areas offensively to release a very good shot and defensively as an option to transition. He’s a good skater with good straight away speed and has shown an ability to separate himself from opponents trying to defend.

Foerster can also play the wing or down the middle, which is becoming more and more of an asset at the next level. However, I think his game is best suited on the wing. With his ability to find space, willingness to drive the net and a shot with deadly accuracy, wing may be the spot he finds the most success at the next level.