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.

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OHL ANNOUNCES 2019-20 ACADEMIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of the League’s three Academic Player of the Year awards for the 2019-20 season.

Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit is the winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC, with Jacob Golden of the Erie Otters earning the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Top Post-Secondary School Student and Owen Sound Attack forward Logan LeSage being honoured as the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award recipient as the Top High School Student.

Perfetti will serve as the OHL’s nomination for the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bobby Smith Trophy (CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year) – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit):

The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that draft eligible forward Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit is the 2019-20 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC.

“CIBC proudly congratulates Saginaw Spirit forward Cole Perfetti on receiving the Bobby Smith Trophy as CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year. Cole’s demonstrated excellence both on the ice in hockey and off the ice in academics has set a positive example for his fellow teammates and those in the community, and we look forward to seeing him continue to flourish back on the ice in the near future.”

Perfetti becomes the first Spirit player to win the award, earning the honour for his academic achievements in the classroom combined with his on-ice excellence this season. He has been enrolled in an impressive seven University level courses between Heritage High School in Saginaw and All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, carrying an overall average of 93%. His courses of study include Algebra,  World Religions, Organizational Studies in Behaviour and Human Resources, Analyzing Current Economic Issues, Elite Athletics, Healthy & Active Living and Leadership. On the ice, the top NHL Draft prospect finished second in OHL scoring, setting a new Spirit single season record with 111 points including 37 goals, 74 assists and a plus-49 rating over 61 games.

“It is a great honour to be awarded the Bobby Smith Trophy.  Mr. Smith was an amazing OHL player who was named CHL Player of the Year and was selected first overall in the NHL Draft,” said Perfetti. “In addition, he was a very conscientious and successful student.  Combining excellence on and off the ice has been something I have always strived for and the long list of distinguished winners, including Barrett Hayton, Connor McDavid, Matt Duchene and Steven Stamkos makes it extra special. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Saginaw Spirit ownership, management, coaching staff and my teammates.  Thanks to my mom, dad, sister and the Bordeaux’s for their unconditional support.  Thank you also to Mrs. Moretuzzo from Heritage High and Ms. Quinn from All Saints for all of their guidance over the last two years.”

The 18-year-old left-winger from Whitby, Ont. is the fifth-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings released on April 8. The Spirit’s fist round (fifth overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection increased his output from 74 points including a Spirit rookie record of 37 goals in 2018-19 to 111 points in his sophomore campaign, finishing second in League assists with 74. Perfetti was widely recognized in the 2019-20 Coaches Poll, leading all OHL players with first place finishes in four different categories as he was named the Western Conference’s Smartest Player, Best Playmaker, Best Stickhandler and Best Shootout Shooter. He led all OHL players, receiving three star of the game recognition a total of 22 times including a league-best 14 first star performances. Perfetti has also had past success on the world stage, representing Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in addition to winning silver at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“As an organization we could not be more proud of Cole for winning this prestigious award,” said Spirit general manager Dave Drinkill. “When Cole came into this season one of his personal goals was to win the Bobby Smith Trophy and it’s great to see him achieve what he set out to do. This is a very tough trophy to win and I think it speaks to Cole’s character and makeup as a person that he is the 2019-20 recipient. It takes incredible discipline, time management, skill, and drive to be the best on the ice and in the classroom to win this award and no one is more deserving than Cole.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence.  The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas.  Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie 2013), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie 2014-15), Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 2017), Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie 2018) and Thomas Harley (Mississauga 2019).

Next in line for the award were a pair of other draft eligibles in blueliner Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters and forward Ethan Cardwell of the Barrie Colts.

Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Post-Secondary Student) – Jacob Golden (Erie Otters):

The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Erie Otters overage defenceman Jacob Golden is the 2019-20 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Golden achieved a 95% average in his studies at Mercyhurst University, excelling in Intro to Psychology, Principles of Management, Intro to Sport Industry and Sport Governance programs. He achieved grades of at least 94% in all four areas of study.

“Excelling academically has always been important to me,” said Golden. “I accelerated the completion of my high school education to graduate a year early and began taking university courses in my rookie OHL season. Attending classes at the Western University when I was in London, and Mercyhurst University when in was in Erie, were memorable parts of my OHL career, and working towards a university degree while playing in the OHL was a great opportunity. I would like to thank the Otters for their support and commitment on the ice as well as in the classroom.  It is an honour to represent the organization with this award.”

A 21-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Golden recorded 27 points including four goals and 23 assists over 48 games in his fourth OHL season. The 5-foot-11, 180Ib. blueliner split his OHL tenure between the Otters and London Knights, posting 60 points (9-51–60) over 212 regular season contests. Golden was a fifth round (147th overall) pick of the Minnesota Wild in the 2017 NHL Draft and was originally London’s 15th round (295th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midgets.

“Jacob joins a prestigious group of young men that have won an award named after the great Roger Nielson, an innovator of our great game and someone who placed a great deal of importance on academics,” said Otters general manager Dave Brown. “We are so proud and thankful for Jacob’s accomplishments academically and appreciative of the legacy and standards he has set for the future Otters moving forward.  We wish Jacob the utmost success in his academic endeavors, career aspirations and are thankful to have him as a member of our alumni.”

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. The award was first presented to Ottawa 67’s goaltender Danny Battochio in 2004-05. Golden becomes the first Otters player to win the award since Derrick Bagshaw claimed the honour in 2006-07.

Finalists for the Roger Neilson Memorial Award include William Ennis of the Oshawa Generals, Eric Uba of the Guelph Storm and Billy Moskal of the London Knights.

Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student) – Logan LeSage (Owen Sound Attack):

The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Owen Sound Attack forward Logan LeSage is the 2019-20 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic High School Student.

WATCH: Logan LeSage Ivan Tennant Memorial Award Video

LeSage put together an impressive 98% average in his Grade 12 studies at Owen Sound District Secondary School with a course load that included University-level English, International Business, Organizational Business Management, Leadership, Social Science, as well as a Business Leadership Co-op program. He received a perfect 100% grade in his International Business studies.

“I feel very privileged to earn the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award this year from the Ontario Hockey League,” said LeSage. “I’m grateful for all the support I received from the Owen Sound Attack organization, ownership, coaching staff, teachers and teammates. A special shout-out to our Educational Advisor, Sarah Rowe. Sarah’s encouragement and support went a long way in helping me reach my academic goals. It takes hard work to balance academics and a busy hockey schedule, and I am appreciative of the OHL for giving me the tools and resources needed to succeed.”

An 18-year-old native of Nepean, Ont., LeSage appeared in 21 games with the Attack during his rookie season, recording a goal and three assists. He scored his first career OHL goal on February 1 against Windsor. He was the club’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection from the Carleton Place Canadians U18 program.

“Logan did an incredible job this year from start to finish,” said Attack general manager Dale DeGray. “Between hockey and school, Logan committed fully to the team and his education. To be able to achieve marks that high while putting his work in every day is fantastic. Logan did this himself, but for Attack educational supervisor Sarah Rowe to have her students win this three years in a row is an accomplishment we want recognized as well.”

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. LeSage follows back-to-back winner Mack Guzda (2018 & 2019) along with Andrew Shorkey (2007) as the third different player in Attack history to win the award. Other past recipients include Kyle Keyser (Flint 2016), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2010) and Freddie Hamilton (Niagara 2009).

Finalists for the award included goaltender Aidan Campbell of the Erie Otters and 2019 co-recipient Zack Terry of the Guelph Storm.

All 20 of the OHL’s member clubs provide nominees for each award with the Bobby Smith Trophy nominees representing the 2019-20 OHL Scholastic Team:

2019-20 OHL Scholastic Team:
Barrie Colts – Ethan Cardwell
Erie Otters – Jamie Drysdale*
Flint Firebirds – Braeden Kressler
Guelph Storm – Owen Bennett
Hamilton Bulldogs – Gavin White
Kingston Frontenacs – Jakob Brahaney
Kitchener Rangers – Michael Vukojevic*
London Knights – Brett Brochu
Mississauga Steelheads – Ethan Del Mastro
Niagara IceDogs – Elijah Roberts
North Bay Battalion – Pacey Schlueting
Oshawa Generals – Lleyton Moore
Ottawa 67’s – Will Cranley
Owen Sound Attack – Ethan Burroughs
Peterborough Petes – Tye Austin*
Saginaw Spirit – Cole Perfetti*
Sarnia Sting – Benjamin Gaudreau
Soo Greyhounds – Rory Kerins
Sudbury Wolves – Jack Thompson
Windsor Spitfires – Jean-Luc Foudy*

*-two-time member of OHL Scholastic Team

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Thursday when the OHL recognizes its William Hanley Memorial Trophy recipient as Most Sportsmanlike Player in the morning before unveiling its Emms Family Award recipient as Rookie of the Year in the afternoon.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

Aidan Campbell – Erie Otters – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 188 Pounds

Date of birth: August 22, 2020

Hometown: Cranberry Township, PA

Position: Goaltender

Catches: Left

OHL Draft: Round 12, 224th overall, 2018 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season

 November Mid-term Final
B Prospect C Prospect 28 N.A.

28 N.A.

During his Ontario Hockey League draft season of 2017-2018, Erie Otters netminder Aidan Campbell manned the net for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Under-15 squad in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. He appeared in 21 games and posted a 2.14 goals-against-average and .929 save-percentage.

The Otters selected Campbell in the 12th round pick, 224th overall at the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Campbell was also selected at the 2018 United States Hockey League’s Future’s Draft in the 3rd round, 36th overall by the Sioux City Musketeers.

Aidan Campbell of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Aidan Campbell of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The 2018-2019 season saw Campbell play at 5 different levels, from High School Hockey to the USNTDP Jrs. in the USHL. That year was highlighted by his performance with the Penguins Under-16 squad in which he led the league with a .69 goals-against-average and .944 save-percentage and 8 shutouts in 28 games en-route to the league championship. He was even better at the National Championships leading his squad to a 2-1 victory over Yale while being outshot 27-11 in the championship game.

The 2019-2020 season was Campbell’s rookie campaign in the OHL and his NHL draft year. He appeared in 26 games with a 10-8-1-4 record, 3.65 goals-against-average and .872 save-percentage. Not exactly eye-popping numbers but it is the norm for a rookie goaltender on a squad that could have missed the playoffs had the season not ended because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The first thing you notice when Campbell skates out for the pregame warmup is the enormous 6’5” frame. And we know how much NHL scouts drool over that size, although smaller goaltenders are making somewhat of a comeback and being showing some success.

In the crease you notice that Campbell plays with a high level of determination and focus. He is mentally strong and doesn’t get rattled. His mentality allows him to move on and get set quickly for the next chance. When you talk to those around the Otters’ organization, it’s that focus that they mention first.

Among the 31 goaltenders NHL Central Scouting has on their North American final rankings – which includes 8 draft re-entries – Campbell’s August 22 birthdate makes him the 3rd youngest goaltender ranked for the draft behind Grant Riley (August 28th – NAHL) and Brett Brochu (September 9th – OHL). That means that Campbell lacks behind most of the others in terms of experience and development.

As mentioned, the size is there and he does a good job at taking away a lot of the net by keeping himself big. For the most part he shows very good technique but that could use some tweaking, and as I’ve said a thousand times, good coaching will help him with that.

Campbell could also improve on his movement in the blue paint. I don’t think his size hinders him in any way when it comes to movement, I think it’ll come down to tweaking or adjusting his movement.

Campbell does well with his angles, tracking the puck and seeing through traffic – a benefit of being a large goaltender. He also does well with those battles in front of his net, taking away the bottom of his goal while also remaining tall to take away the top portion. He has also shown that he won’t chase the puck and rather rely on his positioning and let the puck hit him.

Campbell displays a lot of confidence in his abilities and is determined to put in the effort necessary to compete – something he has done extremely well at every level. This isn’t a particularly strong draft class for goaltenders, and we’re seeing more goaltenders going into a second draft season so I will be curious to see if scouts have enough on Campbell this time around.

Jamie Drysdale – Erie Otters – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 175 pounds

Date of birth: April 8, 2002

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Position: Defence

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 1, 4th overall, 2018 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season November Mid-term Final
A Prospect A Prospect 3 N.A. 3 N.A.

Erie Otters’ defenceman Jamie Drysdale Captained the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midgets AAA squad during the 2017-2018 season. He scored 8 goals and added 42 assists in 57 games and helped lead the Marlboros to the GTMMHL Championship and was named the GTHL Player of the Year.

Drysdale had a superb OHL Cup with a goal and 8 helpers in 6 games and is 7th among defencemen all-time in points at the tournament despite having played the fewest games. In comparison, Mitch Maunu led all defencemen in all-time scoring at the OHL Cup with 4 goals and 8 assists, but in 16 games.

Winning is nothing new for Drysdale as he has won at just about every level from GTMPHL in 2013-2014 to World Junior Championship gold in 2020.

The Otters selected Drysdale 4th overall at the 2018 OHL Priority Selection behind Quinton Byfield (Sudbury) Evan Vierling (Flint) and Will Cuylle (Peterborough). Here’s what OHL Central Scouting had to say at the time:

Jamie is one of the elite defencemen in this year’s Priority Selection. He is an elite skater that moves effortlessly around the ice and looks like he could skate all day long. He has excellent edge work, an explosive 10-foot game and has game changing speed. He is an offensive minded defender that has great puck skills and can do everything at full speed. Jamie is very dynamic on the offensive blue line and is hard to handle because of his mobility, puck skills and decision making.

Drysdale broke onto the OHL for the 2018-2019 season and appeared in 63 games finishing 21st among OHL blue liners with 40 points on 7 goals and 33 assists. More importantly, he finished 8th among all rookies in points. If there was any proof necessary that he could run the powerplay, he led all rookies in powerplay helpers. The OHL named him to the First All-Rookie Team.

Drysdale also represented Canada internationally during the 2018-2019 season. He captained Team Canada Black at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 (4 assists in 5 games) and at the World Junior Championship Under-18 (2 assists in 7 games).

The 2019-2020 season began with Drysdale once again captaining Team Canada, this time at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He had 5 helpers in 5 games as Canada captured Silver.

This season saw Drysdale appear in just 49 games, but he still managed to put up 9 goals and 38 assists to lead all draft eligible blueliners with 47 points. That was still good for 13th among all defencemen in the OHL.

As talented as Drysdale is, the World Junior Championships was the proof in the pudding. As the youngest defender at just 17 for Team Canada, and one of the youngest in the tournament, it was obvious he could play with and against players that were older than he. He scored once and assisted on two others in 7 games and helped win Gold for the Canadians.

Unquestionably, Drysdale is the top defender from the OHL draft class. And for most of the year, he was the top defenceman available from around the world but by the time everyone had completed their rankings, Drysdale was being pushed by Jake Sanderson of the US National Team Development Program. But they are different players and it’s going to come down to preference when an NHL team needs to call one of their names.

Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Drysdale truly is an elite skater. He has top notch speed in both first strides and top end. It’s hard to find a defender with better mobility. His edgework is elite, turns from forward skating to backward skating without missing a beat and watching him do crossovers is a thrill. I often joke that if he wasn’t a hockey player, he could be a figure skater.

But it doesn’t end with skating for Drysdale. His hockey IQ is also at an elite level. The speed at which he processes the game is astounding really. From the defensive zone, he plays with ice in his veins and is able to make a quick decision on the best play – whether to skate the puck out or to make a perfect pass to clear the zone, all while under forechecking pressure. Offensively, he commands the blueline and with his superb vision and playmaking abilities, he is a threat to create offence. Give him the extra space on the powerplay, and you’d better know exactly where he is at all times.

Drysdale’s shot is something that could be worked on, and maybe it can get heavier as he adds some muscle to his frame. But what he does do is almost always get it through to the goaltender.

Most people feel that Drysdale needs to improve defensively. I have said it many times before, you can say that about almost all defenders at this stage of their careers. But Drysdale’s skating and mobility allows him to keep good gap control and stay with attackers and he tries to use that to his advantage by keeping opponents to the outside. He also has a very active stick and with his gap control, uses that to his advantage to “swipe” pucks away.

Drysdale is trending in the right direction and is only going to get better. I suspect he is going to have an immediate impact in the NHL (when he gets there) similar to that of Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak to Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) of OHL Prospects to talk a little about Quinton Byfield. But I had to ask Brock about Drysdale. Have a listen.

OHL Writers · Brock Otten talks Quinton Byfield and the 2020 NHL Draft

Hayden Fowler – Erie Otters – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 181 Pounds

Date of birth: September 24, 2001

Hometown: Kingston, Ontario

Position: Center/Wing

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 19th overall 2017 Priority Selection (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds)

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season

 November Mid-term Final
C Prospect B Prospect 66 N.A.

87 N.A.

Hayden Fowler played his Minor Midget AAA hockey during the 2016-2017 season with the Greater Kingston Frontenacs AAA squad. In 35 games, Fowler scored 22 goals and added 18 helpers. In 10 playoff contests he would contribute 6-4-10 totals. He would also play 3 games with the Kingston Voyageurs of the Ontario Junior Hockey League to end the season and notching one assist.

Here’s what OHL Central Scouting had to say at the time:

Hayden is one of the top prospects in the ETA this year. He is one of the most dynamic skaters and uses his edges better than anyone. He is explosive off the mark and can change gears in mid stride. His one-on-one skills are impressive and help him make many a defender look silly. Hayden is a team-player with great vision and playmaking abilities. He is always looking to set up teammates when the opportunity arises. He has a very high hockey I.Q. and is always in the right spot at the right time.

The Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds selected Fowler with the 19th overall pick at the 2017 Priority Selection.

Fowler would skate for the Greyhounds out of camp during the 2017-2018 season and in 33 games scored twice while assisting on two others. Not quite the start he was hoping for. But on January 6, 2018, the Greyhounds sent Fowler to the Erie Otters along with 9 draft picks for Jordan Sambrook and Taylor Raddysh, and the rest is history.

Hayden Fowler of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Hayden Fowler of the Erie Otters. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images

Fowler had a breakout of sorts following the trade, getting more ice time and playing higher on the depth chart that wasn’t going to happen with a Greyhounds squad with championship aspirations. Fowler would go on to skate in 28 games that season for the Otters, scoring 10 goals and 12 assists.

Last season was a down year for Fowler. The major reason was a clavicle injury that cost him 3 months on the shelf. With a September 24, 2001 birthdate, Fowler missed being eligible for the 2019 draft by just 9 days. That may have been a blessing in disguise since missing that much time would have caused him to drop at the draft, and despite scoring 8 goals and 10 assists in 25 games, no one knows just how far he would have dropped.

Fowler took on a larger role this season, including a leadership role as he was named an Alternate Captain in Erie. He appeared in 52 games reaching the 20-goal plateau while also assisting on 22.

There is not much to add to OHL Central Scouting’s scouting report from 3 years ago. Finding consistency has got to be the top priority. When Fowler is on his game skating, taking on defenders one-on-one, setting up teammates for scoring opportunities or unleashing an underrated shot, then it shows he can be a player at the NHL level. But sometimes that consistency is lacking, not just game-to-game, but at times shift-to-shift.

There is no questioning Fowler is an extremely talented hockey player that possesses the tools along with the toolbox. Finding that consistency will be key in how far he can go at the next level.

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 23rd edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from February 24 to March 1.

Headlining the forward ranks is Edmonton Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens who wrapped up the week with nine points counting four goals and five assists through four appearances. Currently riding a 13-game point streak, Lavoie’s top showing of the week came Tuesday against the Gatineau Olympiques as he posted one goal and a trio of assists to match a season high of four points en route to a 7-4 victory and second-star recognition.

Also up front is Erie Otters veteran centre Chad Yetman who impressed with three goals and five assists for eight points over three games. The stretch included Yetman’s most recent outing coming Sunday versus the London Knights in a 6-3 final that saw him factor in on each of his team’s goals in tallying twice and adding one assist to help him earn second-star honours.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Columbus Blue Jackets prospect and London Knights co-captain Liam Foudy who recorded two goals and five assists for seven points over three games. Picking up at least one point in 14 consecutive contests, that stretch included Sunday’s contest versus the Erie Otters that saw him finish with one goal and two assists to help his club to a 6-3 road win in which he was recognized as the game’s third star. For his efforts, Foudy was honoured as the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

On the blue line, New Jersey Devils first-round pick Ty Smith of the Spokane Chiefs shined with 10 points counting five goals and five assists over two games. Against the Seattle Thunderbirds on Friday, Smith set a franchise high-water mark in finishing with an astounding eight points counting three goals and five assists en route to a 9-2 victory and first-star honours. In recognition of his success, Smith was named the WHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Also on the back end is fellow Devils prospect Xavier Bernard of the Sherbrooke Phoenix who came up with six points counting one goal and five assists over three appearances. Against the Val-d’Or Foreurs on Saturday, Bernard tied a franchise single game record with one goal and four assists for five points to help his team to a 9-4 road victory in which he was also recognized as the game’s first star. For his efforts, Bernard was named the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Between the pipes, Oilers second-round draft pick and Moncton Wildcats netminder Olivier Rodrigue dazzled across two appearances in coming away with a pair of victories and a combined 55 saves for a .948 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average. Surrendering a lone regulation loss in his past 16 appearances, that stretch includes Sunday’s 3-1 road win over the Rimouski Oceanic in which Rodrigue turned aside 28 to pick up his 29th victory of 2019-20 and extend the Wildcats record win-streak to 15.

KNIGHTS’ LIAM FOUDY NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Foudy

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Liam Foudy of the London Knights is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week with seven points in three games including two goals and five assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.

Foudy’s recognition marks the fourth time a Knights player has received the honour this season after he registered multi-point outcomes in all three of London’s wins last week. The fleet-footed winger picked up a pair of assists in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Guelph Storm before he earned first star honours with a goal and a helper in Friday’s 4-2 victory over the Soo Greyhounds. Foudy was the third star of Sunday’s 6-3 road win over the Erie Otters, notching a goal and two assists as the Knights improved to 41-15-1-1 for first place in the Western Conference.

A 20-year-old native of Scarborough, Ont., Foudy is riding a 14-game point streak that dates back to Jan. 26th, a span in which he also suited up in two NHL contests with the Columbus Blue Jackets, recording his first career NHL point with an assist on Feb. 13th in Buffalo. The 6-foot-1, 182Ib. left-winger sits fourth in London scoring with 62 points (26-36–62) over 41 games including a team-leading plus-34 rating. The former first round (18th overall) pick by the Knights in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection has accumulated 185 points (95-90–185) over 226 career regular season games. He won gold as a member of Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in January. Foudy was Columbus’ first round (18th overall) pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.

A pair of other candidates were also given consideration for the award, ones that performed well despite their clubs going winless over the course of the week. Erie Otters forward Chad Yetman registered eight points (3-5–8) over three contests to reach the 70-point mark on the season. Hamilton’s Arthur Kaliyev tied the Bulldogs’ franchise points mark, coming within three points of 100 on the campaign with eight points (1-7–8) over three outings.

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2019-20 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Feb. 24 – Mar. 1: Liam Foudy (London Knights)
Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Tyler Tucker (Flint Firebirds)
Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)
Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Evgeniy Oksentyuk (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Mitchell Hoelscher (Ottawa 67’s)
Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)
Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 16 – Dec. 29: Joseph Garreffa (Ottawa 67’s)
Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)
Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Riley McCourt (Flint Firebirds)
Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Jan Jenik (Hamilton Bulldogs)
Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Cam Hillis (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Mack Guzda (Owen Sound Attack)
Sept. 24 – Oct. 6: Philip Tomasino (Niagara IceDogs)
Sept. 23 – Sept. 29: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 22: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (Peterborough Petes)

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.