OHL Announces 2018-19 Regular Season Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of four of the league’s annual awards following the conclusion of the 2018-19 regular season.

Offensively, Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs captured the league’s scoring title earning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, while North Bay Battalion captain Justin Brazeau is the recipient of the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy for Top Scoring Right Winger.  Recognizing defensive efforts, the goaltending tandem of the team with the fewest goals against goes to Ottawa 67’s Cedrick Andree and Michael DiPietro who earn the Dave Pinkney Trophy, while Ethan Taylor of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds claims the F.W “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the rookie with the best goals-against average.

Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Scoring Champion): Jason Robertson, Niagara IceDogs

Jason Robertson finished atop the regular season scoring charts with 117 points powered by 48 goals and 69 assists in 62 games for a league-best points-per-game average of 1.89.

The 19-year-old from Northville, Michigan, split his season between the Niagara IceDogs and the Kingston Frontenacs where he was originally a fourth round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  His tenure with the IceDogs began in November and included 25 goals and 54 assists for 79 points in 38 games helping the club clinch their second Central Division title.

His season highlight was undoubtedly on March 1 when he surpassed the century mark for points in a season while reaching the 300 point milestone for his career.  One of three IceDogs to top 100 points this season, Robertson accomplished the feat with 30 multi-point performances including five hat-tricks while producing point-streaks of 19 and 18 games which rank second and fourth respectively among the league’s best in 2018-19.

The second round pick of the Stars in the 2017 NHL Draft signed his entry-level contract last May and won silver with the United States at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.  He finishes his four-year OHL career with three-straight seasons of more than 40 goals lighting the lamp a total of 149 times with 168 helpers for 317 points in 252 games.

Robertson becomes the first member of the IceDogs to win the award and sixth American following Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters, 2017), Kevin Labanc (Barrie Colts, 2016), Vincent Trocheck (Plymouth Whalers, 2013), Patrick Kane (London Knights, 2007), and Rob Schremp (London Knights, 2006).

The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games.  Aaron Luchuk of the Barrie Colts was last year’s recipient with 115 points in 68 games including 50 goals and 65 assists.  Other recent winners include Otters Dylan Strome (2015) and Connor Brown (2014).

Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (Top Scoring Right Winger): Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion

Justin Brazeau finished second in OHL scoring but led all right wingers with 113 points including a league-high 61 goals along with 52 assists in 68 games.

The 21-year-old from New Liskeard, Ont., set a new Battalion mark for goals in a season and is one of just three North Bay OHL stars to surpass the 60 goal plateau joining former Centennials Vitali Yachmenev who scored 61 in 1993-94, and Nick Kypreos who netted 62 during the 1985-86 season.  Brazeau became just the second Battalion player to join the OHL’s century club for points in a season following Wojtek Wolski who produced 128 points in 2005-06.  It’s also the first time North Bay fans have seen a 100-point player since Trevor Gallant accomplished the feat by putting up 105 points for the Centennials in 1995-96.

Brazeau’s season was highlighted by 33 multi-point performances including five hat-tricks and an OHL best seven-point outing on October 21.  The 13th round pick by the Battalion in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection finishes his OHL career with 128 goals and 238 points which are the most by any player to suit up for the Troops since they relocated to North Bay in 2013-14.  His 128 goals are second behind Wolski (130) on the club’s all-time goal scoring list.

The Jim Mahon Trophy was first presented following the 1971-72 season by the players and management of the Peterborough Petes in memory of their right winger Jim Mahon who was accidentally killed that summer.  Brazeau becomes the second Battalion player to receive the honour following John Hughes who recorded 91 points in 68 games during the 2007-08 season.  Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting was last year’s recipient with 109 points in 56 games scoring 39 goals with 70 assists.  Recent winners also include Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters in 2017, Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts in 2016, and Mitch Marner of the London Knights in 2015.

Dave Pinkney Trophy (Lowest Team Goals Against): Cedrick Andree and Michael DiPietro, Ottawa 67’s

The Ottawa 67’s allowed the fewest goals in the OHL during the 2018-19 season with just 183 against, backstopped primarily by the tandem of Cedrick Andree and Michael DiPietro.

The pair finished first and second among league leaders in goals-against-average with DiPietro’s overall mark of 2.40 just ahead of Andree’s 2.48.  The netminders were instrumental in delivering a franchise record of 106 points which included 50 wins for just the second time in team history en route to the club’s fourth Hamilton Spectator Trophy as regular season champions.

Andree, an 18-year-old from Orleans, Ont., appeared in 45 games for the Barber Poles amassing an overall record of 34-5-2-2 with a sparkling .910 save percentage.  The 12th round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection also recorded four shutouts this season which tied for third most in the league beginning with the first of his career on November 1.

DiPietro, a 19-year-old from Amherstburg, Ont., joined the 67’s in a December trade with the Windsor Spitfires.  As a member of the 67’s he played 17 games carrying a record of 12-4-0-0 with a goals-against-average of 2.50 and save percentage of .897 with three shutouts.  DiPietro made OHL history this season by setting the league’s all-time shutout record with 17 and finishes his illustrious career with 19.  He finishes his four-year OHL career as one of the best all-time winning a 2017 Memorial Cup title, earning 2018 Goaltender of the Year honours, representing Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, and backstopping his teams to 98 wins in 174 games.  The third round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2017 NHL Draft made his NHL debut on February 11 during his stint as an emergency recall.

This marks the sixth time the 67’s have led the league with the fewest goals against with past award recipients including Craig Hillier and Seamus Kotyk (172 GA) in 1997-98, Tim Keyes and Craig Hillier (177 GA) in 1996-97, Darren Pang and Greg Coram (223 GA) in 1983-84, Jim Ralph (264 GA) in 1980-81, Michael Larocque (216) in 1971-72

The Dave Pinkney Trophy is awarded annually to the goaltending tandem from the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season.  Last season, Matthew Villalta and Tyler Johnson were part of a Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds club that allowed 186 goals against to claim the award.

F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy (Best Rookie GAA): Ethan Taylor, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Ethan Taylor posted the best-goals-against-average among OHL rookie goaltenders in 2018-19 with a mark of 3.24.

The 17-year-old from Trenton, Ont., appeared in 22 games for the Greyhounds this season playing to a 10-1-2-1 record with a .894 save percentage.  Chosen by the Greyhounds in the ninth round of the 2017 OHL Priority Selection from the Quinte Red Devils Minor Midgets, Taylor played Midget AAA a year ago in Quinte before committing to the club in September.  He won his first career start on October 5 turning aside 36 shots in a 4-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs.

Taylor becomes the sixth Greyhound to win the award following current teammate Matthew Villalta (2.41 GAA in 2016-17), Kyle Gajewski (2.55 GAA in 2004-05), Kevin Hodson (3.22 GAA in 1990-91), Gerry Iuliano (3.64 GAA in 1983-84), and John Vanbiesbrouck (4.14 GAA in 1980-81).

The trophy is named after F.W. “Dinty” Moore of Port Colborne, ON, who served as OHA President from 1942-45.  In order to qualify for this rookie award, a goaltender must play a minimum of 900 minutes.  Jordan Kooy of the London Knights won the award last season with a 3.11 goals-against-average, with other recent recipients including Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires (2.45 GAA) and Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack (2.79 GAA) winning in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

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CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs is the CHL Player of the Week for the regular season week ending November 11 scoring nine points in three games with six goals and three assists.

Robertson continued scoring at a goal-per-game rate last week with two hat-trick performances including last Wednesday morning in a School Day road game against the Ottawa 67’s and Saturday night at home against the Oshawa Generals.  Both contests turned into four-point efforts with an assist added in each to give him second star recognition in the 6-4 loss to Ottawa and first star honours in the 5-1 win over Oshawa.  Robertson also chipped in an assist in Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

A 19-year-old from Northville, Michigan, Robertson is playing in his fourth season with the Frontenacs who made him a fourth round choice in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  This season he’s produced 22 goals and 11 assists for 33 points in 22 games which has him ranked seventh in OHL scoring contributing to almost 58% of the team’s total offense.  Robertson was a second round pick by the Stars in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week was Samuel Asselin of the Halifax Mooseheads who scored four goals and three assists for seven points in three games, and Riley Woods of the Spokane Chiefs who scored three goals and three assists for six points in two games.

2018-19 CHL Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joachim Blichfeld (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Ivan Chekhovich (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Dawson Davidson (Saskatoon Blades)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luka Burzan (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Kirby Dach (Saskatoon Blades)

Spitfires’ Michael DiPietro named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the regular season week ending November 11 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record for a goals-against-average of 0.96 and save percentage of .969.

DiPietro began the week representing the CHL in the CIBC Canada Russia Series where he made 18 saves to backstop Team OHL to a 3-1 victory on Thursday night in Sarnia.  In league play he helped the Spitfires extend their winning-streak to four games stopping a total of 62 shots.  31 of those saves came on Saturday in a 2-1 shootout victory against the Guelph Storm where he also stopped six straight attempts to help secure the win.  His week wrapped up Sunday with 31 saves as part of a 7-1 win against the Saginaw Spirit.

A 19-year-old from Amherstburg, Ont., DiPietro is playing in his fourth OHL season after being chosen by his hometown club in the second round of the 2015 Priority Selection.  He helped the Spitfires capture the 2017 Memorial Cup on home ice and was named the 2018 OHL Goaltender of the Year.  This season he carries a 7-5-0-1 record and ranks second in OHL goals-against-average with a mark of 2.18 while his .926 save percentage is also among the league’s leaders.  DiPietro is the Spitfires all-time wins leader with 82 over his career and his 16 shutouts are tied for the OHL’s all-time mark.

Also considered for the award this week was Max Paddock of the Regina Pats who posted a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory stopping 59 shots in total for a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .983.  In the QMJHL, Fabian Iacobo of the Victoriaville Tigres also went 2-0-0-0 making 59 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .967.

2018-19 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season:

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)
Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Émile Samson (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Alexis Gravel (Halifax Mooseheads)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Trent Miner (Vancouver Giants)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Luke Richardson (Kitchener Rangers)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

Frontenacs’ Jason Robertson named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the regular season week ending November 11 after leading the league with nine points in three games scoring six goals and three assists.

Robertson has been the league’s most prolific goal scorer to start the 2018-19 campaign and continued his torrid pace with a pair of hat-tricks last week.  He scored three and added an assist on Wednesday morning in School Day action against the Ottawa 67’s earning second star honours despite the 6-4 loss.  He also lit the lamp for three on Saturday night while adding an assist as first star of a 5-1 win over the Oshawa Generals.  In between he contributed an assist on the Frontenacs’ lone goal against the Hamilton Bulldogs in a 2-1 loss on Friday.  Robertson has averaged exactly a goal-per-game in 22 contests and has four hat-tricks this season bringing his career total to eight.

A 19-year-old from Northville, Michigan, Robertson is playing in his fourth season with the Frontenacs who made him a fourth round choice in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  He’s currently sixth in league scoring with 33 points and has accounted for nearly 40% of his team’s goals while contributing to almost 58% of their total offense.  In 212 career games he’s scored 123 times with 110 assists collecting 233 points.  Robertson was selected by the Stars in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft.

Watch video highlights of Robertson and the Frontenacs against the 67’s, Bulldogs, and Generals.

Also considered for the award this week was Jake Durham of the Flint Firebirds who scored six goals and two assists for eight points in three games including a School Day hat-trick of his own to lead the Firebirds to their first win of the season on Wednesday morning against the Sarnia Sting.  Montreal Canadiens prospect Nick Suzuki also had a strong week for the Owen Sound Attack chipping in three goals and two assists for five points in a pair of wins against the Erie Otters after captaining Team OHL to a 3-1 victory in Sarnia at the CIBC Canada Russia Series.  In goal, Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires stopped 62 shots in a pair of victories posting a goals-against-average of 0.96 and save percentage of .969 after also representing the league in victory between-the-pipes for Team OHL with an 18-save performance Thursday night.

2018-19 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:

Nov. 5 – Nov. 11: Jason Robertson (Kingston Frontenacs)
Oct. 29 – Nov. 4: Kevin Hancock (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 22 – Oct. 28: Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 21: Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)
Oct. 8 – Oct. 14: Damien Giroux (Saginaw Spirit)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury Wolves)
Sept. 24 – Sept. 30: Lucas Chiodo (Barrie Colts)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 23: Akil Thomas (Niagara IceDogs)

OHL Writers’ Draft Eligible Player of the Month for October

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

When it comes to draft eligible players from the 2018-2019 Ontario Hockey League season, most of the attention will be focused around Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts and Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs, and rightfully so.

Unless you are the most ardent follower, then a young netminder from the Peterborough Petes being named our draft eligible player of the month may come as a surprise to you. That young netminder is none other than Hunter Jones.

Don’t be fooled by his 6-5-0 record during the month of October. The Petes have suffered through some key injuries and had it not been for Jones, that record could have been worse. In those eleven contests in October, Jones posted a remarkable .939 save percentage.

Goalie #29 Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes
Goalie Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes. Photo courtesy of OHL Images

As of today, no goaltender has played more minutes then Jones (897) including some seasoned veterans: Jacob Ingham (780), Cedrick Andree (755), Matthew Villalta (719) and Michael DiPietro (641). Jones has also faced more rubber (527) then any other goaltender, 127 more then Ingham and stopped more shots (491), 130 more then Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara Ice Dogs.

Jones currently sits forth in goals against average among goaltenders with four or more starts with a 2.41 goals-against average. He currently sits second in save percentage at .931.

Jones was the OHL goaltender of the week and runner up to the CHL goaltender of the week for the week of October 8-14 – he was both the OHL and CHL goaltender of the week on opening week.

His performance earned him an invitation to participate for Team OHL in the upcoming Canada-Russia Super Series, a precursor to the World Junior Championships.

Also considered were Suzuki, who posted 2 goals and 11 assists in 9 games, Kaliyev and his 7 goals and 4 assists in 11 games and Cole MacKay of the Soo Greyhounds who recorded 2 goals and 10 assists in 11 games.

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.

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.

Spitfires’ Michael DiPietro Named OHL Goaltender of the Year

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires is the 2017-18 recipient of the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year award.

DiPietro becomes the first Spitfire to earn the award after playing in 56 games this season carrying a 29-21-3-1 record.  He produced a league-high seven shutouts while posting the league’s third lowest goals-against-average with a mark of 2.79 and a save percentage of .910 that tied for fourth overall.  His seven shutouts not only led the OHL this season but established a new Spitfires single season record surpassing the mark of six he set in 2016-17.

“It’s a great honour to be recognized with this award, but I owe a great deal of the credit to the people that support me,” DiPietro said. “My Mom and Dad, my teammates and the entire Spitfires organization. My coaches from way back; Brian Spearing and Perry Wilson. It’s because of these people and many more that I’ve been able to enjoy success to this point in my hockey life.”

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

During the 2017-18 campaign DiPietro finished fourth in minutes played at 3,267 and finished sixth overall with 1,544 saves for a rebuilding Spitfires club that finished sixth in the Western Conference standings.  The Red Tilson Trophy nominee had 22 appearances of 30 or more saves and helped the Spitfires maintain the league’s fifth best penalty killing efficiency at 81.2%.  He earned OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week as well as Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week honours for the first week of the season, was recognized as the Best Puck Handling Goalie in the annual Western Conference Coaches Poll, and finished tied for the league-lead with 13 first star recognitions in games this season.  DiPietro represented Team OHL in a 4-2 victory in Game 4 of the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series before receiving an invite to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp in December.  He is currently competing with Canada in pre-competition for the IIHF Men’s World Championship.

“Mikey is so deserving of this award,” said Spitfires Head Coach Trevor Letowski. “No one works harder or is more dedicated. Even though he doesn’t wear a letter, he’s the leader of our team. He cares about his teammates, his community and doing things the right way. We’re all so proud of him.”

An 18-year-old from Amherstberg, Ont., DiPietro joined his hometown Spitfires as the top goaltender chosen in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection at 23rd overall.  In three seasons he’s compiled 75 career wins and sits just three behind franchise record holder Andrew Engelage with 78 from 2006-09.  His 15 career shutouts are also one shy of the OHL record 16 set by Thomas McCollum between Guelph and Brampton from 2006-09.  Last season he backstopped the Spitfires to a Mastercard Memorial Cup title winning on home ice where he was named top goaltender and to the tournament’s all-star team.  He was selected by the Canucks in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft going 64th overall.

The OHL Goaltender of the Year is awarded to the league’s most outstanding goaltender as selected by OHL General Managers.  Teams were not permitted to vote for a goaltender from their own hockey club.  Goaltenders received five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote.

DiPietro, who finished third in voting last season, received 70 points atop the voting process.  He finished just slightly ahead of Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs who was runner-up with 65 voting points, followed by Los Angeles Kings prospect Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who finished in third place with 21 voting points.

The award was first presented in 1987-88 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall) with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Craig Anderson (Guelph 2001), Steve Mason (London 2007), the league’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 and 2009), Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014), Lucas Peressini (Kingston 2015), Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016), and Michael McNiven (Owen Sound 2017).

DiPietro will be formally presented with the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award on Wednesday June 6 at the OHL Awards Ceremony held at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.  He is also the OHL’s nominee for CHL Goaltender of the Year to be announced on Saturday May 26 at the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Regina.

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

League leaders Barré-Boulet and Hart earn national honours

Armada’s Alex Barré-Boulet named CHL Player of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that QMJHL top scorer Alex Barré-Boulet of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending December 3 after scoring four goals and four assists for eight points in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-3. 

Barré-Boulet contributed back-to-back four-point performances for the Armada who won both games last week improving their first place record to 19-5-2-0.  He scored two goals and two assists in both contests and earned first star of the game recognition twice including Friday night in a 6-1 win over the Charlottetown Islanders, and Sunday in a 5-4 triumph against the Victoriaville Tigres where he produced the late game-tying marker and then the overtime winner.  The game-winner was his league-leading ninth of the season and extended his point-streak to 18 games which both tie Armada franchise records. 

A 20-year-old from Montmagny, Quebec, Barré-Boulet is playing in his fourth QMJHL season after being a sixth round pick of the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft.  He joined the Armada from the Voltigeurs midway through last season and helped the club reach the QMJHL Finals contributing 31 points in 20 playoff games.  So far this season he leads the league with 45 points in 25 games including 22 goals and 23 assists. 

Also considered for the award this week was 2018 NHL Draft prospect Calen Addison of the Lethbridge Hurricanes with one goal and seven assists for eight points in four games, and Joseph Garreffa of the Kitchener Rangers with eight assists in three games. 

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Alex Barré-Boulet (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Cody Glass (Portland Winterhawks)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Cliff Pu (London Knights)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Aleksi Heponiemi (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Albert Michnac (Mississauga Steelheads)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Aaron Luchuk (Windsor Spitfires)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Drake Batherson (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Kole Lind (Kelowna Rockets)

Silvertips’ Carter Hart named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending December 3 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 0.50 and save percentage of .984. 

Hart becomes the second two-time winner of the award this season and first recipient in back-to-back weeks after turning aside 62 shots in a pair of victories extending the Silvertips winning-streak to five games and keeping them in third place in the WHL’s U.S Division with a 15-12-1-1 record.  On Friday night he made 32 saves and earned second star honours in a 3-1 road win over the Kamloops Blazers, then stopped all 30 shots faced on Saturday as second star of a 3-0 win over the Saskatoon Blades. 

A 19-year-old from Sherwood Park, AB, Hart is playing in his fourth season with the Silvertips who selected him in the eighth round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.  He now carries a record of 10-3-0-1 and leads all WHL goaltenders with four shutouts while his goals-against-average of 1.46 and save percentage of .956 are also top marks.  The second round pick of the Flyers in the 2016 NHL Draft now has 23 career shutouts which puts him just three shy of Tyson Sexsmith’s WHL record of 26 set with the Vancouver Giants between 2004-09. 

Also considered for the award this week were a pair of past winners including Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires with a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory making 69 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .972, and Minnesota Wild prospect Dereck Baribeau of the Quebec Remparts who posted a 1-0-0-2 record with 90 saves for a goals-against-average of 1.25 and save percentage of .957. 

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Nov. 27 – Dec. 3: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 20 – Nov. 26: Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips)
Nov. 13 – Nov. 19: Anthony Morrone (Victoriaville Tigres)
Nov. 6 – Nov. 12: Justin Fazio (Sarnia Sting)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 29: Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips)
Oct. 16 – Oct. 22: Samuel Harvey (Rouyn-Noranada Huskies)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell (Swift Current Broncos)
Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Dereck Baribeau (Quebec Remparts)
Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

 

 

Rangers’ Joseph Garreffa named OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Joseph Garreffa of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending December 3 after leading the league with eight points, all assists, in three games while recording a plus-minus rating of plus-3. 

Joseph Garreffa of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images
Joseph Garreffa of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Garreffa helped the Rangers collect three comeback wins last week delivering back-to-back four-assist performances against the Owen Sound Attack.  The forward turned defenceman earned first star honours on Wednesday night in Owen Sound as the Rangers erased a 4-2 deficit with a trio of third period tallies skating to a 5-4 victory.  On home ice Friday, the third year blue shirt was recognized as the game’s second star as the Rangers once again battled back from a 4-2 third period hole this time emerging triumphant in overtime with Garreffa intercepting a clearing attempt and feeding Kole Sherwood for his second straight game-winner.  Kitchener improved their first place Midwest Division record to 18-9-2-0 on Sunday following a 3-2 overtime road win against the Erie Otters after trailing 2-0 early in the first period. 

An 18-year-old from Toronto, Ont., the 5’6’’, 167lb Garreffa was a third round pick by the Rangers in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  He is currently second in team scoring with 28 points in 29 games powered by five goals and 23 assists after scoring 25 times in 2016-17 with 35 assists for 60 points in 68 games.  His 23 helpers are tied for 11th overall among league leaders with 13 of them coming with the man advantage good enough for a fifth place tie in the power play assist category.

Watch video highlights of Garreffa and the Rangers on the road against the Attack, at home against the Attack, and on the road against the Otters. 

Also considered for the award this week was Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs with seven assists in three games, and Colorado Avalanche prospect Conor Timmins with three goals and three assists for six points in three games helping the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds extend their winning-streak to a team record 14-straight.  In goal, Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires made 69 saves in a pair of victories including one by shutout posting a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .972.

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

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)

CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top WHL teams Victoria and Swift Current get top performances from Soy and Flodell

Royals’ Tyler Soy named CHL Player of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Anaheim Ducks prospect Tyler Soy of the Victoria Royals is the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 15 after registering 12 points in four games including three goals and nine assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-6.

Soy’s 12 points were spread across four multi-point performances helping the CHL’s top ranked Royals maintain first place in the WHL standings collecting five of a possible eight points last week.  It began with a two-game home series against the Tri-City Americans with Soy scoring once with two assists on Tuesday in an 8-2 win, then Wednesday where he contributed two assists despite a 5-4 overtime loss.  His week continued Friday night with another three-point effort scoring a goal and two assists as the Royals suffered an 8-6 road loss to the Spokane Chiefs, then wrapped up Saturday in Seattle with four points including a goal and three assists as first star of a 6-1 victory over the Thunderbirds.

A 20-year-old from Cloverdale, BC, Soy is playing in his fifth career WHL season with the Royals who selected him eighth overall in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.  Soy now has 13 points in just five games after producing 25 goals and 30 assists for 55 points in just 44 games played last season.  Soy enjoyed an extended look with the Ducks organization this fall and was a seventh round pick of the club in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Also considered for the award this week was Maxime Fortier of the Halifax Mooseheads with two goals and five assists for seven points in three games, and NHL Draft prospect Brady Hinz of the Sarnia Sting with six goals and three assists for nine points in four games

2017-18 CHL Players of the Week:

Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Tyler Soy (Victoria Royals)

Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Kale Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Tyler Steenbergen (Swift Current Broncos)

Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Kole Lind (Kelowna Rockets)

Broncos’ Logan Flodell named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Logan Flodell of the Swift Current Broncos is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 15 after posting a 2-0-0-0 record including a shutout victory with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .976.

Flodell turned aside 83 shots in a pair of victories last week that helped the Broncos extend their winning-streak to eight games to open the 2017-18 campaign.  On Tuesday night he made a career-high 45 saves and earned third star honours in a 6-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes, then picked up his first shutout of the season on Friday in a 1-0 triumph over the Vancouver Giants earning first star honours following his 38-save performance.

A 20-year-old from Regina, Sask., Flodell is playing in his fourth WHL season and first with the Broncos after being acquired from the Saskatoon Blades where he played in 48 games during the 2016-17 campaign.  Originally a third round pick of the Seattle Thunderbirds in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, Flodell leads the league with a 7-0-0-0 record and is tops in both goals-against-average and save percentage with marks of 2.00 and .940 respectively.

Also considered for the award this week was Vancouver Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro who backstopped the Windsor Spitfires to a 2-1-0-0 record making 106 saves with a goals-against-average of 1.69 and save percentage of .955, and Mark Grametbauer of the Moncton Wildcats who made 98 saves while posting a 3-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 2.33 and save percentage of .933.

2017-18 Vaughn CHL Goaltenders of the Week:

Oct. 9 – Oct. 15: Logan Flodell (Swift Current Broncos)

Oct. 2 – Oct. 8: Cole Kehler (Portland Winterhawks)

Sept. 25 – Oct. 1: Dereck Baribeau (Quebec Remparts)

Sept. 21 – Sept. 24: Michael DiPietro (Windsor Spitfires)

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