67’s’ NOEL HOEFENMAYER WINS CHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League is proud to announce that Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the CHL Defenceman of the Year Award presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

Hoefenmayer led all CHL defencemen with 26 goals and 82 points over 58 games while his 56 assists and plus-52 rating each ranked second at the position.

“I want to thank the CHL for honouring me with the CHL Defenceman of the Year Award,” Hoefenmayer said. “I want to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for supporting me and allowing me to be the player I am today. I also want to thank the Ottawa 67’s organization for being a first class organization as well as having the best fans in the league. Stay safe everyone!”

The 21-year-old from North York, Ontario, appeared on the scoresheet in 46 of his 58 games this season, produced 24 multi-point performances, and helped his 67’s earn a second straight OHL regular season crown tying a franchise record with 50 wins.  His 82 points are the highest by a 67’s defenceman since Brian Campbell had 87 back in 1998-99, and his 26 goals are the most by a Barber Poles blueliner since Bruce Cassidy had 27 back in 1983-84.  This award brings an end to an accomplished five-year career for Hoefenmayer who joined the 67’s as a second round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.  Over 298 career games he amassed 65 goals which trails greats like Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson, while his 222 points rank sixth on the club’s all-time list.  A former fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft, Hoefenmayer signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies upon season’s end.

Hoefenmayer is the third member of the 67’s to win the national award since it was first presented in 1987-88.  The club’s past winners include Sean Blanchard (1996-97) and Brendan Bell (2002-03), while both Chris Snell (1990-91) and Brian Campbell (1998-99) each received final consideration.  He’s also just the third player in history to win the award during his overage season following Steve Gosselin of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens (1993-94) and Marc-Andre Bergeron of the Shawinigan Cataractes (2000-01).

Finalists for the award were Los Angeles Kings prospect Jordan Spence of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats, and last year’s award recipient in New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith of the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs.

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/.

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OHL ANNOUNCES 2019-20 ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

All Star Teams

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the First, Second and Third All-Star Team selections along with the First and Second All-Rookie Team selections for the 2019-20 season.

The OHL All-Star Teams were selected by the OHL’s General Managers, with voting conducted in two stages beginning with a Conference ballot followed by a final ballot that integrated the top selections from both the Eastern and Western Conference results.

Headlining the First Team is Red Tilson Trophy recipient and OHL scoring leader Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s who becomes the first 67’s player to be selected to the League’s First All-Star Team since Tyler Toffoli in 2011-12. The top 2020 NHL Draft prospect led the entire Canadian Hockey League with 120 points, producing at a 2.14 point-per-game clip for the OHL’s first place team. Joining Rossi in the forward ranks was OHL goal-scoring leader Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect who lit the lamp 55 times in just 46 games. Flanking the right side is Los Angeles Kings prospect Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs who scored 48 goals and posted 98 points in 57 games. OHL Defenceman of the Year Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s stands out on the blue line after recording a league-best 82 points including 26 goals over 58 games. Top draft eligible rearguard Jamie Drysdale joins Hoefenmayer on the back end after a sophomore season with the Erie Otters that included 47 points over 49 games. Fellow Canadian National Junior Team gold medalist Nico Daws of the Guelph Storm, who was voted OHL Goaltender of the Year, was appointed as a First Team All-Star netminder after posting a league-high .924 save percentage and five shutouts. OHL Coach of the Year Andre Tourigny of the Ottawa 67’s rounds out the group, being voted to the OHL’s First All-Star Team for a second consecutive year.

Washington Capitals first round pick Connor McMichael is positioned down the middle on the Second Team, joined by wingers in 111-point scorer Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit and fifth-year overage veteran Joseph Garreffa of the Ottawa 67’s. Dallas Stars first round selection Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads joins New Jersey Devils prospect Kevin Bahl on the back end while 2020 OHL Humanitarian of the Year and Los Angeles Kings prospect Jacob Ingham of the Kitchener Rangers holds down the crease. Dale Hunter of the London Knights was voted Second Team Head Coach, being selected to an All-Star Team for the sixth time in his OHL coaching career.

Top 2020 NHL Draft prospect Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves was voted Third Team centreman. He’s accompanied on the wings by Guelph Storm 45-goal scorer Pavel Gogolev and Sarnia Sting overage veteran Sean Josling who led his team with 78 points. The Third Team defence corps consists of the London Knights tandem of Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alec Regula and San Jose Sharks first round pick Ryan Merkley while Ottawa 67’s netminder Cedrick Andree is in goal. George Burnett of the Guelph Storm was voted to an OHL All-Star Team for the seventh time in his career, being named Third Team Head Coach.

A total of 11 teams were represented among the All-Star selections led by the Hamilton Spectator Trophy recipient Ottawa 67’s with six including First Team members Rossi, Hoefenmayer and Tourigny, Second Team selections Garreffa and Bahl and Third Team selection Andree. The Midwest Division champion London Knights trailed with four selections including Second Team members McMichael and coach Dale Hunter as well as Third Team defenders Merkley and Regula.

The Ontario Hockey League also unveiled its First and Second All-Rookie Teams for the 2019-20 season.

OHL Rookie of the Year and 2019 OHL Priority Selection first overall pick Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs headlined the First All-Rookie Team, being joined by former Don Mills Flyers Minor Midget teammates in second overall OHL Priority Selection choice Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds and fourth overall pick Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts on the back end. Sudbury Wolves winger Chase Stillman and Finnish-born Windsor Spitfires rearguard Ruben Rafkin joined London Knights standout netminder Brett Brochu in completing the First Team.

The Second Team is centred by 2019 fifth overall OHL Priority Selection choice and Peterborough Petes 29-goal scorer Mason McTavish. He’s joined up front by CHL Import Draft selections and 2020 NHL Draft prospects Martin Chromiak of the Kingston Frontenacs and Oliver Suni of the Oshawa Generals. On the blue line, North Bay Battalion rearguard Paul Christopoulos joins Saginaw Spirit defender Mitchell Smith in front of North Bay goaltender Joe Vrbetic to round out the group.

A total of 10 different teams were represented among the All-Rookie Team selections led by the Kingston Frontenacs and North Bay Battalion with a pair each.

2019-20 OHL All-Star Teams:

First All-Star Team:
C – Marco Rossi, Ottawa 67’s (OHL’s Most Outstanding Player) – voted 2nd all-rookie team in 2018-19
LW – Nick Robertson, Peterborough Petes
RW – Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs – voted 2nd team in 2018-19, 2nd all-rookie team in 2017-18
D – Noel Hoefenmayer, Ottawa 67’s (OHL Defenceman of the Year)
D – Jamie Drysdale, Erie Otters – voted 1st all-rookie team in 2018-19
G – Nico Daws, Guelph Storm (OHL Goaltender of the Year)
Coach – Andre Tourigny, Ottawa 67’s (OHL Coach of the Year) – voted 1st team in 2018-19

Second All-Star Team:
C – Connor McMichael, London Knights
LW – Cole Perfetti, Saginaw Spirit – voted 1st all-rookie team in 2018-19
RW – Joseph Garreffa, Ottawa 67’s
D – Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads – voted 3rd team in 2018-19
D – Kevin Bahl, Ottawa 67’s
G – Jacob Ingham, Kitchener Rangers – voted 1st team all-rookie in 2016-17
Coach – Dale Hunter, London Knights – voted 3rd team in 2018-19, 1st team in 2009-10, 2nd team in 2005-06, 1st team in 2004-05, 1st team in 2003-04

Third All-Star Team:
C – Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves – voted 1st all-rookie team in 2018-19
LW – Pavel Gogolev, Guelph Storm
RW – Sean Josling, Sarnia Sting
D – Alec Regula, London Knights – voted 1st team all-rookie in 2017-18
D – Ryan Merkley, London Knights – voted 1st team all-rookie in 2016-17
G – Cedrick Andree, Ottawa 67’s
Coach – George Burnett, Guelph Storm – voted 2nd team in 2012-13, 2nd team in 2008-09, 3rd team in 2007-08, 2nd team in 1997-98, 1st team in 1991-92, 1st team in 1990-91

2019-20 OHL All-Rookie Teams:

First All-Rookie Team:
C – Shane Wright, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL Rookie of the Year)
LW – Brennan Othmann, Flint Firebirds
RW – Chase Stillman, Sudbury Wolves
D – Brandt Clarke, Barrie Colts
D – Ruben Rafkin, Windsor Spitfires
G – Brett Brochu, London Knights

Second All-Rookie Team:
C – Mason McTavish, Peterborough Petes
LW – Martin Chromiak, Kingston Frontenacs
RW – Oliver Suni, Oshawa Generals
D – Paul Christopoulos, North Bay Battalion
D – Mitchell Smith, Saginaw Spirit
G – Joe Vrbetic, North Bay Battalion

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/.

67’s’ NOEL HOEFENMAYER NAMED OHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Hoefenmayer, Noel (2)

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that overage veteran Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman of the Year presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

Hoefenmayer led OHL rearguards with 82 points including 26 goals and 56 assists over 82 games along with a plus-52 rating, spearheading the League’s top-ranked power play from the blue line. He became the first 67’s defender to lead his position in OHL scoring since Brian Campbell in 1998-99 while racking up the most goals by a Barber Poles blueliner since Bruce Cassidy in 1983-84. His eight game winning goals led the League’s defenders, the highest single season total at the position since London’s Danny Syvret in 2004-05. Hoefenmayer earned OHL Defenceman of the Month honours in October, December and January, rounding out his season with a total of 24 multi-point performances. He received three star of the game recognition 12 different times, including six instances where he was recognized as the game’s first star.

“It’s truly an honour to be able to represent the Ottawa 67’s and win such a prestigious award like the Max Kaminsky Trophy,” said Hoefenmayer. “I would like to thank the entire 67’s organization as well as the city of Ottawa for the tremendous support that myself and my teammates have gotten over my five year tenure with the team.  This award represents a lot of people that have helped me to get to where I am today, including the coaching staff, the training staff, Sean Young of Canadian Strength, Derek Miller of Next Gen Hockey, my billet families as well as my immediate family. Thank you!”

A 21-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer wraps up his accomplished five-year 67’s career sixth in all-time points by an Ottawa defenceman with 222 (65-157–222) accumulated over 298 regular season contests, the highest figure by a blueliner in club history. His 65 career goals are tied for third among franchise blueliners, trailing greats Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson. A former fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft, Hoefenmayer signed a two-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies last month. He was originally Ottawa’s second round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers minor midgets.

“Through hard work and perseverance Noel has showed continuous improvement throughout his junior career,” commented 67’s general manager James Boyd. “In addition to this season’s league leading offensive production, Noel has been a steady defensive presence on our blue line and is a key part of our team’s leadership group. Noel is a deserving recipient of this season’s Max Kaminsky Trophy.”

The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers.  All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.

The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston, and Montreal.  After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.

Hoefenmayer becomes the eighth different 67’s defenceman to earn the distinction and first since Brendan Bell in 2002-03. Other franchise names engraved on the Max Kaminsky Trophy include Brian Campbell (1998-99), Sean Blanchard (1996-97), Chris Snell (1990-91), Brad Shaw (1983-84), Randy Boyd (1980-81) and two-time recipient Denis Potvin (1972-73, 1971-72). Past winners of the award also include current NHL talents in Andrej Sekera (Owen Sound 2006), Marc Staal (Sudbury 2007), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 and 2011), Jacob Muzzin (Sault Ste. Marie 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie 2014), Anthony DeAngelo (Sault Ste. Marie 2015), and Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor 2016).

Hoefenmayer will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Defenceman of the Year to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Thursday when the OHL recognizes its Red Tilson Trophy recipient as the League’s Most Outstanding Player.

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/.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Performers January

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in January 2020, including Oshawa Generals forward Philip Tomasino, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and London Knights goaltender Brett Brochu.

OHL Player of the Month – Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals):
Nashville Predators prospect Philip Tomasino of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL Player of the Month for January, posting a league-leading 34 points including 15 goals and 19 assists over just 13 games.  Tomasino recorded three points or more on seven different occasions and earned star of the game recognition in nine of his 13 outings, 10 of which came as a member of the Oshawa Generals following a trade from the Niagara IceDogs. He wrapped up his tenure in Niagara with 10 points over his final three contests including a five-point showing (1-4–5) in a 9-8 win over North Bay on Jan. 2nd. He followed that up two nights later with four points (2-2–4), setting up the OT winner as the IceDogs defeated the Kitchener Rangers 7-6 on Jan. 4th. Tomasino started his time as an Oshawa General with a bang on Jan. 9th in Windsor, registering five points (2-3–5) in a 6-3 triumph over the Spitfires. That performance was followed by back-to-back two-goal outings on Jan. 10th in Sarnia and Jan. 12th back on home ice against the Peterborough Petes, helping Tomasino earn OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week honours. Other outstanding January performances included another four-point effort (2-2–4) on Jan. 20th in Owen Sound as he set up the winning goal in a 5-4 victory over the Attack. He wrapped up January with three consecutive multi-point outings headlined by a goal and three assists on Jan. 25th in a 7-4 win over the Kingston Frontenacs on Sportsnet.

An 18-year-old native of Mississauga, Ont., Tomasino leads the Generals in scoring this season with 83 points (34-49–83) over 48 games, good for the league’s fourth-highest total. Now in his third OHL season, the former fifth overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection has amassed 179 points (73-106–179) over 176 career regular season games. He was the highest-drafted OHL forward at last summer’s 2019 NHL Draft, going 24th overall to the Nashville Predators who signed him to a three-year entry level NHL contract on October 21st.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s overage defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer has been named OHL Defenceman of the Month for the third time this season. The fifth-year veteran led all rearguards with 18 points including three goals and 15 assists over 13 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-13. Hoefenmayer recorded points in 11 of his 13 January outings including three assists on Jan. 18th against the Hamilton Bulldogs, a two-goal showing on Jan. 25th against the Niagara IceDogs and a goal and one helper on Jan. 30th on the road against the same IceDogs. Hoefenmayer helped the 67’s rise to the top of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings with wins in 13 of 14 January contests. He wrapped up the month on an eight-game point streak.

A 21-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer leads OHL defenders with 67 points including 19 goals and 48 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-44 over 46 games. The 6-foot-1 rearguard has been a big contributor on Ottawa’s top-ranked 30.6% power play this season, registering 32 points on the man advantage. A fifth-year veteran, Hoefenmayer is currently inside the franchise top-8 for both career points by a defenceman (207) and career games played (286). His 19 goals from the back end are the most in a single season by a 67’s defenceman since Jon Zion in 2000-01. Hoefenmayer was a fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft before going unsigned and attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes in September. Hoefenmayer was a second round pick of the 67’s in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Goaltender & Rookie of the Month – Brett Brochu (London Knights):
London Knights netminder Brett Brochu is both the OHL Goaltender and OHL Rookie of the Month for January after posting an impressive 9-0-0-0 record along with a 1.89 goals-against average and .940 save percentage in nine games. Brochu made at least 30 saves on four different occasions highlighted by a 40-save effort on Jan. 3rd as the Knights defeated the Mississauga Steelheads 3-1. He surrendered just one goal in back-to-back games on Jan. 12th in Sault Ste. Marie and Jan. 17th at home to the Sudbury Wolves before turning in another fine performance with 35 saves in a 4-1 defeat of the Hamilton Bulldogs on Jan. 24th. Brochu closed out January on an 11-game winning streak.

A 17-year-old native of Tilbury, Ont., Brochu leads OHL rookie goaltenders with a 2.52 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage and a record of 21-5-0-0, becoming the first Knights rookie to win 20 games in a season since Ryan MacDonald back in 2003-04. The 5-foot-11, 156Ib. puckstopper was London’s sixth round pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. He spent last season with the Dresden Kings Jr. C club, earning PJHL Stobbs Division Rookie of the Year honours.

2019-20 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
January – Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)
December – Cole Schwindt (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Jan Jenik (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
January – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
December – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Connor Corcoran (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

Rookie of the Month:
January – Brett Brochu (London Knights)
December – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)
November – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
October – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)

Goaltender of the Month:
January – Brett Brochu (London Knights)
December – Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
October – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Performers December

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in December 2019, including Mississauga Steelheads forward Cole Schwindt, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer, Peterborough Petes rookie Mason McTavish and Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jacob Ingham.

OHL Player of the Month – Cole Schwindt (Mississauga Steelheads):
Florida Panthers prospect Cole Schwindt of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL Player of the Month for December, leading the league with 21 points including 12 goals, nine assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-7 over 12 games. The 6-foot-3, 186Ib. centreman recorded at least a point in 11 of his 12 December outings headlined by six different multi-point showings. Schwindt scored the late third period game winner in a 4-2 triumph over the North Bay Battalion on Dec. 13th and put up a goal and an assist a night later as the Steelheads fell to the Sarnia Sting 7-6. He earned second star honours on Dec. 19th in Windsor, scoring twice while adding an assist as the Trout fell to the Windsor Spitfires 5-4 in overtime. Schwindt recorded a career-high four points on Dec. 28th in Owen Sound, posting his first career OHL hat-trick in a 6-3 win over the Attack. He finished 2019 on a high note, scoring another hat-trick as the Steelheads skated to a 5-2 win in Hamilton on Dec. 31st. Schwindt earned three star recognition six times in December, recording over half of his 40 points this season over the course of the month.

An 18-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., Schwindt leads the Steelheads with 40 points including 17 goals and 23 assists in 37 games this season. The third year veteran is well on his way to surpassing last year’s total of 49 points as he continues to produce at over a point-per-game clip. Originally a fourth round pick of the Steelheads in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Schwindt was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s overage defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer has been named OHL Defenceman of the Month for the second time this season after recording 13 points including five goals, eight assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-8 over seven contests. Hoefenmayer recorded at least a point in six of his seven December outings including three different three-point efforts as Ottawa enjoyed a perfect 7-0 month. After pitching in with a goal and an assist in a 5-1 win over Gatineau on Dec. 8th, Hoefenmayer dished out three assists on Dec. 14th as the 67’s defeated the Barrie Colts 7-2. He played a central role in Ottawa’s 5-4 road win over the Oshawa Generals on Dec. 20th, earning second star honours with two goals and an assist. Hoefenmayer finished 2019 with another three-point showing, scoring while adding two helpers in a 6-1 win over the Peterborough Petes on Dec. 29th.

A 20-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer leads OHL defenders with 49 points including 15 goals, 34 assists and a league-leading plus/minus rating of plus-32 over 33 games. The 6-foot-1 rearguard has been a big contributor on Ottawa’s top-ranked 30.2% power play this season, registering 22 points on the man advantage. A fifth-year veteran, Hoefenmayer is currently inside the franchise top-10 for both career points by a defenceman (189) and career games played (273). He was a fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft before going unsigned and attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes in September. Hoefenmayer was a second round pick of the 67’s in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes):
Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish has been named OHL Rookie of the Month for the second time this season, leading all OHL freshmen with 11 points including nine goals and two assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-6 over nine December contests. McTavish struck for his first career OHL hat-trick in a 7-4 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs on Dec. 12th. He followed that up with two goals in a 3-2 road win over the Oshawa Generals a night later. The 6-foot, 198Ib. centre recorded a career-high five points on New Year’s Eve in Niagara, scoring three times while adding two assists in a 7-3 win over the IceDogs. McTavish was a key part of Peterborough’s offence in December, helping them climb to the top of the East Division.

A 16-year-old native of Pembroke, Ont., McTavish leads OHL rookies with 32 points including 24 goals, eight assists and a plus-8 rating over 31 games. The fifth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, McTavish represented Canada White at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording three points (2-1–3) over six contests. He was the OHL Rookie of the Month for October.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Jacob Ingham of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for December, playing to a 9-1-0-0 record along with a 1.69 goals-against average, .948 save percentage and two shutouts over 10 appearances. Ingham won his first six December starts, posting a career-high 51 saves in a 3-2 shootout road win over the Owen Sound Attack on Dec. 7th. He registered a 28-save shutout on Dec. 10th in London, turned aside 35 of 36 on Dec. 14th for a 6-1 win in Guelph and stopped all 45 shots he faced in a 3-0 road win over Owen Sound on Dec. 18th. Ingham rounded out 2019 by stopping 35 of 36 in a 6-1 New Year’s Eve road win over the Erie Otters. In total, Ingham earned three star recognition six different times in December, receiving first star honours on three occasions.

A 19-year-old native of Barrie, Ont., Ingham owns a 16-4-2-1 record in this, his fourth OHL season. He’s posted a 2.61 goals-against average, .926 save percentage and two shutouts over 23 contests, helping the Rangers turn their season around to sit second in the Midwest Division. The 6-foot-4, 198Ib. netminder owns a career record of 76-57-7-8 with a 3.21 goals-against average and .897 save percentage over 154 regular season games between Kitchener and Mississauga. He was a sixth round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Draft. Ingham was originally selected by the Mississsauga Steelheads in the second round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

2019-20 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
December – Cole Schwindt (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Jan Jenik (Hamilton Bulldogs)
October – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
December – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
November – Connor Corcoran (Windsor Spitfires)
October – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

Rookie of the Month:
December – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)
November – Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)
October – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)

Goaltender of the Month:
December – Jacob Ingham (Kitchener Rangers)
November – Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
October – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the 11th edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Nov. 25 – Dec. 1.

Leading the forward ranks is Ottawa 67’s centre and 2020 NHL Draft hopeful Marco Rossi who wrapped up the week with 11 points counting six goals and five assists across a trio of appearances. Rossi’s top showing came in a season-high six-point night against the Kingston Frontenacs on Wednesday in which he finished with his first career hat-trick plus three assists en route to an 11-6 victory that saw him claim second-star recognition. For his efforts, Rossi was named the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week.

Joining Rossi up front is his 67’s teammate in left-wing Austen Keating who also finished the week with 11 points after notching four goals and seven assists in three appearances. Alongside Rossi, Keating shined against the Frontenacs as he lit the lamp three times to record his fourth career hat-trick before adding four assists to finish with seven points on the night, helping him claim recognition as the game’s first star.

Rounding out the forward ranks is Brandon Wheat Kings left-wing Cole Reinhardt who impressed over a pair of appearances this week in registering eight points counting four goals and four assists. Reinhardt’s best billing came against the rival Winnipeg ICE on Saturday as he finished with a season-high five points that included his second career hat-trick alongside two assists as he guided his club to a 7-4 decision in which he was recognized with first-star honours. For his efforts, Reinhardt also earned WHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week recognition.

The back end is led by another member of the 67’s in rearguard Noel Hoefenmayer who across three appearances this week collected three goals and three assists for six points. Against the Frontenacs on Wednesday, the budding blue-liner tied a season-high as he finished with one goal and three assists for four points in an 11-6 victory that earned him third-star recognition. In all, Hoefenmayer’s performance helped him earn a spot on the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the third team this season.

Rounding out the defensive end is Chicoutimi Sagueneens blue-liner and San Jose Sharks prospect Artemi Kniazev whose week included one goal and five assists across a trio of contests. Against the defending Memorial Cup champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies on Saturday, Kniazev shined as he put up a season-high three-point performance in tallying one goal and two assists en route to a 7-3 victory.

Between the pipes, Kelowna Rockets netminder Roman Basran was superb across two showings and 125 minutes of action as turned aside a combined 46 shots to finish the week unbeaten in regulation with a 1-0-0-1 showing. Basran’s top performance came against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Tuesday where despite a 1-0 shootout loss he recorded 27 saves to earn second-star honours and his fourth career shutout. In all, Basran wrapped up the week with a miniscule 0.96 goals-against average and a dominant .958 save percentage. For his efforts, Basran was recognized as the WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week.

OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Performers October

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2019, including Hamilton Bulldogs forward Arthur Kaliyev, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and Peterborough Petes teammates Mason McTavish and Hunter Jones.

OHL Player of the Month – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs):
Los Angeles Kings prospect Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs is the OHL Player of the Month for October after leading the league with 25 points, putting up 14 goals and 11 assists over 12 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-4. The 6-foot-2, 190Ib. winger recorded points in 11 of his 12 October outings including eight different multi-point performances. Kaliyev’s month was headlined by back-to-back four point performances on October 11th and 14th as he scored a career-high four goals in a 4-1 road win over the Erie Otters followed by two goals and two assists in a 7-5 win over visiting Barrie. He recorded two goals and an assist in a 4-2 road win over the Kingston Frontenacs on October 18th and ended the month with another three-point performance in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over Barrie that included a goal and two helpers. Kaliyev earned star of the game recognition on six different occasions, being named first star three times.

An 18-year-old native of Staten Island, NY, Kaliyev sits tied for the OHL lead in goals with 16, tacking on 15 assists for 31 points over 16 games. After finishing second in OHL shots on goal last season, Kaliyev is on top of the league with 88 to his credit thus far. Now in his third season, Kaliyev comes off a 102-point campaign in 2018-19 and has amassed 181 points (98-83–181) over 151 career regular season games, all spent in a Bulldogs uniform. He helped Hamilton hoist the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 2017-18, becoming the first rookie in Bulldogs all-time franchise history to score over 30 goals in a season. Kaliyev was a second round (33rd overall) pick of the Los Angeles Kings this past summer after originally being Hamilton’s second round (26th overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. He attended USA Hockey’s World Junior Summer Showcase this past August.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s overage defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October after leading all rearguards with 16 points including five goals and 11 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-12 over nine contests. Hoefenmayer recorded at least one point in eight of his nine October appearances, finishing the month strong with two game winning goals in his last three contests. The 6-foot-1, 196Ib. blueliner recorded a goal and an assist to help the 67’s charge back to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs 8-7 on October 14th. He potted his first career OHL hat-trick, capping it off with the overtime winner in a 5-4 win over visiting Hamilton on October 20th. Hoefenmayer followed that impressive performance with another three-point showing, recording a goal and two assists with the third period game winner in a 4-3 win over the Kitchener Rangers on October 25th. His latest outing yielded a season-high four points as he picked up four helpers in a 7-2 win over the Sarnia Sting on October 27th.

A 20-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer leads OHL defencemen with 21 points (6-15–21) over 13 games this season. His 253 career regular season games are fifth-most in 67’s franchise history as he’s collected 161 points (45-116–161) along the way. The fifth-year defender who helped the 67’s win an Eastern Conference title last spring was a fourth round (108th overall) pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft before going unsigned. Hoefenmayer attended rookie camp with the Carolina Hurricanes this past September. He was Ottawa’s second round (36th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes):
Peterborough Petes forward Mason McTavish is the OHL Rookie of the Month for October after leading all rookies with eight goals along with a pair of assists for 10 points in 11 games. The 6-foot, 198Ib. centreman bookended the month with a pair of two-goal performances, helping the Petes take a 5-2 win in North Bay on October 3rd before recently lighting the lamp twice in a 10-3 win over the Mississauga Steelheads on October 26th. McTavish also scored the game winner in Peterborough’s 6-3 road win over the Sarnia Sting on October 11th and was an impressive 67.8% (38/56) in the faceoff circle over the course of the month.

A 16-year-old native of Pembroke, Ont., McTavish leads OHL rookies with 10 goals along with four assists for 14 points in as many games this season. He’s currently second among rookies in shots on goal with 39 and has helped the Petes to a 10-4-0-0 record on the season including an 8-3-0-0 away from home. The Pembroke Lumber Kings Midget AAA graduate was the fifth overall pick of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. His father, Dale McTavish played four seasons in Peterborough from 1989-93, helping the Petes hoist the Robertson Cup in 1993.

OHL Goaltender of the Month – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes):
Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes is the Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month for October after playing to an 8-1-0-0 record with a 2.34 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and one shutout over nine contests. The 6-foot-4, 198Ib. netminder ends the month on a four-game winning streak and provided 25 saves or more in six of his eight October victories. Jones locked down his first shutout of the season on October 9th in Saginaw, making 23 saves as the Petes blanked the Spirit 4-0. He turned in another first star performance on Oct. 18th in Ottawa, turning side 32 of 33 shots in a 3-1 win over the 67’s. Jones backstopped the Petes past the CHL’s top-ranked Oshawa Generals 2-1 on October 20th, turning side 28 of 29 shots.

A 19-year-old native of Brantford, Ont., Jones sits tied for the OHL lead with 10 wins accompanied by a 2.46 goals-against average and .920 save percentage over 11 games. The third-year veteran owns a career regular season record of 41-34-2-2 with a 3.54 goals-against average and .897 save percentage with four shutouts over 83 games. Jones was a second round (59th overall) pick of the Minnesota Wild this past summer and was originally Peterborough’s fifth round (89th overall) pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. He attended Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Development Camp in August and will represent Team OHL in the upcoming 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

2019-20 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
October – Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Defenceman of the Month:
October – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)

Rookie of the Month:
October – Mason McTavish (Peterborough Petes)

Goaltender of the Month:
October – Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the sixth edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Oct. 21-27.

Leading the way up front is Val-d’Or Foreurs right-wing Nicolas Ouellet, who wrapped up the week with eight points counting seven goals and one assist in three games. That stretch included back-to-back hat-tricks against Gatineau and Acadie-Bathurst, while Ouellet also added an assist in the latter contest to finish with four points and first-star recognition. For his efforts, the 20-year-old was named the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Joining the forward ranks is London Knights centre and Washington Capitals first-round pick Connor McMichael, who finished the week with four goals and four assists for eight points across a trio of contests. McMichael, who is currently riding a five-game point streak, is coming off back-to-back three-point performances, including his three-assist showing versus Niagara on Sunday that earned him second-star honours.

Portland Winterhawks centre Jake Gricius rounds out the forward ranks following a week in which he amassed seven points counting three goals and four assists over two games. That stretch included an incredible five-point effort against Spokane on Friday in which Gricius finished with two goals and three assists to claim first-star honours. The overager was also later recognized as the WHL On the Run Player of the Week.

On the blue line, Ottawa 67’s overage rearguard Noel Hoefenmayer earns a spot on the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the second week running following a seven-point performance over two games. The budding blue-liner’s best showing came Sunday against Sarnia as he matched his career high for points in one game with four assists to guide his club to a 7-2 victory.

Partnering on the back end is Lethbridge Hurricanes overage defenceman Koletrane Wilson who tallied five points counting one goal and four assists across three appearances. Wilson was a key performer in Tuesday’s 4-3 decision over Red Deer in which he finished with two points, including a power play marker midway through the middle frame en route to second-star recognition.

Between the pipes, Guelph Storm netminder Nico Daws won all three of his appearances, turning aside a combined 111 shots for a .949 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average. Daws’ top performance came in a 35-save outing against Mississauga on Sunday that guided the Storm to a 4-0 victory and his second shutout of the season. For his efforts, Daws was recognized as the OHL On the Run Player of the Week.

 

Vaughn CHL Team of the Week

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

CHL Large

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the fifth edition of the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week for the 2019-20 season based on individual performances from Oct. 14-20.

The forward ranks are headlined by Sherbrooke Phoenix left-wing and Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick Samuel Poulin, whose week concluded with 12 points counting six goals and six assists across three appearances. Poulin’s top performance came Sunday in a phenomenal two-goal, six-assist showing against the Shawinigan Cataractes that set a franchise record for points in a single game marking the first eight point game in the QMJHL in a decade. For his efforts, Poulin was named the Ultramar QMJHL Player of the Week.

Also up front is Rimouski Oceanic overage centre Cedric Pare, who matched Poulin’s 12-point output over three games also putting up six goals with six assists. Pare, who sits second in QMJHL scoring with 32 points on the season, is currently riding an 11-game point streak, with his most impressive performance coming in a six-point night against the Quebec Remparts on Sunday in which he finished with four goals and two assists to claim first-star recognition.

Sarnia Sting overage right-wing Sean Josling rounds out the forward ranks following a week in which he finished with six goals and five assists for 11 points in three games. That stretch included Friday’s five-point outing against the Oshawa Generals in which Josling claimed first-star honours after notching three goals and two assists to hand the first-place club its first loss this season.

Leading the way on the back end is Ottawa 67’s rearguard Noel Hoefenmayer, who put up six points counting four goals and two assists over three games. Hoefenmayer’s best performance came Sunday as the overager recorded his first career hat-trick, including the overtime winner in a 5-4 final versus the Hamilton Bulldogs to come away with first-star honours.

Rounding out the blue line is Regina Pats newly acquired defenceman Zach Wytinck, whose third and fourth appearances since joining the team from the Brandon Wheat Kings saw him register a total of five points counting one goal with four assists. All four helpers came in Saturday’s shootout win over the Red Deer Rebels, including a secondary assist on Austin Pratt’s game-tying goal with only 15 seconds remaining in the final frame to help the overage defender earn third-star honours.

Between the pipes, Kamloops Blazers netminder and 2020 NHL Draft hopeful Dylan Garand was nearly unbeatable over two appearances as he stopped 48 of 49 shots to find the win column twice and come away with a 0.50 goals-against average and .980 save performance. The stretch included Friday’s 23-save effort against the Vancouver Giants that saw Garand notch his first shutout of the season, helping him claim WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week honours.

 

OHL Announces Top Performers of the Month for November

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in November 2018, including Niagara IceDogs forward Jason Robertson, Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer, 67’s rookie Marco Rossi and London Knights goaltender Joseph Raaymakers.

OHL Player of the Month – Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs):
Niagara IceDogs forward Jason Robertson is the OHL Player of the Month for November after leading all players with 30 points including 12 goals and 18 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-9 over 12 games. The Dallas Stars prospect split the month between the Kingston Frontenacs and Niagara IceDogs, recording points in all 12 of his November contests. He registered a pair of hat-tricks while recording four points on four different occasions, being named first star of the game four times, second star twice and third star once. Robertson’s first hat-trick came on Nov. 7th in a four-point showing with Kingston as they fell 6-4 to the Ottawa 67’s. He scored another hat-trick and four points on Nov. 11th, defeating the Oshawa Generals 5-1. Robertson picked up four assists in his final game as a Frontenac on Nov. 18th, defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs 5-3. He wrapped up the month of November with back-to-back four-point efforts with the IceDogs, recording a goal and three assists in wins on Nov. 29th and Nov. 30th. In his four November games with Niagara, Robertson had three goals, nine assists and 12 points.

A 19-year-old native of Northville, Mich., Robertson sits second in OHL scoring with 52 points including 27 goals and 25 assists over 29 games this season. His 10 power play goals and 22 power play points also lead the league while his 152 shots on goal are second-most. After four years in Kingston, Robertson finished with 124 career goals, the fourth-most by any player to wear a Frontenacs uniform.

OHL Defenceman of the Month – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s):
Ottawa 67’s blueliner Noel Hoefenmayer is the OHL Defenceman of the Month for November. The Arizona Coyotes prospect recorded 16 points including three goals and 13 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-9 over 12 November contests. Hoefenmayer had five different multi-point performances headlined by a four-point showing against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds on Nov. 16th. Hoefenmayer had two goals and two assists in that game, including one that served as the OHL’s representative in the weekly CIBC Showdown. He finished the month with points in three straight games, wrapping things up with a goal and two assists in a 6-2 win over Kingston on Nov. 28th.

A 19-year-old from North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer has 25 points including five goals and 20 assists along with a plus/minus rating of plus-14 over 29 games this season. The 6-foot-1, 204Ib. defender is currently in his fourth OHL season and picked up his 100th career point this past month. He was Arizona’s fourth round pick in 2017 and was originally a second round pick of the 67’s in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers Minor Midgets.

OHL Rookie of the Month – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s):
For the second straight month, Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi is the OHL Rookie of the Month. The first-year centreman had nine points including four goals and five assists over seven games before suffering an elbow injury on Nov. 15th that will sideline him into the new year. Rossi had points in five of his seven outings, stringing together a five game point streak. He had a goal and an assist in an 8-2 road win over the Saginaw Spirit on Nov. 4th, a goal and two helpers in a 6-4 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs on Nov. 7th and a pair of goals in a 4-3 loss to the Oshawa Generals on Nov. 9th to headline the month’s action.

A 17-year-old, 2020 NHL Draft eligible native of Feldkirch, Austria, Rossi continues to lead OHL rookies in scoring with 13 goals, 14 assists and 27 points despite missing the past two weeks to injury. His plus-23 rating is among the best in the league while he’s also won 55.4% of his faceoffs this season. The 5-foot-9, 174Ib. centre was the 18th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft.

 

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OHL Goaltender of the Month – Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights):
Overage London Knights goaltender Joseph Raaymakers is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November, playing to a perfect 8-0-0-0 record with a 1.99 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and one shutout. Raaymakers’ month was headlined by a pair of first star performances including a 30-save shutout in a 3-0 road win over the Kitchener Rangers on Nov. 4th. He followed up that showing with a 25-save effort in a 2-1 win over the Sudbury Wolves on Nov. 9th. Raaymakers turned aside 41 shots in a 6-3 win over the Erie Otters on Nov. 18th and closed out the month with 34 saves in an 8-1 win over the same Otters on Nov. 30th.

A 20-year-old native of Chatham, Ont., fifth-year veteran Raaymakers has helped backstop the Knights to a current 14-game winning streak, most recently earning his 90th career victory. Through 16 games he holds a 11-3-2-0 record with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, earning his seventh career shutout in the process. Raaymakers attended training camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past September, seeing NHL pre-season action.

2018-19 OHL Performers of the Month:

Player of the Month:
November – Jason Robertson (Niagara IceDogs)
October – Justin Brazeau (North Bay Battalion)

Defenceman of the Month:
November – Noel Hoefenmayer (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Mac Hollowell (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Rookie of the Month:
November – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)

Vaughn Goaltender of the Month:
November – Joseph Raaymakers (London Knights)
October – Cedrick Andree (Ottawa 67’s)