CANADIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2021-22 CBC BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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

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

Hi Dominic,


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


A complete television broadcast schedule is forthcoming.


Thanks,
Josh Sweetland

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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/.

Marco Rossi wins CHL Top Scorer of the Year Award presented by Purolator

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Purolator

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League is proud to announce that 2020 NHL Draft prospect Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the CHL Top Scorer of the Year Award presented by Purolator.

Rossi led all players with 120 points including 39 goals and 81 assists in 56 games helping the 67’s finish first in the Ontario Hockey League’s regular season standings for the second straight season.

“Purolator is delighted to partner with another iconic Canadian brand, the CHL, to recognize the young athletes who inspire others and deliver the entertainment of sport for Canadians across the country,” said Purolator Marketing Director, Melanie Cheng-Kai-On. “Congratulations, Marco Rossi on being named the 2019-20 CHL Top Scorer of the Year. With so many talented young players, winning the CHL scoring title is an incredible achievement. We look forward to watching Marco’s career continue – knowing he’ll deliver many more highlights in the future!”

The 18-year-old from Feldkirch, Austria, has now played two seasons for the 67’s after being chosen with the 18th pick in the 2018 CHL Import Draft.  This season he nearly doubled his point total following a rookie campaign in which he registered 65 points in 53 games.  He led the entire CHL with a plus-69 rating and was held off the scoresheet just four times producing an impressive 34 multi-point performances highlighted by a six-point output on November 27 scoring his first career hat-trick plus three assists against the Kingston Frontenacs.  The sixth ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final list also finished the schedule with success in the faceoff circle winning 58.5% of his draws and is a finalist for CHL Player of the Year.

“I want to say thanks to the CHL for giving me the CHL Top Scorer Award and I want to say thanks to the Ottawa 67’s for those amazing two years,” said Rossi. “Thank you very much, stay safe, and stay healthy.”

Since the award was first presented in 1994, Rossi is just the third top scorer to have joined the league through the Import Draft process following Czech Republic born Pavel Rosa for the 1996-97 Hull Olympiques, and Russian Alexander Radulov for the 2005-06 Quebec Remparts.  He’s also the first player to win the award in his first season of NHL Draft eligibility since Dylan Strome of the Erie Otters shared the honour in 2014-15.  That list also includes Nic Petan who shared the award in 2012-13 with the Portland Winterhawks, Patrick Kane of the 2006-07 London Knights, Sidney Crosby of the 2004-05 Rimouski Oceanic, Pierre-Marc Bouchard of the 2001-02 Chicoutimi Sagueneens, Ramzi Abid of the 1997-98 Sagueneens, Daniel Briere of the 1995-96 Drummondville Voltigeurs, and Marc Savard of the 1994-95 Oshawa Generals.  Rossi is now the second member of the 67’s to win the award joining Corey Locke during the 2002-03 season.

Finalists for the award were fellow 2020 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Lafreniere of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Rimouski Oceanic and Minnesota Wild prospect Adam Beckman of the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs.

67’s’ JAMES BOYD NAMED INAUGURAL RECIPIENT OF JIM GREGORY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

James Boyd

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League announced today that James Boyd of the Ottawa 67’s is the inaugural recipient of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award selected by a combination of the League’s General Managers as well as a five-member panel consisting of OHL writers and broadcasters along with a representative from NHL Central Scouting.

First announced last August, the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually to the General Manager who best excelled in his role during the regular season. The award honours the memory of one of the game’s great builders in former long-time NHL executive Jim Gregory who passed away this past October at the age of 83.

“My dad would be so proud to have James as the first winner,” said David Gregory, the son of the late Jim Gregory who currently works with NHL Central Scouting. “A couple seasons back, at one of the last games my dad and I scouted together, James was there. We sat together, watched the game and talked hockey, which my dad loved. When we were leaving my dad said to me, ‘that James, he’s a real hockey man.’

“My dad got his start in junior hockey and always loved his continued association with the OHL,” Gregory added. “My family is eternally grateful to David Branch and the Ontario Hockey League for honouring him with the namesake of this award. We’re also so thankful for all those associated with picking such a worthy winner as James Boyd.”

Working alongside back-to-back OHL Coach of the Year Andre Tourigny, Boyd’s 67’s skated to a second straight Hamilton Spectator Trophy atop the OHL regular season standings with a record of 50-11-0-1. Just as they did in 2018-19, the 67’s equalled their franchise record-tying mark of 50 wins, doing so in six-fewer games as a result of the abbreviated schedule. The Barber Poles led the League in goals for (296), surrendered the fewest against (164), owned the OHL’s top power play (29.8%) and third-ranked penalty kill (82.1%). They led all clubs in both home (26) and road (24) wins and strung together a franchise record 17-game winning streak that spanned from November 16 to January 10.

“This is a tremendous honour for our organization to receive this inaugural award in memory of the late, great Jim Gregory, whose exemplary dedication and class touched so many people in our game,” said Boyd. “The shared success of our 67’s team would not be possible without the tireless work of Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting, Jan Egert, and our team of dedicated scouts. Also, Coach of the Year, Andre Tourigny, our coaching staff and development team with their keen interest in team building and player improvement. Most importantly, our ownership group at OSEG, who provide the resources and support for each of our players to pursue their dreams.”

The 67’s featured several core returning members of their 2019 Eastern Conference championship roster including the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player Marco Rossi, Defenceman of the Year Noel Hoefenmayer, Overage Player of the Year Austen Keating, World Junior gold medalist Kevin Bahl, starting netminder Cedrick Andree and draft eligible 52-goal scorer Jack Quinn leading the way. Boyd’s biggest addition to the talented group this past season was October pickup Joseph Garreffa who went on to record 90 points (36-54–90) over 52 games in his overage season.

An OHL graduate and native of Mississauga, Ont. who played for the 67’s, Kitchener Rangers and Belleville Bulls from 1993-97, Boyd has been working in a hockey operations capacity in the League since 1999 when he broke in as an Assistant Coach in Belleville. Following 12 seasons spent largely as an Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager, Boyd took the reins as head coach and GM of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors in 2011-12. Following five seasons in that capacity with the Majors/Steelheads, Boyd signed on as General Manager of the Ottawa 67’s to begin the 2017-18 season. Since then, the club has played to an overall regular season record of 130-52-10-6.

Each of the OHL’s 20 member team General Managers cast their vote to establish a pool of finalists before further deliberations were carried out and an award winner identified by a five-man panel consisting of OHL print and broadcast media in addition to a representative from NHL Central Scouting.

A builder and good friend of the Ontario Hockey League along with countless people across the hockey world, Jim Gregory was a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee in 2007 who made significant contributions to the game throughout his lengthy career. Gregory got his managerial start by guiding St. Michael’s College School and the Toronto Marlboros to great success, winning a total of three Memorial Cup titles before becoming General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1969-79. He then transitioned into an executive role with the National Hockey League, one that spanned the course of four decades as he most recently served as the NHL’s Sr. Vice President of Hockey Operations.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Tuesday when the OHL recognizes its Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy recipient.

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’ MARCO ROSSI VOTED OHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Rossi, Marco 2

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 2020 NHL Draft prospect Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the League.

Rossi becomes the eighth different 67’s player to win the award and first since Corey Locke’s second of back-to-back honours in 2003-04. He follows reigning Red Tilson Trophy recipient Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves as the second European import player to ever be recognized.

“Thank you to all of the accredited OHL media writers for awarding me the prestigious Red Tilson Trophy,” said Rossi of the honour. “I would like to acknowledge the great Mr. Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II, a true hero. In these COVID-19 unprecedented times, I honor the men and women, doctors and nurses and all of those putting their lives on the line for all of us across the globe, true heroes that follow in Mr. Tilson’s footsteps.”

Rossi finished atop the CHL scoring charts with 120 points including 39 goals, 81 assists and an impressive plus/minus rating of plus-69 over just 53 games. His 2.14 point-per-game pace led the OHL and is the highest such figure by a Red Tilson Trophy recipient since Erie’s Connor McDavid (2.55) in 2014-15. He was recently recognized as the first Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient of European descent since Stan Mikita of the St. Catharines Teepees claimed the honour in 1958-59.

“I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition,” Rossi continued. “This is truly a team award, and I want to thank the entire first-class 67’s organization for their support over the 2019-20 season. From the ownership group, to the management staff, to the coaching staff, to the training staff, to my teammates, to my billeting family, to my immediate family, to the fans and to everyone who provided a helping hand during this last season and the time leading up to it: thank you! I am honored and forever grateful to receive this prestigious award.”

The 18-year-old from Feldkirch, Austria helped power the first place 67’s with the League’s top power play, rounding out the campaign with a total of 34 multi-point performances, 23 of which included three points or more. He earned three star of the game recognition a total of 23 different times, a figure that includes eight first star selections. The 5-foot-9, 187Ib. centreman finished the schedule with an impressive 58.5% success rate in the faceoff circle and was held off the scoresheet just four times.

Rossi’s 120 points are the most by a 67’s player in a single season since Locke (151) in 2002-03. His plus-69 rating is the fifth-highest by any player since the League began tracking plus/minus in 1996-97, trailing fellow 67’s Nick Boynton (plus 81, 1996-97) and Sean Blanchard (plus-74, 1996-97) as well as London’s Danny Syvret (plus-70, 2004-05) and Sault Ste. Marie’s Morgan Frost (plus-70, 2017-18).

“Marco brought fans out of their seats on numerous occasions this season, consistently showcasing his skill and smarts,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd. “Marco played with a commitment to the team concept and attention to detail defensively and on many nights dominated the game with his play at both ends of the ice. Marco is an outstanding player and it is fitting that he be awarded the Red Tilson Trophy for his contributions to our team this season.”

The sixth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings competed in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this past January in Hamilton. Rossi, who was named to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2018-19, has accumulated 185 points (68-117–185) over just 109 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the 18th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft. He was widely recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll, appearing in six different categories as he earned recognition as the Eastern Conference’s smartest player, best playmaker and best shootout shooter.

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League.  First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from the 20 nominees submitted by all 20 member clubs. Rossi led the way, receiving 62% of the overall vote followed by the League’s second-highest point producer in Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit with 13% of the vote and OHL goal-scoring leader Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes with his share of 12%.

This marks the 10th time a 67’s player has earned the award as Rossi follows the aforementioned Corey Locke (2002-03, 2003-04), defenceman Brian Campbell (1998-99), two-time winner Alyn McCauley (1995-96, 1996-97), Andrew Cassels (1987-88), Jim Fox (1979-80), Bobby Smith (1977-78) and Peter Lee (1975-76) in having his name engraved on the trophy. In addition to Luukkonen, other recent winners include Sarnia’s Jordan Kyrou (2018), Erie’s Alex DeBrincat (2017) and London’s Mitch Marner (2016). Rossi joins Connor McDavid (Erie 2015), Tyler Seguin (Plymouth 2010), John Tavares (Oshawa 2007), David Legwand (Plymouth 1998), Eric Lindros (Oshawa 1991) and Jack Valiquette (Sault Ste. Marie 1974) as the seventh player to claim the honour prior to his NHL Draft selection.

The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Friday when the OHL recognizes the 2019-20 recipient of the Ken Bodendistel Character Award for Officials.

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/.

67’s’ ANDRE TOURIGNY NAMED OHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Andre Tourigny

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that, for the second straight season, Andre Tourigny of the Ottawa 67’s is the recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year.

Tourigny, who was a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning National Junior Team coaching staff, steered the 67’s to a second straight Hamilton Spectator Trophy atop the OHL regular season standings with a record of 50-11-0-1. Just as they did in 2018-19, the 67’s equalled their franchise record-tying mark of 50 wins, doing so in six-fewer games as a result of the abbreviated schedule. The Barber Poles led the League in goals for (296), surrendered the fewest against (164), owned the OHL’s top power play (29.8%) and third-ranked penalty kill (82.1%). They led all clubs in both home (26) and road (24) wins and strung together a franchise record 17-game winning streak that spanned from November 16 to January 10.

“It’s a tremendous honour and a great feeling to be chosen by my peers. Even though my name is on this award, it is truly a team effort,” said Tourigny. “This recognition is a testimony of the quality of our program and of the quality of the people I’m working with. Our coaching staff, support staff, development staff and our strength and conditioning staff are a fantastic group and it truly is a blessing to work with them every day. Our management creates a professional and dynamic environment and is always there to support us. The commitment of our owners and OSEG management is unparalleled and is a source of energy on a daily basis in our office. They provide the ideal environment to succeed every day for all of us. Finally, I want to thank our players for their sacrifice and their relentlessness every single day.”

Tourigny joined the 67’s as head coach and vice president of hockey operations prior to the franchise’s 50th anniversary season in 2017-18. The 45-year-old Nicolet, Quebec native became the ninth coach in 67’s history with an impressive track record behind the bench primarily in the QMJHL where his career began as an assistant coach with the Shawinigan Cataractes in 1998.  He joined the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies as head coach and general manager in 2002 where he spent 11 seasons and set a QMJHL record for most games coached with one franchise at 693 and earned Coach of the Year honours in 2005-06.  He moved up to the NHL ranks and spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche from 2013-15, then one season with the Ottawa Senators in 2015-16.  He returned to the QMJHL for one season as head coach of the Halifax Mooseheads in 2016-17 before returning to the nation’s capital. He owns an overall OHL head coaching record of 130-52-10-6 over three seasons with the 67’s.

“Andre has been the driving force behind the continuous improvement of our hockey club with his nurturing style, relentless attention to detail and ability to marshal players and staff throughout the season,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd. “It is fitting that Andre be recognized with this prestigious award for the second consecutive season.”

The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972.  The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.

Tourigny becomes the first back-to-back recipient of the award since Windsor’s Bob Boughner in 2008 and 2009. The list of back-to-back winners also includes 67’s coaching legend Brian Kilrea (1981 and 1982, 1996 and 1997) who accomplished the feat twice along with Dale Hunter (London, 2004 and 2005), Peter DeBoer (Plymouth, 1999 and 2000) and George Burnett (Niagara Falls, 1991 and 1992). Kilrea holds the League record with five Coach of the Year honours while others to win the award multiple times include the aforementioned Boughner, Hunter, DeBoer and Burnett along with Bert Templeton, Terry Crisp, Craig Hartsburg, Gary Agnew and Mike Vellucci. Joining Tourigny as other recent recipients include Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie, 2018), Ryan McGill (Owen Sound, 2017), Kris Knoblauch (Erie, 2016), Sheldon Keefe (Sault Ste. Marie, 2015) and D.J. Smith (Oshawa, 2014).

Tourigny will be the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year Award to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Tuesday when the OHL recognizes its Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy recipient as the League’s Humanitarian of the Year presented by Kia.

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’ MARCO ROSSI RECOGNIZED AS EDDIE POWERS MEMORIAL TROPHY RECIPIENT AS TOP SCORER PRESENTED BY KUBOTA CANADA

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Marco Rossi

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to recognize Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi who claims the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the League’s Top Scorer presented by Kubota Canada.

The draft eligible centreman finished atop the CHL scoring charts with 120 points including 39 goals, 81 assists and an impressive plus/minus rating of plus-69 over just 53 games. His 2.14 point-per-game pace led the OHL and is the highest such figure by an OHL scoring champion since London’s Patrick Kane (2.50) in 2006-07. He becomes the first Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient of European descent since Stan Mikita of the St. Catharines Teepees claimed the honour in 1958-59.

“Kubota Canada is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for the OHL 2019-20 Top Scorer award. Even though the season was abbreviated, we saw some great performances this season and it gives me great pleasure on behalf of Kubota’s employees and the Kubota dealers across Canada to congratulate Marco Rossi as this year’s OHL Top Scorer!,” said Rob Allison, Director of Brand & Corporate Partnerships for Kubota Canada Ltd. “Well done, Marco!”

The 18-year-old from Feldkirch, Austria helped power the first place 67’s with the League’s top power play, rounding out the campaign with a total of 34 multi-point performances, 23 of which included three points or more. His top performances included a five assist showing on October 20th against Hamilton, another five point outing on November 17th in Sarnia and a career-high six point output on November 27th in Kingston. The 5-foot-9, 187Ib. centreman finished the schedule with an impressive 58.5% success rate in the faceoff circle and was held off the scoresheet just four times.

“Thank you to the Ontario Hockey League for awarding me the Eddie Powers Trophy,” said Rossi. “I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition. This award is truly a team award, and I want to thank the entire first-class 67’s organization for their support over the 2019-20 season.  From the ownership group, to the management staff, to the coaching staff, to the training staff, to my teammates, to my billeting family, to my immediate family, to the fans and to everyone who had a helping hand for me during this last season and the time leading up to it: Thank you! I am honored and forever grateful to receive this prestigious award.”

Rossi’s 120 points are the most by a 67’s player in a single season since Corey Locke (151) in 2002-03. His plus-69 rating is the fifth-highest by any player since the League began tracking plus/minus in 1996-97, trailing fellow 67’s Nick Boynton (plus 81, 1996-97) and Sean Blanchard (plus-74, 1996-97) as well as London’s Danny Syvret (plus-70, 2004-05) and Sault Ste. Marie’s Morgan Frost (plus-70, 2017-18).

“Marco plays a team game and the way that he shares the puck with his teammates was a pleasure to watch this season,” commented 67’s general manager James Boyd. “The fact that Marco was able to lead such a talented group of peers in league scoring, while maintaining the highest standard of defensive play, makes this achievement even more remarkable.”

The sixth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings competed in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this past January in Hamilton. Rossi, who was named to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2018-19, has accumulated 185 points (68-117–185) over just 109 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the 18th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft. He was widely recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll, appearing in six different categories as he earned recognition as the Eastern Conference’s smartest player, best playmaker and best shootout shooter.

Rossi becomes the seventh player in 67’s franchise history to earn the award, following Tyler Toffoli (2011), two-time winner Corey Locke (2003, 2004), Andrew Cassels (1988), Jim Fox (1980), Bobby Smith (1978) and Blake Dunlop (1973). He follows other recent OHL standouts who won the award in their draft eligible seasons including Erie’s Dylan Strome (2015), Windsor’s Taylor Hall (2010), Plymouth’s Tyler Seguin (2010), London’s John Tavares (2009) and London’s Patrick Kane (2007).

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.  Jason Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs was last year’s recipient with 117 points in 62 games including 48 goals and 69 assists.  Other recent winners include Barrie’s Aaron Luchuk (2018), Erie’s Alex DeBrincat (2017) and Barrie’s Kevin Labanc (2016).

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Monday when the League announces its Matt Leyden Trophy recipient as OHL Coach of the Year.

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’ AUSTEN KEATING NAMED OHL’S OVERAGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Keating, Austen (3)

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Austen Keating of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Overage Player of the Year.

Keating recorded 89 points including 32 goals and 57 assists over 58 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-58. He finished tied for third in 67’s team scoring and second among OHL overage skaters, one point back of teammate Joseph Garreffa. His season included 28 different multi-point performances headlined by a career-high seven point effort that yielded three goals and four assists on Nov. 27 at Kingston.

“It’s a great honour to be named the OHL’s Overage Player of the Year, but I never would’ve been able to do it without the great help of many people,” stated Keating. “First off, I’d like to thank all of the Ottawa 67’s coaching staff, as well as my teammates and the Ottawa 67’s fans, who were amazing to me from my very first day with the organization until my last.  I’d also like to thank my family, who have always been by my side through the good and the bad times and who were a huge reason why I was able to succeed this year.”

A 21-year-old native of Guelph, Ont., Keating was originally a first round (16th overall) pick by Ottawa in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. He wraps up his OHL career as the only player in 67’s franchise history to play in over 300 career regular season games while racking up over 300 points in the process. His 309 career games rank third in franchise history while his 325 points (113-212–325) place him 12th, a figure that marks the highest career total of any active OHL player. Keating finished tied for third as the most underrated player in the Eastern Conference in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll. Upon season’s end, he made a commitment to attend the University of New Brunswick for the 2020-21 season, preparing to suit up for the defending AUS champion Reds men’s hockey program.

“During his time with the 67’s, Austen has been the consummate team player and his effort and dedication to improve on a day-to-day basis embodies all of the core values of our organization,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd. “Austen developed into a true leader and driving force within our group with his play this season and is most deserving of this prestigious award.”

The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the Top Overage Player of the Year as selected by OHL General Managers. Teams were asked to submit a nominee for the award and were not permitted to vote for players from their own hockey club.

First presented in 1984, the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League, in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former Chief Scout of OHL Central Scouting. Leo Lalonde was also formerly the Chief Scout for the Belleville Bulls as well as a scout for the Peterborough Petes.

Keating becomes the third player in 67’s franchise history to win the award, following Dan Tessier in 1999-2000 and Don McLaren, who was the inaugural recipient back in 1983-84.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Thursday when the OHL recognizes its Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient as the League’s leading scorer.

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/.

Jack Quinn – Ottawa 67’s – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6”1”

Weight: 179 Pounds

Date of birth: September 19, 2001

Hometown: Cobden, Ontario

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

OHL Draft: Round 2, 39th overall, 2017 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season

 November Mid-term Final
B Prospect A Prospect 9 N.A.

7 N.A.

Jack Quinn played his Minor Midget AAA with the Kanata Lasers during the 2016-2017 and in 45 games scored 28 goals and added 24 assists. The Ottawa 67’s would select him with the 39th overall pick at the 2017 Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection.

During the 2017-2018 season, Quinn would skate in the Central Canadian Hockey League with the Kanata Laser. In 49 games, he scored 21 goals while assisting on 25. He was named the CCHL Rookie of the Year, CCHL Top Prospect and was named to the CCHL All-Rookie Team. He also got a taste of the OHL appearing in 8 games and registering 1 helper.

Jack Quinn of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Jack Quinn of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Last season, Quinn broke the 67’s lineup beginning primarily as a 4th liner. However, he began to move up the lineup throughout the season and would appear in 61 games and finishing with 32 points on 12 goals and 20 assists. He would add 3 goals and 7 points in 18 playoff contests.

Things clicked for Quinn this season and his abilities as a goal scorer were at the forefront. Not only did he lead all draft eligible players in goals with 52, he finished second among all players only to Nick Robertson.

Some put a question mark on Rossi because he has a late 2001 birthdate like teammate and fellow draft prospect Marco Rossi. Quinn missed being eligible for the 2019 draft by just 4 days. Sometimes, there is too much emphasis put on that.

At 6’1” Quinn has some good size but really needs to add some muscle. Considering he was drafted at 5’9”, played last year at 5’11” and jumped up to 6’1” this season, he is not just still growing, but adjusting to his new frame.

I also see others questioning his defensive game. While Quinn is no Ryan O’Reilly or Patrice Bergeron, one can’t question his commitment to playing a 200-foot game. He has a high-level hockey IQ so he understands where to position himself in the defensive zone. He also has excellent anticipation and seemingly always knows where the puck is going to go and breaks up many of plays that way. He is strongly committed to coming back hard on the back check as well. He may never win a Selke Trophy at the NHL level, but he’s not going to hurt his team either. He can also kill penalties and you will find him on the ice in the last minute protecting a one goal lead.

Quinn has a lethal shot with an uncanny knack for disguising his release. He’s also capable of beating goaltenders with it. To go along with his high IQ, Quinn also has some excellent vision. He digests the situation quickly and like a chess master is able to think ahead. But he’s also able to slow things down and let an opportunity open up. His playmaking skills may be underrated.

Skating was an issue for Quinn a season ago. But like the effort he puts in the defensive part of his game, he put the effort into improving his skating. He’s gained a step but also added some power behind his skating. It all comes down to putting all of his talents together. If there was one area, I would like to see improve it is his willingness to take the puck to the net, or to drive there when he doesn’t have possession. And when he adds that muscle needed, it could bring another element to his game that he excels at.

Quinn should hear his name called in the top-15 at the 2020 NHL Draft. But he could easily be a top-10 talent.