EIGHT OHL PLAYERS TO REPRESENT CANADA AT 2021 WORLD JUNIORS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate eight OHL players on being named to Canada’s National Junior Team that will compete in the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship from December 25, 2020 to January 5, 2021 in Edmonton, Alta.

Following a 26-day selection camp that was interrupted by a mandatory two-week quarantine, 25 players have been named to the final roster including three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards.

Three returning OHL players won gold at the 2020 World Juniors including Quinton Byfield (Newmarket, Ont./Sudbury Wolves), Jamie Drysdale (Toronto, Ont./Erie Otters) and Connor McMichael (Ajax, Ont./London Knights).

Joining the three OHL returnees on the roster are defenceman Thomas Harley (Jamesville, N.Y., Mississauga Steelheads) and forwards Cole Perfetti (Pickering, Ont./Saginaw Spirit), Jack Quinn (Cobden, Ont./Ottawa 67’s), Ryan Suzuki (London, Ont./Saginaw Spirit) and Philip Tomasino (Mississauga, Ont./Oshawa Generals).

Back-to-back OHL Coach of the Year Andre Tourigny (Nicolet, Que./Ottawa 67’s) will serve as head coach of Team Canada. He’s joined on staff by 67’s equipment manager Chris Hamilton (Ottawa, Ont./Ottawa 67’s).

The final roster was selected by Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), senior vice-president of national teams for Hockey Canada, with assistance from Alan Millar (Tottenham, Ont./Moose Jaw, WHL), the U20 lead for the Program of Excellence management group, and Ben Shutron (Orleans, Ont.), manager of national teams for Hockey Canada. Tourigny and assistant coaches Tyler Dietrich (West Vancouver, B.C./Saskatoon, WHL), Michael Dyck (Lethbridge, Alta./Vancouver, WHL) and Mitch Love (Quesnel, B.C./Saskatoon, WHL) also provided input into the final roster selections.

“This camp has been unconventional from the outset with the number of players invited and the length of camp, along with the schedule adjustment due to our two-week shutdown, but we feel we have selected a group that will give us the best chance to defend our gold medal on home ice,” said Millar. “It is never easy making decisions to trim down a roster, especially when every player handled adversity, faced challenges head on and remained committed to the process through our off-ice workouts and Zoom sessions. We have a lot of people to thank, including the people of Red Deer, the Red Deer Rebels (WHL) and Alberta Health Services, who worked with us to always ensure the health and safety of our athletes, staff and the community at large, and we look forward to representing Canada in Edmonton.”

The 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship begins on Christmas Day with three games before Canada kicks off its tournament schedule on Dec. 26 against Germany at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all 28 tournament games and the 10 pre-tournament games that begin Dec. 20. TSN Radio will also provide comprehensive tournament coverage, including all Team Canada pre-tournament and tournament games through to the gold medal game.

Canada has captured 18 gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championship (1982, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2018, 2020), in addition to 11 silver (1975, 1976, 1977, 1986, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2017) and six bronze (1974, 1978, 1983, 2000, 2001, 2012).

For more information from the International Ice Hockey Federation, please visit the official tournament website at 2021.worldjuniors.hockey.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Twitter.com/HC_WJC.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPO­­­RTS than any other league.

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16 OHL Players Recognized as Invitees to Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

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Calgary, Atla. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that 16 OHL players have been invited to attend Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp.

The camp roster features two OHL goaltenders, three defencemen and 26 forwards as part of the 41-player roster that will attend the five-day virtual camp taking place July 27-31. The camp will feature various online education sessions with a focus on player development. Hockey Canada announced last month that various programming and training sessions will be held virtually this summer due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We are excited to begin preparations for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship with this group of 41 players and our full staff at our online camp, as we believe we have a good mix of veteran leadership and young talent that are eager to represent Canada during the holiday season,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams for Hockey Canada. “We are also pleased to have Michael and Mitch round out the coaching staff, as their Canadian Hockey League and international experience will compliment André’s leadership while we work towards defending our gold medal on home ice.”

The roster for Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp includes three OHL skaters who helped Canada win gold at the 2020 World Juniors (Byfield, Drysdale, McMichael), six OHL players who were selected at the 2019 NHL Draft (Harley, Clarke, McMichael, Rees, Suzuki, Tomasino), eight OHL players who are eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft (Brochu, Drysdale, O’Rourke, Byfield, Foerster, Perfetti, Perreault, Quinn), one who is eligible in 2021 (Lennox) and one who is eligible in 2022 (Wright).

As announced earlier this year, Ottawa 67’s head coach André Tourigny will return to Canada’s National Junior Team and serve as head coach after helping Canada to a gold medal as an assistant coach at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship. He was named head coach of the OHL’s 67’s in 2017 and has helped them claim the Hamilton Spectator Trophy twice as back-to-back regular season champions. Tourigny was recently awarded the Matt Leyden Trophy as the OHL’s Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season and was named the CHL Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year presented by Janes.

The 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship is set to take place in Edmonton and Red Deer this December.

OHL Players Invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp

Goaltenders:
Brett Brochu (London Knights)
Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)

Defencemen:
Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)
Thomas Harley (Mississauga Steelheads)
Ryan O’Rourke (Soo Greyhounds)

Forwards:
Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)
Graeme Clarke (Ottawa 67’s)
Tyson Foerster (Barrie Colts)
Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)
Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s)
Jamieson Rees (Sarnia Sting)
Ryan Suzuki (Saginaw Spirit)
Philip Tomasino (Oshawa Generals)
Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs)

Coaches:
Head Coach – André Tourigny (Ottawa 67’s)

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Twitter.com/HC_Men.

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. Last season, more than nine million fans attended CHL games in the regular season, playoffs and at the Memorial Cup Presented by Kia. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U Sports than any other league.  For more information visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com.

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/.

Quinton Byfield – Sudbury Wolves – Player Profile

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 215 Pounds

Date of birth: August 19, 2002

Hometown: Newmarket, Ontario

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

OHL Draft: Round 1, 1st overall, 2018 Priority Selection

NHL Central Scouting Rankings

Pre-season

 November Mid-term Final
A Prospect A Prospect 2 N.A.

2 N.A.

Sudbury Wolves’ stud Quinton Byfield played his Minor Midget AAA hockey for the York Simcoe Express during the 2017-2018 season where he led the league in goals (48), assists (44) and points (92). He led the Express to an OMHA Championship with his 7 goals and 5 assists in 6 games.

The superb year Byfield had led him to being named the OMHA Player of the Year and brought with him a reputation of winning. Along with the Minor Midget title, he has a Minor Bantam and Bantam Championship on his resume. It led to Byfield being the first overall pick at the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Here’s what OHL Central Scouting had to say:

Quinton is the type of player that doesn’t come around very often. At nearly 6’4” and over 200lbs, he is an intimidating presence on the ice. He has an exceptionally high skill level and can-do things with a puck that not many players his age or size can do. He is very creative with the puck on his stick and isn’t afraid to try and beat any defender. He is very hard to handle in open ice as he is agile on his skates and uses his edges effectively. Quinton has a cannon for a shot and can shoot in mid-stride.

Of course, Byfield would begin the 2018-2019 season in the OHL. He appeared in 62 games for the Wolves and scored 29 goals and 32 assists. He finished third among OHL rookies in goals, assists and points but he was still named the OHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Rookie of the Year as well as being named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team. Byfield would also represent Canada at the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 and in 5 games scored twice and assisted on another.

Byfield, Quinton (1)
Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by OHL Images

This season began with the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup for Byfield. He scored three times and assisted on two others, but it was a disappointment for the Canadian squad who skated away with a silver medal.

Everyone in the hockey world expected a big season from Byfield with maybe a chance at taking a run at the first overall pick with Alexis Lafreniere. Time away from the Wolves to represent Canada at the World Junior Championships and injuries prevented Byfield from playing a full season (coronavirus aside). However, he was still able to score 32 goals and 50 assists and finish among the draft eligible statistical leaders despite playing in just 45 games.

Now, about that World Junior Championships, too many people are making a big deal about his performance, or lack of productivity (1 assist in 7 games) from Byfield. No one should put too much emphasis on just one tournament and look at the complete body of work. For Team Canada, it wasn’t about the 2020 Championships, but rather the experience and preparation for 2021 should he be available to them. It’s the same approach they took with Lafreniere two years ago and it certainly paid dividends for the National Team.

Byfield isn’t without warts. But one has to remember that with an August birthdate, he is one of the younger players eligible for the draft. In fact, if he was born 17 days later, he wouldn’t be eligible until the 2021 draft. It’s all about finetuning certain parts of his game.

When you watch Byfield, several things stand out. First, is his size. He has a man’s body already – an NHL body. If that doesn’t wow you, then the skating will. He has superb speed despite lugging around his big frame – one wouldn’t think that he possesses such a tremendous separation gear. He’s a force on his skates and almost impossible to knock off the puck. His edgework is elite, able to pivot, turn, start and stop with relative ease.

Also impressive is Byfield’s puck protection and possession skills. He uses his body and reach to keep the puck away from defenders while maintaining possession. Once he has the puck on his stick, it’s like it is attached to a string and the only way it’s coming off is if he passes it or takes a shot.

Byfield’s vision and hockey IQ are also elite. He has the uncanny ability to draw in a defender or two, assess the situation in the blink of an eye and then set up a teammate for scoring opportunities. Rarely do you see him make the wrong decision. He can also beat goaltenders with an elite, NHL ready shot that is overpowering.

I don’t categorize Byfield as a generational talent in the ilk of a Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby. However, he is the type of player that you can build around and be your number one center. How good he can be will be dependant on how he develops parts of his game as he matures.

I had the opportunity to talk to Brock Otten, founder of OHL Prospects, and a contributor to McKeen’s Hockey. Brock is truly one of the most knowledgeable people out there and his knowledge goes beyond the Ontario Hockey League. And his Twitter is a wealth of information. I urge you to follow his work as you won’t be disappointed. Not only did Brock give his thoughts on Byfield, but other draft eligible players.

Have a listen:

OHL Writers’ Draft Eligible Player of the Month for January

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

In the years that I have been doing this, I don’t ever recall a month like January where so many players could have been chosen our Draft Eligible Player of the Month. Tyson Foerster, Luke Evangelista, Brett Brochu, James Hardie, Ty Tullio, Jack Quinn, Marco Rossi, Cole Perfetti and Quinton Byfield were all, for different reasons, deserving.

Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

We settled on Mr Consistency, Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit for the second time this season.

Through 13 games in the month of January, Perfetti found the back of the net 8 times while assisting on 21 others and finishing a plus-16. He was held off the score sheet just once, a January 15th matchup against the Soo Greyhounds. In the 12 remaining contests, 9 were multi point games.

Perfetti was named the game’s first star 3 times and the game’s third star twice. But let’s not get into the Ontario Hockey League’s three-star selection process.

Serious consideration was given to London Knights netminder Brendan Brochu. The rookie keeper appeared in 9 games in January winning all of them while posting a sparkling 1.89 goals-against-average and a .940 save-percentage.

Foerster appeared in 11 games scoring 8 goals and assisting on 9 others. Evangelista scored 6 goals and 11 assists in 11 games, Hardie 12 goals and 8 assists in 11 games, Tullio 7 goals and 9 assists in 13 games, Quinn 17 goals and 7 assists in 12 games, Rossi 6 goals and 16 assists in 12 games and Byfield 7 goals and 6 assists in 7 games.

OHL Writers Draft Eligible Players of the Month

January – Cole Perfetti – Saginaw Spirit

December – Marco Rossi – Ottawa 67’s

November – Marco Rossi – Ottawa 67’s

October – Cole Perfetti – Saginaw Spirit

OHL’ers finish 1 through 5 at the Top Prospects Sport Testing Combine

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Top Prospects Skills
Top Prospects compete at the Sports Testing Combine prior to the Top Prospects Game. Photo by Brandon Taylor / CHL Images

On-Ice Tests:

30M Forward Skate:
1 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
2 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)
3 – Thimo Nickl (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

30M Forward Skate with Puck:
1 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
2 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)
3 – Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)

30M Backward Skate:
1 – Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)
2 – Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks)
3 – Dawson Mercer (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)

30M Backward Skate with Puck:
1 – Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)
2 – Dawson Mercer (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
3 – Ridly Greig (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Reaction:
1 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
2 – Vasily Ponomarev (Shawinigan Cataractes)
3 – Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks)

Reaction with Puck:
1 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)
2 – Jaromir Pytlik (Soo Greyhounds)
3 – Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)

Weave Agility:
1 – Dawson Mercer (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
2 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
3 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)

Weave Agility with Puck:
1 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)
2 – Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)
3 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)

Transition Agility:
1 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)
2 – Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)
3 – Kaiden Guhle (Prince Albert Raiders)

Transition Agility with Puck:
1 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)
2 – Dawson Mercer (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)
3 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)

Off-Ice Tests:

Vertical Jump:
1 – Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)
2 – Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s)
3 – Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)

Broad Jump:
1 – Thimo Nickl (Drummondville Voltigeurs)
2 –Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)
3 – Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s)

Medicine Ball Toss:
1 – Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)
1 – Jack Finley (Spokane Chiefs)
3 – Vasily Ponomarev (Shawinigan Cataractes)

Grip Left:
1 – Samuel Hlavaj (Sherbrooke Phoenix)
2 – Thimo Nickl (Drummondville Voltigeurs)
3 – Brock Gould (Moose Jaw Warriors)

Grip Right:
1 – Jack Finley (Spokane Chiefs)
2 – Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)
3 – Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)

Pro-Agility Left:
1 – Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
2 – Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers)
3 – Ridly Greig (Brandon Wheat Kings)

Pro-Agility Right:
1 – Antonio Stranges (London Knights)
2 – Jack Finley (Spokane Chiefs)
3 – Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers)

Sport Testing scores provide valuable performance benchmarks to coaches and players at all levels of hockey with data collected at the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game shared with NHL Central Scouting and distributed to all 31 NHL teams.

Read full article here

OHL THIS WEEK: JANUARY 16 TO 19, 2020

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

OHL This Week

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

Toronto, Ont. – It’s a special Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game edition of the OHL This Week. Here’s the scoop on what’s happening Thursday in Hamilton into a full weekend of OHL action with nine games on both Friday and Saturday.

KUBOTA CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME SET FOR THURSDAY IN HAMILTON:
The 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game returns to Ontario on Thursday January 16th in Hamilton as 40 of the Canadian Hockey League’s top draft eligible players bring fans and scouts out to see a best-on-best competition.
READ MORE / PHOTO GALLERY – TOP PROSPECTS ARRIVE IN HAMILTON

THE BOOK ON THE OHL’S TOP PROSPECTS WITH NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING DIRECTOR DAN MARR:
NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Marr provides his insights on four of the OHL’s top prospects ahead of the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. He takes a closer look at Sudbury’s Quinton Byfield, Erie’s Jamie Drysdale, Saginaw’s Cole Perfetti and Ottawa’s Marco Rossi.
WATCH

RISING STARS BYFIELD AND DRYSDALE ENJOYING THE RIDE TOGETHER:
NHL Central Scouting’s second and third ranked North American skaters Quinton Byfield and Jamie Drysdale are enjoying the journey to the 2020 NHL Draft together. The two Canadian National Junior Team gold medalists are competing in the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
READ MORE

STING’S PERREAULT DRAWING FROM PRO INFLUENCES:
It’s amazing what kind of wisdom can be drawn from a combined 43 years of National Hockey League experience, just ask Sarnia Sting forward Jacob Perreault, who continues to benefit from a well-travelled trifecta of hockey influencers.
READ MORE

PERFETTI DOING BIG THINGS IN SAGINAW:
Coming off a tremendous rookie campaign, Saginaw Spirit sophomore Cole Perfetti has an opportunity to be the first player in club history to go top-10 at the NHL Draft.
READ MORE

57 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING’S MIDTERM DRAFT RANKINGS:
Sudbury’s Quinton Byfield, Erie’s Jamie Drysdale, Saginaw’s Cole Perfetti and Ottawa’s Marco Rossi account for four of the top five ranked North American skaters on the NHL Central Scouting Midterms.All 20 of the OHL’s member teams feature at least one player included on the list, with the Soo Greyhounds (7), Windsor Spitfires (6), Erie Otters (5) and Guelph Storm (5) leading the way.
FULL RANKINGS

67’s, SPITFIRES AND PETES IN KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Ottawa 67’s remain the top-ranked team in the CHL this week while the Windsor Spitfires and Peterborough Petes round out the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Kitchener Rangers and Saginaw Spirit remain honourable mentions for a second straight week.
FULL RANKINGS

COSKEY, TOMASINO AND MERKLEY NAMED TO VAUGHN CHL TEAM OF THE WEEK:
Saginaw’s Cole Coskey, Oshawa’s Philip Tomasino and London’s Ryan Merkley have been named to the Vaughn CHL Team of the Week.
READ MORE

GENERALS’ TOMASINO NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Nashville Predators prospect Philip Tomasino of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending January 12th. Tomasino earns the award for the second time this season after making his mark in his first weekend as a General. He put up three consecutive two-goal performances in wins over Windsor, Sarnia and Peterborough.
READ MORE

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK – JANUARY 15, 2020:
Without further ado, we present a red hot edition of Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week, featuring some of the nicest goals scored across the League this season. The newest Oshawa General Philip Tomasino gets things started shorthanded on the back hand before Sudbury Wolves addition Matej Pekar shows off the eyes in the back of his head. Erie’s Jamie Drysdale puts his best moves on display with a nifty centering feed for Austen Swankler and London Knights star Connor McMichael wows us with a between the legs beauty. Flint’s Ty Dellandrea finishes things off with an unassisted, shorthanded overtime game winner.
WATCH

VAUGHN SAVES OF THE WEEK – JANUARY 14, 2020:
It’s that time again. Let’s roll back the tape for Vaughn Saves, featuring the best saves across the Ontario Hockey League. Press play and check out the fine work of Owen Sound’s Mack Guzda, Windsor’s Kari Piiroinen, Ottawa’s Cedrick Andree, Soo’s Bailey Brkin, Hamilton’s Zachary Roy, Oshawa’s Jordan Kooy, Sudbury’s Mitchell Weeks, Mississauga’s Kai Edmonds, Windsor’s Xavier Medina and Niagara’s Andrew MacLean.
WATCH

CHL SHOWDOWN – WEEK ENDING JANUARY 12, 2020:
Flint Firebirds forward Ty Dellandrea is the OHL’s representative in this week’s CHL Showdown featuring one great play from all three leagues.
WATCH & VOTE AT CHLSHOWDOWN.CA

FOUR PLAYERS SCORE FIRST OHL GOALS:
Sudbury’s Adam Samuelsson, Hamilton’s Gavin White, Niagara’s A.J. Cook and Mississauga’s Rylan Bowers all scored first career OHL goals this past week.
WATCH

OHL WEEKEND NOTEBOOK – JANUARY 13, 2020:
The OHL Weekend Notebook recaps the weekend that was with news, information and interesting facts from both on and off the ice. Here are 10 of the leading stories from this past weekend.
READ MORE

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR MINOR MIDGET TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Quinte Red Devils are on top of the rankings for a sixth consecutive week while the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Toronto Titans, Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and Toronto Nationals continue to trail in spots two through five. The Southern Tier Admirals are up one slot to sixth  while the Vaughan Kings continue to trend in the right direction, rising to ninth ahead of the Toronto Marlboros who round out the Top 10.
FULL RANKINGS

#PLAYERSFIRST – OHL SUPPORT AND PLAYER WELFARE:
The OHL takes extreme pride in the player environment and fostering a safe place for young men to develop both as hockey players and as people. Saginaw Spirit graduate Kris Bennett, who now plays U SPORTS Men’s Hockey at the University of New Brunswick, shares how the OHL #TalkToday program positively impacted his time in the League.
FACT OF THE WEEK / ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

5 QUESTIONS WITH OTTAWA 67’s FORWARD MARCO ROSSI:
Ever since joining the Canadian Hockey League last season as the 18th overall pick in the 2018 Import Draft, Austrian forward Marco Rossi has been one to watch for the Ottawa 67’s. He quickly developed into one of the league’s elite offensive playmakers and not only leads the Ontario Hockey League in scoring but has solidified himself as a top prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft.
READ MORE

PETES HONOUR COLIN CAMPBELL WITH BANNER RAISING CEREMONY:
The Peterborough Petes paid tribute to former defenceman, long-time NHL player and executive Colin Campbell on Saturday night prior to a 4-0 shutout win over the Ottawa 67’s. A native of Tillsonburg, Ont., Campbell was a part of Peterborough’s 1972 Robertson Cup championship squad alongside familiar names in Bob Gainey, Stan Jonathan and Doug Jarvis.
WATCH

TOP 2020 NHL DRAFT PROSPECT JAN MYSAK COMMITS TO BULLDOGS:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have received a commitment from top 2020 NHL Draft prospect Jan Mysak, who comes off representing his native Czech Republic at the 2020 World Juniors. The 17-year-old had registered nine points (5-4–9) through 26 games with the HC Litvinov Czech Extraliga squad this season and was the ninth-ranked skater on NHL Central Scouting’s International Midterm Rankings.
READ MORE

NHL DRAFT PROSPECT NICK MALIK COMMITS TO GREYHOUNDS:
The Soo Greyhounds have received a commitment from 17-year-old Czech netminder Nick Malik who they selected in the first round of the 2019 CHL Import Draft. Malik represented the Czech Republic this past Christmas at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship along with fellow Greyhound Jaromir Pytlik. One year ago he was a member of his home country’s entry at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
READ MORE

RYLAN BOWERS COMMITS TO STEELHEADS:
The Mississauga Steelheads have received a commitment from 2018 12th round OHL Priority Selection choice Rylan Bowers. The 17-year-old has appeared in 33 games with the Listowel Cyclones (GOJHL) this season and registered 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists). The Komoka, Ontario native was selected to represent his minor hockey association at the OHL Gold Cup in 2018, where he recorded 1 point (1 goal) over 4 games.
READ MORE

WOLVES ADD BYFIELD TO LEADERSHIP GROUP:
The Sudbury Wolves announced prior to Sunday’s game against Mississauga that Quinton Byfield will serve as an alternate captain with the club. Byfield recently returned from the World Junior Championship where he won gold with Team Canada. The 17-year-old Newmarket, Ont. native leads the Wolves in scoring with 63 points in 32 games this season including 25 goals. The highly ranked NHL prospect has already surpassed his point totals from his rookie season in half the number of games.
READ MORE

SPITFIRES GRAD SLATER DOGGETT NAMED U SPORTS TOP 8 ACADEMIC ALL-CANADIAN:
U SPORTS announced Thursday the student-athletes selected as Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for the 2018-19 season. Among them, Queen’s Gaels men’s hockey star Slater Doggett was recognized with the honour. Doggett played three OHL seasons between the Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires from 2012-15.
READ MORE

RANGERS CHIEF OPERATION OFFICER STEVE BIENKOWSKI TO RETIRE IN JUNE 2020:
After 18 years as the Kitchener Rangers Chief Operating Officer & Governor, Steve Bienkowski has announced his plan to retire in June 2020. Bienkowski became the Rangers first Chief Operating Officer in addition to its permanent OHL Governor in 2002 after serving six years on the Rangers Executive Committee. Synonymous with professionalism on and off the ice, he has been essential to the Rangers success for nearly 40 years.
READ MORE

DATES UNVEILED FOR 13TH ANNUAL OHF/OHL U15 PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE CAMPS:
The dates are set for the 13th annual OHF/OHL U15 Program of Excellence Camps. Held in April and May of this year across Ontario, the camps will focus on a variety of on and off-ice sessions, helping to ensure players are provided with the most up-to-date development strategies.  
READ MORE

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR COMES TO HAMILTON:
The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is in Hamilton on Thursday, followed by the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour as hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone share Steeltown’s best hockey stories. OHL grads Shayne Corson and Steve Thomas will be on hand for the weekend.
FULL SCHEDULE AT HOMETOWNHOCKEY.COM

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Quinton Byfield launches Q’s Kids: Top NHL Draft prospect Quinton Byfield has partnered with NEO Kids Foundation for his new Q’s Kids initiative. Ahead of his gold medal performance with the Canada’s National Junior Team, Quinton invited three NEO kids and their families to a Sudbury Wolves game as his special guests, and has plans to host many more families over the course of the second half of the season. As part of the program, Byfield will continue to invite families to games, providing tickets, popcorn, and special shirts for the kids. Byfield will meet with the families, sign autographs, and join them on a tour of the dressing room following the game.
READ MORE AT SUDBURYWOLVES.COM

Firebirds tour Ottawa Senators facility: During their day off on Thursday ahead of Friday’s tilt with the Ottawa 67’s, the Firebirds were welcomed to the Canadian Tire Centre for a behind-the-scenes look at the Ottawa Senators’ digs as former OHL Coach of the Year D.J. Smith provided a tour.
PHOTO GALLERY AT FLINTFIREBIRDS.COM

Knights to honour Patrick Kane with jersey retirement on Friday: The London Knights will retire Patrick Kane’s number 88 prior to puck drop on Friday when they play host to the Sudbury Wolves. Kane, who was named CHL Rookie of the Year following a 145-point season in 2006-07, has gone on to put up nearly 1,000 points over 951 career NHL contests over 13 seasons, hoisting the Stanley Cup three different times.
READ MORE

Toonie Hot Dog Day in Ottawa: Fans coming out to Saturday afternoon’s tilt with the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs at TD Place will be able to purchase hot dogs for a toonie. The 67’s examined five reasons to attend Saturday’s game.
FULL INFO AT OTTAWA67s.COM

Bell Let’s Talk Night, SickKids Night in Peterborough: Saturday’s clash with the Flint Firebirds will be the Peterborough Petes’ Bell Let’s Talk Game, aimed at recognizing the initiative’s tenth anniversary and continuing to encourage meaningful conversation around mental health. The first 2,000 fans will receive toques courtesy of Bell Let’s Talk, and clappers will be available at their booth during the game. The Niagara IceDogs will be visiting the Petes this Sunday in a makeup game for the previously scheduled Dec. 14. matchup. SickKids night will see a pre-game ceremony featuring Oliver, a local boy who has been treated at SickKids for Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. There will also be a chuck-a-puck during the second intermission where proceeds from all pucks purchased will support SickKids. Fans will also be able to attend a post-game skate where Petes players will be signing autographs and have availability for photos.
MORE DETAILS AT GOPETESGO.COM

IceDogs host Blood Drive in honour of Tucker Tynan: On Jan. 28, the Niagara IceDogs will be hosting a Blood Drive at the St. Catharines Blood Donor Clinic with goaltender Tucker Tynan in mind. People are welcome to attend between 3-7 pm, and attendees will receive a $2 voucher to any upcoming IceDogs home game.
READ MORE AT NIAGARAICEDOGS.NET

Rangers join goaltender Jacob Ingham for ’68’ Blood Drive: Join Kitchener Rangers goaltender #68, Jacob Ingham, and support Hockey Gives Blood and Canadian Blood Services by making a donation during the Rangers’ 68 Blood Drive. Starting January 24th and running until March 31st, fans can sign up under the Kitchener Rangers team ID to make a donation on behalf of Ingham.
FULL INFORMATION AT KITCHENERRANGERS.COM

ALUMNI NOTES:

DeBoer takes over as head coach in Vegas: The Vegas Golden Knights hired former two-time OHL Coach of the Year Peter DeBoer as their new head coach on Wednesday, replacing Gerard Gallant behind the bench. DeBoer, who began the season as head coach of the San Jose Sharks, takes over at the helm in Vegas with a Golden Knights club that is currently 24-19-6 for fifth in the Pacific Division. The 51-year-old native of Dunnville, Ont. coached in the OHL from 1993-2008, winning three OHL Championships and a Memorial Cup along the way. He’s worked in the NHL since 2008-09, holding down jobs with Florida, New Jersey, San Jose and now Vegas.

Spezza plays in 1100th NHL contest: OHL graduate Jason Spezza suited up in his 1,100th career NHL game on Tuesday, recording an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New Jersey Devils 7-4. The 36-year-old Spezza has played parts of 17 NHL seasons since he was the second overall pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Draft. Spezza, who played in the OHL as an underage player, played five seasons between Brampton, Mississauga, Windsor and Belleville from 1998-2002. He’s accumulated 933 points (338-595–933) over his 1,100 game NHL regular season career.

Wilson becomes youngest forward in Caps franchise history to play 500 games: OHL graduate Tom Wilson suited up in his 500th career NHL contest on Monday, becoming the youngest forward in Capitals franchise history to do so. The 25-year-old Toronto, Ont. native had an assist as the Caps defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. Wilson was Washington’s first round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. The big power winger played three OHL seasons with the Plymouth Whalers from 2010-13, recording 91 points (35-56–91) over 125 regular season games. Wilson has 31 points (13-18–31) over 46 games in Washington this season.

Bunnaman scores first NHL goal: Former Kitchener Rangers captain Connor Bunnaman scored his first career NHL goal with the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. The 21-year-old from Guelph, Ont. has appeared in six games with the Flyers this season after registering five points (4-1–5) through 21 games with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Bunnaman, who was Philadelphia’s fourth round pick in 2016, played four seasons in Kitchener from 2014-18.

Smith scores first NHL goal: Kitchener Rangers graduate Givani Smith scored his first career NHL goal on Tuesday. The Detroit Red Wings forward found the back of the net in a loss to the New York Islanders. Smith has played in 11 games and recorded a pair of points in the process. The former second round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft spent last season and the beginning of this season with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. He played four OHL seasons between the Barrie Colts, Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers from 2014-18.

Griffith taking his best shots in AHL: London Knights graduate Seth Griffith got some good advice from his dad Brian over the offseason, getting to work on improving his shot. The 27-year-old Wallaceburg, Ont. native has racked up 32 points, including 18 goals over 39 games with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose this season, affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. Griffith, who won back-to-back OHL Championships in London in 2012 and 2013, has now spent seven seasons in the pro ranks, appearing in 79 NHL contests along the way. He was originally a fifth round pick of the Boston Bruins in 2012 in the midst of a four-year career in London. The Winnipeg Free Press’ Mike Sawatzky has more.
READ MORE AT WINNIPEGFREEPRESS.COM

 

KEY MATCHUPS:

Sudbury Wolves at London Knights
Friday, January 17th

The Central Division leaders are heading to London on Friday, with Sudbury hungry for what could be their first win over the London Knights in five years.

Newest member of the Wolves, Matej Pekar, has proven to be a strong addition. His welcome party last weekend included seven points in three games, notably five assists in Friday’s 8-2 blowout of the North Bay Battalion.

Since rejoining the lineup following his gold medal performance at the World Juniors, newly appointed alternate captain Quinton Byfield put up six points of his own last weekend, and also put forth a five-point showing in front of the Troops that saw two goals and three assists, earning him OHL first star honours on the night.

With regards to the guys in green, Connor McMichael will look to follow up on last weekend’s flashy performance. His seven point total over the course of a three-in-three included a hat trick in Saturday’s tilt against Saginaw, as well as a flashy between-the-legs display in one of two goals he put past the Soo Greyhounds as part of a 7-1 victory. Columbus Blue Jackets draftee Liam Foudy and San Jose Sharks first rounder Ryan Merkley both put up six points.

The Knights, who tie the Kitchener Rangers at 54 points and just one point back of the Western Conference leading Windsor Spitfires, hold a 9-0-0-0 record over the course of the last five seasons against the Wolves. This will be the second and final meetup of the two clubs this season.

Saginaw Spirit at Windsor Spitfires
Sunday, January 19th

It’s a tilt we’re familiar with. The battle of the top of the West Division will see the visiting Saginaw Spirit face off against the conference-leading Windsor Spitfires Sunday afternoon.

The Spits took lead of the conference once again following their overtime win over the Kitchener Rangers, who trail just one point back of first in the Midwest. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Tyler Angle continues to lead all Windsor skaters with 46 points (21-25-46) to his name, and Nashville Predators pick Egor Afanasyev, last Sunday’s overtime hero, sits directly behind with 45 points (18-27-45).

Over on Saginaw’s side, New York Islanders prospect Cole Coskey will be skating in off a five-goal weekend, and top NHL Draft prospect Cole Perfetti will look to see his point streak reach a 12th game.

The sixth of eight matchups on the season, both clubs are no stranger to the depth on either side. The Spits will, however, see a new opponent in Carolina Hurricanes prospect Ryan Suzuki, who joined the Spirit last week and registered three assists in two games.

The Spirit currently hold a 3-2-0-0 tally against the Spits. Last season’s eight-game regular season series between the two proved to be an even one, with a 4-4-0-0 record on Windsor’s side and a 4-3-1-0 record in favour of Saginaw.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Thursday January 16th:
Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, Hamilton, Ont. – 7:00pm on Sportsnet and NHL Network

Friday January 17th:
Hamilton at Kingston – 7:00pm
Barrie at Niagara – 7:00pm
Flint at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Erie at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Saginaw at Soo – 7:07pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm
North Bay at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Sudbury at London – 7:30pm
Mississauga at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday January 18th:
Hamilton at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Sarnia – 4:05pm
Kitchener at Guelph – 7:00pm
North Bay at Niagara – 7:00pm
Flint at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Soo at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Erie at Windsor – 7:05pm
Mississauga at Barrie – 7:30pm
Oshawa at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday January 19th:
Flint at Kingston – 2:00pm
Guelph at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Erie at London – 2:00pm
Saginaw at Windsor – 2:05pm
Niagara at Peterborough – 2:05pm
Ottawa at Oshawa – 6:05pm

OHL’s Draft Eligible Statistical Leaders as of December

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Rossi, Marco
Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s. Photo by OHL Images

Everyone saw it coming, or at least should have. At least we here at OHL Writers were paying attention in October. There’s a new king at the top of the pack among the Ontario Hockey League’s players eligible for the 2020 National Hockey League Draft.

That player: Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s.

Rossi leads in just about every offensive category. First in goals, assists, points, tops in faceoff winning percentage and a whopping plus/minus of +41, well ahead of his counterparts. Rossi also possesses the longest goal scoring streak, assist streak and point streak of the season.

Someone is sure to mention this: Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves, who has been at the top of the lists and projected as the second overall pick at the NHL Draft has missed time while at Team Canada’s Camp and the 2020 World Junior Championships.

Sure, that is a fact. But Rossi has missed time himself, albeit for a suspension and has played in 4 fewer games then Byfield.

This is not an attempt to make a case for Rossi to be ranked ahead of Byfield. Central Scouting has him ranked in the first round as does many others. Where in the first round is anyone’s guess right now.

One thing we do know for sure is the NHL GM’s shy away from pick a 5’9” forward such as Rossi too early. Over the years, they haven’t learned that these smaller guys can excel at the NHL level. Maybe, just maybe, they’ve learned from watching Alex DeBrincat and Rossi gets selected where he deserves to be.

Let’s not hold our breaths though.

Here are the statistical leaders at the end of December. While we take great care in compiling stats, always refer to the OHL Website for official stats.

Points Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 23 39 62
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 22 35 57
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 20 35 55
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 22 22 44
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 19 23 42
Jack Quinn Ottawa 67’s 32 21 15 36
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 14 21 35
Rory Kerins Soo Greyhounds 37 18 16 34
Luke Evangelista London Knights 35 14 19 33
Jaromir Pytlik Soo Greyhounds 31 14 18 32
Goal Scoring Leaders
Player Team GP G GPG
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 23 0.88
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 22 0.73
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 22 0.67
Jack Quinn Ottawa 67’s 32 21 0.66
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 20 0.59
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 19 0.58
Zayde Wisdom Kingston Frontenacs 34 19 0.56
Rory Kerins Soo Greyhounds 37 18 0.49
Antonio Stranges London Knights 34 15 0.44
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 14 0.42
Assist Leaders
Player Team GP A APG
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 39 1.50
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 35 1.17
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 35 1.03
Jamie Drysdale Erie Otters 29 25 0.86
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 23 0.70
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 22 0.67
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 21 0.64
Tanner Dickinson Soo Greyhounds 37 21 0.57
Brandon Coe North Bay Battalion 33 19 0.58
Luke Evangelista London Knights 35 19 0.54
Defencemen Point Leaders
Player Team GP G A Pts
Jamie Drysdale Erie Otters 29 6 25 31
Jack Thompson Sudbury Wolves 36 9 11 20
Ryan O’Rourke Soo Greyhounds 27 6 14 20
Alec Belanger Ottawa 67’s 32 4 16 20
Ruben Rafkin Windsor Spitfires 31 1 16 17
Donovan Sebrango Kitchener Rangers 29 3 13 16
Isaak Phillips Sudbury Wolves 36 4 9 13
Ole Bjorgvik-Hol Mississauga Steelheads 37 1 12 13
Plus/Minus Leaders
Player Team GP +/-
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 +41
Ryan O’Rourke Soo Greyhounds 27 +23
Jack Quinn Ottawa 67’s 32 +23
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 +18
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 +17
Jaromir Pytlik Soo Greyhounds 31 +13
Anthony Costantini Ottawa 67’s 30 +11
Shawn Spearing Peterborough Petes 31 +11
Dylan Robinson Windsor Spitfires 32 +11
Alec Belanger Ottawa 67’s 32 +9
Penalty Minutes Leaders
Player Team GP PIM M/G
Hayden Fowler Erie Otters 33 48 1.45
Ryan O’Rourke Soo Greyhounds 27 44 1.63
Gerard Keane London Knights 32 44 1.38
Reid Valade Kitchener Rangers 30 40 1.33
Michael Renwick Hamilton Bulldogs 35 38 1.09
Faceoff Leaders (minimum 140 faceoffs)
Player Team GP FOA FOW %
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 26 548 320 58.4
Isaac Langdon Kitchener Rangers 30 301 175 58.1
Nick Wong Kingston Frontenacs 34 171 96 56.1
Hayden Fowler Erie Otters 33 204 114 55.9
Will Cuylle Windsor Spitfires 33 141 75 53.2
Aiden Prueter Mississauga Steelheads 37 356 188 52.8
Quinton Byfield Sudbury Wolves 30 416 214 51.4
Rory Kerins Soo Greyhounds 37 657 337 51.3
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 198 101 51.0
Longest Goal Scoring Streak
Player Team From To Gms Goals
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 11/17 12/1 6 10
Longest Assist Streak
Player Team From To Gms Assts
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 11/16 12/28 11 17
Longest Point Streak
Player Team From To Gms Pts
Marco Rossi Ottawa 67’s 11/10 12/29 14 36
Shots On Goal Leaders
Player Team GP SOG
Cole Perfetti Saginaw Spirit 34 139
Tyson Foerster Barrie Colts 33 121
Jacob Perreault Sarnia Sting 33 113
Jaromir Pytlik Soo Greyhounds 31 112
Ty Tullio Oshawa Generals 33 108
Goaltenders Leaders – Goals Against Average
Player Team GP Min GA Avg
Nick Chenard Owen Sound Attack 7 371 15 2.43
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 1007 48 2.86
Zachary Paputsakis Oshawa Generals 20 986 51 3.10
Will Cranley Ottawa 67’s 9 497 27 3.26
Owen Bennett Guelph Storm 14 805 47 3.50
Goaltending Leaders – Save Percentage
Player Team GP SH SVS SV%
Nick Chenard Owen Sound Attack 7 841 772 0.918
Tucker Tynan Niagara IceDogs 23 916 834 0.910
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 485 437 0.901
Zachary Paputsakis Oshawa Generals 20 496 445 0.897
Owen Bennett Guelph Storm 14 451 404 0.896
Goaltending Leaders – Wins
Player Team GP W L OL
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 12 5 0
Tucker Tynan Niagara IceDogs 23 11 8 4
Xavier Medina Windsor Spitfires 16 9 4 2
Owen Bennett Guelph Storm 14 8 5 1
Marco Costantini Hamilton Bulldogs 21 8 9 2
Goaltending Leaders – Shutouts
Player Team GP SO
Brett Brochu London Knights 21 2
Will Cranley Ottawa 67’s 9 1
Zachary Paputsakis Oshawa Generals 20 1

40 Players Selected for 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

2020 Top Prospects Game

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with National Hockey League Central Scouting announce the 40 players invited to compete in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.


The 25th annual showcase of top CHL players eligible for the NHL Draft takes place on Thursday January 16, 2020, and is hosted by the Hamilton Bulldogs.  The 40 players selected were chosen by NHL clubs and feature talent from across the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.


“All 31 NHL clubs have a say in the player selection process and take great interest in this best-on-best showcase,” said Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting. “The Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is a great opportunity for scouts and general managers to evaluate talent and we look forward to seeing which players will make their mark in Hamilton.”

Among the players named to the preliminary roster are Canadian National Junior Team members such as CHL top scorer and reigning Player of the Year Alexis Lafreniere of the Rimouski Oceanic, fellow forwards Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves and Dawson Mercer of the Drummondville Voltigeurs, defenceman Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters, and goaltender Nico Daws of the Guelph Storm.  Three more players including Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit, Connor Zary of the Kamloops Blazers, and defenceman Braden Schneider of the Brandon Wheat Kings will also compete after attending Canada’s Selection Camp.

31 of the CHL’s 60 member clubs are represented with a total of 17 OHL players from 13 different teams, 13 WHL players from 10 different teams, and 10 QMJHL players from eight different teams. Nine different teams have two players listed including Brandon, Drummondville, Kamloops, the Ottawa 67’s, Prince Albert Raiders, Shawinigan Cataractes, Soo Greyhounds, Sudbury, and the Windsor Spitfires.


19 of the players selected received ‘A’ ratings as first round candidates determined by NHL Central Scouting in their November Players to Watch list including 13 forwards and six defencemen.  17 players were given ‘B’ ratings including 11 forwards and six defencemen, while all four goaltenders were listed as ‘C’ rated prospects.


2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Roster:

*denotes ‘A’ rated first round candidates


Goaltenders:
Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers)
Brock Gould (Victoria Royals)
Samuel Hlavaj (Sherbrooke Phoenix)

Defencemen:
Justin Barron (Halifax Mooseheads)*
Lukas Cormier (Charlottetown Islanders)
Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters)*
Kaiden Guhle (Prince Albert Raiders)*
Daemon Hunt (Moose Jaw Warriors)*
Thimo Nickl (Drummondville Voltigeurs)
Ryan O’Rourke (Soo Greyhounds)
Jeremie Poirier (Saint John Sea Dogs)*
Braden Schneider (Brandon Wheat Kings)*
Donovan Sebrango (Kitchener Rangers)
Christoffer Sedoff (Red Deer Rebels)
Jack Thompson (Sudbury Wolves)

Forwards:
Mavrik Bourque (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves)*
Brandon Coe (North Bay Battalion)
Will Cuylle (Windsor Spitfires)*
Jack Finley (Spokane Chiefs)
Tyson Foerster (Barrie Colts)
Jean-Luc Foudy (Windsor Spitfires)*
Ridly Greig (Brandon Wheat Kings)
Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks)
Alexis Lafreniere (Rimouski Oceanic)*
Hendrix Lapierre (Chicoutimi Sagueneens)*
Dawson Mercer (Drummondville Voltigeurs)*
Jake Neighbours (Edmonton Oil Kings)
Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit)*
Jacob Perreault (Sarnia Sting)*
Vasiliy Ponomarev (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Jaromir Pytlik (Soo Greyhounds)
Jack Quinn (Ottawa 67’s)*
Marco Rossi (Ottawa 67’s)*
Justin Sourdif (Vancouver Giants)*
Antonio Stranges (London Knights)*
Oliver Suni (Oshawa Generals)
Ozzy Wiesblatt (Prince Albert Raiders)
Connor Zary (Kamloops Blazers)*

The 40 players will be divided into teams by NHL Central Scouting and announced along with coaching staffs in January.

12 CHL players from last year’s game in Red Deer were chosen in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft led by Saskatoon Blades forward Kirby Dach picked third overall and currently competing as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. In 24 years, a total of 329 CHL players from this event have been chosen by NHL clubs in the first round of the NHL Draft representing close to 45% of all players selected. Since the event was first introduced in 1996 the game has featured 14 players selected with the first overall pick in the NHL Draft including Nico Hischier (2017), Connor McDavid (2015), Aaron Ekblad (2014), Nathan MacKinnon (2013), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), Taylor Hall (2010), John Tavares (2009), Steven Stamkos (2008), Patrick Kane (2007), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003), Rick Nash (2002), Vincent Lecavalier (1998), Joe Thornton (1997), and Chris Phillips (1996).


The 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is proudly supported by new title partner Kubota Canada, and CHL associate partners CIBC, Kia Canada, and Cooper Tires.  The game will be broadcast live across Canada on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, and in the United States on NHL Network.


Tickets are on sale for the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at ticketmaster.ca or call 855-985-4357.  For group and promotional inquiries, please contact the Hamilton Bulldogs at 905-529-8500.

For more information please visit http://kubotatopprospects.ca.

About Kubota Canada
Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota-engineered and manufactured equipment, which includes a complete line of tractors (up to 210-horsepower), performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, visit: kubota.ca. 

STORM’S CAM HILLIS NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Cam Hillis

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Montreal Canadiens prospect Cam Hillis of the Guelph Storm is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week with seven points including two goals and five assists over two weekend contests.

Hillis becomes the second Storm player to win the award in the past three weeks after goaltender Nico Daws recently received the honours. The third-year centreman helped the Storm win back-to-back games, extending their current winning streak to six. Hillis scored twice and added two assists while going 15-for-24 in the faceoff circle on Friday in Kitchener as the Storm doubled-up the rival Rangers 6-3. After a first star performance to start the weekend, Hillis earned second star honours on Saturday, picking up three assists as the Storm defeated the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 4-2. He helped set up teammate Cedric Ralph for the third period game winner as the Storm overcame a 2-0 deficit.

A 19-year-old native of Enniskillen, Ont., Hillis has rebounded strong from an injury riddled 2018-19 campaign that saw him hoist the Robertson Cup as an OHL champion with the Storm. Hillis sits second in club scoring with 27 points (7-20–27), 24 of which he has gathered over the course of the last 10 games. The 5-foot-11, 174Ib. forward was a third round (66th overall) pick of the Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Draft and was originally obtained by the Storm in the second round (29th overall) of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection. The York-Simcoe Express Minor Midget grad was an OHL Cup champion in 2016.

Also considered for the award this week was Washington Capitals prospect Connor McMichael of the London Knights who recorded seven points (2-5–7) over a pair of Knights victories, holding down the OHL scoring lead with 41 points (19-22–41). Draft eligible Sudbury Wolves forward Quinton Byfield was also considered after recording five points (2-3–5) in a pair of multi-point performances that each led to Wolves victories.

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2019-20 OHL ‘On the Run’ Players of the Week – Regular Season:
Nov. 5 – Nov. 10: Cam Hillis (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 30 – Nov. 3: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Oct. 23 – Oct. 27: Nico Daws (Guelph Storm)
Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Hunter Jones (Peterborough Petes)
Oct. 9 – Oct. 13: Mack Guzda (Owen Sound Attack)
Oct. 3 – Oct. 6: Philip Tomasino (Niagara IceDogs)
Sept. 26 – Sept. 29: Connor McMichael (London Knights)
Sept. 19 – Sept. 22: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (Peterborough Petes)