2019-20 CHL Season Preview Series: OHL’s East Division
Day 8 of a 12-day coast-to-coast series previewing the 2019-20 Canadian Hockey League season features the Ontario Hockey League’s East Division:
Hamilton Bulldogs
Last 5 Years
2014-15: 27-33-3-5, 62 Points (4th in East Division)
2015-16: 25-35-8-0, 58 Points (5th in East Division) ▼
2016-17: 33-27-4-4, 74 Points (4th in East Division) ▲
2017-18: 43-18-4-3, 93 Points (1st in East Division) ▲
2018-19: 29-34-3-2, 63 Points (4th in East Division) ▼
Best Playoff Result: 2018 – Won 4-2 vs. Sault Ste. Marie in J. Ross Robertson Cup Final
Need to Know
Head Coach: Vince Laise, 1st Season
2019 Priority Selection (Top Pick): 1/8 (RW) Ryan Winterton (Whitby Wildcats MMAAA)
2019 CHL Import Draft (Top Pick): 1/20 (C) Jan Mysak (Litvinov Verva)
2018-19 Notable Graduates: (C) Owen Burnell, (C) Eric Henderson, (LW) Matthew Strome (Philadelphia)
NHL Prospects: (C) Jan Jenik (Arizona, 3/65, 2018), (LW) Arthur Kaliyev (Los Angeles, 2/33, 2019)
It's SO good to be back 🏒 pic.twitter.com/zWGMYnZFNt
— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) August 28, 2019
Players to Watch
Returning Leader: (LW) Arthur Kaliyev
On the Horizon: (C) Logan Morrison
Few players outpaced Arthur Kaliyev in 2018-19 as the Los Angeles Kings prospect wrapped up his sophomore season with 51 goals, the fourth-most league wide. The 18-year-old will return to the Bulldogs this season where he will once again headline the team’s offensive arsenal, while up-and-comers like 2020 NHL Draft hopeful Logan Morrison, who put up 34 points in 47 games as a rookie, will offer solid secondary scoring.
Kingston Frontenacs
Last 5 Years
2014-15: 32-28-5-3, 72 Points (3rd in East Division)
2015-16: 46-17-3-2, 97 Points (1st in East Division) ▲
2016-17: 33-26-5-4, 75 Points (3rd in East Division) ▼
2017-18: 36-23-6-3, 81 Points (2nd in East Division) ▲
2018-19: 14-52-1-1, 30 Points (5th in East Division) ▼
Best Playoff Result: 2018 – Lost 4-1 vs. Hamilton in Round 3
Need to Know
Head Coach: Kurtis Foster, 2nd Season
2019 Priority Selection (Top Pick): 1/1 (C) Shane Wright (Don Mills Flyers MMAAA)
2019 CHL Import Draft (Top Pick): 1/2 (RW) Martin Chromiak (Trencin Jr.)
2018-19 Notable Graduates: (D) Mitchell Byrne, (RW) Ryan Cranford, (LW) Matt Hotchkiss
NHL Prospects: N/A
NEWS>> Frontenacs Add Jeff Twohey to Hockey Management Staff
READ: https://t.co/VRawaHmpqY pic.twitter.com/lERDkkXjMZ
— Kingston Frontenacs (@KingstonFronts) August 23, 2019
Players to Watch
Returning Leader: (D) Billy Constantinou
On the Horizon: (C) Shane Wright
After toughing out a difficult season, fans of the Frontenacs were rewarded with the selection of 15-year-old sensation Shane Wright, who becomes just the sixth player granted exceptional player status after a dominant midget season in which he notched 150 points in 72 appearances. While Wright will be looked toward to lead Kingston’s offensive machine, he’ll receive support from returning veterans like blue-liner Billy Constantinou, who recorded 18 points in 44 games after joining the club midseason in 2018-19.
Oshawa Generals
Last 5 Years
2014-15: 51-11-2-4, 108 Points (1st in East Division)
2015-16: 27-33-4-4, 62 Points (4th in East Division) ▼
2016-17: 40-23-3-2, 85 Points (2nd in East Division) ▲
2017-18: 36-29-3-0, 75 Points (3rd in East Division) ▼
2018-19: 44-20-4-0, 92 Points (2nd in East Division) ▲
Best Playoff Result: 2015 – Won 4-1 vs. Erie in J. Ross Robertson Cup Final; Defeated Kelowna to win 2015 Memorial Cup
Need to Know
Head Coach: Greg Walters, 2nd Season
2019 Priority Selection (Top Pick): 1/16 (C) Brett Harrison (London Jr. Knights MMAAA)
2019 CHL Import Draft (Top Pick): 1/44 (RW) Oliver Suni (Karpat Oulu B)
2018-19 Notable Graduates: (G) Kyle Keyser (Boston), (D) Nicolas Mattinen, (C) Brandon Saigeon, (LW) Anthony Salinitri
NHL Prospects: (D) Nico Gross (N.Y. Rangers, 4/101, 2018), (LW) Allan McShane (Montreal, 4/97, 2018), (RW) Serron Noel (Florida, 2/34, 2018), (D) Giovanni Vallati (Winnipeg, 5/153, 2018)
Setting The Standard pic.twitter.com/Al5jQp2PVQ
— Oshawa Generals (@Oshawa_Generals) August 16, 2019
Players to Watch
Returning Leader: (RW) Serron Noel
On the Horizon: (RW) Tyler Tullio
After leading the Generals with 81 points last season, Florida Panthers prospect Serron Noel will rejoin the club for 2019-20, tasked with being a key offensive driver following a handful of key departures, particularly at the forward ranks. Joining Noel up front is 17-year-old right-wing and 2020 NHL Draft hopeful Tyler Tullio, who impressed as a freshman in notching 15 goals and 27 assists across 60 contests.
Ottawa 67’s
Last 5 Years
2014-15: 38-25-4-1, 81 Points (2nd in East Division)
2015-16: 36-29-2-1, 75 Points (2nd in East Division) ▼
2016-17: 26-34-7-1, 60 Points (5th in East Division) ▼
2017-18: 30-29-7-2, 69 Points (4th in East Division) ▲
2018-19: 50-12-4-2, 106 Points (1st in East Division) ▲
Best Playoff Result: 2019 – Lost 4-2 vs. Guelph in J. Ross Robertson Cup Final
Need to Know
Head Coach: Andre Tourigny, 3rd Season
2019 Priority Selection (Top Pick): 1/21 (D) Jack Matier (Soo Thunderbirds MMAAA)
2019 CHL Import Draft (Top Pick): N/A
2018-19 Notable Graduates: (LW) Lucas Chiodo, (C) Sasha Chmelevski (San Jose), (RW) Kody Clark (Washington), (G) Michael DiPietro (Vancouver), (RW) Tye Felhaber (Dallas), (LW) Kyle Maksimovich
NHL Prospects: (D) Kevin Bahl (Arizona, 2/55, 2018), (RW) Graeme Clarke (New Jersey, 3/80, 2019), (C) Mitchell Hoelscher (New Jersey, 6/172, 2018), (D) Nikita Okhotyuk (New Jersey, 2/61, 2019)
A tradition of excellence. 🔴⚪⚫ #NoQuit #67s
📸: @chrishofley pic.twitter.com/QqzRvMKwwD— Ottawa 67’s (@Ottawa67sHockey) September 11, 2019
Players to Watch
Returning Leader: (LW) Austen Keating
On the Horizon: (C) Marco Rossi
A dominant 2018-19 season ended on a sour note for the 67’s as the club fell just short of its league championship aspirations. While much of that lineup has moved on, there are some key returnees, including veteran forward Austen Keating, who finished second in team scoring last season with 89 points. As Ottawa goes for the glory this year, there will be plenty of eyes on 2020 NHL Draft prospect Marco Rossi, a projected early selection who last season finished second among all freshmen with 65 points.
Peterborough Petes
Last 5 Years
2014-15: 26-36-1-5, 58 Points (5th in East Division)
2015-16: 33-28-2-5, 73 Points (3rd in East Division) ▲
2016-17: 42-21-2-3, 89 Points (1st in East Division) ▲
2017-18: 23-39-3-3, 52 Points (5th in East Division) ▼
2018-19: 33-31-2-2, 70 Points (3rd in East Division) ▲
Best Playoff Result: 2017 – Lost 4-0 vs. Mississauga in Round 3
Need to Know
Head Coach: Rob Wilson, 2nd Season
2019 Priority Selection (Top Pick): 1/5 (C) Mason McTavish (Pembroke Lumber Kings MAAA)
2019 CHL Import Draft (Top Pick): 1/29 (D) David Maier (North Bay Battalion)
2018-19 Notable Graduates: (C) Zach Gallant (San Jose), (D) Austin Osmanski, (C) Christopher Paquette, (RW) Adam Timleck
NHL Prospects: (D) Declan Chisholm (Winnipeg, 5/150, 2018), (C) Semyon Der-Arguchintsev (Toronto, 3/76, 2018), (G) Hunter Jones (Minnesota, 2/59, 2019), (LW) Liam Kirk (Arizona, 7/189, 2018), (D) Ryan Merkley (San Jose, 1/21, 2018), (LW) Nick Robertson (Toronto, 2/53, 2019)
It might be early in the season but your Petes are already hard at work in the community! This morning we’re sorting donations and packing boxes at @Kaw_FoodShare. pic.twitter.com/depCRqPJeF
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 9, 2019
Players to Watch
Returning Leader: (LW) Nick Robertson
On the Horizon: (RW) Cameron Butler
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson will headline a veteran Petes squad this season after putting together a successful 2018-19 that saw him lead the club with 55 points, counting 27 goals and 28 assists. Robertson is also sure to offer draft day advice to 2020 draft eligible forward Cameron Butler, who shined for talent evaluators as a rookie, putting together a modest season in which he recorded 18 goals and eight assists.
Last 5 Years: OHL’s East Division
2019-20 CHL Season Preview Series
Day 1 – WHL’s B.C. Division
Day 2 – OHL’s Central Division
Day 3 – QMJHL’s West Division
Day 4 – WHL’s Central Division
Day 5 – OHL’s Midwest Division
Day 6 – QMJHL’s Maritimes Division
Day 7 – WHL’s U.S. Division