CHL Weekend Review: News and views following Victoria Day
May’s long weekend is now in rear view so let’s catch up on the latest news and notes from around the Canadian Hockey League.
Here’s a look at what you may have missed.
Happy Victoria Day
Canadians from coast-to-coast enjoyed a long weekend with Monday’s Victoria Day holiday, celebrated appropriately on social media by the Victoria Royals! Victoria Day is a national holiday that celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria who lived from 1819 to 1901 and after whom the British Columbia capital city was named.
Happy Victoria Day, everybody! We hope each and every one of you are having a fantastic weekend! pic.twitter.com/GcJnmzIi7G
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) May 18, 2020
Sadness for Snowbirds
The long weekend was also unfortunately filled with sadness upon news of a crash involving the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in Kamloops where Captain Jenn Casey, the team’s public affairs officer, did not survive. The Snowbirds, based in Moose Jaw, carry a unique relationship with the WHL’s Warriors partnering for various team building activities and game night programs. Casey, a Nova Scotia native, previously spent time as a member of the Halifax Mooseheads broadcast team.
The RCAF has suffered another tragic loss of a dedicated member of the RCAF team. We are deeply saddened and grieve alongside Jenn’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of Captain MacDougall. We hope for a swift recovery from his injuries. – Comd RCAF pic.twitter.com/8U41bdVqcU
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) May 18, 2020
Statement by Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron Commanding Officer, on the CF Snowbirds crash in Kamloops, BC. : https://t.co/Jf5WXxWw3S
Photo by Mike Luedey pic.twitter.com/fSvuSbg3AI
— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) May 18, 2020
We have been fortunate to be able to learn firsthand from the @CFSnowbirds.
Their recent journey across Canada has inspired many. They are Canada's team!
Our hearts and prayers are with them #Snowbirds pic.twitter.com/TwC3mHNXj8
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) May 17, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Jenn Casey of the @CFSnowbirds. Jenn was an avid hockey fan and former producer for Mooseheads broadcasts on @NEWS957. She was an incredible person. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/V4v2Szt80P
— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) May 18, 2020
The North Bay Battalion sends its condolences to the @CFSnowbirds, @RCAF_ARC, friends and family of Capt. Jennifer Casey, and best wishes for a speedy recovery for Capt. Richard MacDougall. pic.twitter.com/41fcELoT9p
— North Bay Battalion (@OHLBattalion) May 18, 2020
Silvertips support Bloodworks Northwest
The Everett Silvertips, with star players Dustin Wolf and Wyatte Wylie in attendance, encouraged fans to come out to a Pop-Up Donor Center at Angel Of The Winds Arena to donate blood. Saturday’s event helps ensure a safe and reliable community blood supply amid the COVID-19 pandemic with fans receiving tickets to upcoming games for their support.
Hello. #WeGotThis x #SilvertipCountry pic.twitter.com/wBXjhAOu7J
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) May 16, 2020
Who all 💚 our masked men? #SilvertipCountry x #WeGotThis pic.twitter.com/YSWeUyYMmi
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) May 17, 2020
Face-Off for Hunger raises $10,000
Blades captain Chase Wouters reached his goal of raising $10,000 through the Nutrien Face-Off for Hunger campaign, with all proceeds going towards the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. The funds will go a long way towards helping vulnerable families during these most difficult times.
Mission accomplished for the captain ✅@wouters_44 and @NutrienLTD have raised a whopping $10,000 for the @yxeFoodBank through the Face-Off for Hunger Campaign!
READ | https://t.co/MAiCKvxJAv pic.twitter.com/udd022i49Y
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) May 14, 2020
Hockey for Health Heroes
30 years after winning the Memorial Cup, members of the 1990 Oshawa Generals are teaming up to raise funds and awareness for Lakeridge Health in Oshawa and Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville. Founded by Sherwood (Sherry) Bassin, Joe Busillo, and Dr. Craig Donaldson, the group hopes the support of the hockey community through online donations will be able to fund the purchase of new Smart IV pumps for the Orangeville and Oshawa Hospitals.
In honour of the 30th anniversary of the Memorial Cup win,
Gens alumni Sherry Bassin, Joe Busillo & Dr. Craig Donaldson are raising funds for @LHFoundation_ and @myheadwaters (Donaldson's hospital in Orangeville) fight against COVID-19.DETAILS & DONATE | https://t.co/i4otqFgyW3 pic.twitter.com/lmT0oC22Np
— Oshawa Generals (@Oshawa_Generals) May 13, 2020
Otters staff help feed front lines
The Erie Otters recently teamed up with local Tim Hortons to provide free donuts and bagels to UPMC Hamot hospital nurses and employees on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic during National Hospital Week. The group collectively delivered 30 dozen bagels and 30 dozen donuts to the hospital.
The Otters have teamed up with @TimHortonsUS to provide free bagels and donuts to the hardworking frontline medical staff at @UPMC Hamot during #NationalHospitalWeek. #HelpTheHelpers
60 dozen bagels and donuts were donated this morning.
Full details: https://t.co/bTz9S9w9dN
— Erie Otters 🦦 (@ErieOtters) May 12, 2020
#HelpTheHelpers #WeGotThisErie @UPMC @UPMCHealthPlan https://t.co/MuMc33xKgI
— Erie Otters 🦦 (@ErieOtters) May 12, 2020
#TheRealHeroes
International Nurses Day, which took place on May 12, provided another opportunity to thank many of the real heroes on the front lines working at our healthcare centres. Athletes continued to show support by posting photos of specially labelled team sweaters, like the one below with Liam Van Loon of the Hamilton Bulldogs for his sister Andrea.
.@LiamVanLoon8 , is showing his support for his sister, Andrea, who is a nurse, with his jersey.
We want to thank all the healthcare workers for everything they do each and every day!#TheRealHeroes pic.twitter.com/lxuWimlDG0
— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) May 12, 2020
More #PPE
Owen Sound Attack Equipment Manager Trevor Castonguay is another example of CHL team staff using their skills for good cause. He posted the photo below sewing Personal Protective Equipment for his family.
Keeping my sewing skills sharp and trading in hockey jerseys and socks to make some #PPE for the fam jam. #StaySafe #Covid19 #masks #InThisTogether @AttackOHL pic.twitter.com/5XDnmOjtZn
— Trevor Castonguay (@Stumps35) May 14, 2020
All eyes on Rossi
There’s no NHL Combine and no date set just yet for the NHL Draft, but that hasn’t stopped top prospect Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s from showcasing his abilities. The league’s top scorer and sixth ranked North American skater put together a pair of videos that went viral on social media last week demonstrating his impressive balance.
Improving Improving Improving…. #workingsmart pic.twitter.com/imxczUqW5G
— Marco Rossi (@marcorossi2383) May 13, 2020
Havin fun 2.0. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/ybZ7h2uHBJ
— Marco Rossi (@marcorossi2383) May 18, 2020
More social media surfing
Surfing team and player social media accounts over the week found posts like Logan Stankoven of the Kamloops Blazers thanking essential workers and the community for their support, Matthew Robertson of the Edmonton Oil Kings donating blood, and Jared Davidson of the Seattle Thunderbirds keeping active.
A message of thanks 🙏 from @LoganStankoven #YKAStrong pic.twitter.com/uezmKKo0qK
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) May 11, 2020
Big thank you to the front line workers! During these times especially it is important to donate blood to help save lives! @CanadasLifeline @hkygivesblood @EdmOilKings @NYRangers pic.twitter.com/faotcp33Jv
— Matthew Robertson (@M_Robertson15) May 11, 2020
💪 WORKOUT WEDNESDAY 💪 Brought to you by our friends at @PlanetFitness. Jared Davidson is doing Rear Foot Elevated split squats with his 152-pound brother on his shoulders. pic.twitter.com/v8H1zbDnC3
— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) May 13, 2020
Congrats from Coach to Coach
Ottawa 67’s head coach Andre Tourigny was recently named OHL Coach of the Year for the second straight season. Among his many congratulatory messages was one from another coach in the nation’s capital, Paul LaPolice from the CFL’s Ottawa REDBLACKS, captured on video for our enjoyment.
When Coach @PaulLaPolice found out that #67s Head Coach @BearTourigny had won OHL Coach of the Year for the second year in a row he wanted to personally congratulate him on the accomplishment.
WATCH 👉 https://t.co/hhAy21ruup pic.twitter.com/pxGXW7S3oa
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) May 12, 2020
Watch Parties
Speaking of videos for our enjoyment, some past league champions recently held virtual reunions by bringing back members of the organization to enjoy some of their season’s most special moments. The 2019 Guelph Storm, 2017 Erie Otters, and 2009 Drummondville Voltigeurs are three of the latest examples of recorded watch parties.
Exactly one year later, some of the boys got warmed up and ready to relive the 2019 Championship during a virtual watch party!
Here's a teaser (👀 on those hats during the anthem) with the full highlights on YouTube: https://t.co/JP4uG5DnB2#ComebackKids pic.twitter.com/Yamk1Jwdba
— Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) May 13, 2020
"The play was to go to Tony. We drew it up in intermission." –@stromer19
We watched them win our 2nd @OHLHockey championship on the @_ErieEvents ice three years ago tonight. Relive the series clinching game with team in our champs reunion zoom chat!
📽️: https://t.co/s0KyNQSE86 pic.twitter.com/JVmdPiGEe4
— Erie Otters 🦦 (@ErieOtters) May 12, 2020
CE SOIR 19H sur notre page Facebook.
Live de champions! 🏆 Le 12 mai 2009, date historique. On réunit quelques-uns de nos champions ce soir… pic.twitter.com/XoJGDg4DzN— Voltigeurs de Drummondville (@VoltigeursDRU) May 12, 2020
#HeartsAndSmiles
Over $1 million was raised by the #HeartsAndSmiles initiative spearheaded by proud CHL partner Rogers that encouraged Canadians to purchase specially designed t-shirts and masks for a cause. The proceeds are to benefit the Frontline Fund that represents over 160 Canadian hospital foundations with the goal arming healthcare workers with what they need to defeat COVID-19.
Our frontline workers have had our backs, now it’s time for us to have theirs. Join us in supporting #InternationalNursesDay by purchasing a Hearts and Smiles t-shirt or mask, and 100% of proceeds will go to @frontline_fund. #ForwardTogether #HeartsAndSmiles
— Rogers (@Rogers) May 12, 2020
A million thanks, Canada! 🇨🇦👏
Over $1 million has been raised for @frontline_fund with the #HeartsAndSmiles campaign – supporting more than 150 hospitals across Canada!
Continue the support by purchasing a #HeartsAndSmiles t-shirt and mask here: https://t.co/XxB8ezyJa0 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hsqTmXF8uY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 15, 2020
#HolidaysForHeroes
CIBC is giving a break to those who have given us so much. The CHL’s Official Bank partner is now accepting nominations online for healthcare heroes and will be giving away 30 million Aventura Points in travel vouchers to some of the most deserving recipients across the country.
Do you know a frontline healthcare worker who could use a well-deserved break? We’re giving healthcare heroes 30 million Aventura Points in travel vouchers. Nominate your hero at https://t.co/xQ25LG7RGI. Who are you nominating? Tag them below. #HolidaysForHeroes pic.twitter.com/I5C7Z7H8RV
— CIBC (@cibc) May 13, 2020
#HungryToHelp
CHL partner SkipTheDishes posted a funny video online last week with spokesman Jon Hamm thanking Canadians in CHL cities like Barrie, Hamilton, and Moose Jaw for their support of local restaurants. By using the Skip app, Canadians are able to enjoy food from many of their favourite places through contactless delivery.
We’re used to Jon Hamm thinking he’s Canadian. Well, today he’s thanking Canadians. #HungryToHelp
Show your love for local at https://t.co/6xXvoW4Tyr pic.twitter.com/KgmqmOUBbs
— SkipTheDishes (@SkipTheDishes) May 14, 2020
Hillis signs with Habs
Guelph Storm captain Cam Hillis has signed his entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The third round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft scored 83 points in 62 games during a bounce back season after missing most of the 2018-19 campaign due to injury.
The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract (2020-21 to 2022-23) with forward Cameron Hillis.#GoHabsGohttps://t.co/d7eNd3BPsP
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 12, 2020
U SPORTS Commitments
Another trio from the CHL’s graduating class of overage players will continue their hockey and academic careers in various U SPORTS programs next season while taking advantage of the league’s scholarship package. The recent commits include Cole Resnick of the Oshawa Generals who will join the Ryerson Rams, Darien Kielb of the Quebec Remparts who will play for the Dalhousie Tigers, and Nick Grima of the North Bay Battalion who will join the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.
M🏒 | @RyersonRamsMHKY have added Cole Resnick to their 2020-2021 recruiting class! Resnick is a forward who has spent the last three seasons with the @Oshawa_Generals. #weRrams https://t.co/XVqyf1hfWE
— TMU Bold (@tmubold) May 15, 2020
❗ New Tiger Alert ❗
Tigers men’s hockey head coach Chris Donnelly is pleased to announce the commitment of Darien Kielb for the 2020-21 season.https://t.co/eOuwGkCV6U#DalBound #FearTheRoar
— Dal Tigers (@DalTigers) April 28, 2020
Men’s hockey adds five-year OHL veteran Nick Grima to their 2020-21 roster!
Welcome to the Blues family, Nick! 🎉
WE ALL #BLEEDBLUE | #WeAreTO pic.twitter.com/8ycjPr0kdQ
— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) May 14, 2020
Regional league awards
Awards season continues across the three regional leagues with daily announcements in recognition of the best across the QMJHL, OHL, and WHL in 2019-20.
In the QMJHL, some of the league’s most notable alumni helped announce recent awards like Humanitarian of the Year honours for Drummondville Voltigeurs captain Xavier Simoneau, Chicoutimi Sagueneens captain Rafael Harvey-Pinard won Scholastic Player of the Year, Moncton Wildcats captain Jakob Pelletier earned Most Sportsmanlike recognition, and Zachary Bolduc of the Rimouski Oceanic was named Rookie of the Year.
Former @Voltigeurs_DRU superstar Daniel Brière presents this year's winner of a trophy that he won himself back in 1996 : the prestigious @KiaCanada Humanitarian Player of the Year award! 🏆 #QMJHL #GoldenPuck
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 12, 2020
An ex-goaltender of the @SagueneensLHJMQ and a former recipient of the Marcel-Robert Trophy himself, @MarcDenis_RDS joins us to present the 2019-2020 Scholastic Player of the Year! 📚🏒#GoldenPuck #QMJHL
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 13, 2020
David Desharnais was named the most sportsmanlike player in the final three seasons of his #QMJHL career. That's why it's very fitting for the former @SagueneensLHJMQ star to be presenting the 2019-2020 winner of the Frank-J.-Selke Trophy! 🏆🤝 #QMJHL | #GoldenPuck
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 14, 2020
This season's @Wawanesa Rookie of the Year is announced by none other than former @oceanicrimouski star player, @VLecavalier4, who was Rookie of the Year himself back in 1996-1997! 🏆#QMJHL | #GoldenPuck
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 15, 2020
In the OHL, Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jacob Ingham was named Humanitarian of the Year, Erie Otters defenceman Jacob Golden was named Top Post-Secondary Student, Owen Sound Attack rookie Logan LeSage was named Top Secondary School Student, Saginaw Spirit top scorer Cole Perfetti won Scholastic Player of the Year honours, Peterborough Petes forward Nick Robertson earn Most Sportsmanlike recognition, and exceptional talent Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs is the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Congrats @JacobIngham_!@OHLRangers goaltender and @LAKings prospect awarded the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy as #OHL Humanitarian of the Year presented by @KiaCanada: https://t.co/IRI8yaBWUk pic.twitter.com/ZpdVcDdJUM
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 12, 2020
Congrats Jacob Golden!
Overage @ErieOtters defenceman earns the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the #OHL's Top Academic Post-Secondary Student after achieving a 95% average in his studies at @MercyhurstU: https://t.co/S842dC8UTk pic.twitter.com/OBSOkruEMA
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 13, 2020
Congrats Logan LeSage!@AttackOHL rookie earns the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as the #OHL's Top Academic High School Student, achieving an average of 98% in his Grade 12 studies at @OSDSS_Official: https://t.co/ldrrHLV0sd pic.twitter.com/rHeixxDCfk
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 13, 2020
Congrats Cole Perfetti!
Top 2020 #NHLDraft prospect earns the Bobby Smith Trophy as #OHL Scholastic Player of the Year presented by @cibc, combining a @SpiritHockey franchise record 111 point season with a 93% average: https://t.co/ux8DMfEkLL pic.twitter.com/oz8eT7RG9E
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 13, 2020
Congrats Nick Robertson!@MapleLeafs prospect receives the William Hanley Trophy, scoring a league-leading 55 goals for @PetesOHLhockey en route to being voted the #OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player presented by @AshleyHomeStore: https://t.co/pmZyWwtNTF pic.twitter.com/no9Z0JJwZ0
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 14, 2020
Congrats Shane Wright!
Exceptional status standout earns the Emms Family Award, leading #OHL rookies with 66 points while setting a @KingstonFronts rookie record with 39 goals to be named #OHL Rookie of the Year presented by @Wawanesa: https://t.co/KurfbI1naY pic.twitter.com/U4LPFr7s7O
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 14, 2020
In the WHL, Riley Fiddler-Schultz is the league’s Humanitarian of the Year, Dylan Garand of the Kamloops Blazers is the Scholastic Player of the Year, Seth Jarvis of the Portland Winterhawks is the Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, and Dylan Guenther of the Edmonton Oil Kings is Rookie of the Year.
Congratulations to @WHLHitmen forward @RFS183, the recipient of the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy Presented by @KiaCanada! #WHLAwards 📰 | https://t.co/7rS1pzgHrm pic.twitter.com/v10HPk0faj
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 12, 2020
Congratulations to @DylanGarand31 of @blazerhockey, recipient of the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy Presented by @cibc! #WHLScholarship #WHLAwards 📰 | https://t.co/RCml8IWI50 pic.twitter.com/NWs4MWWbCr
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 13, 2020
Congratulations to @jarvy44 of @pdxwinterhawks, recipient of the Brad Hornung Trophy Presented by @RealCdnSS! #WHLAwards 📰 | https://t.co/uOXilyzIcy pic.twitter.com/GwdElSaq4s
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 14, 2020
Congratulations to Dylan Guenther of @EdmOilKings, recipient of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy Presented by @Wawanesa! #WHLAwards 📰 | https://t.co/zgrNxbIaos pic.twitter.com/HeZqxz9Bwk
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 15, 2020
#CHLShowdown Playoffs
Forward Joe Carroll of the Soo Greyhounds was the winner in the last of eight Quarter-Final matchups in the #CHLShowdown Playoffs that featured 24 weekly vote winners from the 2019-20 regular season vying for the crown of the year’s top play as chosen by the fans. Semi-Finals are now underway at chlshowdown.ca.
Carroll plays lacrosse advances!
The last of eight Quarter-Final matchups in the #CHLShowdown Playoffs goes to @joe_carroll19 of @OHLHockey’s @OHLHoundPower who wins with 51% of your votes.
🎥 https://t.co/fI3X1c1mse pic.twitter.com/J18B8ZjxY5
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) May 18, 2020