CHL Weekend Review: Saying goodbye while preparing for the next wave
The Canadian Hockey League season has officially come to an end. As disappointing as that may be, our health and well being must take priority. And when it comes to that journey we’re all in this together.
With season’s end we say goodbye to our graduating class as they too bid their teams and fans farewell. We also continue to show strength and support within our community as isolation and social distancing practices continue. And we turn the page and get ready for the next wave of CHL talent.
Here’s a look at all of that and more:
A message from Dan MacKenzie
CHL President Dan MacKenzie put his thoughts about an emotional few weeks to paper with a message for the CHL family.
We’re in this together.
A message from President Dan MacKenzie to the #CHL family.
MORE 📝: https://t.co/gGd5ItxK5m pic.twitter.com/Bqv8qpT74p
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) March 28, 2020
Goodbye from our Grads
The week was filled with overage messages, posts of gratitude, and tribute videos from CHL teams to all members of the league’s graduating class that includes 173 overage players. In return, many of our grads showed their own appreciation with heartfelt words on social media. Here’s a sample from stars like Matt Welsh (Charlottetown), Felix Robert (Sherbrooke), Derek Gentile (Cape Breton), Ryan McGregor (Sarnia), Austen Keating (Ottawa), Elijah Roberts (Niagara), Matt Wedman (Kelowna), Owen Hardy (Moose Jaw), and Zack Hayes (Prince Albert).
When thinking of people to thank, I really don’t know where to start. I will be forever grateful for everyone who made the last 5 years a true blessing. Much love PEI… it’s been a pleasure.
-73✌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/kGhUzCL75y
— Matt Welsh (@mwelsh73) March 24, 2020
Après 4 ans au Phœnix, Félix Robert tenait à adresser quelques mots aux partisans 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/Rwex3p0bVd
— Phœnix de Sherbrooke (@PhoenixSherbroo) March 25, 2020
@CBEHockey fans and those in Cape Breton, you deserve a winner. This hockey community is unmatched, I can feel the shared devastation between us. Being a fan first, then player, I’ll now join you on the fan side of the glass once again. It’s been an honour to be your captain 🦅 pic.twitter.com/7VoPtaglZp
— Derek Gentile (@GentileDerek) March 24, 2020
A final message from the Captain. @ryanmcgregor84 | #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/In4vWgs1Mj
— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) March 25, 2020
@Ottawa67sHockey Thank you pic.twitter.com/vPCbjvxHiV
— austen keating (@AustenKeating) March 24, 2020
We can’t wait for @ElijahRoberts98 to come back and say goodbye in person.
Until then, stay safe fam pic.twitter.com/tcV35tZ0XX
— Niagara IceDogs (@OHLIceDogs) March 22, 2020
— Matt Wedman (@m_weds) March 25, 2020
A message to fans from Captain Owen Hardy (@owenhardy1313). #OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior pic.twitter.com/KJruq6IXui
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) March 24, 2020
Thank you @PARaidersHockey pic.twitter.com/Qmx7N7VlZz
— Zack Hayes (@hayesie24) March 24, 2020
Hockey at home
CHL players like all of us from coast-to-coast are social distancing and finding ourselves starved for hockey. Here’s a look at how some players like Vladislav Kotkov (Chicoutimi), Reid Valade (Kitchener), and Connor McClennon (Winnipeg) are staying active and on top of their skills from home.
C'est le temps du 2e défi #Challengesags ! Cette fois-ci directement de Ryazan en Russie avec Vladislav Kotkov.
On vous conseille FORTEMENT de faire ce défi dehors.
1 verre d'eau + 1 bâton + 1 imperméable 😂
Bonne chance !!
1-Publiez votre video
2-Inscrivez #ChallengeSags pic.twitter.com/nsBG4sL5ZD— Saguenéens (@SagueneensLHJMQ) March 26, 2020
Wondering how @reid_valade is playing #hockeyathome?
Share your own clips and photos with us, #RTown! @OHLHockey | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/XnLpuVeNS3
— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) March 21, 2020
Here are some at home dangles with @mcclennon_94 ! This is how he is keeping his hands sharp, show us how you are keeping your hands game ready! All you need is a bucket and an extra stick! #FeelTheFreeze pic.twitter.com/PsgfCxrfqL
— Winnipeg ICE (@WHLWpgICE) March 24, 2020
Donations to make a difference
The Barrie Colts, Kitchener Rangers, and Owen Sound Attack are just three examples of our teams who have graciously donated Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and masks to local healthcare facilities in need.
Call to the community:
RVH is in need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks.
Our Head Athletic Therapist, Jimmy, is donating our entire stock of latex-free gloves to the brave medical… https://t.co/J6JgsAYlFX
— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) March 27, 2020
Big thank you to @OHLRangers for donating their unused PPE to us today! We wish we were listening to @farwell_WR & @_ChrisPope giving us the play-by-play from a playoff run, but we will have to catch it next year. Your donation will be put to good use! #COVID19 #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/6LDEbEJtSQ
— Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services (@ROWParamedics) March 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/abrownAT/status/1244683946169970692
Supplying a new kind of equipment
Bauer Hockey, one of the CHL’s Official Equipment Suppliers, is also making a difference as an industry leader doing everything they can to help others combat COVID-19. With a commitment to protecting health care facilities and first responders they’re repurposing their equipment facilities and shifting production to make single-use face shields and encouraging others to make better use of their own resources.
We are proud to be using our resources to protect medical workers on the front lines battling COVID-19, but WE NEED YOUR HELP.
We need other corporations to step up and convert their resources to build materials that will protect medical workers exposed to the virus. pic.twitter.com/vlsYWGRva7
— BAUER Hockey (@BauerHockey) March 28, 2020
Sokolov helping Sydney families in need
Top QMJHL goal scorer Egor Sokolov is already a fan favourite having lit the lamp 46 times for the Cape Breton Eagles this season, however his popularity has undoubtedly grown in the time since hockey stopped. The Russian forward has been helping families in his adopted hometown by delivering grocery packages put together by a store owned by his billets.
Egor Sokolov led the QMJHL in goals this season, but he's scoring even bigger points with the citizens of his adopted hometown in Sydney, Nova Scotia, by delivering groceries to those unable to leave their homes. @mikemorrealeNHL has the story:https://t.co/HPHocibUYQ
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) March 27, 2020
Generals ignite playoff fire
The weekend’s calendar originally called for playoff hockey which would have meant lots of new pump up videos and highlight packages. Created content should still be shared and that’s exactly what the Oshawa Generals did by releasing their red hot promo video to social media truly igniting the fire.
Playoffs were to begin today.
Everything was going to be put on the line for the game, your teammates, and a championship.
Instead, the rinks may be empty for now, but we know we will always have hockey to come back to.All it takes is a spark to… 𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆! pic.twitter.com/HcXCTtaix6
— Oshawa Generals (@Oshawa_Generals) March 27, 2020
Sticking with the Generals and game day routines, the team’s legendary equipment manager Bryan Boyes posted a puck stack photo to social media in recognition for what would have been the commencement of playoffs.
Playoffs were supposed to open tonight. Figured I’d puck stack at home. pic.twitter.com/s8s4PL4yuO
— Bryan A. Boyes (@BryanBoyes) March 27, 2020
Saskatoon presents team awards in unique style
The unfortunate global climate has cancelled more than just hockey with events such as annual award ceremonies also put on hold due to the pandemic. While many teams have moved forward with digital presentations and acknowledgments of their winners, the Saskatoon Blades did something different by having their fans and various other supporters announce the award recipients on video.
ICYMI: We invited some of our greatest fans and supporters to help unveil the individual awards for the past season!
📜: https://t.co/33Ot8aeSD9 pic.twitter.com/hcZWi3aMKk
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) March 27, 2020
Rebels select Sawchyn first overall in WHL U.S. Prospect Draft
The 2020 WHL U.S. Prospect Draft was held on Wednesday where WHL member clubs selected 44 players throughout the two-round process. Forward Gracyn Sawchyn of Shattuck-St. Mary’s Sabres 14U was chosen first overall by the Red Deer Rebels. In total, nine different states had players chosen led by 18 California-born players. Minnesota was next with 12 players selected while Texas was third with five. Complete results from the 2020 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft are available at whl.ca/draft.
Looks good @GracynSawchyn 👌 pic.twitter.com/hf87dpoxSF
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) March 25, 2020
Bedard granted exceptional player status
BC Hockey announced on Tuesday the results of the review by Hockey Canada that Connor Bedard of North Vancouver, B.C., has been granted exceptional player status and therefore is eligible to play in the WHL next season as a 15-year-old. Bedard would become the seventh player to compete in the CHL with exceptional player status distinction, most recently following 2019-20 rookie Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs. Bedard is eligible for the WHL Bantam Draft that takes place on April 22, 2020, where the Regina Pats hold the first overall pick.
With history made, exceptional Bedard eagerly awaits beginning of WHL journey.
FEATURE 📰 | https://t.co/qLfFnYHxqj pic.twitter.com/dUClN8WxYD
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 25, 2020
QMJHL launches YouTube channel
To entertain fans while they are getting through the COVID-19 crisis, the QMJHL proudly launched its Official YouTube Channel. A new source for top plays, goals, and saves from past seasons, it will also contain interviews, features, and highlight packages as well as content from various league events. The channel will also stream historical games bringing fans some of the best moments over the past 50 years.
In order to support our fans during the COVID-19 crisis, we are proud to launch our official @YouTube channel! Entertain yourselves be reliving some of the #QMJHL's best moments.
Subscribe now! 👉 https://t.co/STFk4uKDxT pic.twitter.com/ONPBMp3tAG
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) March 24, 2020
OHL Coaches Poll
The results of the annual OHL Coaches Poll recognizes the top three players in both the Eastern and Western Conference in 20 different skill categories based on the 2019-20 season. The first place Ottawa 67’s led the way with eight players spread out over an impressive 17 different categories with top scorer and NHL Draft prospect Marco Rossi included in six different fields.
Recognizing Top-3 in 20 skill categories.
2019-20 #OHL Eastern & Western Conference Coaches Poll winners.
RESULTS 📰: https://t.co/shpH0Yv6s4 pic.twitter.com/htwgO2HLmH
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 26, 2020
Ludvig signs with Panthers
Portland Winterhawks captain Johnny Ludvig has signed his entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers. The 19-year-old defenceman chosen in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft recorded 62 points including 17 goals and 45 assists across 60 games this season.
#FlaPanthers agree to terms with defenseman John Ludvig on three-year, entry-level contract.
More >> https://t.co/OOzyOyzIGM pic.twitter.com/x7bRvE5han
— Florida Panthers PR (@FlaPanthersPR) March 30, 2020
Jones signs with Wild
Peterborough Petes goaltender Hunter Jones has also inked his entry-level contract following the completion of the 2019-20 campaign. The 19-year-old selected by the Minnesota Wild in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft won 31 games over 49 appearances including four shutouts with a goals-against-average of 2.75 and a save percentage of .913.
NEWS: #mnwild General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the club has signed goaltender Hunter Jones to a three-year, entry-level contract.
More information: https://t.co/zK4MgQDWX6 pic.twitter.com/SQGYnWDKGm
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 26, 2020
OHL Mourns the Loss of Sam Sisco
The OHL family is saddened by the loss of former long-time referee, OHL Officiating Manager and 2009 Bill Long Award recipient Sam Sisco who has passed away at the age of 85. A native of Windsor, Ont. who taught at Herman Secondary School until 1989, Sisco served as an OHL officiating supervisor from 1989 until his retirement in 2008 before being honoured with the Bill Long Award for his outstanding contributions to the League.
The #OHL family is deeply saddened by the loss of former referee, OHL Officiating Manager and 2009 Bill Long Award recipient Sam Sisco who has passed away at the age of 85.
IN MEMORIAM: https://t.co/lA0HklhF2P pic.twitter.com/rlDl3wPiCw
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 26, 2020
Rangers extend McKenzie’s contract
The Kitchener Rangers announced that the team has signed Mike McKenzie to a contract extension as the club’s General Manager through the 2024-25 season. McKenzie has been a part of the organization since 2012 when he was hired as an assistant coach by then-head coach, Steve Spott. He spent three seasons in that role before being promoted to assistant coach/assistant general manager ahead of the 2015-16 season. This season he also acted as the team’s interim head coach from November through the end of the 2019-20 season helping the Rangers climb from last place into Western Conference contention.
🆕 General Manager Mike McKenzie has signed a contract extension through the 2024-25 season.
📰 https://t.co/Y72gYpHjTE#RTown | #OHL | #CHL pic.twitter.com/mGtIM6XXhk
— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) March 26, 2020
Battalion name Oulahen head coach
Ryan Oulahen has been named the second head coach in North Bay Battalion history after agreeing to a three-year contract after previously serving as interim head coach since December 10 when Stan Butler, the only director of hockey operations and head coach the club had known since its inaugural 1998-99 season in Brampton, was reassigned. Oulahen played three seasons for the Battalion serving as the club’s captain in 2004-05. After an injury ended his playing career, he joined the Battalion as an assistant coach in 2010-11 in Brampton, a position he held until 2016-17, when he became head coach of the Flint Firebirds.
Made for green — The North Bay Battalion have named Ryan Oulahen the second Head Coach in franchise history.#BattleTogether pic.twitter.com/saIJuPdY8e
— North Bay Battalion (@OHLBattalion) March 24, 2020
#CHLShowdown Playoffs
Winners of 24 weekly votes held over the course of the 2019-20 regular season have advanced to the #CHLShowdown Playoffs that will crown the year’s top play as chosen by the fans. In the first of eight Quarter-Final matchups D-Jay Jerome was victorious in the season’s closest vote to date. New matchups will launch every Tuesday afternoon at chlshowdown.ca.
Jerome Jukes and Jives for the win!
The first of eight Quarter-Final matchups in the #CHLShowdown Playoffs featured our closest result and two season high totals with @Jerome__15 for @TheWHL’s @WHLHurricanes advancing by just 60 votes.
🎥 https://t.co/fI3X1c1mse pic.twitter.com/SkFvVpLkmJ
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) March 30, 2020