Niagara IceDogs - Feed

WANG TO PLAY ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:58:30 +0000

NIAGARA, ON - IceDogs defender Haoxi Wang is currently representing China on the international stage in the IIHF Men's World Championship Division 1B. Wang joined the IceDogs halfway through this past season after being traded from the Oshawa Generals. He recorded 13 points in 29 regular-season games with Niagara. Wang was selected 33rd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft. He has committed to play at Boston University for the 2026-2027 season. The Division 1B tournament is being held in Shenzhen, China and includes six countries: Estonia, Romania, South Korea, China, the Netherlands and Spain. Wang scored a goal in China’s opening game against South Korea; however, the team ultimately lost 7-4. Their next match is set for April 30 at 7:30 a.m. EST against Romania.

FORMER ICEDOG ANDREW WYCISK COMMITS TO UoG

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:36:26 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ON - IceDogs alumni, Andrew Wycisk, has announced his commitment to play for the University of Guelph next season. Wycisk was drafted to Niagara in 2021 and spent four seasons with the club. This past season, after playing only two games with the IceDogs, Wycisk parted ways with the club to play for the Trenton Golden Hawks in the OJHL. Wycisk thrived during his time with the Golden Hawks, recording 27 points in 27 regular-season games. Wycisk’s contributions helped the Golden Hawks qualify for the OJHL playoffs. The club swept the Lindsay Muskies in the first round, but fell to the Newmarket Hurricanes in the second round in a 4-2 series. Wycisk played 8 games in the playoffs and tallied 4 points. The IceDogs want to wish Andrew the best of luck at Guelph!

Robertson Commits to TMU

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:24 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ON - Niagara IceDogs netminder, Charlie Robertson, has announced his commitment to play for Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Robertson reflected on his time with the IceDogs.

“Through my time in Niagara, I was able to grow and develop both on and off the ice, which has ultimately prepared me for this next chapter.”

Robertson joined the IceDogs halfway through the 2023-2024 season when he was acquired in a trade with the North Bay Battalion. This past season, he finished with a .886 SV% and 3.52 GAA in 31 games played. Drafted in 2021 in the seventh round (130th overall), Robertson spent a season and a half with the North Bay Battalion, coming from Ridley College here in Niagara. The IceDogs would like to thank Charlie for all he has done for the team and wish him the best of luck at TMU!

ICEDOGS ALUMNI COLE COOKSEY PART OF BACKLUND CUP VICTORY

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:49:18 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey Niagara, ON - Niagara IceDogs Alumni, Cole Cooksey, captured the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s (OJHL) Buckland Cup as a member of the Toronto Patriots. The Patriots took the best-of-seven series 4-1 against the Newmarket Hurricanes with a 5-2 victory Saturday Night. Cooksey contributed a goal and an assist in the Buckland Cup-winning game. "It feels unbelievable, winning the league in your last year of junior," says Cooksey.

"It's something a lot of guys wish they could do. To have actually done it is surreal... hopefully we can carry that to the Centennial Cup."

Cooksey was signed to the IceDogs as a free agent at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season. After 20 regular-season games with the IceDogs, he opted to leave and join the Patriots, where his play flourished. He tallied 15 goals and a total of 22 points in 17 regular-season games with the Patriots and followed that up with 15 goals and 27 points in 20 playoff games. Cooksey had spent the previous two seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and, before that, spent time in the OHJL with the Markham Royals. He has committed to play at Brock University for the 2026-2027 season. The IceDogs would like to congratulate Cole on his accomplishment and wish him the best of luck at the Centennial Cup in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

SEITZ NAMED HEAD COACH OF BUFFALO JR SABRES

admin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:11:56 +0000

Niagara, ON – IceDogs’ Assistant Coach, Dylan Seitz, has been named Head Coach for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. “Dylan’s promotion ensures consistency in our culture and on-ice standards,” says Patrick Kaleta, President of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. Seitz joined the IceDogs in September as Video Coach, before transitioning into Player Development and Assistant Coach for the team. Seitz is no stranger to the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, starting as an assistant coach in the 2023-2024 season. The Buffalo native is well regarded for his player-focused coaching approach, strong communication skills, and commitment to development and performance. Seitz also played for the Jr. Sabres in 2015-2016, before making the jump to the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, recording eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 62 games as a rookie forward. The IceDogs would like to thank Dylan for all he has done for the club and wish him all the best in Buffalo!

ICEDOGS RAISE OVER $82,000 FOR COMMUNITY

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:12:30 +0000

Niagara, ON – The impact of a single contribution can go far — funding a child’s lunch, supporting a family through illness, or helping build critical care facilities. Over the course of the 2025 - 2026 season, the Niagara IceDogs and Dog Country turned those dollars into meaningful change across the region. The organization is proud to announce that more than $82,000 was raised this season in support of local charities and community initiatives, reinforcing a commitment to making a difference beyond the ice. This season’s total reflects a collective effort between the team, its fans, and community partners. From fundraising to special initiatives, the IceDogs made community investment a priority throughout the year, supporting a wide range of causes across the Niagara Region. The funds raised were distributed across organizations focused on health, youth development, and community support: Health & Wellness Support for healthcare initiatives remained a key focus, including contributions toward local care and research efforts. Donations were made to organizations such as Hospice Niagara, the Rankin Cancer Run, and Niagara Health, helping provide comfort, care, and critical resources to those in need. Youth & Development Investing in young people across Niagara was another priority. Contributions to organizations like Community Crew, the Niagara Children’s Centre, and the Education Foundation of Niagara helped provide meals, developmental support, and educational opportunities for children and youth throughout the region. Community & Social Impact Additional support is extended to organizations strengthening the broader community, including Crime Stoppers, Niagara Safety Village, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, and President’s Choice Children’s Charity, addressing needs ranging from public safety to animal welfare. The $82,000 total was generated through a variety of initiatives over the course of the season, including:

Specialty jersey auctions
50/50 raffles, including a major contribution in support of Crime Stoppers
Direct organizational and community partnerships
Team-led charitable contributions

These initiatives provided fans with meaningful ways to engage while directly supporting important causes. Several initiatives and partnerships stood out throughout the season:

Over $41,000 raised through the Crime Stoppers 50/50 program
Significant contributions to Community Crew, supporting thousands of meals for local students
Ongoing support for healthcare initiatives through donations to Hospice Niagara, the Rankin Cancer Run, and Niagara Health

By the Numbers

Total Raised: $82,000+

Organizations Supported: 10+

Breakdown of Contributions:

Community Crew	$9,558.58
Hospice Niagara	$4,294.00
Rankin Cancer Run	$4,294.30
Niagara Children's Centre	$4,418.00
President's Choice Children's Charity	$5,142.05
Education Foundation of Niagara	$1,000.00
Niagara Safety Village	$1,200.00
Humane Society of Greater Niagara	$1,000.00
Crime Stoppers Niagara	$49,331.18
Niagara Health	$2000.00

These contributions were made possible through the continued support of IceDogs fans and partners. Through participating in auctions, purchasing raffle tickets, or supporting team initiatives, Dog Country played a direct role in giving back. As the IceDogs look toward the future, community impact will remain a core part of the organization’s identity. Building on this season’s success, the team is committed to growing its charitable efforts and continuing to support causes that matter most to the Niagara region. For the Niagara IceDogs, success isn’t only measured on the scoreboard. It’s reflected in the lives impacted across the community — proving that together, even small contributions can make a lasting difference.

CHROMIAK SIGNS PRO CONTACT WITH HC ŚKODA PLZEÑ

admin — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:35:45 +0000

PLZEN, Czech Republic – Veteran Defenceman, Jakub Chromiak signed his first professional contract with HC Śkoda Plzeñ.

"We have been following Jakub for a long time. He is a promising young defenseman—a right-shot, no less—who will bring fresh energy to the team," says HC Śkoda Plzeñ General Manager Martin Straka.

The twenty-year-old from Ilava, Slovakia, made his OHL debut in 2022 after being selected in the First Round, eighth overall by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2022 Import Draft. Since then, Chromiak has appeared in 237 regular-season OHL games for the Sudbury Wolves, Kingston Frontenacs, Kitchener Rangers, and the Niagara IceDogs, amassing 25 goals and 92 assists for 117 points. Acquired at the deadline in a trade with the Kitchener Rangers, Chromiak put up an impressive six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in just 29 games played for the IceDogs. Chromiak’s mobility, offensive prowess, and puck-moving ability earned him the opportunity to represent Slovakia at multiple World Championships, as well as two U18 tournaments and the 2024 World Junior Championship. We wish Jakub all the best from Dog Country, and best of luck on the next chapter of his career. Once and IceDog, always an IceDog.

TWO ICEDOGS NAMED TO NHLCS FINAL DRAFT RANKINGS

admin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:02:53 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT — Niagara IceDogs players Ryan Roobroeck and Vladislav Yermolenko have been named in the NHL Central Scouting North American Final Draft rankings. Roobroeck was listed 28th overall for North American Skaters, where Yermolenko was listed as 17th overall for North American Goaltenders. Roobroeck is the ninth-ranked OHL player on the list, with Yermolenko as the fifth-ranked OHL goaltender on the list. Roobroeck, whose season ended early with a lower-body injury, still put up a strong performance for the IceDogs. Roobroeck’s impressive third campaign with the IceDogs saw him finish second in points (58), Second in scoring (30G), and third in assists (28A) in just 49 games played. Of his 30 goals, Roobroeck leads the way with ten power-play goals. The IceDogs selected Roobroeck second overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, and he is poised for success at the next level. The 6’4” Forward from London, Ont, has made a name for himself as a highly skilled 2026 NHL Draft prospect known as a "natural goal scorer" with an elite, heavy shot and power. Roobroeck projects as a top-line power forward with excellent offensive vision and a refined, high-volume shooting ability. NHL Central Scouting also recognized IceDogs rookie goaltender, Vladislav Yermolenko. The Belurusian was selected in the second round (87th overall) in the 2025 OHL Import Draft. The rookie netminder posted an impressive first OHL season, playing 45 regular-season games and earning the start in five OHL Playoff games. Yermolenko has a 3.50 GAA, 0.896 SV%, and has marked one shutout. Known for his hockey IQ and puck-handling, every move Yermolenko has made in the crease was calculated and explosive, making impressive saves night in and night out. These rankings feature the best skaters and goalies playing in North America, who are eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, New York. The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is set to start on Friday, June 26, and continue into Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Buffalo, New York.

IceDogs Announce Mutual Parting of Ways with General Manager Frank Evola

admin — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:30:59 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT – The Niagara IceDogs announced today that the club and General Manager Frank Evola have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. The news comes following Evola’s desire to pursue other professional opportunities. Both parties agreed that stepping away was the best course of action. This transition has been made with the full awareness of the Ontario Hockey League. “We are grateful for his time with the organization. We wish him the best of luck on the next chapter of his career,” says Darren DeDobbelaer, Owner and Governor of the IceDogs. A new General Manager for the Niagara IceDogs will be announced in the near future.

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Patterson Assigned to the Abbotsford Canucks

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:45:06 +0000

ST CATHARINES, ONT - Following the conclusion of the Niagara IceDogs season, the Vancouver Canucks have assigned IceDogs star forward Riley Patterson to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, for the remainder of the season. Patterson is coming off his best OHL season to date, notching his first 40-goal campaign and totaling 84 points. This was Patterson’s first year with the IceDogs after spending the previous two seasons playing for the Barrie Colts. Patterson led the IceDogs in goals, assists, and points, finishing 10th in the OHL in points and third in goals. Patterson also led the team in the playoffs with eight points (4G, 4A) in their five-game series against the Colts. Patterson was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and signed his Entry-Level Contract this past September. Patterson is set to make his AHL debut with the Abbotsford Canucks, who have four games remaining in the 2025-26 season. Patterson finished off his junior hockey career with 205 points in 192 games. Best of luck in Abbotsford, Riley!