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ICEDOGS NAME DeGRAY SEVENTH GM IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

Denice Pepe — Wed, 27 May 2026 21:15:43 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT – The Niagara IceDogs, in conjunction with the Ontario Hockey League, have announced that Dale DeGray has been appointed the seventh General Manager in Niagara IceDogs’ Franchise History.

“I’m excited to be joining the Niagara IceDogs Organization and the Niagara region. For as long as I can remember, Niagara has been a well-respected and competitive organization – dating back to my junior hockey days in Oshawa during the Ludzik/Larmer Era,” says DeGray.

DeGray comes from the Owen Sound Attack, where he served as General Manager since July of 2007. Since then, DeGray has brought the Attack an Ontario Hockey League Championship to Owen Sound in May 2011 and a Western Conference Final appearance in 2017. “When we evaluated the immediate needs of the Niagara IceDogs franchise, Dale DeGray was the definitive choice to lead this hockey operations department,” said Crawford. “Dale brings an unparalleled level of stability, professionalism, and reliability to the organization.” DeGray will immediately oversee all hockey operations matters, including preparations for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection and the continued evaluation of the club’s hockey operations structure. DeGray continues, “I’m looking forward to working with this exciting group of players and getting to know everyone in Hockey Operations and the front office. More importantly, I’m excited to connect with the passionate fan base throughout the region.” Prior to his time in Niagara, DeGray managed the Attack to eleven straight 30-win seasons and 11 consecutive playoff appearances - a mark that has only been accomplished by two other teams in the Canadian Hockey League during the same period. DeGray has also taken home league honours, being named the OHL Executive of the Year in 2011. DeGray, a native of Oshawa, Ontario, also has close ties to the Hockey Canada program, where he has been a part of the management team at the 2016 World Under-17 Challenge and the Gold Medal-winning entry at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Before joining the Attack, Dale DeGray spent five years as an amateur scout with the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers. DeGray played three seasons for his hometown Oshawa Generals, where his blue-collar work ethic allowed him to be drafted 162nd overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1981 NHL entry draft. He went on to play 153 NHL games, scoring 18 goals and tallying 47 assists. In total, DeGray spent 17 years playing professional hockey and then two as Coach/GM with the United Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and can’t wait to get started,” says DeGray. Welcome to Dog Country, Dale!

NIAGARA ICEDOGS ANNOUNCE OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Denice Pepe — Wed, 27 May 2026 21:00:40 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs, in conjunction with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), have announced operational updates designed to strengthen both the business and hockey operations of the organization while positioning the franchise for long-term success in the Niagara region. As part of these updates, the OHL will take on increased involvement in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Hockey Club, providing additional leadership, resources, and organizational support. To assist in this transition, Jason Diplock, OHL Senior Director of League Development, has been appointed to oversee the restructuring and day-to-day business and front office operations of the Niagara IceDogs. “Jason is a highly respected leader with deep roots in the OHL and a proven track record across the sports industry,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “His passion for the game and extensive experience make him exceptionally well-positioned to guide the IceDogs organization during this important period.”

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead the Niagara IceDogs during this important time for the organization,” said Jason Diplock. “The Niagara region is a tremendous hockey market with passionate fans, strong community support, and outstanding potential. Our focus will be on building a culture of professionalism, accountability, and collaboration throughout the organization while laying the foundation for long-term success both on and off the ice."

In addition, the Niagara IceDogs have appointed Dale DeGray as the seventh General Manager in franchise history. DeGray has assumed responsibility for all hockey operations matters. He will conduct a thorough review of the team’s hockey operations structure and personnel, leading the club’s immediate preparations for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection while laying the groundwork for the 2026–27 season. “I’m excited to be joining the Niagara IceDogs Organization and the Niagara region. For as long as I can remember, Niagara has been a well-respected and competitive organization – dating back to my junior hockey days in Oshawa during the Ludzik/Larmer Era,” says DeGray. The OHL remains deeply committed to the Niagara community. The League’s focus is squarely on delivering a strong, competitive, and community-oriented franchise that IceDogs fans and partners can be proud to support. The Niagara IceDogs and the Ontario Hockey League will continue to work collaboratively to provide the best possible experience for players, fans, corporate partners, billet families, and the broader Niagara community.

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For more information, please contact: Josh Sweetland Director, Communications Ontario Hockey League 416-299-8700 ext. 327 jsweetland@chl.ca About the Niagara IceDogs The Niagara IceDogs are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), based in St. Catharines, Ontario. Since its relocation in 2007, the team has had on and off-ice success, including two Eastern Conference titles and appearances in the OHL Championship Series while remaining active within their community.

Niagara’s Finest: Dougie Hamilton

Denice Pepe — Mon, 25 May 2026 18:37:00 +0000

By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - You would be hard-pressed to find a stronger defenceman who has come out of the OHL - much less the Niagara IceDogs - in recent years than Dougie Hamilton. Hands down the best Defenseman to ever don the Bones Crest, Hamilton’s major junior career contains a series of highlights that have carried into an extremely successful NHL career. It should be no surprise that Hamilton grew up to be the athlete he became. Born to Doug and Lynn Hamilton, long-time Niagara Residents, his parents both represented Canada in the Olympics as a rower and basketball player, respectively. Dougie flourished in minor hockey and, as a result, was drafted in the second round, 27th overall, by his hometown Niagara IceDogs in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection Draft. His brother, Freddie, was drafted to the IceDogs the previous year, and the two played together for all of Dougie’s three and a half seasons with the team. Dougie describes playing with his brother as “a dream come true.” Dougie had a solid rookie season with the IceDogs, being a reliable defenceman and also contributing offensively with 16 points. Outside of the OHL, he was selected to the Canadian Ontario team for the U17 World Hockey Championship, where his team collected a silver medal. His offensive game skyrocketed in his second season as he tallied 58 points and added an extra 16 in 14 playoff games, where he helped lead the IceDogs to the OHL Eastern Conference finals. That summer, he was selected ninth overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Hamilton’s full final season with the IceDogs in 2011-2012 was his most dominant. He finished the regular season with 17 goals and 55 assists for 72 points, earning him the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s top defenceman, CHL Defenceman of the Year and a nod as an OHL First Team All-Star. His play did not slow down in that year’s playoffs as he had 23 points in 20 games, playing a pivotal role in the IceDogs' first and only Eastern Conference Championship in Franchise History. He also played for Canada in the World Junior Hockey Championships that season, where the team won a bronze medal. Considering his stellar season the year previous, Hamilton was expected to start the 2012-2013 season with the Bruins, but his NHL debut was delayed due to the lockout. He returned to Niagara and played there until the lockout ended, and he was recalled by the Bruins in January of 2013. Hamilton has fond memories of his time in Niagara.

“We had so much fun in the locker room and on the bus and around the rink…My best friends still today are guys I played with in Niagara. We also had a great team, so we had a lot of great moments on the ice and playing at the Jack.”

Dougie has gone on to have a long and successful career in the NHL. He has done stints with the Bruins, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils, where he is currently playing. In 912 NHL games, he has totalled 163 goals and 377 assists for 540 points. He is considered a top defenseman in the league, best exemplified by finishing fourth in Norris Trophy voting - the award given to the league’s Top Defenseman - in the 2020-2021 season. He was also named to the Second All-Star Team at the end of that same season. Reflecting on his career, Hamilton says his time with the IceDogs helped prepare him to take that next step to the national league.

“I think playing in the OHL was massive for my development…We had great coaches and a lot of great players, and practicing together every day and pushing each other made us all better.”

As this year’s OHL Draft approaches, Hamilton advises players to enjoy the journey. “It goes by fast,” Hamilton says, “So enjoy being with your teammates, enjoy putting in the work to get better as a player and enjoy playing.” With the OHL doing its first in-person draft this year, Hamilton acknowledges the experience players have this year will be different than the one he had. Regardless, he says the most important thing for players is to enjoy the experience with their family and friends. Every sports team has great players who come to mind whenever the team is mentioned. You can not think of the Chicago Bulls without thinking of Michael Jordan, you can not think of the Buffalo Bills without thinking of Josh Allen, and you can not think of the Niagara IceDogs without thinking of Dougie Hamilton. He is one of - if not the best player the franchise has ever seen, and his legacy in Niagara will be remembered for years to come. Join us for the 2026 OHL Priority Draft presented by Real Canadian Superstore live, in person, at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ontario, on June 12 and 13. Tickets can be purchased here. Those who are unable to attend the draft can follow the process at www.ontariohockeyleague.com. It will also be streaming live on FloHockey and will be aired on YourTV, Rogers TV and Eastlink community stations.

Ryerson Edgar – A Star from the Start

Denice Pepe — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:27:22 +0000

By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - It is not rare for talented players to have a feeling-out period when they begin playing in the CHL. For example, NHL star Seth Jarvis tallied just two points in 11 games during his first season in the WHL. Another example is Shea Weber, one of the hardest-shooting defenseman the NHL has ever seen, who managed just two goals and 18 points in 70 games as a rookie in Major Junior. Niagara IceDogs forward Ryerson Edgar had no such period. In just his second OHL game at 16 years old, he recorded a hat trick and an assist. His level of play did not dip after that, and he went on to finish his rookie season with 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points. This made him the sixth-highest rookie scorer in the OHL last season, points leader and scoring leader among 2009-born players, and the IceDogs' fourth-highest scorer. Growing up in Holland Landing, Ontario, Edgar played minor hockey with the York Simcoe Express before being drafted 10th overall by the IceDogs in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft. This past February, he committed to the University of Michigan, although he plans to return to the IceDogs for the 2026-2027 season. Edgar’s impressive start with the IceDogs earned him a spot to compete at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge as a member of Canada Red. The team captured Gold at the tournament, and Edgar contributed a goal and two assists in five games. The IceDogs look forward to seeing what Edgar has in store for his second season with the organization. It will be tough to top the start he had in his rookie season, but we know Edgar is still gonna give it his best shot. Join us for the 2026 OHL Priority Draft presented by Real Canadian Superstore live, in person, at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ontario, on June 12 and 13. Tickets can be purchased here. Those who are unable to attend the draft can follow the process at www.ontariohockeyleague.com. It will also be streaming live on FloHockey and will be aired on YourTV, Rogers TV and Eastlink community stations.

Hid-Dunn Gem of the Draft

Denice Pepe — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:52:24 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey The Niagara Icedogs organization has been home to many elite hockey players throughout the club’s history. Players such as Ryan Strome and Dougie Hamilton had illustrious major junior hockey careers with the team and then went on to have successful careers in the NHL. Other players, such as Mark Vinsentin and Andrew Agozzino, had careers that cemented them as IceDog legends before they began their pro careers. All of these players were first-round draft picks and had expectations to be the stars that they became. Vince Dunn, a defenceman from Peterborough, Ontario, does not fit into the same category as the above players. Drafted long after the first round, he still had a career with the IceDogs that was as illustrious and successful as any player that donned the Bones crest. He is a true gem of the draft. Dunn was selected in the sixth round, 109th overall, in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Following the draft, Dunn did not feel that he was ready to play in the OHL. Per Sportsnet, reflecting on that time, he said: “I needed to learn a few more things to move up to the next level.” He opted to spend the following season with the Thorold Blackhawks of the Greater Ontario Hockey League (formerly, the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League). This proved to be a smart decision, as his play saw substantial development over the season and led to a breakout rookie season with the IceDogs the following year. He finished his first season as an IceDog with 5 goals and 28 assists for 33 points, leading all OHL rookie defencemen. His efforts earned him the IceDogs Rookie of the Year Award. Dunn excelled in his second season with the IceDogs, tallying 56 points in 68 games and receiving the IceDogs Defenceman of the Year Award. That season, he was ranked 53rd in the NHL’s draft prospect mid-term rankings for North American skaters. At the end of the season rankings, he had jumped to 32nd. Per Sportsnet, Marty Williamson, IceDogs' former head coach for all three of Dunn’s seasons with the team, reflected on Dunn’s development that year. “In the second half of the season, I thought [Dunn] really took over and might have become our most important player. Game in and game out. I can’t remember talking to him about too many weak hockey games.” At the conclusion of the season, Dunn declared for the NHL entry draft. He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the second round, 56th overall - 53 spots higher than where he was selected in the OHL draft. It is extremely rare for a player to be drafted higher in the NHL draft than they were in their respective major junior draft, and it exemplifies the development Dunn’s play made during his time with the IceDogs. In his third and final season with the IceDogs, Dunn recorded 43 points in 52 games and earned the club’s Defencemen of the Year Award for the second consecutive season. He also led the team to the OHL Championship, where they ultimately lost a tight series to a London Knights team that boasted talent such as current NHL stars Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk. Per the Niagara IceDogs website, Dunn reflected on his time playing for the team.

“I had a tremendous group of players that I played with there… Anyone I’ve ever played with there said some of the best years of their hockey careers were spent in Niagara.”

Dunn has gone on to have a successful NHL career, which has been highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, a team that former IceDogs superstar Alex Pietrangelo was also a part of. Dunn was selected at the 2021 NHL expansion draft by the Seattle Kraken, where he currently plays. At the time this article was published, he had 86 goals and 244 assists for 330 points in 623 NHL games. For fans, Dunn serves as a reminder that star players can come from anywhere in the draft, and players selected in later rounds should not be overlooked. For aspiring young players, Dunn is living proof that where you are selected in the draft is really just a number. This year’s draft is being held live, in person, at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ontario, on June 12 and 13. Tickets to the upcoming OHL Priority Draft presented by Real Canadian Superstore can be purchased here. Those who are unable to attend the draft can follow the process at www.ontariohockeyleague.com. It will also be streaming live on FloHockey and will be aired on YourTV, Rogers TV and Eastlink community stations.

STROME SPENDS TIME ON SPORTSNET

Denice Pepe — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:18:06 +0000

By Cameron Kelcey The Carolina Hurricanes' 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers last Thursday night marked the conclusion of former Niagara IceDog Ryan Strome’s brief stint as a guest analyst on the Sportsnet panel. Strome spent three nights of the NHL playoffs sitting alongside analysts Kevin Bieska, Ron MacLean and Kelly Hrudey. In an informal farewell speech given at the end of the broadcast Thursday, Strome described the experience on Sportsnet as “surreal” and “a great honour.” Strome came to the IceDogs in the 2009-2010 season in a trade with the Barrie Colts. He went on to play an additional two seasons with the IceDogs and became one of the greatest players the organization has ever seen. He still holds several franchise records, including the most assists in a single season at 73. Since playing for the IceDogs, Strome has gone on to have a long NHL career, spending time with the New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames, whom he currently plays for. Earlier this season, he recorded his 500th career point when he scored a goal against one of his former teams, the Ducks. Despite his recent time spent behind the panel desk he has made no indication of plans to hang up the skates anytime soon. The IceDogs would like to congratulate Ryan Strome on his time on the Sportsnet panel. We look forward to seeing what he does both on and off the ice in the future.

HIRING: Account Executive, Ticket Sales and Service

Denice Pepe — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:20:20 +0000

Position Overview

The Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service, is responsible for achieving yearly revenue targets for Niagara IceDogs ticket packages, including full and partial season tickets, group sales, premium sales, and game day sales, as required. The Account Executive will assist with servicing these accounts as necessary and be able to contribute to building the strategy for the ticket sales team. This role will include outbound and inbound sales execution to maximize revenue associated with all products and will include outbound sales efforts to local companies, community groups, sports associations, and individuals. This role pays an annual salary of $40,000-$45,000 CAD and is eligible for additional incentive compensation.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with game-day responsibilities, client hospitality, and fan experience initiatives
Meet or exceed established monthly and/or yearly goals for full and partial season tickets, group and individual game sales, as well as servicing these accounts, as necessary.

Use all forms of selling practices to ensure success, including but not limited to cold call prospecting, social selling, email communication and in-person meetings.
Handle inbound and outbound sales prospecting from all customer groups – new and former customers, corporations, community groups, as well as sports associations for all ticket products.
Participate in outside networking events to gain additional business & develop relationships with new customers.
Establish professional relationships to create repeat business and superior customer service.
Maintain complete and accurate records for customers.
Work home games to assist ticket sales promotional programs, as necessary.
Handle special projects related to the department as assigned.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Collaborate across all departments, to ensure alignment of program execution.
Enter all pertinent prospect and customer information in CRM platform for efficient reporting and historical data purposes.
Maximize relationships with clients to identify new revenue opportunities.
Design, present and execute proposals to prospective clients and referrals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a combination of related education and work experience.
1-3 years of sales/service or related experience preferred.
Professional demeanour and positive attitude with a demonstrated passion for working with people.
Proven ability to meet or exceed sales goals and performance metrics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with CRM and ticketing platforms is considered an asset
Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Legally authorized to work in Canada.

What We Offer

Opportunity to grow within the sports and entertainment industry
Benefits: Health & Dental, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and statutory holidays as per ESA guidelines).

How to Apply

Expected Start Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 If interested in this position, please email your cover letter and resume to t.findlay@niagaraicedogs.net no later than Sunday, May 31, 2026 In your application, please disclose your name and the position in the Subject line of your email (ex. Firstname, Lastname, Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service). Tracey Findlay Director of Business Operations Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club

REID NAMED TED BAKER TEAMMATE OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Denice Pepe — Mon, 04 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

NIAGARA, ON - IceDogs Forward Hayden Reid has been named a Finalist for the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award. This annual award is being presented in recognition of the contributions of former OHL Vice President Ted Baker, who, prior to his retirement in the summer of 2023, worked in the OHL’s head office over a span of 35 years. The Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award is presented annually to the OHL player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on and off-ice leadership as a mentor and role model to other OHL players, and commitment and dedication to his team. Hayden Reid exemplifies the very essence of what it means to be a teammate and an impactful leader. His impact on our team extends far beyond his on-ice contributions, though those alone are impressive. Recording a career-high 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 68 games, Hayden has demonstrated consistent performance and reliability in all situations, including our special teams. More importantly, he achieves this success while maintaining a selfless, team-first mindset. Hayden’s leadership is felt most strongly in the way he supports and uplifts those around him. He has taken young players like sixteen-year-old rookie Ryerson Edgar under his wing, offering guidance, encouragement, and a steady example of professionalism. Whether it’s staying late after practice to help a teammate or offering advice with wisdom beyond his years, Hayden leads through action. Off the ice, his commitment to his teammates is equally evident. From ensuring younger players have transportation to games and practices to being a constant source of support during challenging times, Hayden consistently puts others before himself. His humility and character set the standard in our dressing room. Assistant Captain Riley Patterson says, “Hayden would go through a wall for any person on this team.” That sentiment captures the respect he has earned from his peers. Through his dedication, compassion, and unwavering team-first attitude, Hayden Reid represents everything the award stands for.

ICEDOGS PROUD TO SUPPORT SMILE COOKIE WEEK

Denice Pepe — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:30:55 +0000

By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ON - Niagara IceDogs mascot, Bones, spent some time decorating Smile Cookies at a local Tim Hortons in St. Catharines. Tim Horton's Franchisee, Stacey and her husband, Dan, were proud to support Birchway Niagara and Hospice Niagara with proceeds from Smile Cookies sold at their Welland Ave location. Birchway Niagara is dedicated to protecting and empowering survivors of abuse, while Hospice Niagara serves to help individuals and families live well from diagnosis to bereavement. The Smile Cookie campaign first emerged in 1996 and was created by Maureen Sauve, a Tim Hortons restaurant owner in Hamilton, ON. Maureen’s Tim's location originally sold Smile Cookies to raise funds for a hospital ward that was treating her daughter at the time. Smile Cookies can be purchased at any Tim Hortons until May 3, 100% of proceeds (pre-tax) made from the delicious treats are donated to local charities and community groups. All IceDogs fans are encouraged to go to their local Tim Hortons and purchase a Smile Cookie.

Doherty Commits to UofG

Denice Pepe — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:58:29 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ON - Niagara IceDogs forward Sean Doherty announced his commitment to play at the University of Guelph next season. He joins IceDogs alumni and former teammate, Andrew Wycisk, who also just committed to UofG. Doherty has spent the past two seasons with the IceDogs. In that time, he recorded 37 points in 126 regular-season games, as well as a goal and an assist in five playoff games. Before his time in Niagara, Doherty spent two seasons in Sarnia, spending time with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting and the Greater Ontario Hockey League’s (GOHL) Sarnia Legionnaires. The IceDogs want to thank Sean for all he did during his time with the team and wish him the best of luck at Guelph!