Niagara IceDogs - Feed https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/tag/finn-merrill/ Welcome to Dog Country. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:29:45 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/08/20132229/cropped-Niagara_IceDogs-32x32.png finn merrill Archives - Niagara IceDogs https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/tag/finn-merrill/ 32 32 RISE UP WITH US: SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/rise-up-with-us-single-game-tickets-on-sale-now Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:57:02 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/rise-up-with-us-single-game-tickets-on-sale-now NIAGARA, ON — The Niagara IceDogs are ready to unleash another season of Ontario Hockey League action, with single-game tickets for the 2026–27 preseason and regular season officially on sale today.

From September through March, fans across Niagara and beyond can experience the speed, intensity and excitement of IceDogs hockey at the Meridian Centre.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SOME MARQUEE GAMES.

The 2026–27 schedule features several can’t-miss nights, including:

  • September 19 — Home Opener presented by Carlsberg
  • October 23 — Rivalry Week Game vs ER
  • October 30 — Halloween Game
  • November 1 — Bones’ Birthday Bash
  • November 5 — Thursday Night Football in Niagara in Support of Jumpstart
  • November 20 — Project Plaid
  • November 28 — Annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Pet Valu
  • December 19 — Dog Country Christmas
  • December 31 — The annual Rockin’ New Year’s Eve celebration
  • January 3 — Autograph Day
  • January 15 — Dog Country Fights Cancer in Support of Rankin Cancer Run
  • January 21 — Bones Bobblehead Giveaway
  • February 20 — Country Night
  • March 19 — Fan Appreciation Day

Fans will also have the opportunity to watch some of the IceDogs’ brightest young stars take the ice, including Ryerson Edgar, following an impressive rookie campaign, and defenceman Max Lappan, the IceDogs’ recent first-round draft selection.

Single-game tickets start at just $18 plus fees, making an IceDogs game an affordable night out for families, friends and hockey fans of all ages.

Looking to bring a group? Fans can save even more with Flex Packs and group ticket options.

Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or experiencing your first IceDogs game, there’s something for everyone at the

Meridian Centre this season.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Single-game tickets are available now:

Online: Niagara IceDogs website

In Person: Meridian Centre Box Office

By Phone: 905-684-0482

It’s time to Unleash Dog Country!

Niagara IceDogs hockey Presented by Canadian Tire, Driven by Performance Auto Group.

]]> ICEDOGS ANNOUNCE 2026 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-announce-2026-training-camp-schedule Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:00:43 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-announce-2026-training-camp-schedule NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs have announced the schedule for their 2026 Training Camp, presented by Tommy Gun's. Training Camp will officially get underway on Monday, August 24, with more than 40 rookie players reporting to Niagara to showcase their skills and earn an opportunity to advance to Main Camp. Fans are invited to take in scrimmages throughout the week as the IceDogs progress from Rookie Camp into Main Camp. Fans can enter the Meridian Centre through the box office, visit the TEAMLTD Dog House for official IceDogs merchandise and get an early look at the 2026-27 IceDogs as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Training Camp Schedule

FAN FEST – SATURDAY

Kick off the 2026-2027 Season in style... Fan Fest is BACK! Join us for a chance to meet members of our Hockey Operations team, select players and enjoy family fun. Learn more HERE.

ROOKIE CAMP | MONDAY, AUGUST 24

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage Meridian Centre 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Team 2 vs. Team 1 Scrimmage Meridian Centre

ROOKIE CAMP | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Team 2 vs. Team 1 Scrimmage Meridian Centre 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage Meridian Centre

MAIN CAMP | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage Meridian Centre 3:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage Meridian Centre TOWN HALL – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Bring your questions, comments, and concerns and hear from Dale DeGray, Jake Grimes and Jason Diplock. Can't make it? Fans can tune into YourTV Niagara to watch the full Town Hall. 

MAIN CAMP | FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

9:50 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Team 2 vs. Team 1 Scrimmage Meridian Centre 6:00 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. RED/WHITE SCRIMMAGE Meridian Centre Season Ticket Holder Pickup: Available all day at the TEAMLTD Dog House.

Meet Our Prospect Pipeline

Get to know all players invited to rookie camp. 
Player DOB Pos. S/C Hometown HT WT Acquired Previous Team NHL Status NCAA Status
Aidan Ali 28/2/2010 D L Chicago, IL, USA 6.02 194 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 8 (#150) Little Caesars 15U AAA (MAHA) 2028 Draft Eligible
Luke Anglesey 16/9/2010 D R Ottawa, ON 6.04 183 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 13 (#250) Ottawa Jr. 67s U16 AAA (HEO) 2028 Draft Eligible
Kohen Chrastina 10/6/2010 D R Welland, ON 6.01 176 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 10 (#190) Niagara North Stars U16 AAA (OMHA) 2028 Draft Eligible
Mateo Craievich 29/2/2008 D R Bright's Grove, ON 6.01 194 OHL – NIA (2024) RD: 8 (#160) Stratford Warriors (GOHL) Free Agent
Ethan Dixon 18/7/2009 D L Fonthill, ON 5.11 161 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 10 (#192) Niagara North Stars U16 AAA (OMHA) 2027 Draft Eligible
Jake Gawley 1/1/2009 D L Madoc, ON 6.02 185 Free Agent Camp Invite Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Cameron Gélinas 23/4/2009 D R North Bay, ON 6.01 179 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 14 (#271) King Rebellion (OJHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Gavin Kindree 12/3/2009 D L London, ON 6.02 194 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 14 (#272) Elgin Middlesex Canucks (ALLIANCE U18) 2027 Draft Eligible
Matthew Koch 30/1/2009 D L New York, NY, USA 6.01 190 Free Agent Camp Invite Old Avon Farms School (USHS-Prep) 2027 Draft Eligible Yale Univ.
Tobias Kramer 27/6/2008 D R Zlin, CZE 6.06 216 Import – NIA (2026) RD: 2 (#86) Jungadler Mannheim U20 (DNL) Free Agent
Max Lappan 17/3/2010 D R Livonia, MI, USA 6.03 216 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 1 (#9) Honeybaked 15U AAA "C" 2028 Draft Eligible
Jacob McMahon 6/2/2008 D L Peterborough, ON 6.03 190 OHL – NIA (2024) RD: 4 (#68) Oakville Blades (OJHL) Free Agent
George Raymond 3/6/2009 D L Hamilton, ON 6.02 192 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 8 (#151) Hamilton Kilty B's (GOHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Cooper Ross 1/3/2010 D L Vaughan, ON 6.00 161 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 5 (#88) Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA (GTHL) 2028 Draft Eligible
Tyson Vani 22/3/2010 D R Vaughan, ON 5.09 146 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 15 (#286) North York Rangers U16 AAA (GTHL) 2028 Draft Eligible
Jesse Bruce 6/1/2009 F R Newmarket, ON 5.11 185 Free Agent Camp Invite Toronto Marlboros U18 (GTHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Justin Flora 1/4/2009 F R Toronto, ON 5.08 157 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 9 (#172) Welland Jr. Canadians (GOHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Ethan Gillespie 26/2/2009 F L Brockville, ON 6.03 207 OHL U18 – NIA (2026) RD: 2 (#29) Upper Canada Cyclones U18 AAA (HEO) 2027 Draft Eligible
Nathan Hewitt 25/9/2010 F L Hamilton, ON 6.00 163 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 2 (#33) Niagara North Stars U16 AAA (OMHA) 2028 Draft Eligible
Jon House 4/4/2009 F L Michigan, USA – – Free Agent Camp Invite Detroit Victory Honda U16 (MAHA U16) 2027 Draft Eligible
Quinn Kaiser 13/1/2010 F R Barrington, IL, USA 5.10 170 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 12 (#237) Team Illinois 15U AAA 2028 Draft Eligible
Carter L'Heureux 7/2/2009 F L London, ON 6.00 165 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 11 (#212) London Jr. Knights U18AAA (ALLIANCE) 2027 Draft Eligible
Jared Langdon 16/11/2006 F L St. John's, NL 6.00 194 OHL – OS (2022) RD: 4 (#74) / Trade with OS June 2026 Owen Sound Attack (OHL) Free Agent Clarkson Univ.
Tyler Lee 27/2/2009 F L Toronto, ON 5.08 159 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 6 (#112) Pelham Panthers (GOHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Chase McDougall 26/3/2008 F L St. Mary's, ON 6.02 190 OHL – NIA (2024) RD: 7 (#123) St. Mary's Lincolns (GOHL) Free Agent
Finn Merrill 12/7/2010 F R Caledon, ON 5.10 148 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 2 (#32) Hill Academy U16 AAA (CAHS) 2028 Draft Eligible
Quinn Roberts 25/6/2010 F L Woodstock, ON 5.11 157 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 8 (#144) London Jr. Knights U16AAA (ALLIANCE) 2028 Draft Eligible
Matthew Ross 5/1/2008 F R Oakville, ON 5.08 165 OHL – NIA (2024) RD: 9 (#163) Oakville Blades (OJHL) Free Agent
Felix Sapay 19/3/2010 F L Dryden, ON 6.03 185 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 12 (#230) Sudbury Wolves U16 AAA (GMHL) 2028 Draft Eligible
Ben Schori 24/6/2010 F R Petawawa, ON 6.03 205 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 9 (#170) Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA (HEO) 2028 Draft Eligible
Justin Sekulovski 17/3/2009 F L Stouffville, ON 5.10 150 Free Agent Camp Invite Vaughan Kings U18 (GTHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Stepan Stejskal 6/1/2009 F L Plzen, CZE 6.00 165 Import – NIA (2026) RD: 1 (#25) HC Davos U21 (U21-Elit) 2027 Draft Eligible
Jonah Tagliarino 29/12/2010 F L Toronto, ON 5.11 176 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 14 (#270) Credit River Capitals U16 AAA (OMHA) 2028 Draft Eligible
Michael Tang 15/4/2009 F R New York, NY, USA 6.01 170 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 4 (#78) Madison Capitals (USHL) 2027 Draft Eligible Harvard Univ.
Matvei Tolstykh 6/6/2009 F R Irkutsk, RUS 5.11 181 OHL U18 – NIA (2026) RD: 3 (#49) Toronto Jr. Canadiens U18 AAA (GTHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
Benjamin Trebicky 12/7/2010 F L London, ON 5.10 165 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 7 (#130) Burlington Cougars (OJHL) 2028 Draft Eligible Dartmouth College
William Walker 14/9/2009 F L Ottawa, ON 6.00 168 Free Agent Camp Invite Ridley College (CAHS) 2027 Draft Eligible
Avery Yarde 21/1/2010 F R Owen Sound, ON 6.00 159 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 11 (#210) Grey-Bruce Highlanders U16 AAA (OMHA) 2028 Draft Eligible
Miras Zhumabay 10/6/2010 F L Astana, KAZ 6.00 154 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 15 (#284) Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15U (NPHL) 2028 Draft Eligible
Evan Akerman 2/8/2008 G L Montreal, QC 6.02 176 OHL – NIA (2024) RD: 10 (#183) Brunswick School (USHS-Prep) Free Agent
Alexandre Beaupre 3/12/2008 G L Kingston, ON 6.03 185 OHL U18 – NIA (2026) RD: 1 (#9) Quinte Red Devils U18 AAA (OMHA) Free Agent
Aidan Cullen 1/3/2010 G L St. Louis, MO, USA 6.07 187 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 3 (#42) Shattuck St. Mary's 15U AAA 2028 Draft Eligible
Cooper DesChamp 11/11/2010 G L Stoney Creek, ON 6.06 192 OHL – NIA (2026) RD: 13 (#243) Toronto Nationals U16 AAA (GTHL) 2028 Draft Eligible
Connor Haffner 4/9/2009 G L Ottawa, ON 6.04 176 OHL – NIA (2025) RD: 5 (#95) Burlington Cougars (OJHL) 2027 Draft Eligible
  **All Training Camp dates, times and events are subject to change. Follow the Niagara IceDogs on social media and visit the team's website for updates throughout Training Camp, including roster announcements, schedule changes and additional Fan Fest and Town Hall details.  ]]> Niagara IceDogs and MBC Renew Partnership for a Fifth Season https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-icedogs-and-mbc-renew-partnership-for-a-fifth-season Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:00:12 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-icedogs-and-mbc-renew-partnership-for-a-fifth-season NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club are extremely excited to announce the renewal of their partnership with My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), the parent company of Niagara’s New Country 89.1 and Classic Rock 91.7 GIANT FM, marking the fifth consecutive season the organizations have partnered together.

As part of the renewed partnership, all Niagara IceDogs home and away games will be broadcast live on Niagara’s New Country 89.1, continuing to bring IceDogs hockey to fans across the Niagara region and beyond throughout the 2026-2027 season.

Fans can also look forward to hearing a new voice broadcasting from 89.1 – Reece Doumani, the new voice of the IceDogs. Long-time fans may recognize Reece from his days serving as the host of DOGS TV from 2016-2019 or from his time filling in to call play-by-play for the IceDogs on the radio over the past several seasons.

In addition to the IceDogs, Doumani has also proven himself through extensive work with the Brantford Titans of the GOHL, the CBL’s Welland Jackfish and the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs.

Over the past four seasons, MBC has been a foundational broadcast partner of the IceDogs. The partnership has featured live play-by-play of IceDogs games on 89.1, along with IceDogs ticket and merchandise giveaways across both radio stations. The fifth season will build on that relationship with several new and exciting ways for fans to connect with the team.

Fans can look forward to a weekly Coaches Corner, on-air giveaways, a Classic Rock-themed IceDogs game, and expanded social media programming designed to bring fans closer to the action all season long.

Hilary Montbourquette, the General Manager at MBC, expressed the organization’s excitement about continuing their partnership with the IceDogs.

“At Niagara’s New Country 89.1 and Classic Rock 91.7 GIANT FM, we’re proud to be dropping the puck on our fifth season as a foundational broadcast partner of the Niagara IceDogs. Our partnership with the entire Niagara IceDogs organization continues to grow through trust, teamwork, a shared commitment to our community and to IceDogs fans everywhere. We are all in it, every shift, every game and proud to be a part of the IceDogs lineup for the 2026-2027 season.”

Jason Diplock, OHL Senior Director of League Development, mirrors the IceDogs’ enthusiasm for the partnership renewal.

“The Niagara IceDogs are thrilled to once again have MBC as a foundational broadcast partner. Throughout our partnership, MBC has provided the Niagara region and beyond with captivating play-by-play, and has provided a voice to all the IceDogs’ best on-ice moments. The IceDogs look forward to another season of working in conjunction with MBC to support our community, engage with IceDogs fans and bring all the amazing moments of the season to the ears of the Niagara region and beyond.”

With every home and away game available on Niagara’s New Country 89.1, along with new on-air and social initiatives, the renewed partnership will give IceDogs fans more opportunities than ever to follow the team, win prizes and stay connected throughout the 2026-2027 season.

]]> IceDogs to Host Town Hall https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-to-host-town-hall-2 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:00:38 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-to-host-town-hall-2 NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs are opening the floor to Dog Country. The club will host an open Town Hall on Thursday, August 27th from 5:30-6:30 at the Meridian Centre, bringing General Manager Dale DeGray, Head Coach Jake Grimes and the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Senior Director of League Development, Jason Diplock, together with fans for an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback and hear directly from the organization. The Town Hall is designed to provide an open and transparent forum for conversation about the Niagara IceDogs. Fans, season ticket holders and former season ticket holders are encouraged to join the team, ask their questions and share their thoughts.  Fans will be encouraged to ask questions on a wide range of topics, including the upcoming 2026-27 season, hockey operations, the direction of the organization, the fan experience, business operations, ticketing and the overall experience at the Meridian Centre. “This is an opportunity for us to sit down with our fans, listen and have an honest conversation about the Niagara IceDogs,” said DeGray. “Our fans are an incredibly important part of this organization, and we want them to have the opportunity to hear directly from the people making decisions and helping lead this club forward.” DeGray and Grimes will be joined by members of the club's executive team throughout the evening. The organization is encouraging fans to come prepared with questions and participate in the discussion. “I’m looking forward to meeting with members of Dog Country, hearing what’s important to them and sharing our vision for this team. We know how much this organization means to the community, and I want our fans to know that their voices matter to us,” said Grimes.

TOWN HALL DETAILS

Date: Thursday, August 27th Time: 5:30-6:30 Location: Meridian Centre Please enter through the Rankin Gateway Bridge and make your way to section 101-118

Admission is FREE

Fans who are unable to attend in person can submit questions through this form and watch live on our Facebook. 

 ]]> Niagara IceDogs Summer Fan Fest Returns https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-icedogs-summer-fan-fest-returns Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:14:21 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-icedogs-summer-fan-fest-returns NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs are proud to announce the return of their Summer Fan Fest event, on Saturday, August 22nd, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Fans are welcome to join us in the Main Lot at the Meridian Centre and enjoy inflatables, chalk art, locker room tours and a chance to meet select players, General Manager Dale DeGray and new Head Coach, Jake Grimes! Hot dogs, beverages and IceDogs merchandise will be available for purchase with special appearances by the Fire Department, Bones and more. Admission is free of charge, with parking available throughout the Downtown Core.

Looking forward to seeing Dog Country kick off the season in style!

🏒 Niagara IceDogs Summer Fan Fest

📆 Saturday, August 22nd -- Sunday August 23rd Rain Date

⏰ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

📍Meridian Centre Main Lot

]]> IceDogs Name Coaching Staff Ahead of 2026-2027 Season https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-name-coaching-staff-ahead-of-2026-2027-season Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:30:59 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-name-coaching-staff-ahead-of-2026-2027-season NIAGARA, ONT. – Niagara IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray announced Wednesday the club's coaching staff for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season, led by newly appointed head coach Jake Grimes.  “Thank you to Dale DeGray for the opportunity, cannot wait to meet the players, staff and all of our fans across Dog Country this upcoming season,” states Grimes. Joining Grimes behind the bench are associate coach Dennis Martindale, assistant coach Jeff Wagner and returning goaltending coach Ryan Ludzik. "Jake Grimes is a coach who has had tremendous success throughout the years at various levels, including helping Saginaw win the Memorial Cup just two years ago," said DeGray. "He's a coach who knows what it takes to win while creating an environment where players want to come to the rink every day and commit to playing defence and winning hockey games. We feel very fortunate to bring a coach like Jake on board and look forward to watching him and the rest of the staff build this group. Welcome to the region." Grimes brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to Niagara. His coaching career began with the Dalhousie University Tigers in 1996 and has included stops with the Strathroy Rockets, London Nationals, Belleville Bulls, Peterborough Petes, Guelph Storm, Cape Breton Eagles, University of Waterloo Warriors, Saginaw Spirit and University of Guelph Gryphons. “I would like to thank every team that has welcomed me onto their bench… each one has played a pivotal role in my development and my coaching journey. I’m eternally grateful to every team, their staff, players and fans that helped get me to this point,” says Grimes.  Internationally, Grimes represented Team Ontario at the Hockey Canada Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, winning three gold medals and one silver. His OHL résumé includes a J. Ross Robertson Cup championship with the Guelph Storm in 2019 and a Memorial Cup championship with the Saginaw Spirit in 2024. Before entering coaching, Grimes played three seasons in the OHL with the Belleville Bulls, recording 44 goals and 69 assists for 113 points in his final season with the club, while serving as an alternate captain during the 1992 season. Over his three year career with the Bulls, Grimes amassed a total of 206 points in 198 career games. He was twice voted the Eastern Conference's Best Defensive Forward and Best Checker in the OHL Coaches Poll. Originally drafted and signed by the Ottawa Senators, Grimes went on to play professionally in the American Hockey League, collecting 63 points in 118 games with the New Haven Senators and Prince Edward Island Senators before his playing career was cut short by injury. "This is a special day for me to be announced as head coach of the Niagara IceDogs," said Grimes. "I've been fortunate to spend 17 years coaching and three years playing in this great league. I've coached in seven conference finals and three Memorial Cup tournaments, and I'm grateful to have been part of the Guelph Storm's 2019 OHL championship team and the Saginaw Spirit's 2024 Memorial Cup championship. I've reached the conference finals with every OHL team I've coached, and I'm excited for the opportunity to begin this next chapter in Niagara." Grimes has also played a key role in player development throughout his coaching career, helping just shy of 100 players advance to as the National Hockey League, including P.K. Subban, Ryan O’Reilly, Taylor Hall, Tyler Toffoli, Jeff Skinner, Tyler Seguin, Steve Lorentz, Nick Suzuki, Michael Misa and IceDogs Alumni Andrew Agozzino, Freddie Hamilton, Mark Visentin, Ryan Strome and Dougie Hamilton – just to name a few.  "A lot has gone into this opportunity. I love to coach, and I'm very excited to get started," Grimes said. "My wife and I will be relocating to the area in short order. We are ecstatic for this opportunity to be part of Dog Country." Martindale joins the IceDogs after four seasons with the Barrie Colts. Before that, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and also gained coaching experience in Germany following a seven-year professional playing career in Europe. "I'm really excited about this group," said Martindale. "I'm going to bring my experience as best I can to help us have success. I've been fortunate to work with some outstanding players and coaches over the years, and I'm looking forward to getting started in Niagara." Wagner arrives after spending five seasons with the Coquitlam Express organization, where he held several coaching and management roles. He began his coaching career in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League before joining the Express in 2021 as associate coach. In 2022, he was also named the club's director of scouting while continuing his coaching responsibilities. Wagner became interim head coach on April 1, 2024, before taking over the role full time for the 2025-26 season, while also serving as assistant general manager. He has earned a reputation for player development, strategic leadership and strong hockey acumen. Ludzik returns for his second consecutive season as Niagara's goaltending coach after serving in the role during the 2025-26 campaign. He previously held the same position with the IceDogs from 2015-19 and has worked with the Brock Badgers men's and women's hockey programs, as well as the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOHL. “I’m excited to return to the IceDogs and be part of this new chapter. We have a great group in place, and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with the goalies,” says Ludzik. A former OHL goaltender with the Erie Otters, Windsor Spitfires and Niagara Falls Canucks, Ludzik also played professionally with the Bloomington PrairieThunder and Tulsa Oilers before transitioning into coaching. Throughout his coaching career, Ludzik has helped develop several professional goaltenders, including Connor Ungar, Alex Nedeljkovic and Dylan Wells. With an experienced coaching staff featuring a championship pedigree, player development expertise and more than 40 combined years of junior coaching experience, the IceDogs will begin preparations for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season later this summer.]]> EDGAR NAMED TO TEAM CANADA ROSTER FOR HLINKA GRETZKY CUP https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/edgar-named-to-team-canada-roster-for-hlinka-gretzky-cup Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:00:12 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/edgar-named-to-team-canada-roster-for-hlinka-gretzky-cup NIAGARA, ONT. – Niagara IceDogs forward Ryerson Edgar has been named to Team Canada's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Edgar earned his place on the roster following a strong showing at Hockey Canada's National Men's Under-18 Selection Camp, where he impressed throughout practices and exhibition action. The 2009-born forward is coming off an outstanding rookie season with the IceDogs, recording 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points in 64 games. Edgar was named to the OHL Second All-Rookie Team after finishing as the highest-scoring 2009-born player in the league. Committed to the University of Michigan, Edgar has previously represented Canada on the international stage. He suited up for Canada Red at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, helping the team capture a gold medal while recording one goal and two assists in five tournament games. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is one of the world's premier international tournaments for under-18 players, showcasing many of the top NHL Draft-eligible prospects from around the globe. Canada will open the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup against Switzerland on August 3 at 5 p.m. MT. It will face Slovakia on August 4 and Sweden on August 5 to close out the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on August 8.]]> Niagara IceDogs Hire Rosa Mandatori as Head Athletic Therapist https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-icedogs-hire-rosa-mandatori-as-head-athletic-therapist Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:11:19 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-icedogs-hire-rosa-mandatori-as-head-athletic-therapist NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs have announced the hiring of Rosa Mandatori, CAT(c), as the club's new Head Athletic Therapist. Mandatori joins the IceDogs after spending the past two seasons with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, where she served as an Assistant Athletic Therapist. During her time with the organization, she was a member of the Argonauts' medical staff that captured the 111th Grey Cup championship. A 2023 graduate of York University's Athletic Therapy program, Mandatori also earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. While completing her studies, she gained valuable hands-on experience working with the York University Lions women's hockey team and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mandatori also brings an extensive hockey background to Niagara, having worked with programs at both the university and junior levels, including the Toronto Aeros of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association, the King Rebellion of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Caledon Admirals of the OJHL. In addition to her work in sport, Mandatori currently serves as the Athletic Therapy Lead at ALPHA Health Services in Toronto. "After speaking with members of the team, I'm excited to get started here in Dog Country," said Mandatori. "I'm beyond excited to join a young team at an exciting time and work alongside Dale, the rest of the staff and our players."]]> ICE DOGS SIGN SECOND-ROUND PICK NATHAN HEWITT https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/ice-dogs-sign-second-round-pick-nathan-hewitt Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:34:13 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/ice-dogs-sign-second-round-pick-nathan-hewitt NIAGARA, ONT. – Niagara IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray announced today the club has signed 2026 second-round pick Nathan Hewitt to an Ontario Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Selected 33rd overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, the Hamilton, Ont., native spent the 2025-26 season with the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA program, recording 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points in 34 games.

"Nathan is coming off a fantastic season in U16," said DeGray. "He is an aggressive player who brings skill and hockey sense, along with good competitive size. We are happy to be able to sign Nathan and look forward to seeing him in late August at our rookie camp. Welcome to the IceDogs organization, Nathan, and welcome to the entire Hewitt family."

Hewitt is regarded as an intelligent and competitive two-way centreman who plays with pace, intensity and a physical edge. An elite skater with excellent size, he combines skill and strength to make an impact in all three zones.

"It is something that I have worked for my whole life, ever since I started tying my skates when I was little and knew about the OHL. It has been my major goal," Hewitt said in an interview with Bernie Puchalski of BP Sports Network.

The Niagara IceDogs welcome Nathan to Dog Country and look forward to his continued development with the organization.]]> Tang to Represent Team USA at Hlinka Gretzky Cup https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/tang-to-represent-team-usa-at-hlinka-gretzky-cup Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:22:48 +0000 Denice Pepe https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/tang-to-represent-team-usa-at-hlinka-gretzky-cup NIAGARA, ONT. – Niagara IceDogs forward Michael Tang has been named to Team USA's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Tang earned his place on the roster following an impressive performance at USA Hockey's Under-18 National Team Development Camp.

Tang, known as a smart, highly skilled, and crafty player who can play all three forward positions, spent last season with the USHL Madison Capitals, appearing in 59 games with nine goals, 18 assists, & 27 points, while also playing for five NTDP U17 teams. He has recently signed with the IceDogs in early July.

The annual Hlinka Gretzky Cup is regarded as one of the premier international tournaments for under-18 players, featuring many of the top NHL Draft-eligible prospects from around the world.

Team USA enters the tournament as the defending champion, having captured gold in 2025. The Americans finished last year's event with a 3-1-0-1 record before defeating Sweden in the championship game to claim their first Hlinka Gretzky Cup title since 2003.

The 2026 tournament will be held in Edmonton, Alta., from Aug. 11-16.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup has been held annually since 1991 and has featured several names throughout its history before adopting its current title in 2018. The tournament has become one of the world's premier showcases for elite under-18 talent, with many participants going on to successful NHL careers.]]>