Niagara IceDogs - Feed

ICEDOGS TRADE ONE-FOR-ONE WITH ATTACK

Joel Vanderlaan — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:25 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs have traded prospect Caden Bell to the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for defenceman Blake Munnings. Munnings was selected in the second round, 28th overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Draft. This past season he tallied four points in 33 games as a rookie with the Attack. “I am very happy to get re-engaged with Blake. As a Second-Round pick for Owen Sound last year, he was obviously a player I had seen many times and wanted on our team. Looking at our roster, I feel it’s a very good fit for us in Niagara,” says IceDogs’ General Manager, Dale DeGray. “He’s a big defenceman that can move the puck well, adding more youth and more experience,” DeGray continues. “We know what he’s capable of and look forward to seeing him in an IceDogs jersey.” The IceDogs selected Bell in the Third Round, 49th overall in 2025 OHL Priority Draft and subsequently spent this past season with the St. Catharines Falcons in the GOJHL. Bell was named the GOHL Prospect of the week, earned a spot on the GOHL (Eastern) All-Rookie Team and tallied an impressive 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 points in 46 games with the Falcons. The IceDogs want to wish Caden the best of luck in Owen Sound. The organization is excited to welcome Blake to the team.

REISNECKER RELEASED BY ICEDOGS

Joel Vanderlaan — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:27:35 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - Defenceman Ben Reisnecker has been released by the Niagara IceDogs today, following one season played in the OHL. The 6'3" defenceman was drafted 26th overall by the IceDogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Prior, he spent time playing for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech U20 leagues. During his time with the IceDogs, he tallied ten points in 58 games. Known for his big stature and tough style of play, Resinecker will be missed by fans, players, coaches and staff. The IceDogs want to thank Ben for all he has done for the organization, both on the ice and within the community. The organization would like to express their best wishes as Ben takes on the next chapter of his career. OHL teams are permitted to carry a maximum of three import players. Reisneckers' departure opens up an import spot on the IceDogs roster. The CHL import draft will be taking place on Tuesday, June 30th, at 11:00 a.m EST.

ICEDOGS COMPLETE TRADE WITH STORM

Joel Vanderlaan — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:59:41 +0000

NIAGARA, ONT — The Niagara IceDogs have traded forward Ethan Czata to the Guelph Storm in exchange for forward Carter Lewandowski, defenceman Zach Naish and four draft picks. Czata was selected 5th overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Draft and spent 3 seasons with the club. In that time, he accumulated 53 goals and 72 assists for 125 points in 193 games. He was selected in the second round, 56th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2025 NHL Draft. This past December, he was named as the 20th captain in franchise history. Outside of the OHL, Czata represented Canada at the U18 World Championships in 2024-2025, where he recorded 5 points in 7 games. At the conclusion of the IceDogs season this year, he was called up by the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa’s AHL affiliate team, and played three games for the club.

“Over the course of his time with the IceDogs, Ethan has been a role model. Only having spoken with him several times since my arrival in Niagara, Czata will be a very difficult player to replace both in the locker room and on the ice. He’s very well respected by his peers and hockey executives throughout the league, and he will be missed in Dog Country,” says DeGray.

He continues, “We wish nothing but the best and continued success in Guelph.” Lewandowski, a 6’2”, 185 lbs forward from Maple, Ontario, was selected 36th overall in this year’s OHL Priority Selection by Guelph. He spent the 2025-2026 season with the Ayr Centennials of the Greater Ontario Hockey League, where he posted an impressive 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points in 45 games. Naish is a 6’7”, 207 lbs defenceman from Hampton, ON and was selected in the 6th round, 105th overall by the Guelph Storm in the 2025 OHL priority selection draft. The big-bodied defenceman posted one goal, two assists and 68 PIMS in 36 games played with the Brockville Braves of the CCHL.

“We are happy to be bringing in two young players with Lewandowski and Naish. Both players are expected to step in and be contributing factors as we move forward with what will be a young group of Niagara IceDogs. Welcome to Dog Country, Carter and Zach, alongside their families! We look forward to having them don the IceDogs crest this fall,” says DeGray.

This is Degray’s first trade since being appointed the IceDogs General Manager last week. FULL TRADE Niagara Receives:

Carter Lewandowski (F)
Zach Naish (D)
2026 3rd Round Draft Pick
2026 5th Round Draft Pick
2028 2nd Round Draft Pick
2029 3rd Round Draft Pick

Guelph Receives:

Ethan Czata (F)
Conditional 2027 15th Round Draft Pick

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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. For all media inquiries, contact: Denice Pepe, MMJC Manager, Media and Communications d.pepe@niagaraicedogs.net

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EDGAR NAMED TO SECOND OHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Joel Vanderlaan — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:00:27 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - Niagara IceDogs' Rookie Sensation, Ryerson Edgar, has been named to the OHL Second Rookie All-Star Team. This comes after Edgar finished his first OHL season with 49 points, making him the sixth-highest rookie scorer and top 2009-born player. After tallying 60 points in 32 games as Captain of the York Simcoe Express U16 AAA team in the 2024-2025 season, Edgar was selected 10th overall by the IceDogs in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection Draft. He had an immediate impact at the start of this season, recording a hat trick in just his second game with the team. Outside of the OHL, he earned a gold medal as a member of Canada Red at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, contributing 3 points in five games. The IceDogs want to congratulate Ryerson on this honour and look forward to watching him continue to flourish in the upcoming season.

DeGray Lands in Niagara

Joel Vanderlaan — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:54:57 +0000

By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs officially welcomed new General Manager, Dale “Digger” Degray, who touched down in Niagara on Monday to meet the IceDogs front office staff. After exchanging pleasantries, DeGray expressed his excitement to hit the ground running and begin preparations for the upcoming season – and most importantly – the 2026 OHL Priority Selection Draft beginning on June 12th. DeGray identified some key priorities, including hiring coaching staff and scouts, as well as plans to introduce himself and the team to the Niagara community.

“Leading up to my arrival in Niagara today, I have spoken with Krys Barch about his potential return,” he said. “I was very impressed by his professionalism and passion for this organization. As we go through our evaluation process, I owe it to this organization to do my due diligence and explore all options available. The goal is to empower the organization and make the best decision possible for our hockey club as we move forward.”

The Niagara IceDogs are happy to welcome Dale to the organization and are very excited to see what he has in store for this upcoming season.

IceDogs Alumni Freddie Hamilton Named Maple Leafs Chief of Staff

Joel Vanderlaan — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:46:33 +0000

By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - The Toronto Maple Leafs announced earlier this morning that they have appointed Niagara IceDogs alumni Freddie Hamilton as their Chief of Staff. Per a press release from the Toronto Maple Leafs: “As Chief of Staff, Hamilton will support strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives across the hockey operations department while working closely with the club’s leadership group.” Hamilton played four seasons with the IceDogs from 2008 to 2012, tallying 252 points in 258 games. During this time, he was awarded the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, awarded to the top academic high school player in the OHL, and captured a bronze medal as a member of the Canadian World Junior Team. Hamilton was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round, 129th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He played most of his professional career in the AHL, but he did play 75 NHL games between the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes. After retiring from hockey in 2018, Hamilton got his MBA from Yale University. Per the Leafs press release, the team’s General Manager, John Chayka, said, “We are excited to add Freddie to our hockey operations department.” He goes on to say: “Throughout his playing career, Freddie distinguished himself through his character, professionalism and work ethic. Since retiring. He has built an impressive career in business and finance, gaining valuable experience across investing, strategy and organizational leadership.” The Niagara IceDogs want to congratulate Freddie and wish him the best of luck in his new position with the Leafs!

ICEDOGS NAME DeGRAY SEVENTH GM IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

Joel Vanderlaan — 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

Joel Vanderlaan — 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

Joel Vanderlaan — 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

Joel Vanderlaan — 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.