Niagara IceDogs - Feed https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/tag/jonah-de-simone/ Welcome to Dog Country. Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:05:18 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/08/20132229/cropped-Niagara_IceDogs-32x32.png Jonah De Simone Archives - Niagara IceDogs https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/tag/jonah-de-simone/ 32 32 TANG COMMITS TO ICEDOGS https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/tang-commits-to-icedogs Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:05:18 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/tang-commits-to-icedogs By: Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - 2009-born forward Michael Tang has signed an OHL Standard Player Agreement and will lace up for the Niagara IceDogs in the upcoming 2026-2027 season.  Tang was originally drafted by the IceDogs in the fourth round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, 78th overall. He spent this past season with the Madison Capitals of the USHL, where he finished with 27 points (9G-19A) in 57 games. During this time, he also represented the United States in the U17 World Junior Championships.  IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray describes Tang as a “Smart, highly-skilled, crafty player that can play all three forward positions. He should fit in very nicely with the young group we will see in September.”  Following his career with the IceDogs. Tang is committed to Harvard University in the NCAA. The IceDogs want to welcome Michael to the organization and are very excited to see him suit up in the red and black this September!]]> ICEDOGS ANNOUNCE 2026 PRESEASON SCHEDULE https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-announce-2026-preseason-schedule Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:55:50 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-announce-2026-preseason-schedule NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs have announced their 2026 Preseason schedule.  The IceDogs are slated to lace up for six games, beginning September 3rd vs the Oshawa Generals, and concluding on September 13th at Oshawa.FULL

PRESEASON SCHEDULE:

SEPTEMBER 3 2026 VS. OSHAWA MERIDIAN CENTRE 7:00 PM ET
SEPTEMBER 4 2026 AT BRANTFORD TD CIVIC CENTRE 7:00 PM ET
SEPTEMBER 6 2026 VS. BRANTFORD MERIDIAN CENTRE 2:00 PM ET
SEPTEMBER 11 2026 AT ERIE FORT ERIE REC. COMPLEX 7:00 PM ET
SEPTEMBER 12 2026 AT PETERBOROUGH MISKIN LAW COMMUNITY COMPLEX* 7:00 PM ET*
SEPTEMBER 13 2026 AT OSHAWA TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES CENTRE 4:05 PM
 

* TIME AND LOCATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE

 

-30-

]]> YOU’RE INVITED: COMMUNITY SOFTBALL AND BBQ https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/youre-invited-community-softball-and-bbq Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:30:49 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/youre-invited-community-softball-and-bbq Join the Niagara IceDogs for Our First Annual Softball Game & BBQ on July 11

The Niagara IceDogs are inviting fans to join us for an afternoon of softball, barbecue, and community on Saturday, July 11 at McCaffery Sports Park (61 Vansickle Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2) from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

Come out and cheer on members of our 2026 OHL Draft Class, prospects, and current IceDogs players as they take the field for a friendly softball game. It's a great opportunity to get an early look at the future of the team while enjoying a fun summer event with fellow fans.

The afternoon also provides a chance to meet our players, connect with IceDogs staff, and welcome our new General Manager, Dale DeGray, to the Niagara community.

Whether you're a longtime season ticket holder or a new fan, everyone is welcome to join us for a fun-filled day at the ballpark.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, July 11, at McCaffery Park. Come enjoy the game, grab some BBQ, and help kick off another exciting season of IceDogs hockey.

All inquiries can be forwarded to info@niagaraicedogs.net.]]> RECAP: The 2026 CHL Import Draft https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/recap-the-2026-chl-import-draft Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:14:12 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/recap-the-2026-chl-import-draft By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs finished strong at the final draft of the offseason as the 2026 CHL Import Draft took place earlier today, taking one forward and one defenceman. The IceDogs started out selecting Czech forward Stepan Stejskal in the first round, 25th overall.  Stejskal should have no problem adjusting to the mature play of the OHL, as he spent the last season playing with HC Davos U21 in the Swiss U-21 Elite League, where he finished with 34 points in 37 games.  “Stepan is a solid 200-foot forward with good skills and a good skater with a second gear. We were very excited to be able to select Stepan with our first European selection. We look forward to seeing Stepan in his ice dog jersey come September,” says General Manager Dale DeGray. Stejskal has also represented Czechia on the international stage at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, and is a likely candidate for the U18 Worlds in 2027.  With their second pick, 86th overall, in the CHL Import Draft, the IceDogs continue to beef up their blue line with 6'6 German Defenseman Tobias Kramer.  “Kramer is another towering defenceman to go along with the group we already have. Tobias is a smooth-skating, right-shot defender who plays a solid defensive style that can add to the attack as a second wave of offence. I can’t wait to see Tobias in a nice dog jersey with the other 6-foot-5 defenseman we have put in place. We would like to welcome Tobias and his family to the Niagara region,” says DeGray about the newly-drafted blue-liner.  Kramer spent this past season with the Jungadler Mannheim U20 in the DNL U20 league, where he finished with 20 points in 36 games. He also represented Germany at the U18 World Junior Championships this past year and previously spent time playing in the Czech Republic.  The CHL Import Draft is the third and final selection draft for OHL teams in 2026. The next step for the IceDogs is to have all their recently drafted players congregate for Development Camp in August, ahead of Main Camp. The IceDogs want to welcome Stephan and Tobias to the organization, and we look forward to seeing them on the ice this upcoming season. ]]> Playing for a Purpose: IceDogs to Support Jumpstart During 2026/27 Season https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/playing-for-a-purpose-icedogs-to-support-jumpstart-during-2026-27-season Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:43:12 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/playing-for-a-purpose-icedogs-to-support-jumpstart-during-2026-27-season NIAGARA, ONT - The Niagara IceDogs are proud to announce that the proceeds from one of our specialty theme jerseys during the 2026-27 season will be dedicated to supporting Jumpstart, an initiative that is incredibly important to our valued partners at Canadian Tire Niagara Region.
As a proud sponsor of the Niagara IceDogs, Canadian Tire has been a tremendous supporter of our organization and the Niagara community.
We are excited to work alongside them to help raise awareness for Jumpstart and its mission of helping local children overcome financial barriers so they can participate in sports and recreation.
Founded in 2005, Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities. Jumpstart is more than just about getting kids active. It's about giving kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, their classmates and their friends. Whether it's the chance to try a new sport or to continue with a favourite one, no kid should be left out.
Jumpstart's mission: to enrich the lives of kids in need through sport and physical activity.
June is Jumpstart Month, and there are still a few days left to support this incredible cause. We encourage all IceDogs fans to visit their local Canadian Tire store and make a donation in support of Jumpstart.
In addition, our proud partners at Canadian Tire Welland are hosting a Jumpstart BBQ on Friday, June 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 158 Primeway Drive in Welland. Stop by for lunch, support a great cause, and help local kids get involved in sports. Canadian Tire Welland is also running an in-store draw for a signed Josh Allen jersey, with donations eligible for entry.
We encourage all IceDogs fans to get out to Canadian Tire locations across the Niagara Region during these final days of June and support this wonderful initiative.
Together, we can help ensure more local children have the opportunity to play, participate, and thrive through sport.
We are proud to support Jumpstart and look forward to sharing our themed jerseys and promotional schedule for the 2026-27 season in the coming weeks.
]]> Not Everyone Knows When They Have a Gem: A Carter Verhaeghe Story https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/not-everyone-knows-when-they-have-a-gem-a-carter-verhaeghe-story Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:09:18 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/not-everyone-knows-when-they-have-a-gem-a-carter-verhaeghe-story By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT - In honour of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft taking place this weekend right across the river in Buffalo, NY, we are adding another installment to our Gem of the Draft series.  The topic of discussion in the previous installment of Gem of the Draft was Vince Dunn, a gem the Niagara IceDogs unearthed in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection. Luckily for the IceDogs, they quickly realized the gem they had in Dunn, and they made sure to hold onto him.  Sometimes teams are not so fortunate, and they let a gem slip right through their fingers. This was the case with IceDogs alumni Carter Verhaeghe. A gem of the draft in both the OHL and NHL Draft, he was selected in the second round, 38th overall, by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection. It was not immediately evident that Verhaeghe was a gem.  In his rookie season, he was on a star-studded team that boasted IceDogs legends such as Ryan Strome, Mark Visentin and Dougie Hamilton. The team finished first in the Eastern Conference that year and made it all the way to the OHL Championship series.  Due to the team’s strength, the rookie Verhaeghe saw limited ice time and was unable to make his mark on the organization. Verhaeghe’s play saw significant improvement in his second year, finishing the season with 44 points in 67 games. That summer, he lived many kids' dreams of being drafted to his hometown team when he was selected in the third round, 82nd overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.  Verhaeghe’s play saw another leap in his third season with the IceDogs. He finished the year with 82 points, almost double the amount of points he tallied in his previous season - and he did it in fewer games. He finished his fourth and final season as an IceDog with 82 points for a second consecutive season.  That year, he was also named as the franchise’s seventh Captain and the IceDogs MVP.  Via Niagara Sports report on Newstalk 610 CKTB, Verhaeghe spoke very fondly of his time in Niagara.  “I kind of grew up in St. Catharines, and that area, it’s always kind of been home for me. I made some lifelong friends there, and I still chat with my billet family.”  After playing only two games with the Toronto Maple Leafs AHL affiliate team, the Toronto Marlies, Verhaeghe was traded to the New York Islanders on September 18, 2015.  For the next two seasons, Verhaeghe bounced between the Islanders' AHL and ECHL affiliate teams. In July 2017, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization by the Islanders, a second NHL organization, not realizing the gem they were letting slip out of their grasp.  He had a breakout season with the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa’s AHL affiliate team, during the 2017-2018 season, recording 48 points in 58 games. The following season, he captured the AHL scoring title and broke the Crunch’s single-season total point record with 82 points in 76 games. On October 3, 2019, over six years after being drafted by the Maple Leafs and after four seasons in the minors, Verhaeghe played his first career NHL game with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He remained in the lineup, and at the end of that season, Verhaeghe was a Stanley Cup champion. Verhaeghe reflected on this time via Sportnet.  “It was a bit of a whirlwind. The year before you’re playing in the American league, and then you get your first taste of the NHL and go on that kind of run.” After his rookie season, Verhaeghe signed with the Florida Panthers, who he still plays for at the time this article is published. He has hoisted Lord Stanley twice with the Panthers, and his three total Stanley Cup victories are the most by any IceDogs alumni.  Verhaeghe has earned a reputation as a player who makes the big plays in the big moments.  Teammates, coaches and hockey analysts have all described him as having “the clutch gene.” Via Sportsnet, his Panthers teammate Sam Reinhart said, “When the games get tight and everyone’s kind of feeling the nerves, he’s a guy that seems to elevate.”  In his NHL career, Verhaeghe has scored 13 playoff game-winning goals, which is tied for second all-time among active players behind Panthers teammate Brad Marchand. Of those 13 game-winning goals, five of them were scored in overtime, which is tied for third all-time behind Joe Sakic and Maurice “The Rocket” Richard.  Considering his accolades, it is difficult to imagine that Verhaeghe had to go through three NHL organizations before he was allowed to play a game in the National League. However, he says there was a lot of value in the journey he had to become an established NHL player. “Everywhere I went, I kind of took something from it, and it helped me adjust and be the player that I am today.” Verhaeghe is a gem that several teams let slip by them. If any organization could go back to the 2013 NHL Entry Draft knowing what they know now, then Verhaeghe would be selected a lot earlier than the third round.  Just like Vince Dunn, Verhaeghe is proof that where you are selected in the draft is just a number.]]> ICEDOGS ACQUIRE MCFADDEN, GALLACHER AND PICKS FROM GUELPH https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-acquire-mcfadden-gallacher-and-picks-from-guelph Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:00:06 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-acquire-mcfadden-gallacher-and-picks-from-guelph By Cameron Kelcey NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs have acquired forwards Wil McFadden and Layne Gallacher, along with a 2027 fifth-round pick, a 2029 third-round pick and a 2030 fourth-round pick from the Guelph Storm in exchange for forward Ryan Roobroeck. Roobroeck was selected second overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and made an immediate impact, recording 51 points in his rookie season — the most ever by a first-year IceDogs player. He continued his offensive development over the next two seasons, averaging more than a point per game in each. Internationally, Roobroeck represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, recording nine points in seven games while helping Canada capture the gold medal. He is also widely projected to be selected in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. "We would like to thank Ryan for his commitment to the Niagara IceDogs organization over the past three years," said IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray. "He has developed into an elite player at our level, and I believe that will be recognized at the upcoming NHL Draft. Representing Canada at both the U17 and U18 World Championships has brought recognition not only to himself, but also to our organization and the Niagara region. On behalf of everyone with the IceDogs, we wish Ryan continued success in Guelph and throughout his professional career." McFadden joins the IceDogs after spending the past three seasons with the Storm. The 19-year-old is coming off a career-best 41-point campaign and is expected to play a key offensive role in Niagara. "Wil is an offensive threat at even strength and on the power play," said DeGray. "He's a proven leader and someone we expect to be a go-to player for our hockey club this season." Gallacher began last season with the Brantford Bulldogs before being acquired by Guelph during the season. The rookie forward finished the year with 30 points between the two clubs. "Layne had a very solid rookie season," added DeGray. "He's a fast, hard-working, engaged player who checks a lot of boxes and plays a reliable 200-foot game." The Niagara IceDogs thank Ryan Roobroeck for everything he brought to the organization over the past three seasons and wish him the very best with the Guelph Storm. The organization also welcomes Wil McFadden and Layne Gallacher to Dog Country!]]> ICEDOGS ACQUIRE DEFENCEMAN CHRISTIAN COLOSIMO FROM FLINT https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-acquire-defenceman-christian-colosimo-from-flint Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:00:57 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-acquire-defenceman-christian-colosimo-from-flint By Cameron Kelcey

NIAGARA, ONT. – The Niagara IceDogs have acquired defenceman Christian Colosimo from the Flint Firebirds in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2030 OHL Priority Selection.

Colosimo, 18, was selected by the Firebirds with the first pick of the fourth round (61st overall) in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

During the 2025-26 season, the Woodbridge, Ont. native split time between the Firebirds and the OJHL's Aurora Tigers. Between the two clubs, Colosimo, the physical defenceman, recorded one goal and five assists while continuing his development on the blue line.

"Christian is a big, strong puck mover who seems to enjoy playing a physical style of hockey. Seeing him in the Western Conference, I know that he is a player that opponents need to be aware of when he is on the ice. I appreciate the way that he plays and look forward to seeing him in an ice dog jersey come September. I want to welcome Christian and his family to the organization."

The Niagara IceDogs would like to welcome Christian and his family to Dog Country and look forward to seeing him at training camp this fall.

FULL TRADE:

Niagara Acquires: Christian Colosimo (D)

Flint Acquires: NIAG 5th Round Draft Pick - 2030

]]> ICEDOGS ANNOUNCE 2026-2027 SEASON SCHEDULE https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-announce-2026-2027-season-schedule Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:00:13 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/icedogs-announce-2026-2027-season-schedule NIAGARA, ONT. — The Niagara IceDogs have officially released their full schedule for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League regular season. The IceDogs will open the campaign on the road on Friday, September 18th, when they visit the Brantford Bulldogs before returning home the following night for their Home Opener on Saturday, September 19, against the Brampton Steelheads at the Meridian Centre. Niagara's 68-game schedule features 34 home games and 34 road contests, concluding on Saturday, March 20th, with a road matchup against the Barrie Colts.

Rivalry Week Returns

The OHL's second annual Rivalry Week will take place from October 21-25, with the IceDogs renewing their long-standing geographic rivalry against the Erie Otters in a home-and-home series. Niagara will host Erie on Friday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m. before travelling across the border to Erie on Saturday, October 24, at 6:00 p.m. The two clubs will face each other six times during the regular season.

Key Home Dates

The IceDogs schedule features several marquee dates at the Meridian Centre, including:
  • Home Opener: Saturday, September 19 vs. Brampton
  • Rivalry Week: Friday, October 23 vs. Erie
  • New Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31 vs. Guelph
  • Family Day Weekend: Saturday, February 20 vs. Windsor and Sunday, February 21 vs. Peterborough
  • Final Home Game: Friday, March 19 vs. Barrie

Holiday Hockey

The OHL's annual holiday break begins following games on December 20, with league play resuming on December 28. Before the break, Niagara will host three consecutive home games against Barrie (Dec. 18), Kingston (Dec. 19), and then return from the holiday pause to welcome Guelph on New Year's Eve.

Dog Country's Rockin' New Year's Eve

The IceDogs will once again host one of the league's signature New Year's Eve matchups when they welcome the Guelph Storm to the Meridian Centre on Thursday, December 31, at 6:00 p.m.

League Notes

The 2026-27 OHL season officially begins on Thursday, September 17, with Peterborough hosting Kingston in the league opener. The OHL Trade Deadline and Overage Deadline are scheduled for January 7th and 10th, respectively,  marking the final opportunity for clubs to make roster adjustments before the playoff race intensifies. The regular season concludes league-wide on Sunday, March 21, with five games scheduled to take place across the OHL. Tickets for the 2026-27 season will become available at a later date. Promotional nights, theme games, giveaways and specialty jersey dates will be announced closer to the start of the season. The Niagara IceDogs are excited to welcome fans back to the Meridian Centre for another season of OHL hockey and look forward to seeing IceDogs Nation throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

FULL SCHEDULE

]]> Niagara Opens Day Two with Three Key Selections https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-opens-day-two-with-three-key-selections Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:35:29 +0000 Joel Vanderlaan https://chl.ca/ohl-icedogs/article/niagara-opens-day-two-with-three-key-selections By: Cameron Kelcey KINGSTON, Ont. – The Niagara IceDogs got off to a strong start on the second day of the OHL Priority Selection, drafting forwards Finn Merrill and Nathan Hewitt with back-to-back picks at 32nd and 33rd overall, respectively. Merrill spent the 2025-26 season with the Hill Academy U16 AAA program, recording an impressive 89 points in 59 games. IceDogs Director of Player Personnel Sean LaFortune says Merrill is "a guy who checks all the boxes for us." "He plays with skill, but also plays heavy and plays hard," added LaFortune. Hewitt, a local product, spent the 2025-26 season with the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA, where he recorded 43 points in 34 games. LaFortune described Hewitt as a highly intelligent and competitive two-way centreman who generated significant offence on a team that generally lacked it. The IceDogs continued to add talent in the third round, selecting goaltender Aidan Cullen 42nd overall. Cullen spent the 2025-26 season with Shattuck-St. Mary's 15U AAA, posting a stellar 1.82 goals-against average, .923 save percentage, and seven shutouts. LaFortune describes Cullen as a big, mobile goaltender who is "among the best goaltenders in his age group." The Niagara IceDogs are excited to welcome Finn, Nathan, and Aidan to the organization and look forward to supporting their development in the years ahead.  ]]>