2010-11 OHL Regular Season Set to Launch on Thursday

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today hosted a telephone press conference to officially launch the 2010-11 regular season.  The 680-game regular season schedule opens this Thursday September 23, 2010, featuring two games including the reigning MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions the Windsor Spitfires hosting the Plymouth Whalers, as well as a clash between East Division rivals the Oshawa Generals visiting the Peterborough Petes.  

“This is an exciting time of year as we get set to open the regular season on Thursday,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch in his opening address.  “This season promises to be another outstanding opportunity for our players to showcase just how the OHL is the best development league in the world.”

Commissioner Branch spoke about some of the exciting new initiatives across the CHL so far this season including the launch of the CHL Network, and the CHL’s integration with EA Sports’ NHL 11.  In addition to a preview of the league’s special events schedule, it was also revealed that for the first time since 1996 there would be no OHL All-Star Classic this season.  The decision was made out of consideration for the players’ busy events schedule that often includes participation in each of the Subway Super Series, the IIHF World Junior Championships, and the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Dave Cameron, General Manager and Head Coach of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors participated in the conference and spoke about the exciting challenges that await the Majors this season as hosts of the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

“You don’t win the bid to host the event unless your team is going to be strong,” said Cameron, who will also serve as Head Coach of Canada’s National Junior Team this season.  “There is going to be a bull’s-eye on us this year but it’s a healthy challenge, we will get everyone’s best game and we really have to be at our best all season.”

Also participating on the call was Dale Hawerchuk, Head Coach of the Barrie Colts, who is one of four first-year Head Coaches in the league this season joining the Petes’ Mike Pelino, the Spitfires’ Bob Jones, and the Wolves’ Trent Cull.

“There are so many good things happening in the league right now,” said Hawerchuk, who played two CHL seasons from 1979-81 with the Cornwall Royals.  “One thing that has never changed from when I played and what I try to pass along to our players is that if you can perform at high levels in the OHL, there is an opportunity for you to perform in the NHL.”

Additional highlights discussed on the conference call include the following:

OHL Highlights:

•    For the first time ever, 100% of regular season games in 2010-11 will be officiated using the four-man system.
•    Eight new referees and nine new linesmen have been hired for the 2010-11 season bringing the officiating staff to 90 (37 referees and 53 linesmen).
•    Retired NHL official Dan Marouelli joins the Officiating Team as an Officiating Manager.  
•    OHL players successfully completed 97% of high school courses during the 2009-10 season.
•    154 OHL players attended or are currently attending NHL Training Camps this season.
•    Of the 57 overage players that competed in the league during the 2009-10 season, 29 have signed professional hockey contracts while 27 have accessed their academic scholarships.

OHL Special Events:

•    Subway Super Series – John Labatt Centre, London, ON – November 11, 2010
•    Subway Super Series – Sudbury Community Arena, Sudbury, ON – November 15, 2010
•    Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game – Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON – January 18-19, 2011
•    OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Hershey Centre, Mississauga, ON – March 23-27, 2011
•    OHL Priority Selection – May 7, 2011
•    MasterCard Memorial Cup – Hershey Centre, Mississauga, ON – May 20-29, 2011