OHL Media Poll: Opinions and Predictions at the Break

 

The first half of the 2018-19 Ontario Hockey League season is in the books!

With teams returning from the holiday break it’s time for the stretch drive to playoffs and for some of the league’s top performers to separate themselves from the pack.

A poll of various media who cover the league in broadcast booths and press boxes weighed in with opinions and comments on some of the players and teams who have impressed, and those we’ll be talking about into April and May.

Below is a compilation of the most popular mid-season answers with select media comments to support their decisions.

Which team will win the Midwest Division?

London Knights (100%)

“15-game winning-streak showed the league what they’re capable of.”

Pre-Season Media Pick: London Knights (90%)

Which team will win the West Division?

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (80%)

“They just keep rolling and will take one more shot before a rebuild next season.”

Honourable Mention: Saginaw Spirit (20%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Saginaw Spirit (80%)

Which team will win the East Division?

Ottawa 67’s (100%)

“They’ve been dominant atop the standings all season with no sign of slowing down.”

Pre-Season Media Pick: Oshawa Generals (55%)

Which team will win the Central Division?

Niagara IceDogs (70%)

“They’re all in this season with Jason Robertson complementing what was already a talented group. They’ll hold off a good, young Sudbury team.”

Honourable Mention: Sudbury Wolves (30%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Niagara IceDogs (85%)

Which team has been the most surprising?

Sudbury Wolves (80%)

“We knew they’d be better, but nobody saw them being this much better this soon. With David Levin playing well and Quinton Byfield looking like the star he was projected to be along with excellent goaltending, the Wolves will have a say in the Eastern Conference.”

Honourable Mention: Ottawa 67’s (15%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Sudbury Wolves (50%)

Which player has been the most surprising?

Tye Felhaber, Ottawa 67’s (18%)

“Had a breakout year last season but he’s leaving those numbers in the dust.”

Honourable Mention: Jonathan Yantsis, Kitchener Rangers (15%), Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion and Keeghan Howdeshell, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (13%) each.

Which player will lead the league in scoring?

Jason Robertson, Niagara IceDogs (40%)

“One of the OHL’s top snipers, his move to Niagara has only given the gifted winger more talent to play with.”

Honourable Mention: Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (30%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (50%)

Who has been the league’s best goaltender?

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Sudbury Wolves (50%)

“Without a doubt he’s kept Sudbury among the league’s top tier allowing the Wolves to play a game with more risk and allowing the younger players to make mistakes on their way to development.”

Honourable Mention: Michael DiPietro, Ottawa 67’s (35%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Michael DiPietro, Windsor Spitfires (80%)

Who has been the league’s best defenceman?

Evan Bouchard, London Knights (55%)

“It’s no surprise he got a long look from the Edmonton Oilers and has been given a leadership role with Team Canada. Super skilled at both ends of the ice.”

Honourable Mention: Mac Hollowell, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Ryan Merkley, Peterborough Petes (15%) each.

Pre-Season Media Pick: Evan Bouchard, London Knights (40%)

Who has been the league’s top rookie?

Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves (60%)

“He takes over games as a 16-year-old well on his way to being a top NHL prospect.”

Honourable Mention: Marco Rossi, Ottawa 67’s (20%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Quinton Byfield, Sudbury Wolves (55%)

Who has been the league’s best coach?

Andre Tourigny, Ottawa 67’s (55%)

“It didn’t take long for Tourigny to put his stamp on this team and the 67’s success starts with him.”

Honourable Mention: Cory Stillman, Sudbury Wolves (35%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Troy Smith, Saginaw Spirit (30%)

Who will be the league’s top prospect for the 2019 NHL Draft?

Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (60%)

“In a few years there will be a pair of Suzuki brothers playing in the NHL. He’s an elite centre who truly makes his teammates better.”

Honourable Mention: Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (40%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (55%)

Who will finish as the league’s most outstanding player of the year?

Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion (50%)

“He’s carried the Troops like no other player has carried his team in the OHL putting up some amazing numbers in the first half.”

Honourable Mention: Jason Robertson, Niagara IceDogs (40%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (40%)

Who will win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champion?

London Knights (95%)

“Too deep and too strong. It’ll be interesting to see what this group looks like after the trade deadline.”

Pre-Season Media Pick: London Knights (80%)

Who will win the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champion?

Ottawa 67’s (80%)

“Michael DiPietro is the difference adding to an already very good team.”

Honourable Mention: Niagara IceDogs (20%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: Niagara IceDogs (55%)

Who will win the Robertson Cup as OHL champion?

London Knights (45%)

“Such a well balanced lineup with world class talent that can dominate.”

Honourable Mention: Ottawa 67’s (40%)

Pre-Season Media Pick: London Knights (70%)