OHL This Week: January 26 to 29, 2017

Get caught up on the latest news and notes from around the Ontario Hockey League and a preview of what’s in store for the weekend.

 

KNIGHTS AND ATTACK FEATURED ON SPORTSNET THIS SATURDAY:

Western Conference powers collide as the reigning Mastercard Memorial Cup champion London Knights meet the red hot Owen Sound Attack on Sportsnet. The two sides go head-to-head from Owen Sound on Saturday afternoon at 3:30pm ET.

COGECOTV HOCKEY DAY IN THE OHL ON SUNDAY:

For the fourth year in a row, CogecoTV will be airing exclusive OHL coverage and live hockey action across Ontario. OHL fans can enjoy a tripleheader of action beginning at 1:00 pm when the Saginaw Spirit visit the Sarnia Sting.  Then at 4:00 pm, the Peterborough Petes visit the North Bay Battalion, followed by the Hamilton Bulldogs taking on the Windsor Spitfires at 7:00 pm. All three games will be part of a full day of continuous OHL coverage on CogecoTV in markets across Ontario. Read more

CHL RESPONDS TO COURT ORDER, PROVIDES FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR 42 MEMBER CLUBS:

In response to a recent Court Order, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) produced financial records for all 42 OHL and WHL member Clubs. These records have been analyzed by both KPMG and Dr. Norm O’Reilly, a leading scholar in sports finance. Their reports validate our position that the majority of our member Clubs either breakeven or lose money on an annual basis. Read more

2018 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP BID PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS:

The Hamilton Bulldogs, Regina Pats, and Oshawa Generals are all vying for the opportunity to host the 100th edition of the league’s prestigious national championship to be held May 17-27, 2018, featuring a host CHL team along with the champions of the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL competing in the traditional round-robin tournament format. Watch

KNIGHTS, GREYHOUNDS, OTTERS, SPITFIRES, ATTACK IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:

The London Knights (2), Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (4), Erie Otters (6), Windsor Spitfires (8) and Owen Sound Attack (10) are all included in the 18th edition of the weekly CHL Top 10 Rankings. The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts. Read more

SPIRIT’S HAYDEN HODGSON NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Hayden Hodgson of the Saginaw Spirit is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 22 after scoring five goals and one assist for six points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4. Hodgson extended his point-streak to five games including a pair of multi-point performances last week helping the Spirit earn five of a possible six points on their Central Division road trip. Read more

BATTALION’S STAN BUTLER COACHES 1400th CAREER OHL GAME:

North Bay Battalion head coach Stan Butler coached his 1,400th career OHL game on Saturday, becoming just the fourth coach in league history to reach the milestone. He is joined by coaching greats Brian Kilrea (2,156 games), Bert Templeton (1,735 games) and Larry Mavety (1,458 games) in the 1,400 club. Butler is the second-winningest active coach in the OHL today, compiling 666 victories over the course of a 20-year career with the Battalion that dates back to 1998.

OTTERS’ DARREN RADDYSH BECOMES NEW FRANCHISE LEADER IN POINTS BY DEFENCEMEN:

Fifth year Erie Otters veteran Darren Raddysh made franchise history on Tuesday, recording a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win over the visiting Kitchener Rangers. Raddysh’s 12th goal of the season 7:51 into the second period was his second point of the night and the 151st of his OHL career, putting him ahead of Chris Campoli (2000-04) for first on the Otters franchise list among defencemen. An alternate captain with the Otters in his overage season, Raddysh leads all OHL defencemen with 48 points, including 12 goals and 36 assists over 39 games to go with the league’s fourth best plus/minus rating of plus-39. Read more

STORM’S ISAAC RATCLIFFE HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 17th edition of the OHL Plays of the Week for the 2016-17 season feature another exciting countdown of the league’s Top-5 including four goals and a save for the week ending January 22. This week’s highlights include a terrific pass from Mathieu Foget to setup Travis Barron of the Ottawa 67’s, defenceman Colton White of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds displays some offensive zone dangles, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires makes an incredible save against the Kitchener Rangers, Ryan Moore of the Flint Firebirds pulls a little inside-out move, and Isaac Ratcliffe of the Guelph Storm shows patience on a 2-on-1 then drives the net to score. Watch

Ratcliffe is also the OHL representative featured in this week’s #CHLShowdown which showcases one great play from all three leagues allowing fans the opportunity to choose their favourite play. See all the plays and vote at chlshowdown.ca.

BATTALION’S ZACH SHANKAR LEADS JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

The 17th edition of #JanesSaves features an unlikely hero as defenceman Zach Shankar of the North Bay Battalion steals the spotlight.  Also included in the highlights are goaltenders Tyler Parsons of the London Knights, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting, Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes, Leo Lazarev of the Ottawa 67’s, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Garrett Forrest of the Flint Firebirds, Ruan Badenhorst of the Barrie Colts, Luke Opilka of the Kitchener Rangers, and Liam Herbst of the Guelph Storm. Watch

FIVE PLAYERS SCORE FIRST GOALS IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 17th week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season ending January 22 featured five players celebrating milestone moments with their first career OHL goals. First goals include Curtis Douglas (Barrie Colts), Owen Headrick (Erie Otters), Rhys Forhan (North Bay Battalion), Nolan Makkonen (Guelph Storm) and Sean Allen (Oshawa Generals). Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR MINOR MIDGET TOP-10 RANKINGS – WEEK 6:

The London Jr. Knights continue to hold down top spot in the sixth edition of the weekly OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Top 10 Minor Midget Rankings. The Mississauga Reps follow in second while the Whitby Wildcats continue to hold down the third spot. The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting Staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament which takes place March 14-20, 2017. Read more

GOOD IN EVERY GRAIN FARMER CARD GIVEAWAY COMING TO SARNIA:

Good in Every Grain and the Ontario Hockey League are working together this year to share stories about Ontario’s farms and farmers during OHL games across the province. Good in Every Grain is hosting special giveaway nights at every OHL arena in the province, including this Friday night in Sarnia as the Sting battle the Flint Firebirds. For more information, please visit goodineverygrain.ca.

FORMER OHL COACH AND GRADUATE TROY SMITH FEATURED ON JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

Former coach of the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs Troy Smith is featured on this week’s edition of Junior Hockey Magazine with Gino Reda. Smith, who also enjoyed a four year playing career with the Plymouth Whalers from 1995-99, went on to study at St. Francis Xavier University and has now transitioned into a career in Business. Listen

 

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Rangers host Don Cameron Potato Night on Friday: As part of the larger February Potato Blitz, Don Cameron Potato Night kick-starts the festivities on Friday at the Aud as the Rangers take on the North Bay Battalion. Fans are invited to mark this occasion with generosity by dropping off cash donations and potatoes on their way into the game. The February Potato Blitz Campaign focuses community efforts on sharing the gift of food by collecting potatoes and donations throughout the month of February. Why potatoes? Each year, House of Friendship uses over 300,000 pounds of potatoes in its emergency food hampers and food assistance for program patrons. When the potatoes run out, cash donations are used to buy more potatoes at 20 cents per pound, stretching donor dollars even further. Full details are available at kitchenerrangers.com.

Frontenacs honour The Tragically Hip on Saturday: The Kingston Frontenacs are set to host their much anticipated game in support of The Tragically Hip on Saturday when they play host to the Mississauga Steelheads. The Fronts will wear specially themed Tragically Hip jerseys to be auctioned off online in support of the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. For more information, please visit kingstonfrontenacs.com.

Storm Diaper Drive supports Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis: The Guelph Storm will host a diaper drive on Friday night when they play host to the Oshawa Generals in an effort to support Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. The Storm are asking fans to lend a hand to mothers in need by donating diapers, wipes and other infant related items during Friday night’s game. Fans who donate will receive three (3) Chuck-A-Pucks for every donated item. Full details are available at guelphstorm.com.

Spirit host CMHA Talk Today Mental Health Awareness Night on Saturday: The Saginaw Spirit continue their efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues on Saturday when they host the Windsor Spitfires. The Spirit welcome former NFL quarterback Eric Hipple as a guest speaker as he encourages others to ‘Live Life on the Offense’ – living a proactive, mentally healthy lifestyle through education, outreach and defeating stigma.

Otters growth charts, Guns & Hoses on Saturday: Erie Otters fans can measure their height in Kyles this Saturday when kids 12 and under can take home a free Otters growth chart featuring forwards Kyle Maksimovich and Kyle Pettit. Don’t miss out on this unique giveaway! The Otters are also hosting their 7th annual Guns & Hoses Hockey Challenge at 3:00pm at Erie Insurance Arena. Members of Erie County Police square off with the Erie County Firefighters. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Otters will be suiting up in specially themed firefighting uniforms for their home date with the Guelph Storm! Full details are available at ottershockey.com.

67’s go back in time on Saturday: The Ottawa 67’s will turn back the clock on Saturday afternoon at home to the Niagara IceDogs. The throwback game features former 67’s Dan Tessier and Henric Alfredsson in attendance along with the winningest coach in Canadian Junior Hockey history, Brian Kilrea. Get full details at ottawa67s.com.

Backpack Night in Flint on Saturday: Fans who bring three non-perishable food items to be donated to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will receive a complimentary ticket to see the Firebirds battle the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to help the Firebirds in their Firebirds Fight Hunger campaign throughout the month of January by bidding in a silent auction on authentic player duffel bags priced at an estimated value of $250. For more information, visit flintfirebirds.com.

Sting host ‘Push for Change’ event on Sunday: A group of Lambton College students are set to face-off against members of the Ontario Provincial Police in a charity hockey game to raise funds for youth homelessness. The annual showdown, organized by students enrolled in the College’s Police Foundations and Protection, Security & Investigation programs, will take place immediately following the Sting matchup against the Saginaw Spirit on Sunday. Guests of the Sting’s Sunday afternoon game are invited to attend the charity game at no additional charge. Proceeds raised from the charity game will be split equally between the Push for Change and The Hub, Sarnia-Lambton’s new youth space. For full details visit sarniasting.com.

Steelheads host Pink at the Rink on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads host their annual Pink at the Rink game on Sunday afternoon when they host the Sudbury Wolves.

Wolves partner with United Way to form “Wolves United”: The United Way Centraide Sudbury and Nipissing Districts and the Sudbury Wolves officially announced their philanthropic partnership with the launch of the “Wolves United” fund on Wednesday, which will support local youth development and youth mental health services. This innovative partnership will advance United Way Centraide’s 2017 local focus by prioritizing the identified concern of youth and youth mental health within the community. Learn more about the new partnership at sudburywolves.com.

Windsor set for CHL City Expo Draft on Facebook Live: The 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee is set to broadcast a CHL City Expo Draft via Facebook Live this Thursday at 1:00pm.  Taking part will be 89 classes from 41 schools representing all three Windsor-Essex area school boards. Through the draft, the classes will be assigned their own Canadian Hockey League team from either the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League or Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. They will be encouraged to follow their team through the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. For more details visit windsorspitfires.com.

 

ALUMNI NOTES:

Fischer has memorable first week in the NHL: Christian Fischer is the first player in Arizona Coyotes franchise history to score in each of his first two NHL games. The 19-year-old native of Wayne, Illinois scored in wins over Tampa Bay and Florida on Saturday and Monday, turning heads in his first week in the NHL. Fischer had recorded 32 points (16-16–32) over 31 games with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners as a rookie this season. The second round pick by Arizona in 2015 led the Windsor Spitfires in scoring last season with 40 goals, 50 assists and 90 points in 66 games.

Harrington scores first NHL goal: London Knights graduate Scott Harrington scored his first career NHL goal on Sunday, helping the Columbus Blue Jackets defeat the Ottawa Senators 2-0. Harrington had a goal and an assist in the game, giving him three points (1-2–3) over seven games with Columbus this season. The Kingston, Ont., native has played a total of 32 NHL contests over parts of three seasons with Pittsburgh, Toronto and Columbus. The former Knights captain and two-time OHL champion was originally Pittsburgh’s second round (54th overall) pick in 2011. Harrington played four seasons in London from 2009-13, recording 13 goals, 68 assists and 81 points over 216 regular season games. He also won bronze with Canada at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship.

Martin makes NHL debut: Mississauga Steelheads graduate Spencer Martin made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, making 27 saves in a  3-2 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. The 21-year-old is in his second pro season after splitting 2015-16 between the AHL and the ECHL. In 27 games with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage this season, Martin has a 2.62 goals-against averance and a .915 save percentage to go with a 15-9-2 record. The Oakville, Ont. native played four seasons with Mississauga from 2011-15, going 58-74-2-9 with a 3.31 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage with four shutouts over 156 regular season games. He was a third round pick by the Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Campbell records 500th NHL point: Ottawa 67’s graduate Brian Campbell recorded his 500th career NHL point on Sunday, recording an assist in 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. The 37-year-old is in his 15th NHL season and first back with the Blackhawks, returning to Chicago after a five year tenure with the Florida Panthers. Campbell has 86 goals, 414 assists and 500 points over 1,050 career regular season games and won a Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2010. Campbell’s OHL career is best remembered by his unforgettable 1998-99 campaign that saw him lead Brian Kilrea’s Ottawa 67’s to a Mastercard Memorial Cup title while being named the CHL Player of the Year, the CHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player, the OHL’s Red Tilson Trophy recipient and Defenceman of the Year. A native of Strathroy, Ont., Campbell finished his four year OHL career in Ottawa with 210 points (38-172–210) over 260 regular season games.

Campbell, Dunn, Rychel added to AHL All-Star Classic Rosters: OHL graduates Jack Campbell (Ontario Reign/Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Vince Dunn (Chicago Wolves/Niagara IceDogs) and Kerby Rychel (Toronto Marlies/Guelph Storm) have been added to rosters for the upcoming 2017 AHL All-Star Classic this weekend in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The trio joins six other grads in Nicklas Jensen (Hartford Wolfpack/Oshawa Generals), the North Division’s Joseph Blandisi (Albany Devils/Barrie Colts) and Jordan Subban (Utica Comets/Belleville Bulls), the Central Division’s Michael Leighton (Charlotte Checkers/Windsor Spitfires) and the Pacific Division’s Taylor Beck (Bakersfield Condors/Guelph Storm) and Kyle Wood (Tucson Roadrunners/North Bay Battalion). Campbell, 25, is currently 18-6-3 with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 27 games with the Ontario Reign. A St. Louis Blues prospect, Dunn has 22 points (7-15–22) over 40 games with the Chicago Wolves. Currently in the farm system of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rychel has 26 points (8-18–26) over 38 games with the Toronto Marlies.

 

KEY MATCHUPS:

London Knights (30-7-3-4, T-1st Midwest) vs. Owen Sound Attack (30-13-1-0, 2nd Midwest)
Saturday January 28th at Owen Sound (CHL on Sportsnet) – 3:30pm

A clash of Western Conference titans plays out on Sportsnet Saturday afternoon as the reigning Mastercard Memorial Cup champion London Knights head into Owen Sound to take on an Attack club that hasn’t lost since December 4th as part of a franchise record 14-game winning streak. The Knights and Attack meet for the third of six meetings this season as Owen Sound as edged London in both prior encounters. The Attack took a 2-1 shootout win on home ice on November 23rd before beating London a week later at Budweiser Gardens by a score of 3-2 in a shootout. CHL fans from coast-to-coast can enjoy this one on Sportsnet!

Sudbury Wolves (19-21-5-0, 2nd Central) vs. Mississauga Steelheads (18-17-5-5, 1st Central)
Sunday January 29th at Mississauga – 2:00pm

To this point in the season, no one team has stepped up to run away with the Central Division, but the Mississauga Steelheads appear poised to give it their best shot having gone 7-2-0-2 since returning from the Christmas break. The team closest to standing in their way comes to town on Sunday as the Sudbury Wolves visit the Hershey Centre for an afternoon tilt. The Wolves sit three points behind Mississauga in the Central and beat the Steelheads in their last meeting, coming away with a 4-3 shootout win on home ice on November 5th. The Steelheads could create some separation with a win, but can the Wolves turn their recent slide around and make a game of things?

 

SCHEDULE:

Thursday January 26:
Hamilton at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday January 27:
Niagara at Kingston – 7:00pm
Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Sudbury – 7:00pm
Flint at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Windsor at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Oshawa at Guelph – 7:30pm
North Bay at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Erie at London – 7:30pm

Saturday January 28:
Niagara at Ottawa – 2:00pm
London at Owen Sound – 3:30pm (CHL on Sportsnet)
Guelph at Erie – 7:00pm
Hamilton at Flint – 7:00pm
Mississauga at Kingston – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Peterborough at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Oshawa at Barrie – 7:30pm

Sunday January 29:
Saginaw at Sarnia – 1:00pm (CogecoTV Hockey Day in the OHL)
Sudbury at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Kitchener at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Peterborough at North Bay – 4:00pm (CogecoTV Hockey Day in the OHL)
London at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Hamilton at Windsor – 7:00pm (CogecoTV Hockey Day in the OHL)

Be sure to catch all of this weekend’s action at ohllive.com.