OHL This Week: February 28 to March 3, 2019

 

February is winding down and the 2019 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour is just two weeks away! Here’s a look at what’s happening across the league this week.

67’s, KNIGHTS AND GREYHOUNDS INCLUDED IN KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Ottawa 67’s (4), London Knights (6) and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (9) are included in the Week 23 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings while the Saginaw Spirit and Oshawa Generals both receive honourable mentions. Full Rankings

ICEDOGS’ DHILLON NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK AND VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:
Niagara IceDogs overage goaltender Stephen Dhillon is both the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week as well as the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week. Dhillon posted a 4-0-0-0 record including two shutout victories with a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .966. He turned aside 113 shots in four games last week and surpassed franchise great Mark Visentin to establish a pair of records for the IceDogs who hold first place in the Central Division standings with a 37-15-7-0 record. Read more

SPIRIT’S TIPPETT REPRESENTS OHL IN CIBC SHOWDOWN:
Saginaw Spirit forward Owen Tippett is this week’s OHL representative in CIBC Showdown, a weekly feature that allows fans across the CHL to vote for their favourite play across all three leagues. Watch & Vote

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:
The 22nd edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2018-19 season feature a collection of the league’s Top-5 goals during the week ending February 24. This week’s highlights include some soft hands from Joseph Garreffa of the Kitchener Rangers, and a Liam Foudy rush that’s halted with a centering pass to Evan Bouchard who then finds Billy Moskal for the London Knights winner.  Rookie Jacob Perreault of the Sarnia Sting has a fearless power play rush between the defence, Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals shows off his smooth stride and dangerous reach, and Owen Tippett of the Saginaw Spirit headlines with a fantastic between-the-legs finish. Watch

OHL GOALTENDERS FOIL HIGH-FLYING OFFENCES JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:
OHL goaltenders are foiling high-flying offences in February’s final edition of #JanesSaves. Featured this week is Colton Incze of the Windsor Spitfires, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Zachary Roy of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack, Christian Propp of the North Bay Battalion, defenceman John Parker-Jones of the Peterborough Petes, and Brendan Bonello of the Kingston Frontenacs. Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 15:
The Brantford 99ers and Kitchener Jr. Rangers have secured spots at the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour, advancing to the ALLIANCE Championship Series. In the OMHA, the York-Simcoe Express, Quinte Red Devils, Guelph Gryphons and Halton Hurricanes will join the host Whitby Wildcats at the 2019 OMHA Minor Midget Championship this coming weekend. Halton makes its season debut in the Top 10 this week while the GNML Champion Sudbury Minor Midget Wolves, Toronto Red Wings, Kitchener Jr. Rangers and Brantford 99ers are also on the rise. Full Rankings

ROAD TO THE OHL CUP: SURVEYING THE OMHA’s SCTA RANKS:
In this week’s Road to the OHL Cup segment we take a look at the OMHA’s SCTA loop, one that saw the Guelph Gryphons and Halton Hurricanes emerge as finalists following semi-final series wins. They’ll compete in this weekend’s OMHA Championship held at the Iroquois Park Sports Complex in Whitby, Ont. Read more

ONTARIO TAKES SILVER AT 2019 CANADA WINTER GAMES:
Nineteen prospects eligible for the 2019 OHL Priority Selection have claimed silver at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta. Defencemen Connor Punnett (North Central, OMHA) and Roman Schmidt (Don Mills, GTHL) joined forward Brennan Othmann (Don Mills, GTHL) with Ontario goals in a 4-3 overtime loss to Quebec in the gold medal game. Read more

ICEDOGS’ DHILLON SETS TWO NEW CLUB RECORDS IN ONE WEEKEND:
Stephen Dhillon posted back-to-back shutouts, setting new Niagara IceDogs records for both career and single season win totals this past weekend. Dhillon was flawless on Saturday, turning aside 31 shots for his fourth shutout of the season as the Niagara IceDogs blanked visiting Peterborough 5-0. Dhillon also made franchise history in his team’s third straight triumph, earning his 90th career victory to surpass Mark Visentin (2008-12) for the most wins by a goaltender in IceDogs franchise history. Read more

BATTALION’S BRAZEAU SETS NEW FRANCHISE GOAL SCORING MARK:
Overage captain Justin Brazeau set a new North Bay Battalion single season franchise record with his 51st goal on Sunday. The 6-foot-6, 226Ib overage winger became the OHL’s second 50-goal scorer of the 2018-19 season on Saturday in Windsor before netting his 51st on Sunday afternoon in London to set a new single season franchise record. Brazeau surpasses Mike Amadio‘s 2015-16 performance of 50 goals in the Battalion all-time record book and currently sits fifth in league scoring with 94 points (51-43–94) over 59 games. Read more

SPIRIT’S PERFETTI SETS NEW FRANCHISE ROOKIE GOAL SCORING RECORD:
Saginaw Spirit forward Cole Perfetti scored twice on Saturday, setting a new franchise record for single season goals by a rookie with his 29th. Perfetti etched his name in the Saginaw Spirit franchise record books with his 28th goal of the season, surpassing Jan Mursak (2006-07) for the most by a rookie in a single season. Read more

GREYHOUNDS’ FROST HITS TWO BIG MILESTONES:
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward Morgan Frost became the OHL’s first 100 point scorer of 2018-19, registering his 300th career point in the process on Friday. The Philadelphia Flyers first round pick picked up a pair of primary assists in a 4-3 loss to the Kitchener Rangers, becoming the first OHL player to eclipse the 100-point mark this season while also reaching the 300-point plateau on his OHL career. Read more

RYAN GAGNIER COMMITS TO GENERALS:
The Oshawa Generals have received a commitment from 2018 third round selection Ryan Gagnier. This season, Gagnier has played for the Leamington Flyers of the GOJHL, seeing action in 47 games amassing 20 goals and 22 assists in his first season with the team. The Sun County Panthers Minor Midget grad participated in the Generals orientation camp last April and main training camp at the end of August. Read more

2019 OHL GOLD CUP HIGH PERFORMANCE OFFICIATING CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
Applications are now being accepted for officials interested in participating in the Officiating Development Camp running in conjunction with the 2019 OHL Gold Cup, May 1-5 at Activa Sportsplex in Kitchener. The Ontario Hockey League, in partnership with the Ontario Hockey Federation, will be hosting this Officiating Development Camp as a development opportunity for officials. Each participant will officiate four games that will be supervised by OHL personnel with feedback given. In addition to in game development opportunities there will be off-ice seminars with guest OHF/OHL personnel on topics such as communication, game management, 4-officials-system, video review session and one on-ice session on skating and/or testing. For more details visit ohf.on.ca.

 

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Steelheads host Carassauga Night on Friday: The Mississauga Steelheads are proud to announce the team’s second annual Carassauga theme night this coming Friday against the Barrie Colts. Friday’s game is a great opportunity to get a sneak peek at the many pavilions that will be present for the 33rd annual Carassauga Festival of Cultures on May 25th, 26th and 27th. Get full details at mississaugasteelheads.com.

Wolves to honour long-time statistician Dave Harrison on Saturday: After 47 years, Dave Harrison will be retiring from his role as Sudbury Wolves statistician. The team will pay tribute to Harrison on Saturday when they play host to the Oshawa Generals, honouring his long-time service to the club. Read more

Firebirds host Billet Appreciation Night, Girls Scouts Night on Saturday: The Flint Firebirds will recognize their billet families on Saturday when they play host to the Peterborough Petes. The Firebirds will also shine a spotlight on local Girl Scouts, selling cookies throughout the game in the Dort Federal Event Center lobby. For more information visit flintfirebirds.com.

Spits host First Responders Night on Sunday: The Windsor Spitfires will be supporting their brave men and women as first responders in the community on Sunday afternoon when they play host to the Kingston Frontenacs. Specialty themed game worn jerseys will be auctioned off post-game at spitsgear.com.

Generals host hockey fan Nickolas and family in partnership with Make-A-Wish: The Oshawa Generals had a very special guest in attendance for Sunday’s game against the Saginaw Spirit. Diagnosed with Spina Bifida, Nick doesn’t let it hold him back and it showed as he made his way around the arena on his crutches. What turned into an exciting game, Nick and his family were treated to a late Generals comeback and overtime hockey. Read more

Served by a Storm raises over $7,800 for Adopt-A-School Program: On February 19, the Guelph Storm hosted the annual ‘Served by the Storm’ benefit dinner in support of the Adopt-A-School program. With the always great and continuous support of Storm fans, the event was able to raise a total of $7841.72 for the program. The Adopt-A-School program provides rewards and incentives to local elementary school students throughout Wellington County for exemplary achievement in the classroom, extra-curricular activities, and volunteer work. Read more

Frontenacs auctioning off camouflage jerseys in support of military families: The Kingston Frontenacs are currently auctioning off their game worn CADPAT Camouflage jerseys with proceeds being donated to the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre. Take a look and cast your bid at CHL Auctions.

 

ALUMNI NOTES:

A Decade with the Subbans: The Subban family trilogy of P.K., Malcolm and Jordan brought fans to their feet with the Belleville Bulls over a span of 10 years from 2005-2015. After years of racking up the kilometres making trips to Belleville, Karl Subban looks back on it all with a certain fondness as he acknowledges the special bond his family will always have with ‘The Friendly City.’ Read more

OHL graduates on the move at NHL Trade Deadline: A number of OHL graduates are joining new teams following the NHL’s Trade Deadline this past week. Some of those names include Nick Baptiste (Nashville to Toronto), Julius Bergman (Columbus to NY Rangers), Alex Broadhurst (Columbus to Winnipeg), Connor Carrick (Dallas to New Jersey), Michael Del Zotto (Anaheim to St. Louis), Matt Duchene (Ottawa to Columbus), Erik Grudbranson (Vancouver to Pittsburgh), Ryan Hartman (Nashville to Philadelphia), Brendan Lemieux (Winnipeg to NY Rangers), Tobias Lindberg (Ottawa to Vegas), Adam McQuaid (NY Rangers to Columbus), Tanner Pearson (Pittsburgh to Vancouver), Vincent Praplan (San Jose to Florida), Cliff Pu (Carolina to Florida), Patrick Sieloff (Ottawa to Anaheim), Wayne Simmonds (Philadelphia to Nashville) and Spencer Watson (Los Angeles to Chicago).

Domi enjoys big night with Canadiens: London Knights graduate Max Domi put up five points on Tuesday, helping the Montreal Canadiens defeat the Detroit Red Wings 8-1. Domi scored twice and added three assists, becoming the first Canadiens player since Guy Lafleur in 1978 to record at least five points in a regular season game. The 23-year-old has 59 points (22-37–59) over 64 games in his first season with Montreal. Domi was a back-to-back OHL champion with London and put up 331 points (126-205–331) over 244 career OHL games from 2011-15.

Bastian scores first NHL goal: Mississauga Steelheads graduate Nathan Bastian scored his first NHL goal on Monday, helping the New Jersey Devils edge the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. The 21-year-old from Kitchener, Ont. has recorded 23 points (17-6–23) over 56 AHL contests with the Binghamton Devils this season. Bastian has now played in three NHL contests with the Devils this season after being the club’s second round pick in 2016. Bastian played parts of four seasons in Mississauga, registering 136 points (54-82–136) over 211 career regular season games.

Stillman makes NHL debut with Panthers: Hamilton Bulldogs graduate and former OHL champion Riley Stillman made his NHL debut as a member of the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Stillman saw 11 minutes of ice in the 4-3 shootout loss to the Arizona Coyotes, making his NHL debut at the age of 20. The son of OHL grad, long-time NHL forward and current Sudbury Wolves head coach Cory Stillman, Riley had 11 points (3-8–11) over 46 games with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons this season. The Peterborough, Ont. native played four seasons between Oshawa and Hamilton from 2014-18, recording 88 points (22-66–88) over 195 career regular season games. Stillman was Florida’s fourth round pick in 2016.

Spirit graduate Evan Cormier signs with Devils: A five-year OHL veteran, Saginaw Spirit graduate Evan Cormier made the jump from the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey ranks to sign an entry-level NHL contract with New Jersey. The 21-year-old Bowmanville, Ont. native played to an 81-82-18-5 record with a 3.34 goals-against average and .896 save percentage over five seasons between Saginaw and North Bay from 2013-18. He was New Jersey’s fourth round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Read more

Paul named AHL Player of the Week: North Bay Battalion graduate Nick Paul has been named the AHL Player of the Week. The 6-foot-3 Belleville Senators forward registered five goals – including two game-winners – and an assist for six points in three games for the streaking Senators last week. The 23-year-old Paul has totaled 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points with a plus-13 rating in 25 games with Belleville this season, his fourth pro campaign. He also has one goal and one assist in 20 appearances with Ottawa in 2018-19. Paul played three seasons between Brampton and North Bay, recording 140 points (75-65–140) over 191 career regular season games.

Salituro named ECHL Player of the Week: London Knights graduate Dante Salituro has been named the ECHL’s Player of the Week. The Allen Americans forward scored three goals, added four assists and was a plus-6 last week as the Americans swept a three-game series from Utah. A 22-year-old from Willowdale, Ont., Salituro has 47 points (14-33–47) in 52 games with the Americans this season. Salituro recorded 282 career points (122-160–282) over 295 games between Ottawa and London from 2012-17. He was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

6 OHL graduates selected for Winter Universiade: Six OHL graduates playing U SPORTS Men’s Hockey have been named to Canada’s roster for the 2019 Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Jacob Cascagnette, Stephen Harper, Liam Maaskant, Garrett McFadden, Aidan Wallace and Alex Yuill will compete in the 12 team tournament that begins on March 2nd. Read more

CHL Leaders – Cody St. Jacques: Cody St. Jacques’ ability to form key relationships has been invaluable in his new career in the real estate sector. Now a sales representative with Coldwell Banker, St. Jacques often turns to what he learned in the junior hockey circuit to help him achieve success in his new career. The 28-year-old native of Iroquois Falls, Ont. played five OHL seasons between Guelph, Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton from 2006-11. Read more

 

KEY MATCHUPS:

Oshawa Generals (38-18-4-0) vs. Sudbury Wolves (37-17-3-2)
Saturday March 2nd at Sudbury

The Oshawa Generals and Sudbury Wolves enter the weekend separated by just one point in the Eastern Conference standings.

The third place Generals will be on the road in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury on Friday and Saturday. Oshawa hasn’t lost in regulation since Jan. 27th, a span of 12 games. Midseason acquisitions Brandon Saigeon, Anthony Salinitri, Brett Neumann and Nicolas Mattinen continue to provide offence as the Generals sit third in the Eastern Conference.

The Wolves come off back-to-back six goal performances and are led in scoring by trade deadline addition Adam Ruzicka who has 26 points (14-12–26) over 21 games since joining the club. Rookie standout Quinton Byfield has 55 points (26-29–55) in as many games.

The Generals defeated the Wolves 3-2 in a shootout on Family Day.

 

Guelph Storm (34-16-6-4) vs. Kitchener Rangers (30-26-3-1)
Sunday March 3rd at Kitchener

Midwest Division rivals the Guelph Storm and host Kitchener Rangers clash on Sunday in a potential first round series preview.

The Storm are red hot with five straight wins. Twenty-year-old captain Isaac Ratcliffe has 10 goals over the past five games for a season total of 46 while Nick Suzuki is riding a six-game point streak.

The fifth place Rangers trail Guelph by 14 points in the Western Conference but are always up for the challenge when it comes to facing their nearby rival. Greg Meireles leads the Rangers in scoring with 79 points (31-48–79) over 60 games while Jonathan Yantsis leads the way with 41 goals. Kitchener has won three straight contests, getting solid goaltending from netminder Luke Richardson.

Guelph and Kitchener have split their season series at three wins apiece so far this season.

 

SCHEDULE:

Thursday February 28th:
Owen Sound at North Bay – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Windsor – 7:05pm
Ottawa at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday March 1st:
Kingston at Flint – 7:00pm
Ottawa at Hamilton – 7:00pm
Barrie at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Niagara at North Bay – 7:00pm
Owen Sound at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Oshawa at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Windsor at Guelph – 7:30pm
London at Kitchener – 7:30pm

Saturday March 2nd:
London at Hamilton – 4:00pm
Sarnia at Erie – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Flint – 7:00pm
Kingston at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Oshawa at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Niagara at Barrie – 7:30pm

Sunday March 3rd:
Guelph at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Niagara – 2:00pm
Sudbury at North Bay – 2:00pm
Mississauga at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Kingston at Windsor 2:05pm
Owen Sound at Sault Ste. Marie – 2:07pm
London at Erie – 4:00pm
Peterborough at Saginaw – 5:30pm