OHL This Week: Jan. 25 to 28, 2018
A high-scoring 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is in the books and another jam-packed weekend of OHL action is upon us. Here’s a look at what you can expect around the league this weekend.
OHL CONTRIBUTIONS POWER TEAM CHERRY TO 7-4 WIN IN GUELPH:
Evan Bouchard (London Knights), Ty Dellandrea (Flint Firebirds) and Aidan Dudas (Owen Sound Attack) starred in a 7-4 Team Cherry victory at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Guelph. Bouchard earned Jim Gregory Player of the Game honours for the victors, helping Don Cherry’s squad claim victory at the event for a second straight year. Recap
OHL’S TOP PROSPECTS SHOWCASE STRENGTHS IN SPORT TESTING COMBINE:
The next wave of NHL Draft talent were put to the test on Wednesday competing on and off the ice in advance of the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. All 18 of the OHL’s top prospects in attendance seized the opportunity to showcase their individual strengths with Sport Testing to gauge fitness and skill levels for NHL management and scouts. Full Results
TOP PROSPECTS HAYTON AND SANDIN PROUD TO BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL:
Soo Greyhounds teammates Barrett Hayton and Rasmus Sandin remained in red Thursday night, teaming up on Team Cherry at the 2018 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. They stopped to share their experiences playing for the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League this season. Read more
PHOTO GALLERY: SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME PLAYER PORTRAITS:
18 players representing 12 teams from across the Ontario Hockey League assembled in Guelph for the Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Here’s a look at the OHL talent that competed in the annual event. Photo Gallery
OHL NEWS – RADIO EDITION FEATURES #SWTP RECAP:
OHL News – Radio Edition with host Terry Doyle and presented by Bauer features four key contributors from the Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game including Evan Bouchard of the London Knights, Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds, Aidan Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack, and Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals. Listen
61 OHL PLAYERS LISTED IN NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING MIDTERM RANKINGS:
Forward Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts occupies the top spot on the list of North American skaters, leading a group of 61 OHL players listed. OHL talent also included in the Top-10 includes London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard at fifth, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward Barrett Hayton at sixth, Oshawa Generals winger Serron Noel at ninth and Niagara IceDogs forward Akil Thomas at 10. Full list
GREYHOUNDS, STING, BULLDOGS AND RANGERS IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
Four teams are included in the week 18 edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings including the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Sarnia Sting, Hamilton Bulldogs and Kitchener Rangers. The Greyhounds remain the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League this week. Full Rankings
STING’S KYROU NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK & CHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
St. Louis Blues prospect Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting is both the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week as well as the CHL Player of the Week for the week ending January 21 after scoring 11 points in three games including two goals and nine assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-6. Kyrou recorded a trio of multi-point performances last week helping the Sting extend their winning-streak to seven and improving their overall record to 32-12-2-0. Read more
Kyrou was also featured in last week’s segment of OHL News – Radio Edition with host Terry Doyle and presented by Bauer. Listen
RANGERS’ CULINA NAMED VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:
Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 21 after posting a 3-0-0-0 record including two shutout victories for a goals-against-average of 0.67 and save percentage of .980. Culina turned aside 98 shots last week in a trio of victories for the Rangers who improve their record to 30-14-2-0 atop the OHL’s Midwest Division. Read more
WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:
The 17th edition of the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week for the 2017-18 season feature another collection of the league’s Top-5 goals scored in the week ending January 21. This week’s highlights include a no-look behind-the-back pass from Michael McLeod to Albert Michnac of the Mississauga Steelheads, a shorthanded 2-on-0 with Jake Durham and Maurizio Colella of the Flint Firebirds, a power move to the net by Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts, a shorthanded breakaway by Ty Dellandrea of the Firebirds, and what’s become a signature move by rookie Graeme Clarke of the Ottawa 67’s is his lacrosse style goal. Watch
VOTE GRAEME CLARKE IN #CIBCSHOWDOWN:
Ottawa 67’s rookie Graeme Clarke not only headlines the Wawanesa OHL Plays of the Week, but is also the OHL representative featured in this week’s #CIBCShowdown 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.
JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK DELIVERS MORE JAW-DROPPING PERFORMANCES:
#JanesSaves delivers more jaw-dropping performances by OHL goaltenders in January. This week features Joseph Raaymakers of the London Knights, Mario Culina of the Kitchener Rangers, Kaden Fulcher of the Hamilton Bulldogs, Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs, Matthew Villalta of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Garrett Forrest of the Flint Firebirds, Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, Daniel Murphy of the Erie Otters, and Anthony Popovich of the Guelph Storm. Watch
SPIRIT’S EVAN CORMIER SETS ALL-TIME GAMES PLAYED RECORD:
New Jersey Devils prospect Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit became the franchise’s new career leader in games played by a goaltender on Sunday in North Bay. Cormier helped his club earn a point, making 29 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Battalion as he suited up in his 167th career regular season game in a Spirit uniform to surpass Jake Paterson (2010-15) for the franchise lead. More
OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS RELEASED:
The Vaughan Kings and Detroit Little Caesars are both on the rise in the Week 10 edition of the OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings. The Toronto Marlboros continue to hold down top spot for the tenth straight week. The Cambridge Hawks also make their return to the rankings. Full Rankings
MASTERCARD JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE FEATURES STING GRADUATE STEVEN STAMKOS:
The latest edition of Mastercard Junior Hockey Magazine with Gino Reda features Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos who recently had his #91 retired by the Sarnia Sting. Listen
A CENTURY OF MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS: 1993 SOO GREYHOUNDS:
The Memorial Cup is one of North America’s most prestigious trophies. As part of the Canadian Hockey League’s 100th Mastercard Memorial Cup celebrations, get to know some of the names engraved on the cup and enjoy the moments of glory from history’s most memorable victories including the 1993 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds as part of a Century of Mastercard Memorial Cup Champions video series. Watch
OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF USA HOCKEY’S JIM JOHANNSON:
The Ontario Hockey League joins the rest of the hockey world in mourning the loss of USA Hockey executive director Jim Johannson who passed away in his sleep at the age of 53 early Sunday morning in Colorado Springs, Colo. The general manager of the of the 2018 U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team, had a life-long career in hockey, becoming one of the most accomplished and respected people in the sport. OHL clubs will observe a moment of silence in remembrance and respect prior to games this weekend.
YOURTV’S #OHLDAY SET FOR SUNDAY:
For the fifth straight year fans across Ontario can enjoy a tripleheader of live action plus exclusive OHL coverage on YourTV networks. Beginning at 1:00 pm (NIAG/NB), to 4:00 pm (WSR/FLNT and PBO/KGN), then 7:00 pm (SAR/HAM), fans will be treated to great hockey plus unique feature content and studio guests sharing stories from across the OHL as part of a full day of continuous coverage. More
COMMUNITY CORNER:
IceDogs host Pink in the Rink: The Niagara IceDogs will be decked out in pink on Friday night when they play host to the Sarnia Sting. The Dogs are teaming up with the Canadian Cancer Society to raise funds to knock out cancer! For full details on Friday’s game visit niagaraicedogs.net.
Frontenacs host Pride Night: The Kingston Frontenacs will host their first ever Pride Night on Friday when they play host to the Oshawa Generals. The Fronts will be suiting up in special Pride jerseys, that will be auctioned off and the net proceeds will be donated to Kingston Pride Inc. Read more
Rangers host Don Cameron Potato Night: Former Kitchener Rangers’ broadcaster Don Cameron join Rangers players Connor Bunnaman, Joseph Garreffa and Adam Liška inviting fans to donate cash and potatoes at this year’s Don Cameron Potato Night on Friday at home to the Saginaw Spirit. In its 21-year history, Rangers fans have raised the equivalent of nearly half a million pounds of potatoes for families in need through Don Cameron Potato Night. Full details at kitchenerrangers.com.
67’s salute their fourth decade: As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, the Ottawa 67’s will be saluting their 1997-2007 era on Saturday night when they play host to the Kingston Frontenacs. The 67’s will be bringing out the ‘Killer Puck’ jerseys they wore throughout much of the early 2000’s as over 20 alumni will return to the nation’s capital. Learn more about Saturday’s game at ottawa67s.com.
Battalion recognize Coach4Food winners on Saturday: On Saturday, the North Bay Battalion will recognize the top three minor hockey teams that contributed the most to this year’s Coach4Food campaign which has raised more than 1,000,000 pounds of food for food banks across Ontario since it began in 2005.
Spirit host Saginaw Ice Blast Festival this weekend, fight cancer on Sunday: There’s lots of fun to be had at the Dow Event Center this weekend as the Spirit host back-to-back home games on Saturday and Sunday. The Saginaw Ice Blast Festival features kids games, musical entertainment and much more. The Spirit will also be taking up arms against cancer on Sunday, selling $13 fundraising tickets, $5 of which will be donated to the fight against cancer. For full weekend details visit saginawspirit.com.
Steelheads hold annual Pink in the Rink Game on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads hold their annual Pink in the Rink Game on Sunday afternoon at home to the Sudbury Wolves. In keeping with tradition, Steelheads players will wear unique jerseys in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The 2018 edition features the Steelheads’ primary logo and a subtle paisley print inlayed across pink and blue colour blocking. A pink ribbon is featured prominently on both shoulders as a show of support in the fight against cancer. Visit mississaugasteelheads.com for more information.
Petes take a stand against bullying: Established as one of the hallmark events offered by the Peterborough Petes is their interactive anti-bullying presentation offered in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Crime Stoppers. Learn more about the club’s anti-bullying school visits this season over at gopetesgo.com.
Storm skate on the backyard rink: Guelph Storm players Garrett McFadden, James McEwan, Keegan Stevenson, Nate Schnarr and Zach Poirier paid a visit to the Lylyk Family, winners of the Home Depot Backyard Rink Contest for a game of shinny this past week. Learn all about the visit at guelphstorm.com.
ALUMNI NOTES:
Appleby flawless in NHL debut: Oshawa Generals graduate Ken Appleby made his NHL debut on Saturday, turning aside all 24 shots he faced in a relief appearance against the Philadelphia Flyers. Three days later, Appleby made another appearance, stopping all four shots he faced against the Boston Bruins. A 22-year-old native of North Bay, Ont., Appleby was signed by New Jersey after leading the Generals to the 2015 Mastercard Memorial Cup title. In 16 games with the AHL’s Binghamton Devils this season, he is 5-8-2 with a 3.21 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage. In three years with Oshawa from 2012-15, he went 55-18-0-9 with a 2.25 goals-against-average and a .918 save percentage over 92 regular season games.
Telegin named to Russian Olympic team: Barrie Colts graduate Ivan Telegin has been named to Russia’s Men’s Hockey Team for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. The 25-year-old from Novokuznetsk has 14 points (7-7–14) in 44 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL this season. A former fourth round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010, Telegin recorded 169 points (81-88–169) over 156 games between Saginaw and Barrie from 2009-12.
Foegele, Vande Sompel, Capobianco added to AHL All-Star Game rosters: Three recent OHL grads in Warren Foegele (Charlotte Checkers/Erie Otters), Mitchell Vande Sompel (Bridgeport Sound Tigers/London Knights) and Kyle Capobianco (Tucson Roadrunners/Sudbury Wolves) have been added to AHL All-Star Game rosters and are headed to the annual event in Utica, New York this coming weekend. A Carolina Hurricanes prospect, Foegele has 20 goals, 12 assists and 32 points in 40 games with Charlotte this season, scoring all 20 of his goals at even strength. The 2017 OHL Playoff MVP will represent the Atlantic Division alongside Vande Sompel who has three goals, 17 assists and 20 points in 36 games. Capobianco will suit up for the Pacific Division, having registered two goals, 19 assists and 21 points in 33 contests with Tucson. For more information visit theahl.com.
Webster commits to U of T: Barrie Colts graduate Michael Webster has committed to the University of Toronto for the 2018-19 season. The former Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy recipient and four-year OHL veteran spent the 2016-17 season with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers and has appeared in five games with the ECHL’s Jacksonville IceMen this season. A 22-year-old native of Toronto, Webster appeared in 254 career regular season games with the Colts from 2012-16, recording 18 goals, 77 assists and 95 points.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Owen Sound Attack (19-18-2-5) vs. London Knights (25-17-2-2)
Friday January 26th at London
Winners of three straight, the Owen Sound Attack appear to be hitting their stride as the month of February approaches.
Friday will present a good challenge for Aidan Dudas and the Bears as they take on a London Knights club that has won three of its last four and will have the services of fellow top prospects Evan Bouchard and Liam Foudy.
The Knights have won three of the four meetings between the two clubs this season.
Sarnia Sting (32-12-2-0) vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (29-10-3-3)
Sunday January 28th at Hamilton
The Sarnia Sting enter the weekend as winners of seven straight following big victories over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals. The Sting hit the road for a three-in-three set with stops in Niagara, Erie and Hamilton.
Sarnia rounds out the weekend in Hamilton on Sunday against a Bulldogs club that has won seven of its past 10, leading the East Division by a 13-point margin.
Newly added Bulldog Robert Thomas has eight points (1-7–8) through his first five games with his new club.
SCHEDULE:
Thursday January 25:
Team Cherry 7 vs. Team Orr 4 – Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game – Recap
Friday January 26:
Hamilton at Erie – 7:00pm
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Niagara – 7:00pm
North Bay at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Barrie at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Windsor at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Flint at Guelph – 7:30pm
Saginaw at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at London – 7:30pm
Regina at Swift Current – 3:30 pm – CHL’s #SaturdayShowcase on Sportsnet
Saturday January 27:
Kingston at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Oshawa at Hamilton – 4:00pm
Sarnia at Erie – 7:00pm
Kitchener at Flint – 7:00pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Niagara at Sudbury – 7:05m
Barrie at Sault Ste. Marie – 7:07pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday January 28:
Niagara at North Bay – 1:00pm #OHLDay
Guelph at London – 2:00pm
Sudbury at Mississauga – 2:00pm
Windsor at Flint – 4:00pm #OHLDay
Peterborough at Kingston – 4:00pm #OHLDay
Sault Ste. Marie at Saginaw – 5:30pm
Ottawa at Oshawa – 6:05pm
Sarnia at Hamilton – 7:00pm #OHLDay
Be sure to catch all of this weekend’s action at ohllive.com.
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