OHL This Week: January 17 to 20, 2019
The 2018-19 OHL season roars into mid-January with another action-packed weekend of action up ahead. Here’s a look at what’s happening across the league.
FAMILIAR FACES MAKING THEIR MARK IN NEW PLACES:
The OHL Trade Deadline has come and gone and some of the league’s familiar faces are thriving in new places. Here’s an overview of a few of the OHL’s big name players settling in with new teammates for the stretch drive toward the 2019 OHL Playoffs. Read more
HARLEY AND SUZUKI NAMED SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME ALTERNATE CAPTAINS:
Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads and Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts have been appointed alternate captains for the 2019 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game set for Wednesday January 23rd in Red Deer, Alta. Read more
KNIGHTS, 67’s, GREYHOUNDS AND ICEDOGS INCLUDED IN KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The London Knights, Ottawa 67’s, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Niagara IceDogs are included in the Week 17 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The four OHL clubs got into the Top 10 while both the Saginaw Spirit and Guelph Storm received honourable mentions. Full Rankings
STORM’S RATCLIFFE NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Philadelphia Flyers prospect Isaac Ratcliffe of the Guelph Storm is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the regular season week ending January 13 with 10 points in four games scoring seven goals and three assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-4. Ratcliffe recorded four straight multi-point performances last week helping the Storm earn seven of a possible eight points to improve their second place Midwest Division record to 22-12-4-4. Read more
KNIGHTS’ BOUCHARD REPRESENTS OHL IN CIBC SHOWDOWN:
London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard 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 16th 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 January 6.This week’s highlights start with some superb chemistry from the Saginaw Spirit with a tic-tac-toe goal with Blade Jenkins and Brady Gilmour connecting to feed newcomer Owen Tippett. We continue with a sensational first career goal scored by North Bay Battalion rookie Kyle Jackson, and a breakaway goal by Riley Damiani in overtime for the Kitchener Rangers sprung in alone by a stretch pass from Joseph Garreffa. The reunion of former minor hockey teammates Nick Suzuki and Isaac Ratcliffe looks good early on for the Guelph Storm, and Evan Bouchard of the London Knights tops the countdown with a behind-the-back pass for Josh Nelson on the national stage. Watch
LATEST JANUARY EDITION OF JANES SAVES FEATURES NINE OHL GOALTENDERS:
Illustrations of goaltending excellence line the latest OHL edition of #JanesSaves. Featured this week is Brendan Bonello of the Kingston Frontenacs, Anthony Popovich of the Guelph Storm, Mack Guzda of the Owen Sound Attack, Ivan Prosvetov of the Saginaw Spirit, Cedrick Andree of the Ottawa 67’s, Christian Propp of the North Bay Battalion, Jet Greaves of the Barrie Colts, Ethan Langevin of the Sarnia Sting, and Cole Ceci of the Erie Otters. Watch
FOUR NEW INSTALLMENTS IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:
First goals from Emmet Pierce (Flint Firebirds), Jan Jenik (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Kyle Jackson (North Bay Battalion) join a first shutout from Zachary Roy (Hamilton Bulldogs) in the latest edition of OHL Milestone Moments. Watch
OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 9:
The Toronto Marlboros leapfrog the Toronto Young Nationals into second on the ninth edition of the OHL Cup powered by Under Armour Top 10 Rankings, defeating the Nats by a score of 4-2 on Friday. The North Central Predators, Kitchener Jr. Rangers and Mississauga Rebels also rise one spot on the list while the Halton Hurricanes make their honourable mention debut. Full Rankings
SPIRIT’S JENKINS FEATURED IN LATEST EDITION OF OHL NEWS RADIO:
This week’s guest on OHL News – Radio Edition with host Terry Doyle is New York Islanders prospect Blade Jenkins of the Saginaw Spirit who enters the weekend with 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in 41 games. Jenkins chats with Doyle about what’s made the Spirit successful, especially in the early stages of the season’s second half. Listen
BULLDOGS NAME MATTHEW STROME CAPTAIN:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have named Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matthew Strome captain. Strome was Hamilton’s first ever pick in the OHL Priority Selection in 2015, taken in the first round (8th overall) and is the Bulldogs current career leader in games played (235), goals (112) and points (218). Read more
COLTS NAME JASON WILLMS CAPTAIN:
The Barrie Colts announced Monday that third-year veteran Jason Willms has been named the 20th captain in franchise history. The 19-year-old from Kitchener, Ont. has 26 points (9-17–26) over 41 games this season and has been a strong presence in the faceoff circle, winning 55 percent of his draws. Read more
NOLAN DEGURSE COMMITS TO STING:
The Sarnia Sting has received a commitment from 2017 13th round selection Nolan DeGurse. The Sarnia local was selected out of the Lambton Junior Sting Minor Midget AAA Program in which he recorded 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 33 Minor Midget games played. DeGurse is currently playing with the Sarnia Jr. B Legionnaires (GOJHL). Over the past two seasons with the Legionnaires the blue-collar forward has amassed 44 points (25 goals, 22 assists). Read more
MATTHEW SREDL COMMITS TO COLTS:
The Barrie Colts have received a commitment from 2018 12th round selection Matthew Sredl. The 16-year-old was playing with the Honeybaked 16U team where he has put up great numbers so far this year. The right handed shooting defenseman has tallied 10 goals and 34 assists in 46 games. The Raleigh, North Carolina native was drafted 236th overall by the Colts in this past OHL Priority Selection. Read more
OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF BILL NEEDHAM:
The Ontario Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the loss of former long-time OHL scout and Director of OHL Central Scouting Bill Needham who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 70. Needham served as Director of OHL Central Scouting from 1998-2004. He was a member of the OHL Central Scouting staff from 1985-90 before serving in scouting departments with the North Bay Centennials (1990-92), Windsor Spitfires (1992-94) and London Knights (1994-97). He rejoined OHL Central Scouting under the leadership of Mr. Jack Ferguson in 1997. Read more
TEAM ONTARIO ROSTER NAMED FOR 2019 CANADA WINTER GAMES:
Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Northwestern Ontario and the Ontario Hockey Federation have announced the Team Ontario roster for the men’s hockey team that will represent the province at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta. Held every four years, the Canada Winter Games showcases the top under-16 hockey talent in the country that sees one province or territory emerge as the best in the Nation. Team Ontario will be entering the competition as the defending men’s hockey gold medalists having defeated Team Alberta four years ago in Prince George, BC. Read more
2019 PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE CAMP SCHEDULE AND APPLICATIONS:
The dates are set for the 12th annual OHF/OHL U15 Program of Excellence Camps. Held in April and May of this year across Ontario, the camp will focus on a variety of on and off-ice sessions, helping to ensure players are provided the most up-to-date development strategies. Read more
COMMUNITY CORNER:
67’s host Dunder Mifflin Night on Friday: Clad in special Office-inspired Dunder Mifflin jerseys, the Ottawa 67’s will play host to the Peterborough Petes on Friday night. 67’s World Junior competitors Michael DiPietro and Sasha Chmelevski return to home ice as the 67’s put on a truly unique event. Learn all about what’s in store for Dunder Mifflin Night at ottawa67s.com.
IceDogs host Pink in the Rink Night on Saturday: The Niagara IceDogs will be raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society this coming Saturday on Pink in the Rink Night. The Dogs play host to the Flint Firebirds and will wear special pink jerseys to be auctioned off post-game. For full details and a look at the jersey, visit niagaraicedogs.net.
Steelheads host Bell Let’s Talk Game on Sunday: The Mississauga Steelheads will host their 7th annual Bell Let’s Talk Game on Sunday afternoon when the Sarnia Sting pay a visit. The Steelheads are proud to announce that the club will be donating $5 from every Platinum level ticket sold for the game on January 20 to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Dufferin Peel. For full details visit mississaugasteelheads.com.
Bowl with the Otters on Sunday: The Erie Otters have invited their fans to join them at Eastway Lanes on Sunday for a Pucks & Pins event benefitting the St. Martin Center of Erie. Fans can bowl with their favourite Otter for a good cause! For more details visit ottershockey.com.
Generals and United Way join forces for Points 4 United Way: The Oshawa Generals have announced a new initiative with the United Way of Durham to help kids get a better start. This season the Generals United Way “scoring ambassadors” are Kyle MacLean, Allan McShane and Serron Noel. What they do on the ice this season by putting up points will contribute to final donations to the United Way. Learn all about the new initiative at oshawagenerals.com.
ALUMNI NOTES:
Nash announces retirement: London Knights graduate Rick Nash announced his retirement from the NHL this past week. The 34-year-old spent 15 seasons and 1060 career regular season games in the NHL between Columbus, the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, recording 437 goals, 368 assists and 805 career points. The first overall pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2002 NHL Draft, Nash won a number of major awards throughout the course of his career including a pair of Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014, the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal-scorer in 2004 and also played in six NHL All-Star games. The 2001 OHL Rookie of the Year, Nash recorded 138 points (63-75–138) over 112 regular season games with the London Knights from 2000-02.
Jones recalled by Ducks: Kingston Frontenacs graduate Max Jones has been called up by the Anaheim Ducks. The 20-year-old has 24 points (12-12–24) over 32 games with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls in his rookie AHL season. Jones was Anaheim’s first round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. The Rochester, Mich. native won a Memorial Cup with the London Knights in 2016. Jones played three OHL seasons between London and Kingston from 2015-18, recording 112 points (64-48–112) over 127 career regular season games.
Brown recalled by Panthers: The Florida Panthers have called up Oshawa Generals graduate Josh Brown. The former Memorial Cup champion is set to make his NHL debut following three seasons spent between the AHL and ECHL. The 24-year-old London, Ont. native has three goals over 19 games with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds this season. Brown played four seasons in Oshawa between 2011-15, recording 53 points (6-47–53) over 230 career regular season games.
Tavares scores 300th NHL goal: OHL graduate John Tavares scored the 300th goal of his NHL career on Thursday as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated New Jersey 4-2. Tavares scored twice, bringing his career total to 301 goals and 671 points over 714 regular season contests. The 28-year-old has 50 points (29-21–50) over 45 games in his first season with Toronto following a nine-year tenure with the New York Islanders. The OHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader with 215 career tallies, Tavares played four seasons between Oshawa and London from 2005-09. The first overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft is a former CHL Rookie of the Year recipient, and Red Tilson Trophy winner as OHL Player of the Year in 2007. Tavares also won back-to-back World Junior gold medals with Canada in 2008 and 2009.
Giordano, Binnington earn NHL Three Star of the Week honours: Owen Sound Attack graduates Mark Giordano and Jordan Binnington have been named the NHL’s first and second stars of the week. Calgary Flames defenceman Giordano had eight points (3-5–8) over four games to power his club to a perfect week and a fifth straight win. The 35-year-old Toronto, Ont. native ranks second among NHL defenders with 47 points (9-38–47) through 45 games this season. St. Louis Blues goaltender Binnington stopped 74 of the 76 shots he faced, going 3-0 with a 0.67 goals-against average and a .974 save percentage. Giordano played two seasons in Owen Sound from 2002-04, recording 97 points (32-65–97) over 133 career regular season games. Binnington was the OHL Goaltender of the Year in 2013, going 86-51-3-11 with a 2.90 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and nine shutouts over 157 career regular season games.
Landeskog and Skinner voted into NHL All-Star Game: The votes have been counted and Kitchener Rangers grads Gabriel Landeskog and Jeff Skinner are among the four players being added to the 2019 NHL All-Star Game in San Jose. Colorado Avalanche forward Landeskog has 52 points (28-24–52) over 47 games this season while Buffalo Sabres forward Skinner has 44 points (30-14–44) over 47 games. Landeskog played two seasons in Kitchener from 2009-11, recording 112 points (60-52–112) over 114 career regular season games. Skinner played with the Rangers from 2008-10, spending one season alongside Landeskog. He recorded 141 points (77-64–141) over 127 career regular season contests. The 2019 NHL All-Star Game is set for Saturday January 26th.
Carrick named AHL Player of the Week: OHL graduate Sam Carrick has been named the AHL Player of the Week. The San Diego Gulls forward posted back-to-back three-point games last week, totaling two goals and four assists as the Gulls extended their winning streak to eight games, the longest in the AHL this season. Carrick ranks third in the AHL in goals (20) and tied for 11th in points (37) in 30 games for San Diego this season, his seventh pro campaign. One of four brothers to play in the OHL, Sam spent four seasons with the Brampton Battalion from 2008-12, recording 169 points (84-85–169) over 254 career regular season games.
Cormier signs AHL contract with Binghamton: After going unsigned as a fourth round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2016, Evan Cormier has returned to the organization. The 21-year-old started the season with the Guelph Gryphons Men’s Hockey Team, registering a 2.27 goals-against average and .926 save percentage over 13 games before drawing AHL interest. Cormier has posted a 4-1 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage in six games since joining Binghamton, prompting the club to sign him to an AHL contract. The Bowmanville, Ont. native played in 201 career regular season games between North Bay and Saginaw from 2013-18, going 81-82-18-5 with a 3.34 goals-against average and .896 save percentage with nine shutouts. He graduated as Saginaw’s career games played and shutouts leader.
Platzer named ECHL Player of the Week: Owen Sound Attack graduate Kyle Platzer has been named the ECHL Player of the Week. The Florida Everblades forward scored six goals, added two assists and was a plus-7 as the Everblades swept a three-game series from Greenville last week. Platzer leads Florida with 16 goals while ranking second on the team with 35 points in 35 games this season. A native of Waterloo, Ontario, Platzer has recorded 57 points (24g-33a) in 55 career ECHL games with Florida and Wichita. He has added 43 points (17g-26a) in 147 career AHL games with Bakersfield and Oklahoma City. Platzer spent parts of four OHL seasons between London and Owen Sound from 2011-14, winning an OHL Championship with the Knights in 2013. In 203 career regular season games, Platzer recorded 140 points (61-79–140).
Williams named ECHL Goaltender of the Week: Erie Otters graduate Devin Williams has been named the ECHL Goaltender of the Week. The Tulsa Oilers netminder went 3-0-0 with a 1.34 goals-against average and a save percentage of .938 in three appearances against Rapid City last week. Williams is 14-8-4 in 26 appearances with the Oilers this season. He ranks third in the ECHL with a 2.23 goals-against average and is tied for ninth with a .913 save percentage. The Saginaw, Mich. native spent parts of five seasons with the Otters from 2011-16, finishing as the franchise’s career wins leader going 106-47-4-4 with a 3.03 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage over 175 career contests.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Owen Sound Attack (22-16-2-2) vs. Guelph Storm (22-12-4-4)
Friday January 18th at Guelph
Two familiar Midwest Division foes square off in Guelph on Thursday as the Owen Sound Attack tangle with the Storm.
Nick Suzuki, Markus Phillips, Sean Durzi and Zachary Roberts suit up against their former club with a Storm group that has wins in three of the last four games. Suzuki’s impact has been immediately felt as the Montreal Canadiens prospect has eight points (1-7–8) through his first three games in a Storm uniform. Newly added winger MacKenzie Entwistle (17-16–33) has also proven valuable, picking up six points (2-4–6) over five games with Guelph.
The Attack have a trio of former Storm players in their lineup including Barret Kirwin, Mark Woolley and the currently suspended Zach Poirier. The Bears sit four points back of second-place Guelph in the Midwest Division to start the weekend.
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (27-10-4-1) vs. Sudbury Wolves (25-14-2-1)
Sunday January 20th at Sudbury
A clash of two northern contenders goes down Sunday afternoon in Sudbury as the West Division-leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds travel east.
The ninth-ranked team in the CHL this week, the Hounds enter the weekend on a three-game winning streak. Captain and Arizona Coyotes prospect Barrett Hayton has points in each of his last 16 games while leading scorer Morgan Frost has 65 points (23-42–65) over 35 games. Along with those two Canadian National Junior Team representatives, the Greyhounds have had regular contributions from overage winger Keeghan Howdeshell who leads the team with 30 goals.
After a seven-game slide, the return of start goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from his gold medal finish at the World Juniors has yielded four straight wins. Luukkonen has now won 11 in a row and leads the league with four shutouts. New additions Adam Ruzicka (13-27–40) and Anthony DeMeo (1-5–6) have paid early dividends for the Wolves as they chase Central Division-leading Niagara.
The Greyhounds have won each of the two meetings between the clubs so far this season, with four more approaching on the schedule.
SCHEDULE:
Thursday January 17th:
Hamilton at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at North Bay – 7:00pm
Guelph at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Erie at Windsor – 7:05pm
London at Barrie – 7:30pm
Friday January 18th:
Oshawa at Kingston – 7:00pm
Flint at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Peterborough at Ottawa – 7:00pm
Erie at Sarnia – 7:05pm
London at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Owen Sound at Guelph – 7:30pm
Windsor at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Saturday January 19th:
Hamilton at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Flint at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Erie at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Barrie – 7:30pm
Mississauga at Owen Sound – 7:30pm
Sunday January 20th:
Niagara at Guelph – 2:00pm
Hamilton at Kingston – 2:00pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Mississauga – 2:00pm
London at North Bay – 2:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Sudbury – 3:05pm
Windsor at Saginaw – 5:30pm
Flint at Oshawa – 6:05pm
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