OHL This Week: Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 2017

 

Teddy Bear Toss season in the OHL has the fur flying in rinks across the league this weekend. Here’s a look at what’s happening in the OHL.

SAVE ON OHL LIVE ONLINE PACKAGES:

Until December 3 take 10% off all access, full team passes, or team away passes and enjoy watching your favourite OHL teams online.  Subscribe at ohllive.com and catch all of the action on your PC, Mobile, or Tablet device.

COLTS VISIT 67’s ON SPORTSNET CHL SATURDAY SHOWCASE:

Sportsnet’s CHL Saturday Showcase returns to Ontario this weekend, finding its setting in the nation’s capital as the Ottawa 67’s host the Barrie Colts at 3:30pm ET. The 100th Mastercard Memorial Cup Trophy Tour continues in Ottawa this weekend. Details

STING, GREYHOUNDS AND BULLDOGS IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:  

The Sarnia Sting remain the top ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League this week while the Soo Greyhounds who are winners of 11 straight hold down the third spot. The Eastern Conference-leading Hamilton Bulldogs make their season debut in the Top 10 ranked eighth. Full Rankings

The Bulldogs are also featured in this week’s edition of the CHL Top 10 Spotlight. Read more

TORONTO MARLBOROS CROWNED SILVER STICK CHAMPIONS:

The Toronto Marlboros erased a 3-0 deficit, charging back to be crowned 2017 Minor Midget AAA Silver Stick Champions with a 4-3 win over the Oakville Rangers. Stephen Halliday scored the winning goal inside the final three minutes of action as the top-ranked Marlboros played to a perfect 7-0 record, outscoring opponents 29-6. Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS RELEASED:

The Ontario Hockey League has announced the second edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2018 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour. The Silver Stick champion Toronto Marlboros continue to hold down top spot while the Silver Stick Finalist Oakville Rangers remain at number two. Full Rankings

GENERALS’ SERRON NOEL NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK AND CHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

2018 NHL Draft prospect Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the week ending November 26 after scoring four goals and four assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5. Noel recorded three-straight multi-point performances for the first time in his career last week as the Generals wrapped up a tough November schedule with two-straight victories to maintain seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Read more

WAWANESA OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 10th 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 November 26. This week’s highlights feature an assortment of individual efforts showcasing great sets of hands beginning with Boris Katchouk of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with a backhand tuck from behind the net, Lucas Chiodo of the Barrie Colts with a beauty backhand move of his own, Cedric Ralph of the Guelph Storm with some poise and patience in overtime, Darian Pilon of the Sudbury Wolves with some sensational shorthanded skill, and Matthew Strome of the Hamilton Bulldogs who went viral with a jaw dropping lacrosse style goal. Watch

VOTE MATTHEW STROME IN #CIBCSHOWDOWN:

Hamilton Bulldogs forward Matthew Strome 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.

GOALTENDERS CONTINUE TO NEUTRALIZE SHOOTERS IN JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

Nine OHL goaltenders neutralize the opposition in November’s final edition of #JanesSaves. This week features Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, Julian Sime of the North Bay Battalion, Luke Richardson of the Kitchener Rangers, Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs, Joseph Raaymakers of the London Knights, Jacob Ingham of the Mississauga Steelheads, Cole Ceci of the Oshawa Generals, Mario Culina of the Sudbury Wolves, and Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes. Watch

SIX PLAYERS FEATURED IN OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS THIS WEEK:

Goaltender Cole Ceci (Oshawa Generals) recorded his first career shutout while Quinn Yule (Ottawa 67’s), Joe Carroll (Soo Greyhounds), Lev Starikov (Windsor Spitfires), Navrin Mutter (Hamilton Bulldogs) and Rickard Hugg (Kitchener Rangers) all scored their first OHL goal. Watch

TEDDY BEARS TAKE FLIGHT ACROSS THE LEAGUE:

December is just around the corner and Teddy Bears are hitting the ice as 2017-18 OHL Teddy Bear Toss festivities are underway! Ontario Hockey League fans gave generously last season, donating over 60,000 Teddy Bears in support of various charities in OHL communities serving families and children in need. Full Teddy Bear Toss Schedule

HAWERCHUK COACHES 500th OHL GAME:

Barrie Colts head coach Dale Hawerchuk stepped behind the bench for his 500th career OHL regular season game on Sunday, guiding the Barrie Colts to a 3-2 road win in North Bay. He joins Dale Hunter (London Knights), Stan Butler (North Bay Battalion) and George Burnett (Guelph Storm) as the fourth active OHL coach in the 500-game club. Read more

BANNISTER EARNS 100th OHL WIN:

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds head coach Drew Bannister earned his 100th career OHL coaching win on Friday, guiding the Greyhounds to an 8-2 win over the visiting Kitchener Rangers. Bannister’s Greyhounds wrapped up the weekend with their second straight eight goal performance on Saturday, extending their current winning streak to 11 games. One of two OHL teams with at least 20 wins this season, the Hounds were the third-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League last week.

Other OHL coaches in Dale Hunter (London Knights, 700 wins), Todd Gill (Owen Sound Attack, 100 wins) and Derian Hatcher (Sarnia Sting, 100 wins) are also closing in on career milestones. Read more

OMHA, ALLIANCE, GTHL ALL SHOWCASING TOP MINOR MIDGET AAA TALENT:

It’s a busy time of year in the Minor Midget AAA circuit as the OMHA, ALLIANCE and GTHL are all set to showcase their top talent.

The OMHA hosts its annual Minor Midget AAA Showcase this coming weekend in Aurora, Ont. as 13 OMHA ETA clubs in addition to two squads representing the Northern Ontario Hockey Association will compete. The weekend will also feature an OMHA ETA AAA Midget All-Star Game. Full details can be found at omha.net.

ALLIANCE Hockey has announced it will be holding its AAA All-Star Weekend in Woodstock, Ont. this coming weekend. The weekend will feature three All-Star games and will showcase some of the top ALLIANCE Hockey talent from the Bantam AAA, Minor Midget AAA and Midget AAA leagues. Full details at alliancehockey.com.

The GTHL has unveiled rosters for the 2017 GTHL Top Prospects Game on December 12th at the Scotiabank Pond in Downsview Park. Six celebrity coaches have been named to the event including NHL alumni Wendel Clark, Adam Graves, Darcy Tucker, Wayne Primeau, Mike Weaver and Shayne Corson. Each roster includes two goaltenders, six defencemen and 12 forwards. For full event details visit gthlcanada.com.

NEXT ONES PODCAST FEATURES RED HOT BULLDOGS, SERRON NOEL, KODY CLARK:

Jeff Marek and Sam Cosentino take another look across the Canadian Hockey League in the latest edition of Sportsnet’s The Next Ones podcast. Key OHL storylines include the red hot Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week Serron Noel and Ottawa 67’s forward Kody Clark who will be featured on this upcoming weekend’s CHL Saturday Showcase. Listen

SPITFIRES’ VILARDI FEATURED ON MASTERCARD JUNIOR HOCKEY MAGAZINE:

Los Angeles Kings prospect Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires is featured on the latest edition of the Mastercard Junior Hockey Magazine Radio Show with Geno Reda. Hear about his road back from injury. Listen

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR STOPS IN OAKVILLE:

The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour stopped in Oakville, Ont. last weekend where former OHL stars John Tavares and Sam Gagner have connections. Check out features on those players and more at hometownhockey.com.

 

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Attack raise $51,000 at inaugural Cubs for Cancer Night: The Canadian Cancer Society, Bluewater Community Office and Owen Sound Attack are delighted to announce that their inaugural Cubs for Cancer event raised $51,000 in support of childhood cancer. The event, which took place on Monday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 25 saw thousands of fans from across the province come together to support the cause. Read more

Firebirds deliver food to local soup kitchen: Flint Firebirds CJ Clarke, Hakon Nilsen and Jack Phibbs paid a visit to Flint’s North End Soup Kitchen on Tuesday, donating canned goods and clothing to those in need. Watch

Battalion raises $4,200 for Special Olympics North Bay: The North Bay Battalion announced Tuesday that the club raised a total of $4,200 for Special Olympics North Bay during last Thursday’s Special Olympics Night at the Memorial Gardens.

Colts, Wolves approach end of Movember campaigns: The Barrie Colts and Sudbury Wolves are raising money to change the face of men’s health. Nearing the end of their Movember campaign, the Colts have raised a total of $3,681 led by top fundraisers Nathan Allensen ($1,023), Justin Murray ($581) and Jason Willms ($471). The Wolves have raised a total of $2,490 led by top fundraisers in Equipment Manager Dan Buckland ($650), captain Michael Pezzetta ($525) and forward Shane Bulitka ($500).

Petes support SickKids Foundation on Thursday: The Peterborough Petes team up with the SickKids Foundation on Thursday night when they’ll host the Soo Greyhounds. SickKids Foundation will take over the Peterborough Memorial Centre Thursday night as they raise awareness and funds surrounding their Peterborough VS 5000 initiative. SickKids is building a new hospital and needs 5000 new monthly donors. Last year, over 1,000 kids from the Peterborough area depended on SickKids. Full details at gopetesgo.com.

Storm host Toy Drive on Friday: The Guelph Storm hosts its Holiday Toy Drive in support of the Salvation Army on Friday night at home to the Erie Otters. Fans are asked to support the Salvation Army by donating a new unwrapped toy for local families during the holiday season. Each fan who donates an unwrapped toy (or $2 donation) will receive a ‘Chuck-A-Puck’ to participate in the second intermission puck toss for a chance to win prizes. Full details at guelphstorm.com.

Teddy Bear Toss in London on Saturday: The London Knights hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday when they play host to the North Bay Battalion. The Knights are aiming to beat their all-time record of 10,671 teddy bears collected.

Firebirds wear ugly Christmas sweaters, Teddy Bear Toss this weekend: It’s an eventful weekend in Flint as the Firebirds suit up in Ugly Christmas Sweaters at home to the Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday. The club hosts its annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday at home to the Niagara IceDogs as special guest Joey Kocur will be in the building. For full details visit flintfirebirds.com.

Teddy Bear Toss headlines busy weekend in Saginaw: The Saginaw Spirit are set for a busy weekend at home, entering play with wins in seven straight home contests. The Spirit host the Sarnia Sting on Saturday after the 11th annual Guns and Hoses Charity Game between the Saginaw Police and Firefighters at 5:00pm. The event has raised over $30,000 since its inception. On Sunday, the Spirit host the Niagara IceDogs for their fifth annual Teddy Bear Toss Game benefitting the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation. Full details at saginawspirit.com.

Sting hold Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday: The Sarnia Sting hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday afternoon at home to the Oshawa Generals. Last year’s edition of the event was featured on YourTV. Don’t miss out on Sunday’s post-game skate.

 

ALUMNI NOTES:

DeBrincat, Faksa net first NHL hat-tricks: OHL graduates Alex DeBrincat and Radek Faksa scored their first career NHL hat-tricks this past week. The 2017 CHL Player of the Year, DeBrincat helped the Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Anaheim Ducks with three goals and an assist. The 19-year-old has 10 goals, eight assists and 18 points in 24 games with Chicago this season after finishing his OHL career as the leading American goal-scorer in OHL history. A former member of the Kitchener Rangers and Sudbury Wolves, Faksa scored three times to lead the Dallas Stars past the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Faksa has 12 points (8-4–12) in 23 games with the Stars this season. He recorded 145 career points (59-86–145) over his three OHL seasons from 2011-14.

Strome named AHL Player of the Week, squares off with big brother in NHL: Erie Otters graduate Dylan Strome has been named the AHL Player of the Week after recording four goals, four assists and eight points in three games for the Tucson Roadrunners. The 20-year-old briefly held the AHL scoring lead before being called up to the NHL to square off against older brother Ryan Strome and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. The younger Strome has eight goals, 18 assists and 26 points in 15 AHL contests this season. He recently graduated as the leading scorer in Erie Otters franchise history this past offseason.

Hall still appreciative of former Spits coach Boughner: Nearly a decade removed from their time together in Windsor, New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall remains thankful for the influence of Florida Panthers head coach Bob Boughner on his hockey career. The two dominated the CHL together, hoisting the Memorial Cup in back-to-back years as Hall scored 123 goals and 157 assists over three seasons in Windsor. The two reflect on their past together in Matthew DeFranks’ recent installment in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Henrique, Blandisi on the move to Anaheim: OHL graduates Adam Henrique (Windsor Spitfires) and Joseph Blandisi (Barrie Colts) have been dealt from the New Jersey Devils to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenceman Sami Vatanen. A 27-year-0ld from Brantford, Ont., Henrique is in his seventh NHL season, all spent with New Jersey. He has 14 points (4-10–14) in 24 games this season. Henrique was a back-to-back Mastercard Memorial Cup champion with the Spitfires in 2009 and 2010. A former OHL Overage Player of the Year, Blandisi has played in 19 games with the AHL’s Binghamton Devils this season, recording 14 points (3-11–14). He has played in 68 career NHL games with New Jersey, registering 26 points (8-18–26). Blandisi finished his OHL career with Barrie in 2014-15, recording 112 points (52-60–112) as an overager.

Attack grad Domingues thriving in business world: Owen Sound Attack graduate Josh Domingues goes into the Dragon’s Den Thursday night at 8:00pm ET on CBC. The CEO of an innovative company called Flashfood, Domingues has been busy crafting a mobile based app that allows grocery stores to sell food at a discounted rate, rather than just dump it in a landfill. Flashfood is a revelation for the grocery store industry that has helped divert over 5,500 meals from being thrown out. A 28-year-old native of Markham, Ont., Domingues played parts of two seasons in Owen Sound from 2007-09 before finishing his junior career with the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques.

McNiven jumps ranks to the AHL: Owen Sound Attack graduate Michael McNiven is enjoying life in the American Hockey League. The OHL’s Goaltender of the Year last season, McNiven is currently with the AHL’s Laval Rocket after beginning the season with the ECHL’s Brampton Beast. McNiven has appeared in six AHL games, going 2-3-1. He set a new Owen Sound Attack single-season record for wins last season (41) while becoming the club’s new all-time leader in shutouts (11). Get the full story at montrealcanadiens.com.

Werek making the most of his chance: Well-travelled OHL graduate Ethan Werek is making the most of his AHL opportunity with the Belleville Senators, paying dividends for the team that originally cut him but decided to re-sign him to a tryout contract. The Kingston Frontenacs graduate has 13 points (6-7–13) in 18 games this season and is thankful for the opportunity that came his way no in his seventh professional season. The former second round pick by the New York Rangers in 2009 shares his journey with Sportsnet’s Steve Dangle.

 

KEY MATCHUPS:

Hamilton Bulldogs (14-6-2-3) at Saginaw Spirit (12-9-3-0)
Thursday November 30th at Saginaw

The hottest team in the Eastern Conference takes on one of the hottest in the West as the CHL’s eighth-ranked Hamilton Bulldogs visit the Saginaw Spirit who have won seven straight at home.

The Bulldogs get a boost from new acquisitions Nicholas Caamano and Ryan Moore while Arizona Coyotes prospect MacKenzie Entwistle makes his return from injury. The Dogs have won eight of their past 10 and enter a stretch of four of their next five games coming against Western Conference opponents.

In Saginaw, Blade Jenkins has had a solid month of November as the Spirit have elevated their game with wins in five straight. Cole Coskey leads the Spirit in scoring with 25 points (12-13–25) while recent addition Mason Kohn has come into his own with the new club, recording 12 points (6-6–12) in 10 games with Saginaw.

Barrie Colts (14-7-2-1) at Ottawa 67’s (13-12-1-1)
Saturday December 2nd at Ottawa (Sportsnet CHL Saturday Showcase)

Sportsnet’s CHL Saturday Showcase comes to Ottawa this weekend, bringing the 100th Mastercard Memorial Cup Tour with it. The host 67’s battle the Central Division-leading Barrie Colts at 3:30pm.

The 67’s look to reverse their recent fortunes, looking to stop a four game slide. Ottawa returns home after five straight on the road as San Jose Sharks prospect Sasha Chmelevski leads the team in scoring with 26 points (14-12–26).

The Colts, who were featured on the first edition of Sportsnet’s CHL Saturday Showcase, enter play with a four point lead on second place Niagara in the Central Division. Top 2018 NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov remains sidelined, but that hasn’t stopped the Colts as Lucas Chiodo (9-17–26) leads the club offensively.

 

SCHEDULE:

Thursday November 30:
Erie at Niagara – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Peterborough – 7:05pm
Hamilton at Saginaw – 7:05pm
North Bay at Windsor – 7:05pm
Mississauga at Barrie – 7:30pm

Friday December 1:
Hamilton at Flint – 7:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Kingston – 7:00pm
North Bay at Sarnia – 7:05pm
Mississauga at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Erie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Oshawa at London – 7:30pm

Saturday December 2:
Barrie at Ottawa – 3:30pm (Sportsnet CHL Saturday Showcase)
Niagara at Flint – 7:00pm
North Bay at London – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Saginaw – 7:05pm
Oshawa at Windsor – 7:05pm
Guelph at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday December 3:
Mississauga at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Barrie at Kingston – 2:00pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Oshawa at Sarnia – 2:05pm
Flint at Windsor – 2:05pm
Kitchener at Erie – 5:00pm
Niagara at Saginaw – 5:30pm

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