OHL This Week: November 22 to 25, 2018

 

Here’s a look at what’s happening across the Ontario Hockey League this week.

KNIGHTS AND STEELHEADS CLASH ON SPORTSNET AND NHL NETWORK THURSDAY:
OHL action comes to Sportsnet on Thursday night as Owen Tippett, Ryan McLeod and the Mississauga Steelheads visit Evan Bouchard, Adam Boqvist and the London Knights on Sportsnet. The Knights are featured as the sixth-ranked team in the CHL this week while the Steelheads currently lead the Central Division with a 14-6-2-0 record. The Knights will be celebrating their 2005 Memorial Cup Championship team that was voted Team of the Century by CHL fans last spring in advance of the 100th Memorial Cup in Regina. Read more

KNIGHTS TO SALUTE 2005 MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS AS CHL TEAM OF THE CENTURY:
The London Knights will salute their 2005 Memorial Cup Championship team as the CHL Team of the Century on Thursday night. A pre-game ceremony will include appearances from several members of the 2004-05 team with players including Corey Perry, Dave Bolland, Brandon Prust, Danny Syvret, Robbie Schremp, Robbie Drummond, and more. Read more

67’s AND KNIGHTS IN KIA CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:
The Ottawa 67’s hold steady as the second-ranked team in the CHL while the London Knights are on the rise to sixth in the Week 10 edition of the Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings. The Soo Greyhounds received an honourable mention for the second straight week. Full Rankings

STEELHEADS’ TIPPETT NAMED OHL ‘ON THE RUN’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Florida Panthers prospect Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads is the OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week for the regular season week ending November 18 after scoring five goals and three assists for eight points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5. Tippett’s week featured three game-winning goals and three first star performances helping the Steelheads extend their winning-streak to four as they stay locked atop the Central Division standings. Read more

67’s’ HOEFENMAYER REPRESENTS OHL IN CIBC SHOWDOWN:
Ottawa 67’s defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer 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 ninth 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 November 18. This week’s highlights include Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads with a beautiful breakaway goal faking the shot and going backhand deke, a nice two-on-one rush with Kirill Maksimov to Ben Jones of the Niagara IceDogs, Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who takes over in overtime forcing a turnover and feeding Morgan Frost, Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion with a tremendous individual effort to split the defence, and Ottawa 67’s defender Noel Hoefenmayer who drives hard to the net with a dynamic between-the-legs finish. Watch

IMPROBABLE ACROBATICS IN JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:
Improbable acrobatics you have to see to believe in this week’s OHL edition of #JanesSaves. Featured this week is Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, Kyle Keyser of the Oshawa Generals, Jordan Kooy of the London Knights, Anthony Popovich of the Guelph Storm, Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes, Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires, and Mario Peccia of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Watch

EIGHT OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS THIS WEEK:
Defencemen Trent Bourque (Owen Sound), Brendan Kischnick (Erie), DJ King (Hamilton), Ashton Reesor (Sarnia) and Michael Renwick (Hamilton) joined forwards Tye Kartye (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) and Isaac Langdon (Kitchener Rangers) along with goaltender Maksim Zhukov (Barrie) in this week’s edition of OHL Milestone Moments. Watch

OHL CUP POWERED BY UNDER ARMOUR TOP 10 RANKINGS – WEEK 1:
The Ontario Hockey League today announced the debut edition of the weekly minor midget rankings for the 2019 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament powered by Under Armour and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League. The Don Mills Flyers lead the first edition with the Toronto Marlboros and Toronto Young Nationals following close behind. Full Rankings

OHL MOURNS THE LOSS OF DAN MALONEY:
The OHL family is deeply saddened by the loss of former London Knights forward Dan Maloney who passed away on Monday at the age of 68. The Barrie, Ont. native played over 700 career NHL contests in a career that spanned 11 seasons spent between Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit and Toronto. Known by the nickname ‘Snowshoes’ over the course of his career, Maloney was the 14th overall pick of the 1970 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks after impressing with the London Knights from 1968-70, recording 106 points (43-63–106) over 107 regular season games. Read more

SPIRIT PROMOTE CHRIS LAZARY TO HEAD COACH:
After parts of three seasons as an associate coach in Saginaw, Chris Lazary has been named the eighth head coach in Spirit history. Lazary, 36, takes the reins after the club relieved Troy Smith of head coaching duties earlier this week. Lazary spent parts of three seasons as associate coach of the Spirit. Prior to his time in Saginaw, he served as assistant coach of the Sarnia Sting from 2014-16. Prior coaching assignments include guiding the Waterloo Siskins Jr. B club to a Cherrey Cup title in 2014 as the team’s head coach after serving as an assistant with both the York Lions Men’s Hockey team and the St. Michael’s Buzzers Jr. A club. Read more

JACOB TORTORA COMMITS TO COLTS:
The Barrie Colts announced via their Instagram account on Tuesday that the club has received a commitment from recently re-acquired forward Jacob Tortora. The Colts originally selected Tortora with the 19th overall pick of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection before his rights were dealt to the Kitchener Rangers in September 2015. Colts general manager Jason Ford re-acquired Tortora in a trade with Kitchener earlier this week. A 19-year-old native of Victor, NY, Torotora joined Boston College’s Men’s Hockey program last season, recording 13 points (6-7–13) over 34 contests. In four games this year, Tortora recorded two assists. Read more

STEELHEADS’ TIPPETT BECOMES NEW ALL-TIME FRANCHISE GOAL-SCORING LEADER:
Florida Panthers prospect and OHL ‘On the Run’ Player of the Week Owen Tippett is the new goal scoring leader in Mississauga Steelheads all-time franchise history. The 19-year-old right-winger scored twice as part of a four-point performance in Sunday’s 5-3 win over the Sudbury Wolves, netting his 110th and 111th career goals to surpass Darryl Bootland (1998-2002) for most in the 22-year history of the franchise. Read more

CHRIS NEIL WELCOMED BACK TO NORTH BAY:
OHL Alumnus Chris Neil returned to the City of North Bay where he played three seasons with the Centennials from 1996-99. He’s currently an alumni ambassador for the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators, who sponsored the night in his honour. Neil spoke to Battalion players before the game, signed autographs for fans in the concourse and conducted the ceremonial face-off. Read more

ICEDOGS HOST 2018 OHL FOCUS MEETINGS:
The Niagara IceDogs served as excellent hosts of the 2018 OHL Focus Meetings this past week. All 20 OHL member teams had representatives in St. Catharines for the annual meetings as clubs discussed best practices and shared marketing outlooks moving forward in 2018-19. The IceDogs took advantage of the incredible sport resources from across the Niagara region, inviting guest speakers in Mayor Walter Sendzik, Buffalo Sabres Sr. Manager of Marketing Cara Murphy and Director of Live Events Rob Crean, Hamilton Tiger-Cats VP of Sales and Revenue Shaun Guest along with several others. For images from the event, visit niagaraicedogs.net.

 

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Storm raises over $7,500 for local Legion Branches through Remembrance Day jersey auction: The Guelph Storm are proud to announce that the special commemorative jerseys worn during the game vs. the Barrie Colts on November 9th brought in a total of more than $7,500 through our online auction. Forward Nate Schnarr’s jersey went for the highest at $530.00. The one-of-a-kind jerseys commemorated Canadian veterans, with specific reference to Guelph’s own proud history honouring Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Read more

67’s read to succeed: The Ottawa 67’s are the second-ranked team in the CHL and they’ve also been busy off the ice, helping students with their reading in the classroom. The 67’s have been making their rounds in the ‘Read to Succeed Program’, an initiative designed to emphasize the importance of reading, receiving a great education and lifelong learning. Learn more about the program at ottawa67s.com.

Petes welcome special guest for Faith Night on Thursday: The Peterborough Petes will welcome former Humboldt Broncos team chaplain Sean Brandow for Faith Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday. Brandow will speak to fans post-game, being joined by Petes team chaplains Tim Coles and David Jones. The second intermission chuck-a-puck will support Operation Christmas Child with funds being used to purchase items to fill shoeboxes for their annual campaign. Get full details at gopetesgo.com.

Troops collecting food donations on Thursday: Thursday is Coach4Food Night at the North Bay Memorial Gardens when the Battalion host the Saginaw Spirit. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the game. Local minor hockey teams will be collecting food donations throughout North Bay up until December 1st.

Storm set for Pink in the Rink Night on Friday: The Guelph Storm bring out the pink on Friday at home to the Soo Greyhounds. The Storm will be raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society Waterloo-Wellington Branch through in-game initiatives while the first 3,000 fans into the Sleeman Centre will receive a free rally towel. Over the last five seasons the Storm have raised over $30,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Full details at guelphstorm.com.

IceDogs support Special Olympics Ontario on Friday: The Niagara IceDogs will have new additions Jason Robertson and Jacob Paquette in the lineup on Friday when they celebrate 50 years with Special Olympics Ontario at home to the Barrie Colts. The awareness campaign is part of the ongoing commitment by the Ontario Hockey League, the Niagara IceDogs, and Law Enforcement Torch Run/Special Olympics Ontario to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Ontario. Get more info at niagaraicedogs.net.

Superhero Night in Windsor: The Windsor Spitfires will be suiting up in Spiderman jerseys Saturday night when the Flint Firebirds visit for Superhero Night at the WFCU Centre. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off in the days following the game, with proceeds going to the Fight Like Mason Foundation. Fans are encouraged to wear their favourite superhero costumes on Saturday. Read more at windsorspitfires.com.

Attack support Special Olympics Ontario on Saturday: The Owen Sound Attack will be celebrating 50 years with Special Olympics Ontario Saturday night when they play host to the Soo Greyhounds. The Bears will be raising awareness with a Special Olympics kiosk on the main concourse to provide fans with information. The awareness campaign is part of the Ontario Hockey League and the Owen Sound Attack’s commitment to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

 

ALUMNI NOTES:

Thomas scores first NHL goal: 2018 OHL Playoff MVP Robert Thomas scored his first career NHL goal on Wednesday for the St. Louis Blues who suffered a 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.  The returning eligible 19-year-old now has five points in 16 games with the Blues who chose him in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft.  Thomas is a two-time OHL champion hoisting the Robertson Cup his rookie season with the London Knights in 2016 then as a member of the Hamilton Bulldogs last season where he tallied 32 points in 21 playoff contests.

Luff scores first NHL goal: Hamilton Bulldogs graduate Matt Luff scored his first career NHL goal on Monday, helping the Los Angeles Kings defeat the St. Louis Blues 2-0. The 21-year-old from Oakville, Ont. scored in his sixth game of the season after recording 12 points (6-6–12) in nine games with the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Luff played three OHL seasons between Belleville and Hamilton from 2014-17. He was signed by the Kings as a free agent in September 2016.

McDavid scores 100th NHL goal: Erie Otters graduate and former OHL Player of the Year Connor McDavid scored his 100th career NHL goal on Tuesday as part of a three-point performance in a 4-3 overtime win over the San Jose Sharks. McDavid’s 100th goal comes in his 230th career regular season game, making him the fourth-fastest Oiler to hit the century mark behind Wayne Gretzky, Glenn Anderson and Jari Kurri. McDavid has a total of 287 (100-187–287) points in his NHL career after being the first overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft. The 21-year-old Newmarket, Ont. native is currently on a four-game point streak and has 31 points (13-18–31) through 21 games this season.

Skinner plays 600th NHL game: Kitchener Rangers graduate Jeff Skinner played in his 600th career NHL contest on Monday, recording an assist as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 in overtime. The 26-year-old Markham, Ont. native has recorded 401 regular season points (218-183–401) to this point in his NHL career that has been spent between Carolina and Buffalo. Skinner has 22 points (14-8–22) over 21 games in his first season with the Sabres. The seventh overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft played two seasons in Kitchener from 2008-10, recording a total of 141 points (77-64–141) over 127 career regular season games.

Opilka announces retirement: Kitchener Rangers graduate Luke Opilka has announced his retirement at the age of 21. The fifth round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2015 has missed significant time following two hip surgeries to address hip dysplasia. The native of St. Louis, MO played two seasons in Kitchener from 2015-17, going 40-24-5-3 over 75 contests.

Ho-Sang finding his rhythm in AHL: After a disappointing start to the season where he was demoted to the American Hockey League, New York Islanders prospect Josh Ho-Sang is making the best of his opportunity with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Ho-Sang, who played four OHL seasons between Windsor and Niagara from 2012-16, has a goal and 15 assists over 18 games and shared his experience this season with The Trentonion’s Mike Ashmore.

Tangradi trying to re-write a script in Binghamton: OHL graduate Eric Tangradi is still chasing the NHL dream at 29. The former Belleville Bulls standout has 144 career NHL contests on his resume along with a Calder Cup title. He shared his mission to get back to the NHL on a full-time basis with Elite Prospects‘ Patrick Williams.

 

KEY MATCHUPS:

Mississauga Steelheads (14-6-2-0) vs. London Knights (15-4-2-0)
Thursday November 22nd at London (on Sportsnet and NHL Network)

A pair of high-powered OHL offences go toe-to-toe tonight in London as the host Knights battle the Central Division leading Mississauga Steelheads at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT on Sportsnet and NHL Network.

The Knights enter play as winners of nine straight, leading the Midwest Division with a record of 15-4-2-0. The sixth ranked team in the CHL this week, the Knights have benefitted from the recent returns of captain Evan Bouchard (3-4–7) from the Edmonton Oilers and forward Alex Formenton (6-0–6) from the Ottawa Senators.

The Steelheads are currently riding a four-game winning streak as overage captain Cole Carter (18-12–30) leads the team in both goals and points this season.

Florida Panthers prospect Owen Tippett (16-10–26) recently became the new goal-scoring leader in the 22-year history of the Steelheads franchise, connecting for two goals and two assists on Sunday to bring his career tally to 111.

 

Barrie Colts (11-10-1-0) vs. Niagara IceDogs (12-6-4-0)
Friday November 23rd at Niagara

A Central Division showdown sees the Barrie Colts and new addition Jacob Tortora visit the Niagara IceDogs who will have big names in Jason Robertson (23-15–38) and Jacob Paquette (1-3–4) making their debuts.

The Colts feature top 2019 NHL Draft prospect Ryan Suzuki (8-21–29) and Buffalo Sabres prospect Matej Pekar (10-14–24) up front along with leading scorer Lucas Chiodo (15-18–33).

Niagara hits the ice led by Los Angeles Kings prospect Akil Thomas (8-19–27), veteran captain Ben Jones (12-12–24) and Edmonton Oilers pick Kirill Maksimov (11-13–24).

The two clubs have split decisions so far this season, with the Colts winning the latest encounter 6-5 in overtime on October 13th.

 

SCHEDULE:

Thursday November 22:
Barrie at Erie – 7:00pm
Mississauga at London – 7:00pm (on Sportsnet and NHL Network)
Saginaw at North Bay – 7:00pm
Kingston at Peterborough – 7:05pm

Friday November 23:
Windsor at Flint – 7:00pm
Sarnia at Kingston – 7:00pm
North Bay at Mississauga – 7:00pm
Barrie at Niagara – 7:00pm
Saginaw at Sudbury – 7:05pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Guelph – 7:30pm
Erie at Kitchener – 7:30pm
Owen Sound at London – 7:30pm
Hamilton at Oshawa – 7:35pm

Saturday November 24:
Sarnia at Ottawa – 2:00pm
Niagara at Hamilton – 4:00pm
Mississauga at Sudbury – 4:05pm
Peterborough at Erie – 7:00pm
Flint at Windsor – 7:05pm
Guelph at Barrie – 7:30pm
Sault Ste. Marie at Owen Sound – 7:30pm

Sunday November 25:
Peterborough at Hamilton – 2:00pm
Guelph at North Bay – 2:00pm
Saginaw at Owen Sound – 2:00pm
Sarnia at Oshawa – 2:05pm
London at Windsor – 2:05pm