OHL Ontario Hockey League

OHL this Week for December 8-11, 2016

Published on December 8, 2016 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release


Toronto, ON - The holiday season is quickly approaching with just two more weekends of Ontario Hockey League action before the Christmas break including 25 games tonight through Sunday.

Here's a look at what's been happening around the league.

4 OHL PLAYERS NAMED TO U.S. NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM PRELIMINARY ROSTER:

Jeremy Bracco (Kitchener Rangers), Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires), Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters) and Tyler Parsons (London Knights) have all been named to the United States' preliminary roster for the 2017 IIHF World Under-17 Hockey Championship in Montreal in Toronto this month. The four are part of a 27-man roster that will attend a selection camp that begins on December 16th in Buffalo, NY. Read more

5 OHL PLAYERS INCLUDED ON SPORTSNET'S 2017 NHL DRAFT DECEMBER PROSPECT RANKINGS:

2017 NHL Draft prospects Gabriel Vilardi (Windsor Spitfires), Owen Tippett (Mississauga Steelheads), Nicolas Hague (Mississauga Steelheads), Nick Suzuki (Owen Sound Attack) and Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs) are included on Sportsnet's 2017 NHL Draft Prospect Rankings for December. The list compiled by Sportsnet's Jeff Marek highlights 31 of the top prospects from across the globe for the 2017 NHL Draft. Read more at sportsnet.ca.

KNIGHTS, OTTERS, GREYHOUNDS, SPITFIRES IN CHL TOP 10 RANKINGS:

Four different OHL teams are included in the Week 12 edition of the CHL Top 10 Rankings. The London Knights (2), Erie Otters (4), Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (5) and Windsor Spitfires (8) are all on the radar while the Oshawa Generals received an honourable mention. Read more

The Soo Greyhounds enter the weekend on a nine game winning streak and are highlighted in this week's CHL Top-10 Spotlight. Read more

OTTERS' ALEX DeBRINCAT NAMED PIONEER ENERGY OHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat of the Erie Otters is the Pioneer Energy OHL Player of the Week for the week ending December 4 after recording 10 points in four games scoring five goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-6. DeBrincat earns the award for the second time this season helping the Otters grab six of a possible eight points to climb into first place in the Midwest Division standings with a 21-6-2-0 record. Read more

KNIGHTS' ROBERT THOMAS HEADLINES OHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK:

The 11th edition of the 2016-17 regular season OHL Plays of the Week features a countdown of the league's top-5 highlights for the week ending December 4. This week includes Sam Miletic's Teddy Bear Toss goal for the London Knights that brought 9,220 stuffed toys raining down at Budweiser Gardens, a terrific save in overtime by Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit, Adam Mascherin of the Kitchener Rangers with a deke that finished a pretty passing play, Adam Ruzicka of the Sarnia Sting with an impressive dangle, and the Knights' Robert Thomas who scores shorthanded for his fifth point of the game. Watch

Thomas is also this week's OHL representative in #CHLShowdown which highlights one great play from all three leagues giving fans the opportunity to vote for their favourite. Check out the plays and vote at chlshowdown.ca.

8 DIFFERENT GOALTENDERS FEATURED IN JANES SAVES OF THE WEEK:

It's December and OHL goaltenders remain in fine form in the 11th installment of #JanesSaves featuring eight different goaltenders for the week ending December 4. This segment includes Justin Fazio of the Sarnia Sting, Mario Peccia and Jeremy Helvig of the Kingston Frontenacs, Troy Timpano of the Erie Otters, Liam Herbst of the Guelph Storm, Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack, Stephen Dhillon of the Niagara IceDogs, and ends with Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit. Watch

OHL MILESTONE MOMENTS:

The 11th week of the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League season ending December 4 featured four new players celebrating milestone moments including two first career OHL goals and two first career OHL shutouts. First goals scored this week include markers by Kevin Bahl (Ottawa 67's) and Joshua Dame (Niagara IceDogs) while goaltenders Connor Hicks (Flint Firebirds) and Jake McGrath (Sudbury Wolves) earned their first OHL shutouts. Watch

SPITFIRES' LOGAN STANLEY SIGNS WITH JETS:

Windsor Spitfires defenceman Logan Stanley has signed a three-year entry level NHL contract with the Winnipeg Jets. Stanley was selected by Winnipeg with the 18th overall pick in this past summer's NHL Draft in Buffalo. The 18-year-old is currently in his third OHL season and has nine points (2-7-9) over 20 games with the Spitfires this season. Read more

2017 MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED, GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET WAITING LIST REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:

The CHL in association with the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup host committee recently announced the schedule and start times for the 99th edition of the prestigious National Championship from May 18-28 in Windsor, Ont. All nine games will begin at 7:00pm Eastern and can be seen live across the country on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. Fans can now register to secure their spot on the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup general public ticket waiting list, which will allow fans to become eligible to purchase ticket packages once they become available. For full details, please visit mastercardmemorialcup.ca.

An exclusive Mastercard Canada pre-sale will run from Monday December 12th until Monday December 19th. Be sure to follow the Mastercard Memorial Cup on Twitter (@MCMemorialCup) for more information.

ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY STOPS IN BARRIE:

The Barrie Colts factored prominently into Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour coverage this past weekend as host Tara Slone tried her hand at training with the Colts. Barrie personalities in Mark Scheifele, Matt Beleskey and Shayne Corson shared their stories. The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour visits Stratford this weekend. For all of that and more, visit hometownhockey.com.

OMHA SHOWCASE A SUCCESS, GTHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME FAST APPROACHING:

Some of the top minor midget prospects in the province hit the ice this past weekend in Aurora for the annual OMHA Minor Midget AAA Showcase. Thirteen OMHA clubs competed in the event and heard presentations from OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events Joe Birch. For more information on the OMHA Minor Midget AAA Showcase, visit omha.net.

The 8th annual GTHL Top Prospects Game is set for Tuesday December 13th at the Scotiabank Pond. 40 of the GTHL's top prospects square off under two celebrity coaches in Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean. The Toronto Marlboros lead all clubs with eight players in the event. Full rosters can be seen at gthlcanada.com.

OHL HOLDS ANNUAL FOCUS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS:

All 20 OHL member teams were present at the 2016 OHL Focus Meetings in Toronto this past week. Teams exchanged ideas and best practices, working together to better improve the game night experience, customer service and fan relations among other practices league-wide. Special thanks goes out to our sponsors Grain Farmers of Ontario, Jet Ice, 50/50 Central, Stadium Digital and Rinkboards Inc.

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Rangers collect record 10,527 teddy bears, raise $371,000 for Canadian Tire Jumpstart: The Kitchener Rangers had a highly successful Teddy Bear Toss on Wednesday, collecting a new team record 10,527 teddy bears following Connor Bunnaman's second period goal. The Rangers also raised a total of $371,000 towards the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, an initiative that helps enable children to overcome financial barriers and to play sports in their local communities.

Attack raise just under $20,000 for Canadian Cancer Society: The Owen Sound Attack raised just under $20,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society through their annual Bears in Blue event that was held November 26th against the Mississauga Steelheads. The Attack wore special edition blue tuxedo jerseys for the game that were auctioned off for charity following the final buzzer. Read more

Wolves hold 45th Anniversary Alumni Celebration this weekend: The Sudbury Wolves are welcoming alumni this weekend as their 45th Anniversary celebrations continue. Wolves Alumni will be taking on Montreal Canadiens Alumni in a charity game on Thursday at 7:00pm. Prominent former Wolves including Rory Fitzpatrick, Jason Bonsignore, Sean Venedam and Richard Rochefort will be in the lineup. For more on the history and details surrounding the upcoming game, visit sudburywolves.com.

Teddy Bears fly in Peterborough on Thursday: The Peterborough Petes host Teddy Bear Toss Night at home to the Ottawa 67's on Thursday. Collected toys will be donated to the Energy 99.7/Country 105 Miracle Toy Drive. For more information, visit gopetesgo.com.

IceDogs host Teddy Bear Toss on Thursday: Niagara IceDogs fans are asked to bring their teddy bears on Thursday as they host their annual Teddy Bear Toss game at home to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. All teddy bears will be donated to support Victim Services Niagara and St. Catharines General Hospital.

Colts set for Teddy Bear Toss on Thursday: The Barrie Colts host their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Thursday at home to the Windsor Spitfires. The event is being held in support of the Darling Foundation as teddy bears collected will be redistributed within the Barrie community.

Sting wearing ugly Christmas sweaters on Saturday: The Sarnia Sting will suit up in ugly Christmas sweaters Saturday night at home to the London Knights. Eight jerseys will be auctioned off following the final buzzer while the rest will be posted at auction.chl.ca with proceeds going to the Inn of the Good Shepherd. Sting fans can also bring non-perishable food items to the game to be donated to Inn of the Good Shepherd. For more information, visit sarniasting.com.

Bulldogs host Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday: Saturday is Teddy Bear Toss night in Hamilton as the Bulldogs take on the visiting Saginaw Spirit. Fans who bring a stuffed toy will received a complimentary ticket to an upcoming Bulldogs home game.

Teddy Bear Toss in Ottawa on Saturday: It's Teddy Bear Toss time in Ottawa on Saturday afternoon as the Oshawa Generals visit the nation's capital. The 67's are partnering with Toy Mountain, the Salvation Army and The Brick for their annual Teddy Bear Toss as collected toys will be donated to the Salvation Army for distribution. For more information, visit ottawa67s.com.

Bears take flight in Guelph on Sunday: The Guelph Storm host their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday at home to the Kingston Frontenacs. The Storm have collected over 43,000 teddy bears in the 16-year history of the event in Guelph and are looking to top the 2012-13 team record of 3,800. See more information at guelphstorm.com.

Generals host Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday: The Oshawa Generals will support the Durham Children's Aid Foundation this Sunday when they host their annual Teddy Bear Toss at home to the Saginaw Spirit. The 19th annual event held in Oshawa is fast approaching! The Generals have collected over 55,000 teddy bears in the history of the event that dates back to 1998! For more information, visit oshawagenerals.com.

Teddy Bear Toss in North Bay on Sunday: The North Bay Battalion host the Windsor Spitfires at home on Sunday and when the Troops score their first goal, the bears will fly! Fans are asked to bring their teddy bears in a sealed clear plastic bag. Stuffed toys will be distributed to deserving recipients throughout the North Bay community.

ALUMNI NOTES:

Noesen scores first NHL goal: Plymouth Whalers graduate Stefan Noesen scored his first career NHL goal with the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, helping them defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-5 in a shootout. Noesen scored with 6:08 to go in the second period as fellow OHL graduate Joseph Cramarossa (Belleville Bulls) drew an assist. A 23-year-old native of Plano, TX, Noesen was playing in his third career NHL contest and first of this season. The former 21st overall pick by the Ottawa Senators in 2011 is in his third full pro season, having overcome injury setbacks along the way. In 18 games with the AHL's San Diego Gulls this season, Noesen has three goals and eight assists. Over his four year OHL career with Plymouth, Noesen recorded 100 goals, 120 assists and 220 points over 215 regular season games.

Gabriel records first NHL point: Owen Sound Attack graduate Kurtis Gabriel recorded his first career NHL point on Wednesday in Toronto, doing so in front of friends and family. Gabriel assisted on a goal by Kingston Frontenacs graduate Chris Stewart to put the Wild up 2-0 14:22 into the first period. The Newmarket, Ont. native picked up the assist in his sixth career NHL game and third of this season. Gabriel, who was Minnesota's third round pick in 2013, is in his third full pro season, having recorded four points (3-1-4) over 20 games this year with the AHL's Iowa Wild. The big winger was an OHL champion with Owen Sound in 2011 and recorded 34 goals, 66 assists and 100 points over 232 career regular season games with Owen Sound from 2010-14.

Perlini makes NHL debut: Niagara IceDogs graduate Brendan Perlini made his NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes on Monday, suiting up in a 4-1 loss in Columbus. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native was recently named the AHL Rookie of the Month for November having produced 11 goals, five assists and 16 points through his first 16 games with the Tucson Roadrunners. Perlini helped the IceDogs win an Eastern Conference title last year, wrapping up a four year OHL career between Barrie and Niagara that included 217 regular season games, 93 goals, 95 assists and 188 points. He was Arizona's first round (12th overall) pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.

Neal, Foligno record 200th NHL assists: OHL graduates James Neal (Plymouth Whalers) and Nick Foligno (Sudbury Wolves) have each recorded their 200th career NHL assist. Neal and Foligno squared off in the 2007 OHL Finals, a series that Neal's Whalers won in six games. A Whitby, Ont. native, Neal has 10 goals, five assists and 15 points in 20 games with the Nashville Predators this season. The 29-year-old is currently in his 10th NHL season, one spent between Dallas, Pittsburgh and Nashville dating back to 2008. He has 225 career goals, 200 assists and 425 points over 582 regular season games. Neal was Dallas' second round (33rd overall) pick in 2005 after recording 68 goals, 105 assists and 173 points over 187 regular season games with Plymouth from 2003-07.

Foligno, also 29, has 10 goals 12 assists and 22 points over 24 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. The Buffalo, NY native is in his 10th NHL season in a career spent between Ottawa and Columbus dating back to 2007. Foligno has 138 goals, 200 assists and 338 career points over 641 regular season games. He was Ottawa's first round (28th overall) pick in 2006 after registering 65 goals, 131 assists and 196 points in as many regular season games with Sudbury from 2004-07.

8 OHL grads to represent U Sports against Canadian World Junior hopefuls: U Sports unveiled Monday its roster for a two-game exhibition series between the U Sports men's hockey all-stars and Canada's National Junior Team prospects in Blainville, Que. on Dec. 12th and 13th. Eight OHL graduates will suit up, including Kevin Bailie (London Knights), Spencer Abraham (Erie), Tim Campbell (Guelph), Nathan Chiarlitti (Owen Sound), Geoffrey Schemitsch (Oshawa), Holden Cook (Owen Sound), Michael Fine (Saginaw) and Brett Welychka (Belleville). Read more

Kowalsky to be inducted into ECHL Hall of Fame: A two-time OHL champion and captain of the 1993 Mastercard Memorial Cup champion Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Rick Kowalsky is in the 2017 class of ECHL Hall of Fame inductees. Kowalsky, who enjoyed a 10-year ECHL playing career, appeared in 516 career games with Hampton Roads, Roanoke and Trenton, amassing 221 goals, 329 assists and 550 career points. The two-time ECHL All-Star captain Trenton to a Kelly Cup title in 2005 and returned as the team's head coach in 2006-07, winning ECHL Coach of the Year honours in 2009. Kowalsky is in his seventh season as head coach of the AHL's Albany Devils. The Simcoe, Ont. native played in 209 career OHL contests with Sault Ste. Marie from 1989-93, recording 54 goals, 100 assists and 154 points. He is one of few players to play in three Mastercard Memorial Cup tournaments and was a 10th round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 1992.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday December 8: Sault Ste. Marie at Niagara - 7:00pm Flint at North Bay - 7:00pm Ottawa at Peterborough - 7:05pm Sarnia at Saginaw - 7:05pm Windsor at Barrie - 7:30pm

Friday December 9: Flint at Sudbury - 7:00pm Owen Sound at Guelph - 7:30pm Kingston at Kitchener - 7:30pm Mississauga at London - 7:30pm North Bay at Oshawa - 7:35pm

Saturday December 10: Oshawa at Ottawa - 2:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Erie - 7:00pm Saginaw at Hamilton - 7:00pm Mississauga at Niagara - 7:00pm Windsor at Sudbury - 7:00pm London at Sarnia - 7:05pm Flint at Barrie - 7:30pm Kingston at Owen Sound - 7:30pm

Sunday December 11: Kingston at Guelph - 2:00pm Sault Ste. Marie at Hamilton - 2:00pm Windsor at North Bay - 2:00pm Peterborough at Ottawa - 2:00pm Barrie at Owen Sound - 2:00pm Kitchener at London - 6:00pm Saginaw at Oshawa - 6:05pm

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

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2016


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