Prospect Files: Nathan Pancel

For this week’s prospect file we take a look at a player who has taken the ice time that his head coach has given him the past few months and ran with it. We head north, to the Nickel City, to look at head coach Trent Cull’s rookie forward, Nathan Pancel of the Sudbury Wolves.

The Line:

Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 182 lbs
Shoots: Left
Plays: Left Wing
Draft Eligible: 2012

During last year’s playoff run past the powerhouse Ottawa 67’s, an unfamiliar name for Wolves fans was added to the lineup. Nathan Pancel, who’s CCHL Gloucester Rangers had just been eliminated from playoff competition, was brought in to provide some scoring depth. He played just 2 games, recording 0 points, but you could tell that there was a player in there.

This season, in training camp, he left no doubt leaving camp in the team’s top 6 forward group. Pancel has proven to be an offensive presence, scoring 37 goals and 62 points in just 59 games playing as a 16 year-old rookie in the CCHL.

This season he has proven that those numbers are far from a fluke collecting 20 goals and 15 assists in 55 games in his rookie season in the OHL. His point production he also really picked up in the second half as he has received more ice time and has played with the top players on the Wolves’ roster.

Pancel’s strengths are in his skating and his net awareness. He can really get flying down the wing and can cut to the net with authority. He will also pay the price in the corner, along the boards and in front of the net where loose pucks seem to find his stick.

The part of Pancel’s game that people don’t hear about is his pest-abilities. They are very underrated. He does a terrific job getting under the opposing team’s skin and making them take penalties. He isn’t a super pest but he is very far from soft, which people don’t expect given his size.

There are some weaknesses to his game, but this is not unexpected given that it is his first year playing the major junior game. He can get a little lost in the neutral zone. You can see him missing passing lanes and not filling gaps when the other team is coming in transition. He has already improved on this from the beginning of the year and he will get even better as we move into the playoffs and towards the draft.

Pancel could be a sleeper pick in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft but I would expect him to move up a lot of teams’ draft boards as we move into the Ontario Hockey League post season.

NHL Player Comparison: Kris Versteeg – Florida Panthers

Battalion take a bite out of the Wolves

The Brampton Battalion are back to their winning ways, at least for the time being anyways. With the victory over the Sudbury Wolves on Sunday, the Battalion have put together a string of three straight wins since Coach Stan Butler returned from his eight-game suspension.

It wasn’t a pretty win and in fact, the Battalion had to dig deep against a Sudbury team that has played them tough each and every time they’ve visited the Powerade Centre this year.

It took nearly a whole period for the first goal of the game. Barclay Goodrow netted his 23^rd goal of the season on a beautiful shot that beat Sudbury goalie Johan Mattsson. Sam Carrick and Zach Bell would draw the assists at 19:15 of the first period.

Heading into the second period with the lead, the Battalion soon found themselves with an obstacle to overcome. A checking from behind penalty to Goodrow gave the Wolves a five-minute power play to work with. It also forced the Battalion forward from the game in only the first minute of the second period. On the ensuing power play, Wolves forward Michael Sgarbossa cashed in with his 37^th on the season to tie the game at 1-1. Josh McFadden and Josh Leivo would draw assists on the goal.

Just over two minutes later, Battalion Sam Carrick sniped a shot past Mattsson to put the Troops ahead 2-1. Matt MacLeod and Zach Bell picked up the assists on the go-ahead goal.

MacLeod would make it 3-1 Battalion from Sam Carrick just beyond the midway point in the period. The game misconduct to Goodrow opened the door for MacLeod to join Brandon Robinson alongside Carrick on the top line. After two consecutive shifts of non-stop pressure in the Sudbury zone, they were rewarded for their hard work with the goal.

Sgarbossa would cut the Battalion lead to 3-2 before the end of the second period. Leivo picked up his second helper of the afternoon. Samuel Schutt also assisted on the goal. To end the second frame, Brandon Robinson and Marcus McIvor took penalties 13 seconds apart, giving the Wolves a two-man advantage to end the second and start the third period.

A Josh McFadden slap shot beat Matej Machovsky once again knotting the score up, this time at 3-3. Michael Kantor and Sgarbossa picked up the assists after setting the power play up in the Battalion zone. Sgarbossa would complete his hat-trick with just over five minutes to go in the game, converting a pass from Leivo in front of the net.

With the Wolves holding their first lead of the game, the Battalion turned up the pressure offensively. A Patrik Machac tip on a Cameron Wind point-shot forced a video review. The play was confirmed as a goal knotting the score once again at 4-4. The remainder of regulation proved uneventful and overtime was needed.

It took almost the whole period, but Mitchell Porowski broke in on a partial breakaway before being hauled down. Much to the dismay of the Wolves, a penalty shot was awarded on the play. Porowski would make the best of his opportunity, reaching around Mattsson to slip the puck in to make it 5-4 and giving the Battalion their third straight win.

“I had my move set and as soon as I got in I turned back and it was a great feeling” Porowski said. “I think it might help that I can go side to side with these long arms.”

“It’s tough not getting two points when you’ve got the lead and you’re working hard but bounces and calls aren’t going your way” said Sudbury forward Leivo. His three assists on the afternoon give him 58 points in 53 games.

“It’s hard, overtime and a penalty shot, the game ends like that and it’s always tough” said Sgarbossa who set a new personal best for himself with his 39^th goal. “It’s nice to get that, but it puts a damper on the mood when you lose like that.” With the four points in the game, Sgarbossa currently sits tied for second with Tanner Pearson in the OHL scoring race.

The Wolves won’t need to wait long to get back on the ice as they visit Mississauga at 2:00pm on Monday. Brampton heads to Peterborough to try to make it four in a row Monday afternoon as well.

OHL Draft Eligible 3 Stars: Week 20

by Dominic Tiano

Here are your OHL's Draft Eligible 3 Stars for the week ending February 12, 2012 as voted on by a panel of independent scouts, media members and bloggers of the OHL :
1st Star - Billy Jenkins - Kingston Frontenacs : It's been a tough season for a very young and up and coming Frontenacs team, including Jenkins who now has 16 points in 17 games since being acquired from the Niagara Ice Dogs. Jenkins scored 5 goals and added 2 assists and was a plus 7 in three games. It gegan with a single assist effore in a 3-2 loss to the Belleville Bulls. That was followed by a 2 assist game in a 4-3 loss to the Oshawa Generals. Jenkins finished the week with 2 goals and 2 assists in a 6-3 victory over the Guelph Storm.
2nd Star - Trevor Morbeck - Kingston Frontenacs : Morbeck post the same two goals and 5 assists as his teammate and first star Billy Jenkins and was a plus 5. He posted an assist in the loss to Belleville, and then a goal in the loss to Oshawa, and like Jenkins had a big game in the win against Guelph. He has a goal and 4 assists, including the game winner in that contest.
3rd Star - Nathan Pancel - Sudbury Wolves : Pancel recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in three games for the Wolves. He scored twice in Sudbury's 6 to 3 win over the Soo Greyhounds. he followed that up with 2 assists in a 4-3 loss to the Barrie Colts. After coming off being named 1st star of the week on consecutive weeks, It looked like Pancel was on his way to receiving the honours for a third week until he was kept off the scoreboard in a 5-3 win over the Sarnia Sting that ended his 8 game point streak in which he had 7 goals and 7 assists.
To view three stars from throughout the season: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Anhf0akZmu64dFRIcTNTS1ZRdUJjQm1nUlB0Wm1MVWc#gid=0

Questions Asked Around the OHL

This time of the year in the OHL is always filled with Questions. Should Team X have traded for more? Maybe Team Y should have chose rebuild instead of go for it? Is there an issue in the dressing room? If these players were not injured what would be different. At the 40+ game mark in the OHL, it is time more than ever, to make every 2 point game count. More importantly make the 4 point (divisional game) count in your favour or lose ground fast.

This season, like every other season, you begin to see trends that show who these teams really are. Lets take a look at some of these trends.

The Knights are Bullies

            The London Knights have always been able to pull off the move of the year at the trade deadline and this years was no different, getting opposing GM’s to pull the trigger on deals that sent Greg McKegg and Austin Watson to the Black Gold and Green. Now make no mistake about it. Erie and Peterborough had to make deals, and I can continually beat this horse to death, but again the chosen target is London. Both players had lists of preferred destinations they wanted to go to. Both had London on the list, and GM Mark Hunter knew this. Hunter used this knowledge to twist the arm of his OHL GM Brothers and get what the Knights need to hopefully fend off all the other players in the Western Conference.

Bulls with no Horns

            The Belleville Bulls, unless they are completely going for the championship, are always enigmatic. They go up, they go down. They go up, they go down. In the month of November the Bulls had Two 6 game winning streaks. They did not always play a full 60 minute game as they had help from one Malcolm Subban and John Chartrand helping them through the games... Malcolm Subban has been hurt since the league started back up after the holiday break but I am not placing the blame on him. John Chartrand and call up, now full time, goaltender Charlie Graham has done everything in their power to help their teammates right this ship. Alas, the Bulls only seem interested in playing 20 minutes of a game and hoping their goalie can keep them in the game.

These Wolves have Bite

            A team I was hoping would turn it around are the Sudbury Wolves. This roster has too much talent to have bottomed out early and work their way up the Central division ladder. Fortunately for them, their winning ways and the teams ahead of them sliding down the ladder has brought them up to 3^rd in the division. Currently sitting 4^th in the Conference, their acquisitions of Michael Kantor, Derek Schoenmakers and their top line (Sgarbossa, Leivo and Kuchin) returning to their dominant ways will make this team a player as they still need to play catch up to Niagara and Brampton.

Lucky son of a Pete

            The Peterborough Petes like the Wolves, are benefitting from the recent slide of the Eastern Conference. With Belleville, Oshawa and Kingston in their division, a just over 500 record gives the Petes a second seed in the East Division. They did start hot, and that has helped Peterborough stay with the competition in the conference. The Petes have done a good job of beating up on teams outside their division as only 6 of their wins have come from Divisional opponents. The Petes are 6 for 16 this year against the East Division and with 11 games to go, that is not only 22 points up for grabs, but 44 points in total as they can end a divisional opponents playoff hopes. If this year has proven anything for Peterborough it is that their W’s will come from the Central division, 6 of 11 this year.

Spirit’s are High

            The Saginaw Spirit have basically been in a tail spin since the puck drop opened their 2011/12 season. The Return of Brandon Saad gave them a respectable surge but that fizzled out once the Power forward was injured. Slowly but surely the Saginaw Spirit have fought and clawed for points and finally worked themselves into the playoff race. By no means am I suggesting they will climb the Western Conference ladder. 25 points currently separate 1^st and 8^th in the West (14 pts separate 1^st and 9^th in the East), which is a big hill to climb but do not be surprised if this new Spirit team climb as high as 5^th in the West. The horses are there and after making changes in the dressing room, this may be what the Spirit have needed all along.

More Questions will be asked, and many are left to be answered. Are these the real Niagara IceDogs? Will Oshawa shoot up the division and conference? The Soo paid a lot for Jack Campbell, was the deal a bust? and a whole lot more.

January 14th - Sudbury Wolves vs. Belleville Bulls

by Phil Phillips
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In a week that started out good with rookie goalie Charlie Graham getting his first OHL win in Brampton, snapping a 5 game losing streak.
Saturday night started off on a high note with Bulls GM/Coach Geroge Burnett being honored for both his recent accomplishments with Team Canada , and his 500th Win & 1000 games coached in the OHL. For just the 7th time this season the Bulls had a healthy scratch. That's pretty much where the good news ended.

Belleville's previous victory before Thursday night in Brampton had been an OT win in Sudbury with John Chartrand stealing a win from the Wolves, So the Bulls went back to him. Sudbury would answer with there Swedish netminder, the 6'4" Johan Mattsson. The 1st period started with both teams trading a few chances, with Chartrand making some big saves and Mattsson using all of his size, sometimes I'm not sure he even seen the puck, but he's so big it just hit him. At 13:20 The Wolves got on the score sheet first with a goal by Alex Racino from Thibodeau & Hanes. On a play where the Bulls D just backed up. After this the Bulls started to fall back in to some bad habits, of standing still and playing soft in there own end. Near the end of the Period our old friend the turnover showed up and with less then a minute to go at 19:12 Andrey Kuchin gave the Wolves a 2-0 lead. So after what would best be described as not the Bulls best period.

The Bulls came in to the 2nd down by two goals, but the 2432 Bulls fans weren't worried because the last time the Bulls faced the Wolves they overcame a 2 goal defcit.
To start the 2nd the PK unit tried to gain some momentum for the Bulls by killing the Joesph Cramarossa double minor. But even after the big kill ,the building was quiet, and the Bulls weren't generating anything. For the Wolves Andrey Kuchin was, he scored his 2nd of the night from Sgarbossa to give Sudbury a 3 goal lead. That was the end of John Chartrand's night, getting the hook after letting in 3 goals on 15 shots. The Bulls would respond just 22 seconds later at 7:24 ,the newest Belleville Bull Jordan Mayer scored his 12th and first as a Bull. But Kuchin wasn't done at 8:53 on the PP with Adam Payrel in the sin bin, he and Sgarbossa set up Joshua Leivo to restore the 3 goal lead. With the Bulls on a long 5 on 3 PP, they needed to score and did, Brendan Gaunce (21) from Cramarossa and Daniil Zharkov ( Zharkov's 2nd apple of the night) to cut the lead to 2. After Derek Schoenmakers goal at 19:43 to bring the Sudbury lead back to 3, Garrett Hooey scored his 7th at the 20:00 minute mark on a Penatly Shot. to make it 5-3.

Belleville came out flying in the 3rd out shooting the Wolves 13-3 but couldn't beat Mattsson. Bulls ended the game 1/2 on the PP, & 2/3 on the PK, out shooting the visitors 34-24, but lose 5-3. the lose was Belleville's 4th straight loss on home ice after starting the year with only 4 loses at the Yardman. 

January 14th OHL Game Previews

by Dwayne Williams

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Kingston @ Sarnia
Kingston travels up the highway after beating the #1 team in the OHL.  The Fronts led the game 2-0 until late in the 3^rd period. London pulled their goalie – but the Fronts warded them off and then popped another goal to finish the game off 4-1.  Bobkov was huge against his old team stopping 49 of 50 shots directed his way.  Kyler Nixon with a 2 point night received third star honours.
Sarnia is coming off a huge home ice win against the Mississauga Majors 7-1 (JP Anderson’s previous team). Sarnia played with their foot on the pedal all night – 5 players with multipoint efforts.  Domenic Alberga with the hat-trick (last goals for him were on Dec 30 and Dec 9).   The return matchup in Kingston happens on January 29.  This is game #3 of a 5 game home stand for the Sting.
My prediction Sting 6 – Fronts 1

Guelph @ Peterborough
Guelph was thoroughly defeated by the visiting Windsor Spitfires last night 5-0.  The Storm offered the visitors 9 powerplay chances and the Spits were successful on 3 of those situations. 
Peterborough finds itself in the middle of the Eastern conference race whereas Guelph is struggling to stay in a playoff position.  Their records in the past 10 games are almost complete opposites – Guelph is 3-6-1-0 and Peterborough is 6-3-1-0.    
My prediction Guelph 2 – Peterborough 4

Mississauga @ Plymouth
Missy comes off a defeat at the hands of the Sarnia Sting (7-1) – see above for some comments on that match.   Plymouth returns home after dismantling the Kitchener Rangers last night 6-1.  Their balanced, potent offence came from many players and all of their goals were scored at even strength.  (Plymouth only had 1 powerplay all game).  Plymouth now has earned a tie with the London Knights for the #1 spot in the Western Conference.  Missisauga finds themselves clinging to an 8^th place tie with the re-energized Oshawa Generals.            
My prediction Whalers 5 – Majors 0

London @ Saginaw
London was surprised at home by the visiting Kingston Fronts (see comments above).  They travel across the border to Saginaw Michigan to take on the slumping Spirit squad.  Saginaw returns from Sault Ste Marie after dropping a close contest 5-4. Four Sting players registered 2 points in that game.
Look for Houser to get the start in the nets for the visitors as the Knights try to bounce back on the road.
My prediction London 5 – Saginaw 1

Niagara @ Barrie
Niagara travels to Barrie to complete their 3-in-3 weekend.  Barrie played Thursday night but not Friday. Thursday night’s game in Niagara was a fabulous goaltending performance by the Colts’ Alex Fotinos – he was peppered with 24 shots in the 3^rd period (48 in the game) and only surrendered two goals.  He was awarded with the first star of the game in a losing 2-1 effort.  The Dogs are still getting used to each other and the line juggling by Coach Williamson to find the right combinations.
Last night the Dogs were in Sudbury to compete against Sgarbossa and the newly polished-up Wolves lineup.  Niagara prevailed 5-2 on strong play by Dougie and Freddie Hamilton (3 pts each). Ritchie continues to be good on the puck as well as Kuhnhackl.  Beukeboom was his hard into the boards in the first period and did not return. 
Strome was mauled in front of the Sudbury net and had his nose broken – he returned to the game but did not play in the 3^rd period.  Dougie Hamilton was penalized for a head shot and will probably receive some attention from the league office – but should be able to play in this match.  Dougie also hit Scheifele hard during Thursday’s match and he left the game favouring his arm and did not return.  Without Scheifele the Colts will have a difficult time mustering up enough offence to keep up with the strong Icedogs.  Festarini with the strong game last night should be watching Visentin in the pipes tonight.  The depth of both rosters will be tested tonight.
My prediction Icedogs 5 – Colts 2

Sudbury @ Belleville
Sudbury comes off a home ice loss to the Niagara Icedogs (see above). They had a good first period but uneven play down the stretch allowed the visitors to capitalize on their mistakes and take the win away from the Wolves.  Sgarbossa  and Dodero with the goals.  Sudbury and Belleville are in the very tight Eastern Conference standings. Sudbury with the same point total as the host Bulls – Belleville with one more regulation win. Both teams are 2 points away from 4^th place and 3 points ahead of 9^th place. Sudbury has been more successful in the past 10 games – but Belleville is coming off a strong win @ Brampton Thursday night. Since Nov 1 the Bulls have gone back and forth with wins and losses. 6 wins – 2 losses – 6 wins – 4 losses – 2 wins – 5 losses and now a win.
My prediction Belleville 3 – Sudbury 2 OT

Erie @ Owen Sound
In the rematch – back to back – doubleheader – daily double – etc etc etc ... the two teams tangle again. Last night it was 3-1 for the home team Owen Sound Attack.  Erie had the first period lead on a goal from newly acquired Fox – but the Attack dug down and went ahead midway through the second period.  Both teams had 6 powerplays but only Owen Sound would take advantage.  In today’s game, look for the Otters to come out strong to start – and if their powerplay can capitalize they will stand a better chance to prevail.  
My prediction Otters 3 – Attack 2

Thoughts from the Editor - Week ending November 27th

After a slow September and October(4 Goals and 10 Assists) Sudbury’s Michael Sgarbossa has exploded for 12 Goals and 6 assists in the month of November. Sgarbossa now sits 7^th and 16^th in League leader for goals and overall points respectively.

After putting up 12 goals and 29 points by the end of October, the amount of forward depth has dropped Zach Hall down the depth chart and he has only put up 4 pts in November (2 goals 2 assists)

Belleville has won 9 of their 12 games this month (12^th game is on November 30^th) and Malcolm Subban is 8-1 this month with a 1.42GAA and a 9.52SV%

In 12 games this month the Plymouth Whalers went 9-3 and have taken over the top spot in the West division. Rickard Rakell lead the way offensively, (9 Goals and 10 Assists) while the Duo of Mahalak and Wedgewood had a combined GAA of under 2.15 and a SV% of .932

After starting out 7-0 the Majors have come back down to earth with 2 wins in the month of November. 2-6-1-1 in their last 10 games.

The London knights are still leading the league in scoring with 114 goals for  and are tied for second in the league with total goals against (69). Belleville leads the league with 66 goals against

The Oshawa Generals now lead the Eastern Conference in goals against with 111 allowed in 29 games (3.82 goals per game) while the Erie Otters have scored the least amount of goals (59) and allowed the most (129) in the league. The Otters are also a perfect 0-10 in their past 10 games.

Kitchener Rangers forward Tobias Reider hit the 20 goal plateau for the second straight season, to put his sophomore season in comparison to a former Kitchener Ranger. Jeff Skinner had 20 goals in his sophomore season at the end of November too, Skinner finished with 51

There are 3 teams with less than 400 Penalty minutes as a team as of November 27, 2011. Erie Otters (352), Kitchener Rangers (364) and Sarnia Sting (375). That averages out to just over 14.08, 14.56 and 14.42 PIM per game respectively.

If the playoffs started today, Belleville, Brampton and Peterborough would be seeded 2, 3 and 4 in the Eastern Conference. How many people would have ranked those teams that high as passed a third of the season? In the West, Saginaw and Erie would be out of the playoffs.

The Guelph Storm, Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires have more road wins then they do at home.

ITO Prospect Files: Kristoff Kontos

This week, we head north to the nickel belt to take a look at the play of second generation player, Kristoff Kontos. Let's get to know his game a little better...

NHL Draft Prospect: Kristoff Kontos--Sudbury Wolves

The Line:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 203 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Draft Eligible: 2012

The pride of Penetang, Ontario, Kontos is a big, bruising center who plays the game hard, both ways. The late 1993 birthday held him back a draft year and that's a good thing as far as his status is concerned. He has gotten off to a hot start and that has caused his stock to rise.

Kontos is most effective in games where the intensity and physical play is cranked up to 10. When he is going hard, he is a tough player to stop. When the game is more of a finnesse style, he tends to fade into the background. it's not that he doesn't have the skill to play that game, it just appears that he isn't as into it.

I think Kristoff's game is one that will improve at the next level, where the intensity will be dialed up every night and he will have to bring it every night. With that said, he has gotten off to a hot start, scoring 6 goals and 13 points in his first 18 games this season and the scouts are noticing.

Kontos is a pitbull in front of the net, and is next to impossible to move. He is an adequate skater and has an NHL-caliber shot to go along with a very deft set of hands. The pedigree is also there as Kontos's father, Chris, played in the NHL and pro over seas for a long time.

Kontos projects to be a late second or early third rounder and, if his play continues on this pace, he could move up even more. The power game is something that is hard to find and although his power game is raw, it is there...and NHL teams will want it.

NHL Player Comparison: Todd Bertuzzi (now, not-so-much 10 years ago)

Thoughts from the Editor...

Another weekend is done in the OHL and I just had to point out some bullet points from around the league.

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I Know Thayne (@thallyburton) can not believe this but the Brampton Battalion are sitting on top of the Central Division, tied with Mississauga in points (26) but have one more W than their HWY410/401/403 rivals. Brampton still leads the OHL in goals against while scoring the 2^nd fewest goals in the league.

The Central division is tighter than many would have thought at the beginning of the year. The 5 teams in the division has basically flipped flopped after the opening 3 weeks of the OHL season…

Mississauga started 7-0 until the Battalion made them a 7-1 team. After their first 8 games, the Majors have gone 4-5-1-3. 12 of a possible 26 after scooping up 14 of 16 to open the season.

Niagara has not set the league on fire as expected. Sitting third in the division with 20 points the IceDogs are still an enigma. Freddie Hamilton leads the team in points (12/18/30) with his younger brother Dougie Hamilton (9/19/28), Ryan Strome (11/9/20) and David Pacan (10/10/20) round out the top 3 in team scoring, What is puzzling is that only 2 players are a +5 or better player on the team (D. Hamilton, Strome with +7 each) with 13 players hosting a minus rating (Steven Shipley is the worst at -10). Potential starter for Team Canada at the WJHC Mark Visentin is equaling his worst statistcal numbers since his rookie season, currently with a 4-6-0-1 record 3.38GAA and a .882SV%

Sudbury Wolves looked to be copying what they accomplished last season. A slow (pathetic) start leading to a big finish, but this years Wolves squad has turned it around sooner. After starting this season 0-4-1 (started 1-6-1 in 10/), the Wolves have gone 9-4 to erase a huge deficit in the division and be considered a contender for the Central. The Wolves are the lowest scoring team in the Central and sit 18^th in league scoring.

Barrie Colts forward Tanner Pearson is still leading the league in overall scoring with 15G26A For 41 points.  Pearson has had 2 pointless games. Nail Yakupov is sitting with 38 points (13/25) which sits him second in league scoring and has had 4 pointless games.

The Saginaw Spirit prefer Brandon Saad was in the lineup terrorizing opponents. The Spirit are 2-9-2 without the Chicago Blackhawks in the lineup. With Saad’s 8 Games played and 18 pts (9G/9A) the Spirit are 5-3.

The Plymouth Whalers have put on an impressive weekend outscoring their opponents (GUE/SSM/ER) 23-5 this past weekend. Scott Wedgewood won 2 games this weekend with a 2GAA, a .933 SV% and a shootout, with Matt Mahalak winning the 3^rd game of the weekend with a 1GAA and a .971SV%. Wedgewood has a GAA over 3 for the season, Mahalak is under 1.9GAA and their save percentages has Wedgewood with a .905 while Mahalak is at a .939. Is it time for Plymouth to cash in on a goaltender?

After starting 1-8 on the season the Erie Otters have done little to improve. The Otters now sit at 3-16 on the season and it does not look like it will improve even with the return of Adam Pelech on the blueline. The Pieces in Erie are seemingly on the trade block and awaiting a new home.

Don’t look now but the Belleville Bulls have strung together 5 wins in a row, the first time they have accomplished during the regular season alone since March 7-18, 2009 (Oct 29-Nov 8 was another 5 Game winning streak). Also during the 08/09 season the Bulls had a 7 game winning streak (Feb 11-25), and an 8 game winning streak (Jan 10-30)

London Knight goaltender Michael Houser’s numbers may have fallen back down to normal level but he still is leasding the league in the most important category, Wins. Houser is leading all goaltenders with 15 Wins so far this season, OTT Petr Mrazek is second with 11 victories. Houser is also the busiest Goaltender in the league facing 673 shots in 19 games (35.4 shots a game).

The Kingston Frontenacs have apparently woken up winning out their 3 games this past week. The Frontenacs put up 19 goals in 3 games while Igor Bobkov has seemingly found his game in the Kingston Crease and the most talked about trade rumour subject, Ryan Spooner, woke up with 4 goals, 10 points and a +6 rating in the past 3 games.

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Until the next time I get an urge to point out weird random thoughts, don't forget to check out the website www.intheoradio.com or listen to our Interview roundup here.

from the CCHL to the OHL

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Chris Messina

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The Central Canada Hockey League has done a good job at developing players that have gone on to have successful careers in the Ontario Hockey League. The Junior ‘A’ league is run out of Eastern Ontario and its alumni list from recent years is pretty impressive. Players such as Calvin De Haan (Kemptville 73’s) who established himself as one of the League’s premier defenseman as a member of the Oshawa Generals and was also on two Canadian World Junior Teams and Jason Akeson (Cumberland Grads) who developed into one of the league’s premier scoring threats as a member of the Kitchener Rangers, capped off his OHL career by being one of the league’s co-scoring leaders last year.

There is a new crop of up and coming players from the CCHL enjoying their rookie year in the OHL. Many that have followed the league would even claim last year’s group of sixteen year olds (1994 born players) was the strongest rookie class the league has ever seen. Let’s take a look at how they are doing thus far:

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Daniel Altshuller – Oshawa Generals (Nepean Raiders):

He was made famous by being the only none OHL player on Team Ontario’s gold medal winning roster last year at the U17s. Originally drafted by the Belleville Bulls he had his rights dealt to Oshawa this past summer. In 11 games with the Generals, Altshuller has posted a 5-5 recorder with 2.95 GAA and .909 save percentage.

Warren Steele - Kingston Frontenacs (Smiths Falls Bears):

He played last year in Smiths Falls but found his way into seven games with the Frontenacs as a sixteen-year-old. With the Bears he played in 62 games, scored 3 goals and added 25 assists for 28 points. This year he has been one of the few bright spots on a team in Kingston that is struggling. His style of play has drawn comparisons to another former CCHLer Calvin De Haan. In his first 15 games this year, he’s collected 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points.

Nathan Pancel – Sudbury Wolves (Gloucester Rangers):

He was the CCHL Rookie of the Year last season. He scored 37 goals and had 62 points in 58 games with Gloucester last year. Shortly after the Gloucester Rangers were swept out of the playoffs by the eventual RBC Cup Champion Pembroke Lumberkings, Pancel signed with the Wolves. He saw action in 2 playoff games for the Wolves before his season came to an end. In his first 12 OHL regular season games he’s amassed 1 goal, 2 assists for 3 points.

Zach Lesile – Guelph Storm (Gloucester Rangers):

With Gloucester last year he scored 13 goals as a rookie defenseman in 56 games. The only other defenseman under 18 to have double digits in goals was Kevin Tansey (13) of the Cumberland Grads (currently playing for Clarkson in NCAA).  In 11 games with the Storm to this point he has 2 assists and 14 penalty minutes.

Spencer Cobbold – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (Kanata Stallions):

Known for his lighting quick speed he had a good season with Kanata Stallions a year ago. He was tied for fourth on his in goals with 17. He’s scored twice in 12 games so far for the Majors.

Brandon Lesway – Kitchener Rangers (Kemptville 73s):

Last year with the Kemptville 73s he’s recorded 9 goals and28 points in 62 games. This season he’s been pointless in 10 games with the Rangers.

Curtis Meighan – Kitchener Rangers (Cumberland Grads):

In 55 games with the Grads last year he scored 9 goals and had 23 points. This year in 11 games with Kitchener he’s scored a goal along with two assists for 3 points.

Adam Lloyd – Brampton Battalion (Gloucester Rangers):

He was able to get in one regular season game and one playoff game last season with the Battalion. In 11 games this year with the Battalion he’s recorded 2 assists.

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For more information and to ask Chris some questions about the CCHL or its Graduates follow him on Twitter @cmessina85

Battalion draw even after opening weekend

The Brampton Battalion kicked off the 2011-2012 season with a heartbreaking 3-1 loss to the Barrie Colts on Friday night. After going 2-3 in preseason competition, the Battalion were looking for a big start, but were missing some key components from the lineup. Zach Bell and Barclay Goodrow sat out the contest due to nagging injuries. The Colts on the other hand, entered the game coming off of a 7-4 victory over Kingston the night before and were looking to add to their hot start.

After notching five points against the Fronts on Thursday, Tanner Pearson of the Colts continued his dominating play by scoring all three goals in a 3-1 victory over the Battalion. Barrie Captain Colin Behenna has been lined up with Pearson thus far and the combo has been dangerous for the Colts through the first two games. They have filled a hole in the early going that has been left by Mark Schiefele who has yet to be sent back to Barrie from the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. Youngster Aaron Ekblad also had a solid second game for the Colts. He registered his first penalty in the OHL, but stopped Michael Santini from converting a chance in front of the net in the process.

For the Troops, Ian Watters scored the lone goal in a game that the Battalion dominated physically, especially in the first period. Matej Machovsky was sensational in the loss stopping two separate Colts breakaways, either of which could have blown the game wide open.

Machovsky and the Battalion however, wasted little time getting into the “win” column on the road in Sudbury on Saturday night. In their second game in as many nights, Brampton got the best of the Wolves outscoring them 5-0. Machovsky closed the door on the Wolves offense recording his first shut-out of the season, while Watters added two goals to give him three thus far. Philip Lane also had a big night registering a goal and two assists.

On Friday morning, the Battalion announced that Sam Carrick would be the Captain for the coming season. On Saturday, he showed why Stan Butler and company chose him to lead this year’s team. Coming off of the tough loss on home ice to Barrie in the opener, Carrick put in what would end up being the winning goal on the road in Sudbury. He added an assist in the victory bringing his team to .500-hockey through the first weekend of the season.

Next up for the Battalion is Kingston on Thursday. The Fronts will head into Brampton at 0-3 and desperately looking for their first win of the season. If the Troops play like they did on Saturday night against the Wolves, they should pick up their first home win of the year and be 2-1 heading into Sarnia on Friday. Battalion fans can only hope that they don’t get stung when they get there.

2011/12 Team Needs - Central Division

As we continue the content-a-day giveaway... Lets take a look at what the teams may be drafting for come the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.

To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not addressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.

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Barrie Colts - The colts need a lot of help in the upcoming season. That is a fact. But when you look at what they do have in place, it is not as bad as this year could be. Their forwards are actually going to be near the top of the league. Their Goaltending duo of Charts and Windsor will benefit from the older group in front of them, so that leaves the D position... and aren't they going to be drafting that super tall 15 yr old?

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Brampton Battalion - Goalie? check. Defence? Double check. So that leaves forward. Simple enough. 

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Mississuaga St. Michael's Majors - The fact that no 94's played all season long, could be a bad move. Then again if they win the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup... who cares. The Majors lose 2 OA's at D and one 91 birthday. Since Dave Cameron is a defence first coach (providing he hasn't moved on to the NHL) then he would look for a talented D man, maybe a puck mover. It will definitely be a D before another F.

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Niagara IceDogs - This team is poised to lose some good OA's and some tough 91 birth year decisions ahead of them. Their D is young and already taking over ice time from veterans. Visentin could make the jump to the NHL next season, but my money is on a Forward who is going to be drafted by NIA.

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Sudbury Wolves - I am a little confused here. It is either a goaltender, or a forward. And with no faith in Jacob Riley (so I been told) it is more probable to trade for a goalie for the upcoming year, if they do not give the rigns to Alex Laino that is. Since their are options between the pipes, and the defence corps may not lose anyone, the smart money is on the Wolves drafting a forward.

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Another tough division as we have one to go. As per Monday's post about how to handle the draft, and the types of plays there can be. Just looking at who will be graduating and based on who a consensus believes will be next years OA's, this is how it was determined what the teams will be looking for at least early on in the draft. Of course they will still take a goalie in the late rounds even if they have 4 in their system. You just never know. But this is just something else to think of before the OHL Priority draft on Saturday. Tomorrow will be looking at the East division so remember to come check that out.

GAME DAY PREVIEW - Game 3: Ottawa 67’s @ Sudbury Wolves

GAME DAY PREVIEW:  Game 3: Ottawa 67’s @ Sudbury Wolves – 7:30pm

By: KATHRYN JEAN 

Radio: 580 CFRA (Ottawa), 95.5 KFM (Sudbury).
TV: Rogers 22 (Ottawa)

Sudbury leads series 2-0

If you told most people that the Sudbury Wolves would be up 2-0 going into game 3 of this series, most people wouldn’t believe you.  Game 1 was a bit of a mess on both sides, but Sudbury capitalized on their home ice advantage in game 2.  The Wolves top line of Scarbossa, Kuchin and Leivo have combined for a total of 24 points in 2 games and are dominate every time the step on the ice.

The Sudbury Wolves have done a great job of getting to the puck first and jumping on opportunities they get.  It wasn’t only a lot of saves that Petr Mrazek made, but a lot of quality scoring chances he stood on his head for.  Without Mrazek, the game could have easily been a blowout for the Wolves.

The 67’s admitted to taking the Wolves too lightly.  This isn’t the same team they saw at the beginning of the season.  The Wolves excelled from out of a playoff position into a playoff position in the second half of the season.  You could also look at the 67’s team as one that may have a bit of trouble getting use to 5 new players in the lineup that are fresh off sitting out due to injury.  The loss of veteran leader and solid defenceman Travis Gibbons has definitely hurt them a lot.

The Wolves have used their speed and skill to get past Ottawa in game 2 and the 67’s have caught themselves playing a chasing game.  The 67’s have fallen right into the game play of the Wolves, instead, they need to focus on their game and how to force Sudbury to follow.

This is a crucial game for the Ottawa 67’s.  No one wants to be down 3-0 approaching a possible elimination game on home ice… not to mention a 3 game deficit is much harder to overcome than a 2 game deficit.  The 67’s will need an early good start in game 3 to try to shift momentum the opposite way.  

Head-to-Head

Ottawa 3 @ Sudbury 5 (Mar 28 2011) Final
Sudbury 8 @ Ottawa 7 (Mar 26 2011) Final OT

LINEUP CHANGES

Ottawa 67’s
Tyler Graovac, fractured arm, indefinite
Travis Gibbons, lower body, indefinite
Jon Carnevale, concussion, IR
Cosimo Fontana, concussion, IR

Sudbury Wolves

Cody Mintz (scratch in game 1 & 2)

Jeff Corbett (scratch in game 1 & 2)

Alex Racino (scratch in game 1 & 2)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ottawa 67’s
Tyler Toffoli – 3 goals, 6 points in 2 games
Thomas Nesbitt – 2 goals, 4 points in 2 games
Ryan Martindale – 0 goals, 3 points in 2 games

Sean Monahan – 1 goal, 3 points in 2 games

Sudbury Wolves
Michael Sgarbossa – 2 goals, 9 points in 2 games
Andrey Kuchin – 5 goals, 8 points in 2 games
Joshua Leivo – 3 goals, 7 points in 2 games

NHL DRAFT PICKS

Ottawa 67’s
Tyler Toffoli (Los Angeles Kings round 2, #47 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Ryan Martindale (Edmonton Oilers round 3, #61 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Dalton Smith (Columbus Blue Jackets round 2, #34 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Petr Mrazek (Detroit Red Wings round 5, #141 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
Eligible 2011: Shane Prince (35th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Sudbury Wolves

Marcus Foligno (Buffalo Sabres round 4, #104 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)
Eric O’Dell (Anaheim Ducks round 2, #39 overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft)

SCHEDULE

Game 4: Thurs., March 31 at Ottawa 7:00
Game 5: Sat., April 2 at Ottawa 2:00 *
Game 6: Mon., April 4 at Sudbury 7:30 *
Game 7: Tues., April 5 at Ottawa 7:00 *

67’s look to bounce back after heartbreaking OT loss

BY: Kathryn Jean

SUDBURY – The Ottawa 67’s fell to the Sudbury Wolves 8-7 during the extra frame in game 1 action at Scotiabank Place Saturday afternoon. 

Andrev Kuchin led the way with 3 goals, 2 assists and a +7 rating.  Close behind was linemate Josh Leivo who also had 3 goals, 2 assists but a +6 rating.  The Wolves line (also including Michael Sgarbossa) combined for a total of 16 points on the afternoon.  Ryan Martindale was stellar for the 67’s also scoring a hat trick in the losing cause.  Tyler Toffoli (4 points) and Thomas Nesbitt (3 points) added a pair of goals each.

The 67’s enjoyed a day off yesterday to help recover from bumps and bruises.  Dalton Smith was speared in opening seconds of the first period by Sudbury captain, Marcus Foligno.  Later in the first period Eric O’Dell received a game misconduct after receiving a boarding call from hitting Tyler Toffoli.

Game 1 saw the return of Cody Lindsay, Thomas Nesbitt, Steven Janes and Julian Luciani to the 67’s lineup.   The 67’s top line received good news as Shane Prince made the trip to Sudbury and is expected to suit up in game 2. 

Being down 1-0 in the series, the 67’s realize the importance of game 2.  Due to scheduling conflicts, the series now shifts to Sudbury for games 2 and 3 on back-to-back nights – Monday and Tuesday.  If they capitalize on home ice advantage, the Wolves could go up 3-0 and return to Ottawa for games 4 & 5 if necessary.  Puck drops at 7:30pm.  Tonight’s game will set the tone for the rest of the series.

LINEUP CHANGES

OTT: Shane Prince, concussion & whiplash, day-to-day (expected to return)
OTT: Tyler Graovac, fractured arm, indefinite
OTT: Travis Gibbons, lower body, indefinite
OTT: Jon Carnevale, concussion, IR
OTT: Cosimo Fontana, concussion, IR
SBY: unknown changes

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Leading scorers

OTT: Tyler Toffoli– 57 goals, 108 points
OTT: Shane Prince– 25 goals, 88 points
OTT: Ryan Martindale– 34 goals, 83 points
SBY: Michael Sgarbossa– 36 goals, 82 points
SBY: Josh McFadden– 19 goals, 72 points
SBY: Marcus Foligno– 23 goals, 59 points

NHL Picks
OTT: Tyler Toffoli (Los Angeles Kings round 2, #47 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
OTT: Ryan Martindale (Edmonton Oilers round 3, #61 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
OTT: Dalton Smith (Columbus Blue Jackets round 2, #34 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
OTT: Petr Mrazek (Detroit Red Wings round 5, #141 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)
OTT: Eligible 2011: Shane Prince (35th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)
SBY: Marcus Foligno (Buffalo Sabres round 4, #104 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)
SBY: Eric O’Dell (Anaheim Ducks round 2, #39 overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft)
SBY: Ben Chiarot (Atlanta Thrashers round 4, #120 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)

Toffoli shines in 67’s playoff preview vs Wolves

Toffoli shines in 67’s playoff preview vs Wolves

Tyler Toffoli scored 4 goals and added an assist to help the 67’s cruise to a 7-3 victory over the Sudbury Wolves.  It looked as if Toffoli was on a mission.  With one game remaining in the regular season, he found himself 2 points behind in the scoring leaders.  After tonight’s game, Toffoli finished with 108 points which was good for sharing the title of top scorer in the OHL with Kitchener’s Jason Akeson.  

As a first round playoff preview, both teams came out ready to play.  Taylor Fielding netted his first OHL career goal on a partial breakaway to open the scoring.  Later in the first period, Travis Gibbons took a puck to the face after it deflected off of a slapshot.  He fell down awkwardly from the impact and ended up having to be helped off the ice as he favoured his right leg.  Gibbons did not return to the game and was sent to be stitched up and get x-rays done.

Just as Remy Giftopolous came of the box to end a Wolves 5-on-3 powerplay, Josh McFadden sends in a floater from the point that deflected off something and in past Petr Mrazek to tie up the game

Early in the second period, the 67’s regained the lead with help from Sean Monahan.  After making a nice move coming off the wing, he roofs it up top and in for his 20th of the season.  Brett Gustavsen added an insurance goal after beating Brendan O’Neill burying his own rebound. The back to back action continued as Michael Sgarbossa slid a rebound in past Mrazek to bring the Wolves within one.  Tyler Toffoli added two goals before the end of the period to allow the 67’s to head to the dressing room with a satisfying 5-2 lead.

To give Mrazek a rest, the 67’s got Shayne Campbell to take over goal duties as the third period began.  He stopped all but one of the 7 shots fired his way.  Toffoli added his hattrick goal just 52 seconds into the period.  At the 4:38 mark, Justin Sefton scored a shorthanded goal to cut the 67’s lead in half.  Toffoli rounded out the scoring with one final goal to finish his 4 tally’s on the night.

These two teams will face off again on Saturday, March 26^th back in Ottawa.  The playoff opener will be played at Scotiabank Place due to a scheduling conflict at the RONA Centre.  

Game notes:

Toffoli and Akeson will both be awarded with the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Top Scorer) and the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy (Top Scoring RWer) … Remy Giftopoulos was called up to help the depleted Ottawa lineup.  His Junior A team (Gloucester Rangers) is currently awaiting round 2 of their own playoffs to start … The 67’s were forced to play with 14 players once Gibbons went down with an injury.

GAME DAY PREVIEW: Sudbury Wolves @ Ottawa 67’s

GAME DAY PREVIEW:  Sudbury Wolves @ Ottawa 67’s

Radio: Team 1200 (Ottawa), 95.5 KFM (Sudbury).

TV: Rogers 22 (Ottawa)

It’s a first round preview this afternoon at the RONA Centre.  The host, Ottawa 67’s are coming off a high after edging the Oshawa Generals by a score of 4-3 in regulation to clinch the Eastern Division title for the second straight year.  Petr Mrazek made his return to the lineup after being sidelined with a groin injury. He turned aside 29 of 32 shots while Dalton Smith had a goal and added 2 assists.

The Sudbury Wolves roll into town off a 6-3 victory over the Belleville Bulls.  Michael Sgarbossa had a goal and 2 assists to lead the way.  Jacob Riley had a busy night stopping 35 of 38 shots fired his way.

Sudbury will face Ottawa for on the 2nd (and final time) of the regular season.  The last time these two teams met was all the way back on September 25th in Sudbury where the 67’s skated to a 4-2 win.  Steven Janes had pair of goals while Cody Lindsay and Tyler Toffoli both added a goal and an assist.  The teams were much different that early in the season, so there is no guaranteeing anything.  Jake Cardwell makes his first return to face his former team since being traded to the 67’s on November 12th.  Ryan Hanes also makes his first return to Ottawa after being the other half of that trade.

Head-to-head

Ottawa 4 @ Sudbury 2 (Sep 25 2010) Final

Ottawa 67’s

43-19-3-2, 91 points

2nd Eastern Conference

HOME:  23-5-3-1

Leading scorers

Tyler Toffoli – 53 goals, 103 points

Shane Prince – 25 goals, 88 points

Ryan Martindale – 34 goals, 81 points

Top performers vs Wolves

Steven Janes – 2 goals, 2 points in 1 game

Cody Lindsay – 1 goals, 2 points in 1 game

Tyler Toffoli – 1 goals, 2 points in 1 game

NHL Picks

Tyler Toffoli (Los Angeles Kings round 2, #47 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Ryan Martindale (Edmonton Oilers round 3, #61 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Dalton Smith (Columbus Blue Jackets round 2, #34 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Petr Mrazek (Detroit Red Wings round 5, #141 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Eligible 2011:  Shane Prince (35th in CS’ North American Skaters midterm ranking)

Lineup changes

Tyler Graovac, fractured arm, 4-5 weeks

Thomas Nesbitt, knee, week-to-week

Cody Lindsay, jaw, day-to-day

Shane Prince, concussion & whiplash,  week-to-week

Jon Carnevale, concussion, IR

Cosimo Fontana, concussion, IR

Julian Luciani, upper body, day-to-day

Steven Janes, shoulder, day-to-day

Sudbury Wolves

29-34-2-2, 62 points

7th Eastern Conference

AWAY:  13-18-1-1

Leading scorers

Michael Sgarbossa – 35 goals, 80 points

Josh McFadden – 18 goals, 71 points

Marcus Foligno – 23 goals, 57 points

Top performers vs 67’s

Josh McFadden – 1 goal, 2 points in 1 game

Kristoff Kontos – 1 goal, 1 point in 1 game

NHL Draft Picks

Marcus Foligno  (Buffalo Sabres round 4, #104 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)

Eric O’Dell (Anaheim Ducks round 2, #39 overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft)

Ben Chiarot (Atlanta Thrashers round 4, #120 overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft)

John Mcfarland (Florida Panthers round 2, #33 overall, 2010 NHL Entry Draft)

Lineup changes

Unknown