ITO Hot-Stove: Which current OHL team should be relocated to Hamilton?

With all the talk of an OHL franchise relocating to Hamilton for the 2012-13 season, I decided it would be a good idea for the hot-stove to debate which team should be on the move. I know Erie is the most likely to move, but that's not what the Hot-Stove is debating today.

Joining me in today's hot-stove is Joshua Newhart, Alex Quevillon, Jason Ray, Phil Phillips, Bryan Theil, and Anthony Nicholson.

Todd Cordell

In my opinion the Brampton Battalion should undoubtedly be the team on the move to Hamilton. Despite their team's great success so far this season, they've only had 2,000+ in attendance a handful of times regardless of which team comes for a visit. In my opinion any team averaging less than 2,000 fans per game should be on the move even if their team is struggling, so with Brampton's on ice success this year it makes things even more puzzling for myself. The Battalion have some good players and a very good coaching staff and I think a move to Hamilton, where they will be in more of a spot light, could be just what the doctor ordered.

Joshua Newhart

I don't think that any team in the OHL should move to Hamilton. There has been a lot of talk that teams are going to move there but, why? They have had a team before and the city couldn't support it. With so many other pro hockey organizations around that area there is just too much competition for a junior team to have any attendance. Hamilton already has an AHL team, the leafs are only 55 minutes away and the Ice Dogs are about the same distance. Tell me who is going to show up? I think that if a city loses a team they shouldn't be allowed to get one back.

Alex Quevillon

There are rumours of Mississauga, Brampton and Erie relocating.  I say, why?  Why move a team if you don't have to?  Why not give Hamilton an expansion team if they're OHL-ready?  The Ice Dogs built a respectable market in Mississauga as an expansion team, so much so that Eugene Melnyk trusted them enough to play home to another new team in 2007.  Is it because the OHL is too complacent with the 20-team system that they don't want to add one more?  I mean, the QMJHL is doing okay with 17 teams.  I say try the 21-team system.  If that doesn't work as planned, fold a team and hold a dispersal draft.  Besides, I don't think Hamilton will go after an OHL team until the AHL Bulldogs move to Laval (assuming the plan goes through).  And with Laval's arena controversy, that may be a ways away still.
 
Jason Ray

I gotta say it needs to be the majors I've been to a few games and that building is empty most of the games I've attended. I swear I heard crickets, not to mention that they ate right beside the Brampton Battalion to me it waters down where fans will go and watch a game. They should spread out the OHL wealth. Although I'm not sold in them going to Hamilton. Hamilton has the Bull Dogs of the AHL might just be too much of a good thing.

Phil Phillips

I'm not sure if any team should move to Hamilton, what would they name the franchise ? The Steelhawks or the Dukes of Hamilton, maybe the Fincups? I'm not sure why the OHL didn't work in Hamilton the last time, and I wonder why people think it would now. Its the same building? and The Economy is worse off? I think maybe Buffalo might be a better option. Securing New York born players for the league.

As far as a team moving there, I'm not sure what team should move, but I know one that could move: the Belleville Bulls.

A few reasons:

1- The Team -The on ice product isn't the problem. The Bulls have done their part on the Ice. Only missing the playoffs 3 times since 1981. Three trips to the OHL final, winning in 1999 on home ice in game 7, two trips to the Memorial Cup, five division titles. Many OHL and CHL individual awards. 56 players that have played for the Bulls have played in the NHL.

2-The Yardman- I know it was the only barn in the Ontario Hockey League to have a second level of seating until the John Labatt Centre was built, in 2002. But the Yardbarn was built in 1978, its old and over the years its had some upgrades but just band aids really, nothing that would put it on par with other rinks in the OHL. The Ice making equipment is old and this year its showing its age a bit. There is no real bar, no restaurant, it feels like the store is in an other building (because it is), during Intermissions the concourse is tight. Good luck getting a drink, using the bathroom and getting back to your seat on time.

3- The Owner- Belleville no longer have the advantages of local ownership. Gord Simmonds purchased the Bulls in 2004-2005. At the time it was known that the Yardman was in need of being seriously upgraded or replaced. Mr.Simmonds has stepped up and did his part, he's upgraded the dressing room and workout area, asked for and got the OHL All-Star Game in 2006, he was reasonable for the Yardman getting the Video Score Broad it now has, and has been more they patient with the City of Belleville. He has said he wont be signing a new lease if something is not in place. And if a City has a beautiful empty building waiting for a tenant, he is a business man, why would he not go? If it's going to be more profitable to do so?

3-The City of Belleville- Its time for City council, to make a decision , and let everyone know what are the plans to secure the Bulls stay in Belleville? The Mayor has stated that it can't be done on the backs of taxpayers alone and that private industry has to be on board. Okay, so get it done, get every one together and make it happen, I understand its not that black and white, but whats the hold up, get together with Mr.Simmonds, and who ever else and at least start.

4-Fans- #MORECOWBELL, We have to support this team win or lose, I think the Bulls have only topped 3000 tickets sold in 2 or 3 games this season. Old building or new building it can't sit half full. At one time Bulls fans were named the Best fans in the OHL by the Global OHL Game of the Week. All division games should be standing room only, when Kingston or Ottawa are in town it should be sold out.

So in short the Belleville Bulls could be forced to move? The Hamilton Bulls just sounds wrong.

Bryan Theil

With everything that has come out about this possible relocation, we have to consider the difference between 'will' and 'should'. The team that probably will get relocated, as it stands right now, is the Erie Otters. The argument for that is as simple as the team's lease. Of all the teams you would consider 'eligible' for a move, the Otters' lease is up at the end of the season, while the Brampton Battalion's lease is up after next season. Many will look at the record and suggest the fact that Erie is 19 points out of 19th in the league as another prime reason for relocation, but the last-place team has actually outdrawn Brampton (if we go strictly on paper numbers).

In terms of teams that should? I would suggest either the Battalion or the Mississauga Majors. The Toronto market has enough trouble supporting one OHL team let alone two, and both franchises may stagnate given the fact that the AHL's Marlies can't even advance. There are markets that would welcome a team with stronger numbers than both Toronto teams combined, and while Hamilton may or may not be that market, they are out there and may be where the future of the OHL lies.

Anthony Nicholson

With talk of an OHL franchise moving to Hamilton, many have pointed to the Erie Otters, who, at least behind the scenes, have been making it known that Hamilton would be a prime destination for them. While it is quite likely that the Otters will be the team on the move, though the team is still negotiating with the City of Erie on a lease that would keep the team there long-term.

Much has been made of the recent struggles of the Mississauga Majors and Brampton Battalion, two teams who have become used to playing in front of empty arenas. The proximity of these two teams to one another only compound the problem, and it is a very clear case of the league wanting hockey to succeed in these cities, with no regards for the dynamics involved in keeping an OHL team afloat. If Erie does in fact move to Hamilton, another city will need to step forward to be a permanent home for at least one of these two franchises, and both Cornwall and North Bay have been bandied about as possible destinations.

ITO Hot-Stove: Who is the best draft eligible player in the Ontario Hockey League?

Considering we at InTheORadio.com have been debating who the best teams and goaltenders in the league are as of late, I figured it was time to examine who the best  draft eligible player in the OHL is. There was one condition: nobody could select Nail Yakupov as most, if not all of us, would select him which would make the Hot-Stove pretty plain. Joining me in this week's hot-stove is Thayne Hallyburton, Jason Ray, Brandon Sudeyko, Phil Phillips and Alex Quevillon.

Without further ado I'd like to introduce you all to this week's debate question: who is the best draft eligible player in the OHL (besides Nail Yakupov)?

Todd Cordell

My choice for this question will be another member of the Sarnia Sting (go figure). I'm going to go with Alex Galchenyuk. He has all the tools you look for in a player and took the OHL by storm last year. His skill set is unbelievable and his hockey IQ is through the roof. I truly believe that if he were healthy and had been playing all season long he'd be up there with Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko. Luckily for Galchenyuk, there's a solid chance that he can return to the Sting's lineup in time for the end of the regular season and their playoff run.

Thayne Hallyburton

Matt Finn.

I know people will look at a high-end guy like Alex Galchenyuk or Cody Ceci but Matt Finn is so dynamic. He is the best all-round defender
available in this draft besides Ryan Murray. He has an innate ability to find space on the ice. He is like a veteran down low in how he handles guys much bigger than him. Finn also has a lot of offensive upside, as he matures, so too will his shot and he will begin to jump into the rush even more. You can see his confidence growing over time and as it grows he will start to take a few more risks. Matt Finn's game is extremely similar to Nicklas Lidstrom's game. Not a bad guy to be compared to.

Jason Ray

I have to say Malcolm Subban of the Belleville Bulls. This is a deep draft so there's going too be a ton of offensive and defensive talent. But Malcolm Subban looks like this kid is going too be a stud in between the pipes. Ask the Tampa Bay Lightning how important goaltending is. As most of you know, they went from a deep playoff run too "see ya" - back too the basement they went.

Brandon Sudeyko

While other players are making them case, I still believe in the Sarnia Duo as 1-2 from the OHL. Yes a Subban is close, a few defenceman even. But after what Alex achieved last year, how do you discredit what he is? You saw him as a 16 year old completely destroy the competition. He was bigger and stronger than the year prior. Yes, he has played what 3 games this season? Take a look at his high ceiling of potential and talent. No one can come close to it (except Nail). Where several players can move up and down while playing, I don't find any reason to keep yo-yoing Galchenyuk. Number 2 in the OHL hands down. Could have been one but injuries happen.

Phil Phillips

The best draft eligible OHL player other than Nail Yakupov is Belleville Bulls Center Brendan Gaunce.

Gaunce has what it takes to become an NHL player, both on and off the ice, from skills, to diet, to attitude, he's the real deal and will play in the NHL. Its up to him whats role he plays when he gets there. Brendan is a big (6'2" 215lbs), physical forward who has speed and scoring touch but also plays well defensively. He thrives playing under Coach George Burnett and his two way system. He will join the impressive list of Forwards that Burnett has developed, like Keith Primeau, Manny Malhotra, Nathan Horton, and former Bulls Shawn Matthias, and Matt Beleskey. If he adds a little more grit to his game.

Brendan put up 55 goals and 93 assists in 86 games in 09-10.  Great totals that made him the highest-scoring player of his age in Ontario that season. That season also seen him captain the same minor midget team, the Markham Waxers, he grew up watching his brother Cameron Gaunce a Colorado draft pick play for. Brendan won a Gold Medal with Team Canada in 2011 at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. This season he was invited to play and wear an "A" in the Top Prospects game. He currently wears a "A" with the Belleville Bulls and is the fans pick to wear the "C" next season. Next year he will get a real good look from Team Canada's World Jr Team selection committee. "As a young man, he’s very mature, very focused, very dedicated...he doesn't have a chink in his armour." is how Bulls assistant coach Jake Grimes has described him.

He currently leads the Bulls in scoring this season. Next year even when continuing to play in a defensive system he should be a top ten OHL point producer. Every year he gets better and better at both ends of the ice, something that makes NHL teams take notice. Two way players have never been as important as they are in today's Pro Game. He fits the bill, and it would surprise few he is drafted very early this June in Pittsburgh.

Honourable Mention to Radek Faksa of the Kitchener Rangers.

Alex Quevillon

Although he isn't eligible in this question, I just have to throw in that Nail Yakupov IS the #1, and I don't know why Grigorenko is being mentioned as a candidate to go first. It's going to be the Fail for Nail with NHL teams losing now, not the fail for Mikhail. 

But after Yakupov and, potentially Galchenyuk as we haven't seen enough of him to come to a verdict, I would love to pick a defenceman but I'm going to have to go with Brendan Gaunce.  Gaunce might not be the most stunning player on the ice at all times, but he's as solid as they come at the age of 17.  Last season, scouts said that Gabriel Landeskog reminded them of Mike Richards but down the middle.  Well, I don't think Gaunce-Richards is quite a fair comparison, but I see a lot of Landeskog in Gaunce's game, of course with Brendan being a center.  Gaunce is the most NHL ready in this draft, I believe.

Honourable mention to Ceci and Koekkoek - most drafts I would peg the defenceman over the forward no matter what.  The offensive talent in this draft makes me think otherwise, but I still do believe that these two Ottawa-area-born d-men will go higher than expected.  

January 18th - Mississauga Majors vs. Belleville Bulls Game Review

by Phil Phillips

On Wednesday night the Belleville Bulls needed to pull out of a slump, and the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors were in town with different plans. Coming in the Bulls were 0-4 on home ice in the New Year and were yet to score a goal in the 3rd period at home. The Bulls had lost 7 of their last 8, and had just 3 wins in their last 14. They needed a win real bad, only one point separated the two teams in the tight Eastern Conference, were before last night only 15 points separated 1st place Ottawa and 9th place Oshawa.

The 2158 at the Yardman, and ex Majors Joesph Cramarossa and Jordan Mayer wanted to show former Bulls player, assistant coach and Head Coach James Boyd, now the GM/Coach in Mississauga what he has been missing. It wouldn't be easy with Both goalies Malcolm Subban and John Chartrand on the self. For the first time I can remember the Bulls went with two 16 year old goalies. Charlie Graham would get the start and be backed up by the Bulls 15th Rd pick, the 6'6" 185lbs Braydon Banitsiotis. The Majors would start Brandon Maxwell.

The 1st started like a lot of games for the Bulls as of late, with them getting no shots till almost the midway point. And letting the other team walk right in and test Graham. After a wasted PP by the Bulls, at 9:32 shortly after the Bulls registered their first shot, Jamie Wise walked right past the Bulls D and netted his 16th from Partanen and DeMelo to give the Majors the lead 1-0. Not to be beat about 3 minutes later at 12:05 , Cramaroosa beat Maxwell for his 9th from Dylan Corson and Luke Judson. But before the 1st ended Riley Brace got a bounce and netted his 22nd from Kuptsov, DeMelo. To give the Majors the lead 2-1 to end the period. After 20 minutes where the Bulls looked tired ? dead ? out of it ? I don't know but not to good. Charlie Graham was easily the Best Bull even after giving up two goals. The Bulls got out shot 17-7 and really just stood around sometimes.

The 2nd would start really good, when Mike Curtis lit the lamp for his 10th from Adam Payrel and Garrett Hooey at 2:26, to tie the game 2-2. They had 7 shots before the 10 minute mark, the same amount they had for the whole first period. But then the wheels fall off and Belleville started looking like the Bulls from the 1st. With Daniil Zharkov off for slashing. Alex Cord scored the Game Winner and his 1st of the year on the PP. Soon after Cord scored Zharkov tangled with Spenser Cobbold, in a clear miss match, but good for him for showing some life and trying to spark a club that needed one. The 2nd ended with The Bulls out shooting St,Mike 15-12 in the period., But trailing 3-2.

The Bulls came out hard in the 3rd and they dominated, by skating, and going to the net, but could not beat Maxwell(1st Star), he was really good in the 3rd. As the Bulls out shot the Majors 14-4 in the period and 36-33 in the game. The PP was 0/1 and so was the PK. When it was all said in done the Bulls lost to the Majors 3-2. With the lose The Bulls drop to 8th and the Majors jump to 7th. So the Bulls are 0-5 at home in 2012 , yet to score a 3rd period goal in that time. The Bulls have lost 8 of their last 9 and have won just 3 of the last 15. Belleville is a better team then this , as we all seen early in the year, and they better be because the always tough Kitchener Rangers lead by former Bull Tyler Randell are in Belleville Saturday Night.

Wednesday January 18th - Game Previews

by Dwayne Williams

Plymouth at Owen Sound
The Whalers bring their high powered offence into the wintery confines of the Bayshore arena in Owen Sound.  Plymouth is battling for top spot in the West – back and forth with the London Knights.  They have played in some high scoring matches recently – averaging 4.9 goals per game over the past 9 games. They have a very balanced scoring attack with a handful of players in the top 50 scorers in the OHL.  Owen Sound comes off a 2 victory homestand vs. the Erie Otters – where they weren’t pushed too hard in securing wins of 3-1 and 5-0.  Owen Sound is on a current 3 game home win streak as they battle in the middle of the standings – sitting only 2 points behind Sarnia sting for 4^th spot.
My prediction Plymouth 5 – Owen Sound 2

Mississauga at Belleville
The St. Mikes Majors find themselves sandwiched near the bottom of the standings but not far from the middle of the log-jammed Eastern Conference. They are 2 points from the #9 spot and 5 points from the #4 spot.  They had mixed results on their latest road trip–losing to Sarnia 7-1 beating Plymouth 2-0 and then losing to Saginaw 4-2.  The last time they scored more than 3 goals was in a 6-5 loss vs. Niagara 8 games ago.   Belleville is 1 point ahead of Mississauga in seventh place – as they continue to search for an elusive winning streak.  Their last home win was on Dec 17 - 10 games ago.  Subban is getting close to playing but don’t expect him to dress for game action quite yet.
My prediction Mississauga 3 – Belleville 1


January 15th - Belleville Bulls vs. Ottawa 67's

by Phil Phillips

After Saturdays 5-3 home lose to the Sudbury Wolves, The Belleville Bulls were looking for a turn around on the road, instead they got turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers, not the good apple kind but the kind that lead to goals against. On a Sunday afternoon 5946 Ottawa 67's fans got their money's worth. With the home team handing the Bulls in my opinion a real gut check of a loss, beating the Bulls 6-1.

The Bulls went with Charlie Graham in net , and the 67's answered with Petr Mrazek. Bulls fans were looking for their team to come out with a chip, maybe even a little angry, but after a early PP, that produced nothing , the Bulls lost their first battle and turned the puck over, leading to Jake Cardwell scoring his 5th from Prince & Cazzola at 7:47. Ottawa wasn't done there, they scored 2 more times in the first, when our old friend Tyler Toffoli scored his 34th on a turnover, and the tasty pastry party wasn't over there, Shane Prince who was left alone in front of the net buried his 22nd after the Bulls turned the puck over again. The 67's lead the the Bulls in shots 14-10 after 20 minutes ,but the Bulls didn't really challenge Mrazek. The 3 goals that the Bulls gave up couldn't be put on Graham as he was left out to dry on all three.

The Bulls came out pretty good in the 2nd , but couldn't beat Mrazek, and before long started playing soft in there own end giving the 67's way to much time and space and they scored on an other turnover, from a guy who must love seeing the Bulls on the docket. Dalton Smith bagged his 12th of thyear and 5th Vs the Bulls this year. But before they even announced the Smith goal , Cardwell lit the lamp again at 9:44 to make it, 5-0 for the home team, the good news, Cardwell's goal was scored on the rush not a turnover. After that it looked like the Bulls might make a goalie switch, but they didn't, leaving us to wonder, how injured John Chartrand is after the Bulls saying hes not 100%. At the 13:10 mark the Bulls tallied a goal , Joesph Cramarossa, (8) with Brendan Gaunce and Luke Judson assisting. With the assist Gaunce has a 5 game point streak going, On the play Judson was playing the point where he played all of the game, and looked okay. The Bulls gave up an other goal, on an other turnover this time to Cazzola (4)from Prince, Cardwell.

There would be no scoring in the 3rd with Ottawa playing the clock, and playing it smart, even employing the trap at times. When the Toro's did get a chance All-World goalie Mrazek was there to shut the door,the Bulls played way to soft in this game, making huge mistakes in their own end, and it wasn't rookies it was some older players, that Belleville needs to play better if they plan on making the playoffs. A good start would be a better showing Vs The Generals on Wednesday night, Ottawa out shot the Bulls 40-38, Bulls PP 0/4 PK 1/1.

Ottawa 67's Split homestand

by Alex Quevillon

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The Ottawa 67’s (26-11-4-1) split a two-game weekend and pull into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.  The Niagara Ice Dogs briefly pulled even with Ottawa, but a Sunday win gave the Barberpoles the advantage. 

Friday, January 13 vs. Peterborough

The Peterborough Petes recovered from a rough start on Friday night to register their first win in their divisional rivalry with the 67’s this season.  Ottawa had taken the previous four meetings.  Andrew D’Agostini made 27 saves to preserve the win for Peterborough (20-17-3-3).

Early on, it seemed as though Ottawa had the Petes on the ropes, taking advantage of a tired opponent that had lost at home the night before and had to travel through a treacherous Eastern-Ontario storm.  The newest member of the 67’s, Mike Cazzola, only needed twelve seconds to make his presence felt, scoring his third of the season to give Ottawa the early advantage.

Ottawa continued to pour it on in the first ten minutes, and Shane Prince gave them a two-goal advantage with his 20th of the season.    After that, the Barberpoles seemed all too happy to coast with the lead.  The visitors had other plans.

Before the first period was done, Joey West got Peterborough on the board with a powerplay marker, his 15th of the year.  Luke Hietkamp had the only tally in the second period, an unassisted, shorthanded goal to draw even.

West continued to contribute, setting up Andrew Yogan for the go-ahead goal in the final frame.  Prince scored his second of the night, assisted by Cazzola, to tie the game but it was short-lived.  23 seconds later, Ottawa-born Alan Quine put the Petes ahead for good.

Yogan was taken down on an empty-net breakaway by John McFarland and credited with the goal.  Yogan, an overager, is having a solid start to 2012 with five goals in his last six games.

This game did not feature a re-match between heavyweights Dalton Smith and Derek Mathers, who have fought each other three times in their OHL career, despite Ottawa captain Marc-Anthony Zanetti being decked by a questionable hit from behind from Mathers.  The game did have its fair share of nastiness however.

Brett Gustavsen took on the much taller Stephen Pierog in a short but spirited second-period bout.  Pierog landed more shots, but Gustavsen knocked Pierog down with a big left hand, call it a draw.  The Petes may be without Cole Murdoff after this weekend; he dropped the gloves with Ryan Van Stralen, ripping the rookie’s helmet off.  Van Stralen found out about the helmet infraction the hard way, receiving a two-game suspension earlier in the season for removing the helmet of Owen Sound’s Kurtis Gabriel.

Petr Mrazek made 26 saves in his first loss since the quarterfinals at the World Juniors.

Sunday, January 15 vs. Belleville

Petr Mrazek had a huge bounce back game with 25 saves, while Jake Cardwell scored twice and Tyler Toffoli recorded his 300th OHL point to help Ottawa coast to a 6-1 win over Belleville, their third win against the Bulls in eight days.

For the second game in a row, the 67’s came out flying.  They didn’t take this lead for granted, however.  Cardwell snuck in from the point to open the scoring at 7:47 of the first period.  Within five minutes, Tyler Toffoli and Shane Prince had opened up the lead to three.  In the second, Dalton Smith, who collected the puck after the second goal to commemorate Toffoli’s 300th point, tipped home a Cody Ceci point shot to give Ottawa a 4-0 advantage.

Cardwell scored his second of the game, after Tyler Graovac made a nifty play to set him up.  Joseph Cramarossa ruined Mrazek’s shutout bid but before the period was up, Mike Cazzola scored his second goal in as many games, giving Ottawa a 6-1 lead that they would carry through the final period for the win.

Mrazek made 37 saves and has only allowed six goals in his last five starts.  At the other end, Charlie Graham stayed in through all six goals and finished the day with 34 stops for the Bulls (22-19-1-0), who fall to third in the division and seventh in the conference.

Final thoughts:

-Ottawa’s new “second” line is clicking perfectly.  Shane Prince had three goals and three assists with his new line.  Mike Cazzola has already added two goals and three assists while John McFarland, who has switched jersey numbers (wore 26 last weekend, 21 this weekend), had an assist of his own.

-Cazzola, as expected, brings a lot of what Cody Lindsay brought last year as an overaged second-line center.  Not a lot of size, but he’s going to finish every check, battle for pucks and create open ice for his linemates.  He scored twice this weekend but look for him to be Ottawa’s primary playmaker from here on out.  Cazzola, by the way, is wearing number 39.

-Rookie Mike Vlajkov continues to improve and receive more icetime, but his solid play is being overshadowed by that of Jake Cardwell.  With or without his two goals, Cardwell was still Ottawa’s best defenceman.  Ottawa’s new forwards are nice to have, but they are getting a lot of scoring from the blueline as well.  Cody Ceci is second to only Dougie Hamilton in points by a defenceman, while Cardwell is tied for tenth.

-Ryan Van Stralen stayed on the bench, but was not playing amongst his regular linemates Tyler Graovac and Steven Janes at the end of the third period.  No word yet as to whether they were simply double-shifting Toffoli or if there was anything with Van Stralen.  Dalton Smith was shaken up after taking a Vlajkov shot to the upper body but didn’t appear to miss a shift.

-The 67’s and Petes will square off again on Thursday in Peterborough, before the 67’s return home to take on the Oshawa Generals.

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. 

The Streak is Over

The streak is over, at least temporarily for the Brampton Battalion. After going 12 straight games without a regulation loss, and an impressive fifth straight home win, the Troops fell to the visiting Belleville Bulls with a final score of 3-2.

Sixteen year old rookie goaltender Charlie Graham made 35 saves en route to his first victory in the Ontario Hockey League. He came up big for the Bulls when they needed him most, stymieing Battalion shooters time-and-again. Graham showed terrific composure bouncing back from an early deficit and weathering the Storms of a Battalion attack that seemed to do all but put one past the Toronto native.

Barclay Goodrow opened the scoring just over five minutes into the first period with his 19th of the season.  Ian Watters and Zach Bell picked up assists on the goal. With the helper, Zach Bell matched his career high of 12 points.

Adam Payerl would even things up just prior to the midway mark of the first period. It was his 13th goal of the season, and an unassisted effort. The goal was also on the first shot that Battalion goaltender Matej Machovsky faced.  Just over a minute later, Luke Judson would bury his 12th of the season from Jordan Mayer and Jason Shaw. The assist marked Mayer’s first point as a Bull in his first game. The first would wrap up with the Bulls holding a 2-1 lead.

Payerl and Phil Lane would start the second period off with a bang, well sort of anyways. The two would fight with a decision going to Lane for landing more punches. Joseph Cramarossa made it 3-1 Bulls just before the 7-minute mark. Playing on the top line with Brendan Gaunce and Austin Brassard, it would be Cramarossa’s first goal as a Bull. Gaunce and Brassard would pick up the assists on the goal. Machovsky would get the hook in favour of Keegan Wilson to try to shake things up for the Battalion.

Patrik Machac would pull the Troops to within one, with just under five minutes to go in the second period as he put home a rebound. Lane and Brett Mackie would pick up assists, but it was Lane’s between the legs effort that set the play up for Machac. In the ensuing faceoff, Derek Froats sought the approval of the Brampton fans and his teammates when dropping the mitts with Jason Shaw. The Battalion outshot the Bulls in the second period by a 22-8 margin.

The third period proved uneventful on the score sheet, but really tested the muster of Graham as the Battalion pressed him to try to tie the game. He made several key saves to preserve the lead for the Bulls. Belleville did press the Battalion, but Wilson stood tall for Brampton when he had to in an effort to keep the Troops in the game.

"I thought we played a great game, obviously Chucky played great throughout the whole game” said injured goaltender Malcolm Subban on the play of rookie goaltender Charlie Graham. A groin problem has Subban sidelined for the upcoming weeks thus opening the door for Graham to get his feet wet.

“We had a pretty good first period even though they outshot us 7-5” said Gaunce. “In the second we let down a bit, we came back and regrouped in the third. We needed to win the third period and we did. That’s how good teams win games”

Prospect Files: Malcolm Subban

After the recent Hiatus from work and this blog, while I was away at the world Juniors for the past 2 weeks, my first week back to work was nuts. Add to that, that this week's prospect file was slated to be a goaltender and I felt unable to do this piece justice. As the saying goes, 'behind every good man is a better woman,' I decided to let my beautiful girlfriend, who is also a goaltender, to take the ropes of the article for this week. I asked her to write it in the style that I have for the past few months that you have come to love and even though she felt a little reigned in, she still went to work and wrote a great piece! Please enjoy.

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Prospect Files for Friday January 13, 2012

By: Ashley Romano

This week we take a look at another top prospect for the 2012 NHL entry draft. He now wears the same colours as his older brother PK did, who played 4 OHL seasons with the Belleville Bulls. We will be going past the Bulls’ defensive line to look at the very last line. The puck stops with Malcolm Subban...

The Line:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 188 lbs

Shoots/Catches: Left

Position: Goaltender

Draft Eligible: 2012

Coming out of Etobicoke, Ontario Malcolm Subban learned to skate at Nathan Phillips Square with his father and gained the love for hockey while he played on a homemade backyard ice rink with his brothers, who have all turned out to be tremendous hockey players in their own respective careers. Of the Subban siblings, he is the only one to take on the goaltending position; both PK and Jordan have taken to being successful defensemen. Younger brother Jordan also plays for the Belleville Bulls.

 Already twice named CHL Player of the Week this season, Belleville Bulls goaltender, Malcolm Subban is lighting it up and putting last year to shame. He has faced 561 shots and has a GAA of 1.93. In November, he recorded 2 shutouts with a 9-1-0-0 record which gave him the title of Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month. On Wednesday, he was named the #1 top ranked North American Goaltender in this year’s NHL Central Scouting Services mid-season draft rankings.

Subban’s goaltending style shows that he tracks players with the puck well, with smooth movements in the crease. Malcolm is not a goalie who sinks back to play on top of the goal line. A mostly stand up to butterfly quick goalie, he uses his size to the advantage to block the angle and comes out past the edge of the crease to further intimidate the shooter. With extremely quick hand eye coordination he makes calculated moves to make glove saves - saves that only he can make look easy. That, among other reasons, proves why he is ranked #1 in North America.

Things have not always been golden for the #1 top ranked, Malcolm Subban. He had a less than stellar rookie season playing 32 games with a 10-17-0-2-5 record; he still managed to record a .900 save percentage which is currently a career best. Half way through this season he’s already won more games that he did all of last season, with the current powerful Bulls team in front of him. They are ranked 3^rd in the East Division, 1 point out of 2^nd (Peterborough Petes) and 12 points out of 1^st (Ottawa 67’s).

Malcolm Subban oozes natural athletic ability. In the goalie crease he screams talent by showing off incredible flexibility with his long padded legs being able to stretch enough to block the puck trying to get past him while the rest of his body is seemly on the other side of the crease. With all these positive results coming from his end of the ice, we aren’t surprised that he has gained the #1 spot. We expect him to be picked in the 1^st round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL Player Comparison: Marc Andre Fleury

Subban Putting His Name On The Map

Special Thanks to John Langdon for the Article

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BELLEVILLE - The Subban name has gained a prominent amount of recognition throughout the hockey world in recent years.  Most notably, PK Subban – a defenceman with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League has grabbed the attention of many with his on-ice theatrics and highlight-reel plays.  But the Habs blueliner isn’t the only player putting the Subban name on the map. PK’s younger brother, Malcolm, a goaltender with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League, is not only following in his older brother’s footsteps, but is starting to make a name for himself.

Growing up, Malcolm learned to play the game, like so many Canadian kids do, on the backyard rink of their Rexdale, Ontario home, while playing with PK, along with younger brother, and current Bulls teammate, Jordan.  Their father, Karl, who immigrated to Canada from the Caribbean as a kid, was introduced to the game through street hockey with neighbourhood friends in Sudbury, Ontario.  For Karl, it was a new found culture which evolved into a passion that he would later pass on to his sons as both a father and a coach.

“For sure, he’s had a big influence on us,” Subban said about his father.  “Using his knowledge and passing it down to us gave us a good start.”

“He knows a lot about the game, so it was good for us to have a father like that.”

It wasn’t until the age of 12 when Subban began his career as a goaltender.  As a child, Malcolm grew up playing on the blueline like his brothers, until his father finally allowed him to play between the pipes.

“My dad was my coach and when I was 12 he finally let me become a goaltender and it took off from there.”

After being selected 218^th overall in the 2009 OHL Entry Draft, it’s fair to say that Subban has exceeded expectations from the Bulls organization and fans alike.  As an 11^th round draft pick, Subban took over the number one spot in the Bulls’ crease as a rookie by playing 32 games, while backstopping his team into the playoffs, where the 6’1”, 188 lbs. goaltender posted some striking numbers.

“When Malcolm came to us two years ago through the draft, as a late ’93 birthdate, our expectation wasn’t for him to play as much as he did last year,” Bulls assistant coach Jason Supryka said.  “It was going to be a real developmental year for him, and he took advantage of an opportunity that really turned in his favour.”

The sophomore netminder has also caught the attention of NHL scouts, and is currently listed among the top ranked OHL prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  While Subban admits that his draft eligibility sits in the back of his mind, he isn’t allowing the pressure to influence his game.

“It sits in the back of my mind,” Subban said. “But you try not to think about it. The scouts are going to be there every game, so you can’t worry about it too much. You just got to go out and play your game.”

Playing under the microscope of NHL scouts can be overwhelming at times for junior hockey players, whose youth is often overlooked in the public’s eye, due to their stardom on the rink.  Fortunately, for Malcolm, he can turn to older brother PK for guidance.

“We try to talk as much as we can,” Subban said.  “He always tells me to stay focused, and stay grounded.”

“When I tell him what’s going on, (PK) will tell me ‘don’t get too excited about it or don’t get too down about it, you just got to stay leveled.  Keep focused and play your game.’”

Being a middle brother, Malcolm finds himself in a unique position.  As much as Malcolm plays the role of student while seeking advice from older brother PK, he also finds himself teaching younger brother Jordan, both on and off the ice.

“I’m living with him right now,” Jordan said.  “Just being able to have him there to help give me some tips on my rookie season, and just how things work, it’s been great.”

Although he may not be as vocal as PK, Jordan says that through leading by example, Malcolm leaves a lasting impression.

“He never gives up,” Jordan added.  “He never quits.  He’s just really tenacious, and always is willing to work harder, and get better every game.”

In April 2011, Subban took his game to the international level when he was selected to the Team Canada roster for the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championships in Germany, where the 17-year-old netminder recorded a shutout in his first appearance before backstopping Canada to the Bronze medal game against Russia.  The Russians would go on to defeat the Canadians, but facing their arch-rivals on a grand stage turned out to be an indescribable experience.

“You know the Canada versus Russia series…If you were to go up against Russia, you would be pretty pumped,” Subban said with laughter in his voice.

Despite failing to bring home a medal, representing his country was an honour in itself for Subban.

“(Playing for Canada) was surreal,” Malcolm said.  “It was the best experience of my hockey career, so far.”

This past summer, Subban found himself, once again, on the ice with some of the best junior hockey players in the world at the 2011 NHL Research, Development, and Orientation Camp in Toronto, where some of the future’s brightest stars meet for a chance to showcase their talents in front of NHL brass.

“Playing against guys that you’re going to be up against in the draft was pretty fun,” the 6’1, 188 lbs. netminder said.  “It got me ready for the season.”

“This is the beginning, and it’s going to be a long way to go, but you just have to stay focused and be consistent throughout the whole season.”

Maintaining focus hasn’t been a problem for Subban this season.  After being sidelined with an ankle injury for nearly a month, the Bulls goaltender has bounced back in a big way since his return on November 4, by posting a 12-4 record, along with an OHL best 1.93 GAA and .938 SV%, while earning CHL Goaltender of the Week honours twice in November.

ITO Hot-Stove: Who is the best team in the Ontario Hockey League?

This is the third edition of ITO Hot-Stove. Joining me today in this piece is Shawn O'Reilly, Susan Tromanhauser, Brandon Sudeyko, and Thayne Hallyburton.

Without further ado I'd like to introduce you all to today's debate question: Who is the best team in the Ontario Hockey League?

Todd Cordell

Sarnia Sting

For me this is a toss up between the Plymouth Whalers and Sarnia Sting, but I'll go with the Sting. Though the Sting have been absolutely belted with injuries, they remain a top team in the Western Conference and are just four points behind the Plymouth Whalers.

Coyotes prospect Connor Murphy has missed all but two games this season. He just recently came back and will make a huge impact on the team, no doubt. Nail Yakupov has missed a handful of games with back injuries, and Alex Galchenyuk, who was projected to go top five in the 2012 NHL entry draft, has missed the whole season to this point and is not expected back until late in the season or in the playoffs.

Though Yakupov has missed eight games and Murphy and Galchenyuk have played a combined two games, the Sting are fourth in the Western Conference. Now that they're starting to get healthy they'll show what kind of team they can be, and that team is one that should represent the Ontario Hockey League in the Memorial Cup come May.

Shawn O'Reilly

London Knights

Hate to state the obvious here but looking at points it is hard to argue otherwise. With 49 points they are leading the Western Conference by four over Plymouth, and have a game in hand. London has gone 8-2-0-0 in the past ten games, a record only matched by Plymouth. The Knights have scored the most goals in the OHL with 136, and have allowed the fewest, 81 (tied with Kitchener). Their special teams are average, 9^th in PP% and 11^th in PK%, but it has been good enough for them to keep winning. They have a top 3 goal scorer in Seth Griffin, one of the top rookies in Max Domi and a solid goalie in Michael Houser. Add all of this together and you have the top ranked team in the country as of last week and the best team in the OHL right now.

Susan Tromanhauser

Plymouth Whalers

While my Niagara bias still shows in I believe the Ice Dogs should have the best team in the OHL, they just can’t seem to get the consistency needed. The London Knights have such a jump in the standings, as well as tenacity of a young team, they will still come out top at the end of the regular season. But it is the Plymouth Whalers who are the best team in the league and will be heading to Shawinigan in May.

The team of veterans is well coached by Mike Vellucci. The team is made up of primarily returning players who know exactly what Vellucci wants and needs to win games. They have two top goal tenders in Matt Mahalak and Scott Wedgewood and as Neate Sager from Yahoo’s “Buzzing the Net” points out, they have 8 players with 25 points or more. While Niagara is missing four key players to Team Canada at the up-coming World Juniors, the Whalers will be missing five of their top players to a variety of world junior teams.

 I can sum up the Whalers in one word – experience.

Brandon Sudeyko

Belleville Bulls

Now you can call me crazy (studio audience yells 'you're crazy') but I have the team completely out of left field here. The Belleville Bulls. Player relationships aside, this team just outworks everyone on the ice. And it isn't like they don't have any pieces on their team. They have credible forwards, defenceman and 2 legit goaltenders. Malcolm Subban, yes still young, is going to tear the OHL apart. His hype will be reached unlike Jack Campbell's hype. Their backup Hollywood Chartrand is not as talented a Subban, but when in net. Definitely giving it 150% all the time. And that goes for the D and forwards as well. Offensive talent does not get any better than Zharkov and Gaunce. throw in the OA's of Judson and Payerl. The forwards are not the flashiest or will put up league leading numbers but their hard work and skill set mesh so well that they are able to do what many thought they could not. Their D this year is under appreciated (like the entire team). I mean who would have thought Simon Gronvaldt would be leading the team with a +17. Not to mention Steve (Minus) Silas, needs a new nickname. Most talented team, No. Best defensive team, no. Greatest goaltending in the league... maybe. But it all boils down to those 22 skaters being 1 team who out work every other team on the ice. That is why they are my selection for 'best team in the OHL'... I can not wait for the Twitter Hate @intheoradio.

Thayne Hallyburton

Plymouth Whalers

 

Hockey, as in life, all starts with Money...and $cott 'money' Wedgewood is the captain of this ship. He is the best goaltender in the OHL and has been underrated for years at the position. Add to him, Matt Mahalak who is easily the best backup in the league...Plymouth's last line of defense looks impenetrable. 

 

From there, you move up front, and the likes of Jamie Devane, Garret Meurs, J.T. Miller, Mitchell Heard, Stefan Noesen....this is a team with a ton of scoring depth, which you need come playoff time. If they add one big scorer at the deadline, they will be very tough to beat come playoff time by any team. Mitchell Dempsey is a good enough bargaining chip to get anyone they please. Rumours say they are after Jared Knight from the London Knights.

 

Overall, this is the best team in the O and will be the best team in the O come playoff time. London is too young to make a run this year....Plymouth is ready. They are the best and most complete team. If Sarnia weren't so injured, maybe they would give them a run for the money.

Whalers (2), Bulls (1), Sting (1), Knights (1).

'I Get No Respect' - The Belleville Bulls

Rodney Dangerfield made a living off the phrase, ‘I get no respect…’ and maybe the Belleville Bulls could start using the late comedians famous starting line. The Bulls who went on a remarkable tear in the month of November have rattled off two 6 game winning streaks in the last 14 games (12-2 in the stretch) and have found themselves on top of the Eastern Conference looking down. A far cry from needing to play catch up with last years squad. There have been many changes to the roster from the 10/11 team to the current leader of the Eastern Conference (lead Ottawa with W tie breaker).


The team is still lead by their Captain Luke Judson (@judder14) who has taken the off season seriously and really improved his game to the point many are saying he should be getting some type of pro contract instead of just heading off to CIS. The overall forward and defence have upped their game either to match their Captains commitment, or because they didn’t want to have back to back embarrassing seasons. The addition of Daniil Zharkov has given the Bulls a spark plug on the ice, the way he can skate, to the quick release on his shot, to him digging into the corners to get the puck. Not to mention the goaltending of Malcolm Subban who has been the hottest goaltender since Michael Houser started the season. You can look at the individual players who have improved but Colorado Avalanche prospect Steven Silas (@SteveSilas) thinks the team has improved because of something else,

‘Confidence. The game revolves around it. and this year our team hastons of confidence from our goaltending, to our d-men and forward. Sounds cliché but everyone is playing the way they are capable of playing and it makes it easier for everyone around them. It’s a long season though, only a third of the way through. As long as we play together and put the team first everything will fall into place.’

I use to have a nickname for each conference. There was the ‘Wild Wild West’ where anything can happen because you had 8 power teams and then a team just on the outside and one grossly missing the playoffs. Then you had the ‘Easy Easy East’ where you can just float around because no one gave you any chance against the Western Conference. This year however the East is just a ‘guns a blazing’ as their Conference Counterpart. In fact the gap between first and 8th in the East is only 8 points while in the West it is 15 points.

Despite the turnaround year that Belleville is having, no one seems to be giving them respect (outside ITO of course), to the point that they can be serious contenders. There is something to be said for going out every night and grinding out a W and doing all the small things right that can win you a 1-0 or a 3-2 game. But yet no one believes that they can stick around on top of the Eastern Conference.

With 20 OHL teams to think about every day, you can easily bypass a play, a goal, or even a whole game not thinking about what it means in the standings. Thankfully for me there are the diehard Belleville fans who follow ITO on twitter (@intheoradio) and let it be known not only how they feel about players/coaches/organization but also keeping me in the loop. When the question is, ‘How come Belleville gets no respect?’ who else should you turn to then the die hard fans? Melissa Foley (@hockeyFan14) took time to answer the question for me.

‘We are getting no respect because we are a small market team, who quietly goes about our business. We might not have the swagger as other larger market teams, but we have something more – quality character players who love playing in Belleville for their team and fans. That’s all that matters to us. With a few more wins the respect should come, but we don’t need it! we respect ourselves, other be damned!’

I think it is safe to say that the fans are passionate about the team and they know the difference from a contender and a pretender. But what about the players? What do they have to say on the topic of Belleville being the hottest team right now and the lack of respect the team gets. Michael “Muzzy” Curtis (@mcurt9107) had this to say (Muzzy is an ITO nickname) …

‘We are for sure one of the hottest teams. We just need to keep playing Bulls hockey, that will keep us on top.’

So ‘Muzzy’ didn’t want to touch the respect part of the question but the longer on top, the faster the respect should come right? Last season the longer Mississauga held on to the division and conference lead the more people began to respect their depth and talent and given enough time Curtis is right. But what about the leader, The captain, Luke Judson. He was the captain of a brutal 8th place team last year and has revamped not only his game, but maybe the team too. Here is the Captains comments about the team being perceived as pretenders,

‘We don’t mind being overlooked, it keeps us humble. We come to the rink every game respecting what are opponents can do. The only people we need to believe in our team are the guys sitting in the dressing room.’

If you have never seen a television interview with Judson, or listened to the ITO interviews with him, he is that ‘deep’ as far as talking about the team. Easy to see why he was chosen to be the captain for 2 years running. But the captain is right. If you are being overlooked use it as fuel for the fire. And just like Silas and Curtis said, it is all about the guys in the dressing room.

Now I am not going to proclaim I am a genius but I did see this team being more of a contender than last season, with that said I still didn’t give them credit to lead the division/conference. But I will admit I am a Bull-iever. Sorry that is an inner journalist I was channeling... it shouldn't happen again

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.

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.

The Good , The Bad and The Ugly

It was the good, the bad and the ugly for the Niagara Ice Dogs this week-end. With an unusual three games in a row, the Niagara team had a loss, a win, and a come back win.

The Thursday night home opener was deemed as “ugly” in the head line of the local paper. With expectations high for the home time crowd, the home opener was a brutal 6-4 loss against the Mississauga Majors. With nine players attending NHL camps, the Ice Dogs have had limited time during training camp and the exhibition season to play together as a team. With Strome and Friesen still away, and their return iffy, and other players trying a little too hard to be the hero, the team lacked cohesion necessary if they are to meet the high predications of the pre-season. One bright light was the two goal performance of forward Joel Wigle.

Friday’s 4-2 win against the Barrie Colts was “good” as the crowd was able to see glimpses of what the Dogs might be able to do as the season progresses. Johnson Andrew was named first star of the game. On Thursday night Andrews hit the score sheet early with a penalty following a fight with Jamie Wise of the Majors. (http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/105265) Andrews admits there has been a history with Wise and deemed this fight “as the rubber match” which was over too quickly and might need to be decided at another time. Friday evening against the Colts Andrews kept his gloves on and got on the score sheet with two goals to help his team to their first win of the season.

Andrews is the centre of the one of the many sub-plots of what is often a soap opera within the OHL. Currently Andrews is one of three over-agers on the Ice Dog roster. OHL rules make it necessary to have only three OAs come January. However, Andrew’s life long friend Alex Frieson is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves, AHL affiliate for Vancouver Canucks. The thinking is there is a 50-50 chance for Friesen’s return. While his return would be celebrated as a great addition to the Ice Dogs, it just might put Andrew’s spot as an over-ager on the team in jeopardy.

Growing up doors apart from each other in near-by Niagara-on-the-Lake, Friesen and Andrews played together their entire hockey careers. Still in close contact, Andrews says Friesen is enjoying his stay in Chicago and various reports state Friesen is doing well on the team. Time will tell how this drama unfolds. Will Friesen stay in the AHL honing his skills for a future NHL career but potentially losing out on an expected Memorial Cup run? Will Friesen’s return result in ousting his life long friend from the Ice Dog roster? Will Andrews unexpectedly bump David Pacan or Andrew Agozinno out of the line up to make room for Friesen? Only time will tell, but it is an interesting story to keep watching.

On Saturday night the Ice Dogs travelled to Belleville to face the Bulls. It began as a “bad” game with a quick 3-0 deficit early in the first. As first star of the game Freddie Hamilton stated in an after game interview, the team needed to “wake up” and they made a come back defeating the Bulls 5-3.

Dog Bytes:

• Ice Dogs opened their home season on Thursday night with an emotional tribute to James Dean, a local AAA player who passed away from cancer in the summer. The Niagara Ice Dogs have dedicated their season to James.
• Mark Visentin left Friday night’s game part way through the first suffering a groin injury. According to Coach Williamson he may be on the side lines a few weeks, Williamson rates it “a one out of three” injury.
• Back up goalie Jaroslav Pavelka, drafted from Czechoslovakia, may not speak any English but understands the body language of hockey. He received a standing O from the home crowd on Friday after a spectacular save from a Barrie Colt break-away. He was also named third star of the game against Barrie. Unfortunately the next night Pavelka was pulled early into the first period of the Belleville game, replaced by Niagara local Mike Gallardi after two quick goals by the Bulls.
• Recent Ice Dog acquisition from Sudbury, Brock Beukeboom, has been scratched for several weeks due to a back injury.
• Ryan Strome is still with the New York Islanders.
• Team Canada goalie scout Ron Tugnutt was in attendance Thursday night watching Visentin and Mississauga Major’s J.P Anderson. Unfortunately both goalies were not on the top of their game.
• Ice Dog mascot “Bones” celebrated his birthday on Friday night with cupcakes for all and a between period hockey game with several mascots from through out the region.
• Ice Dog coach Marty Williamson admits the team is “out of sync”. With NHL camp attendees as late arrivals to the team, expected players leaving for the OHL Subway Series as well as the Team Canada World Juniors tournament, it will be a difficult season for the Ice Dogs to get it together. I’m sure many OHL teams wish they had these problems.

Interview with Belleville Bulls, Jordan Subban

The history of Subban and Belleville has gone back all the way to 2005/06, 5 full seasons now has a Subban donned the Red, Black and Yellow of the Belleville Bulls jersey. And this year, 2011/12 there will be Two Subbans on the ice. In May the Bulls selected Jordan Subban, a defenceman from the Toronto Marlboros, 5th overall. Jordan will join his brother Malcolm, Belleville starting goaltender, on the ice in hopes of turning around the Bulls franchise who finished 8th in the Eastern Conference last season. Jordan has a lot of upside and is more touted than both his brothers while at the same age. He is very sought after and this definitely is not his first interview, but it is the first with ITO. Here is my email interview with the blueline rookie, Jordan Subban.

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Jordan, I like to start with this question so I have to ask. OHL Showcase Cup. Winning it all. Explain the feeling in two words. go! lol but seriously to be at this level a tremendous feat no?

Two words I would use to describe the feeling would be extremely ecstatic. We worked really hard as a team and to be able to win this tournament and when we did it felt like a huge bolder was lifted off our shoulders and we could relax and enjoy it.

I have done numerous interviews this year with Toronto Marlboros, I guess you guys are popular. Alex Fotinos which I quoted you in the story. There was Nicholas Ritchie and now yourself. Who is the next Marlie I should interview and why would you say him?


I think you should interview Bryson Cianfrone next he was a great captain and a great player. (Coming soon)

Following in your brothers footsteps, and even in that brothers footsteps. 5th overall by the Belleville Bulls. Were you not secretly wishing to be picked by another team. I mean you have spent so many years at the Yardmen already, do you really want to play in that arena for the bulls too? Lol

I didn’t really have much preference to where I wanted to play, I didn’t know where I was going to be picked so being picked by Belleville was a surprise to me. I have spent a lot of time at the yardmen but I never get bored of going to the rink.

I never got a chance to talk to Pernell Karl while he was a member of the Bulls, but I did get to watch him numerous times in the 07/08 season, and of course enjoy watching your brother Malcolm right now in goal for Belleville. What is one thing you have learned from both that you keep with you to this day. and no cheating has to be two different things.

One thing that I have learned from both my brothers is to always be humble and hungry to learn new thing and get better consistently.

In an phone interview with Malcolm last year I introduced him as 'Pernell Karl Subbans Younger Brother' and never made reference to his name Malcolm. We laugh about it now. If Malcolm is PK's younger brother, what do we call you?

Hahahaha you can call me the good looking one!

You are a very similar player to PK, a lot of comparisons to him. how do you take the comparisons to your oldest brother? would you prefer that they be to another offensive defenseman?

The sense that we both like to get involved in the offense, but P.K. is a lot bigger then I am so he is more physical and he doesn’t jump up as much as I do.

Back in the OHL Showcase for people getting their first look at you. Man did you love to rush with the puck, but you seemed hesitant to take it all the way, not all the time, but most. Is this a growing thing with you? confidence with the puck or was it just a style of play?

I love to rush the puck and have the puck a lot but I have to keep my teammates involved to, as the year went on I got better and better at this and I owe it to my coaching staff for really helping me on this.

and speaking of style of play, has there been discussions on what you need to improve on entering this season or something that you specifically want to improve on?


There is nothing I really focused on, getting stronger and in my defensive zone I may have paid more attention to but I’m only 16 and I want to work on developing all areas of my game.

Finally, you have the upper hand here Jordan, I am going to be interviewing your new Belleville Teammate Alex Carnevale right after you. any good gossip i can catch him off guard with?


Haha no nothing I can think of

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If you love to watch defenceman go from end to end and make plays happen, then you are in luck. Jordan will deliver just that and create so many offensive chances for the Bulls with his style of play. Don't believe me, well just follow him on twitter (@Jordansubban) and ask him yourself. I am sure he will prove you wrong and also chirp you at the same time.

Bulls Daniel Altshuller has some tough decisions ahead

Belleville Bulls goaltending prospect Daniel Altshuller is having a dream year. First with his hometown Nepean Raiders Jr.A club Altshuller took over the starting role when then starter Michel Kowalew suffered a serious ankle injury. It took Altshuller about 9 games to get adjusted to his new role with the club as he went 2-7 in that stretch before adjusting to the speed of the game. Altshuller then won seven of his next ten including a 3-2 win over the Cornwall Colts a perennial league powerhouse.

Daniel was then invited to the Team Ontario U-17 camp for the upcoming U-17 world challenge Altshuller was a long shot as his competition all had some experience playing in the CHL but Altshuller had a fantastic camp and made the team as a back up. At some point between being named to the team and the beginning of the tournament Altshuller had outplayed Jake Paterson (the original starter) and was named the starter just before the tournament was to begin.

Altshuller led Ontario to a 4-0 run in the round robin and eventually to a gold medal while being named the tournaments top goaltender. The Belleville Bulls third round pick received glowing reviews from Bulls GM George Burnett as he told the Ottawa Sun that "Daniel was the goalie of the tournament and that was a great oppurtunity for him to face such high-calibre talent every night." Altshuller then returned to the Raiders and finished off the season with a 19-13-6-4-1 record along with a 3.22 GAA and a .906 sv% leading the Raiders into a sixth place finish and a first round matchup with the Brockville Braves.

Then this summer an invite to the U-18 squad came along for the upcoming Ivan Hlinka tournament in the Czech Republic and of course Altshuller was on the flight overseas as the team left yesterday. Once again Altshuller was a bit of a long shot to make the team as he was the only one without any Major Junior experience. Battling for one of two roster spots with six goaltenders at camp some had said that he may make the team as the backup. Once again Altshuller not only found a way onto the squad but will be playing the starters role while wearing the Maple Leaf in the Czech next week.

Altshuller's quick rise has forced the Bulls to try and woo the young 17 year old (Altshuller turned 17 on July 24th) into the OHL and onto their roster. As he has expressed his interest in going the NCAA route instead of through Major Junior it's proving to be quite the task. There are other cards at play that make the situation more complicated for the Bulls, Altshuller's father Brian owns the Raiders his Jr.A club and his brother Shawn plays as a forward for the club. The Bulls may have some help from Hockey Canada who will surely advise Altshuller that the best thing for him would be the CHL.

In the meantime Belleville has room on their roster for Altshuller as they traded Tyson Teichmann to Erie just this week essentially giveing Daniel a spot on their roster. As of now it looks like Altshuller is closer to signing with Belleville than he's ever been but the Bulls will still have to wait for an official decision as Daniel will be spending the next few weeks stopping rubber in the Czech Republic.

The 2011/12 Belleville Bulls

So here's the deal... I wanted to be done this by May, but due to time restrictions and travel it is happening now. For 20 days, In The O... will be looking at each OHL team and thanks to a consensus Panel will formulate what we believe the 2011/12 roster for these teams will look like. To decide this, the consensus panel first pitched who they thought, would be the OA players for the team. We then took 2 of their OHL priority Draft selections and added them to the roster. We did not look at 2010 selections in determining the roster and looked at a 13 Forward, 7 Defence and 2 Goalie system, thus leaving 8 player cards open for each team. We did not look at trades or other additions to the roster. Just simply took the 10/11 Roster and made minor changes. Sounds simple doesn't it... here is what In The O... projects as the roster for... The Belleville Bulls

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Over Age Players - Andy Bathgate, Luke Judson, Adam Payerl
OA's Cut - Bjorn Krupp, Brett Mackie
2011 Priority Draft Selections - Jordan Subban (D), Michael McCarron (F)

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Goaltenders - Malcolm Subban & Tyson Teichmann - A really strong feeling that Tyson will not be with this club come September, but as per the rules must go with who is listed on the 2010/11 roster

Defence - Darryl Snelling, Alex Basso, Adam Bignell, Steven Strong, Stephen Silas, Branden Morris, Jordan Subban - simply replace Krupp with Subban and this D is already improved.

Forwards - Luke Judson, Michael McCarron, Adam Payerl, Michael Curtis, Andy Bathgate, Austen Brassard, Brendan Gaunce, Scott Simmonds, Dylan Corson, Carter Sandlak, Braeden Corbeth, Jan Kaminsky - The Bulls still need one forward to make 13 but have utilized all their OA spots. This would likely lead to a 2010 draft pick making the roster.

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That is it... Just that simple. This is just a quick look at who could be on the team, with the importance placed on who will be playing as an OA or who will be cut from the Team.