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 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.

January 14th - Sudbury Wolves vs. Belleville Bulls

by Phil Phillips
*************************************************************
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”

ITO Three Stars & Power Rankings: Week 10

Welcome back for another edition of the ITO Power Rankings, as well as our Three Stars for the week of November 21^st-27^th. As the end of November nears, we are starting to get a good idea of which teams are real contenders this season, which teams are pretenders, and which teams never were. The next six weeks is absolutely critical to teams around the league, as decisions need to be made between now and the January 10^th Trade deadline.

ITO 3 Stars

1. Malcolm Subban (Belleville Bulls) – Often overlooked by his big brother’s success in the N.H.L., Malcolm is quickly becoming known on his own merits. Already the leading Goaltender in the Ontario Hockey League on GAA, Subban has been a large part in the success of the Belleville Bulls this season. Malcolm played in all three of his team’s games over the last week, allowing just two goals while posting a shutout over Guelph. Malcolm would stop 87 of 89 shots he faced, for save percentage of .978. Clearly the best player in the league this week, ‘The Subban Wall’ is this week’s ITO First Star.

2. Brendan Gaunce (Belleville Bulls) – While Subban was stopping nearly everything he saw, someone was still needed in Belleville to put pucks in the other net, and that’s where Brendan came in this week. Riding a super-hot stick, Gaunce would strike for five goals in his three games, as well as adding an assist. Starting with a two goal performance on Thursday night in Erie, Brendan would follow up the next night, scoring another pair of goals in a whitewashing of Guelph. To round out the weekend, Gaunce would score a goal and an assist in a win over Oshawa. By scoring five times, and registering six points, along with a +5 rating, Brendan Gaunce is the ITO Second Star for Week 10.

3. Tobias Rieder (Kitchener Rangers) – Not to be outdone, Tobias Rieder was equally as important to the Kitchener Rangers this week, scoring five times and adding an assist of his own. Tuesday night, Tobias would start the week right, scoring a hat trick in a big win over Guelph. Friday night, Rieder would add another marker, as the Rangers would send Erie to defeat. Tobias would wrap up his weekend by adding another goal, as well as an assist, in yet another big victory, this time over Sarnia. For this, as well as his +3 rating this week, Tobias earns his spot as the ITO Third Star for November 21^st-27^th.

ITO Power Rankings

1. London Knights – (Last Week: 1) By winning two of their three games this past week, the London Knights retain the top spot in the ITO Power Rankings, which they have held since the beginning of the season. The lead is beginning to diminish, however, as many teams have set their sights on the league leaders. After a loss on home ice to Barrie, the Knights would rebound with victories in Erie and Brampton. London hosts Saginaw on Friday night, then travel to Owen Sound for a contest the following evening.

2. Kitchener Rangers – (Last Week: 4) With wins in all three contests this week, the Rangers vault into the number 2 spot in the OHL Power Rankings. 9-1 in their last ten, and points in 13 of their last 14 games, Kitchener has become one of the most feared teams in the league. The Rangers would outscore their opposition 17-5 in three victories this week, knocking off Guelph, Erie, and Sarnia along the way. Kitchener plays three games in three nights this week, starting Thursday night in Brampton. After returning home to face Mississauga, the Rangers will finish their week in Erie on Saturday night.

3. Plymouth Whalers – (Last Week: 2) The Whalers find themselves down one spot this week, after losing two of three. A win over Saginaw on Wednesday kept the Whalers’ streak intact, but losses to Peterborough and Guelph over the weekend caused the team to slide. Plymouth has a pair of home games this week to try and steady things, hosting Sault Ste. Marie on Friday and Guelph on Saturday.

4. Belleville Bulls – (Last Week: 8) A big jump into the top five for the Belleville Bulls this week, as they win three straight games, improving to 9-2 in their last 11 games. The Bulls started the week with a strong 3-1 victory in Erie, then blanked Guelph the next night. Belleville would return home for a Sunday afternoon matinee, defeating Oshawa handily. Looking ahead, the Bulls host Kingston on Wednesday night, beginning a home and home series that wraps up on Friday night. Belleville returns home the next night to take on Windsor to end the week.

5. Sarnia Sting – (Last Week: 3) Playing without star forward Nail Yakupov for much of the week, the Sting suffered, losing all three contests. After losing in a shootout to Barrie on Thursday, Sarnia would be dropped in back to back contests over the weekend, first to Niagara, and then in Kitchener. The Sting hit the road for a pair of games, starting in Peterborough on Thursday, and playing the following night in Oshawa. Sarnia comes home for a Sunday afternoon contest against Sault Ste. Marie to finish the weekend.

6. Ottawa 67’s – (Last Week: 7) Ottawa continues to impress, sitting atop the East Division, and climb one spot this week, despite earning a split from their two games. The 67’s opened the weekend on Friday, losing on home ice to Oshawa, but would come back in the third period on Sunday to defeat Kingston in a shootout. Ottawa has a three game weekend in front of them, starting at home to Windsor on Friday night, and playing games in Peterborough on Saturday, and in Mississauga Sunday.

7. Niagara IceDogs – (Last Week: 13) With three straight wins this week, the IceDogs leap back into the top ten in the OHL Power Rankings. Once considered a contender, Niagara is fighting to erase a slow start. Big wins over Brampton, Windsor, and Sarnia this week vault the IceDogs up the ranks, and Niagara will look to continue the rise with three games this weekend. The IceDogs host Erie on Thursday and Barrie on Saturday, before playing Sunday afternoon in Brampton.

8. Brampton Battalion – (Last Week: 6) Right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference, the Battalion continue to keep pace with the top teams in the OHL. Brampton could only muster one win in three games this past week, causing a small drop in the Power Rankings. After a win Wednesday in Mississauga, the Battalion would lose back to back games to Niagara and London. If Brampton is to get back on pace, they start Thursday, when they host Kitchener. A game in Sudbury on Friday is followed by a Sunday afternoon contest at home to Niagara, finishing three games in four days.

9. Peterborough Petes – (Last Week: 5) After a good start to the week, Peterborough would struggle, and find themselves down four spots this week in the OHL Power Rankings. The Petes would earn two points in Plymouth on Friday night, but would be on the wrong end of scores in Saginaw and Windsor, stalling the teams’ momentum. A big week lies ahead for Peterborough, as they play host to Sarnia on Thursday and Ottawa on Saturday, before traveling to Oshawa to wrap up the weekend Sunday evening.

10. Barrie Colts – (Last Week: 10) No change for Barrie, though the Colts did win two out of three games this week, both against top opposition. After winning in Sarnia on Thursday, the Colts went into London on Friday and earned two points again. A tough loss on home ice to Sudbury on Saturday prevents Barrie from gaining ground this week. The Colts hit the road for three games this week, starting in Owen Sound Wednesday. Barrie also takes on Erie on Friday, and plays in Niagara Saturday.

11. Sudbury Wolves – (Last Week: 15) After falling four spots last week, the Wolves make that ground back this week, after winning both games they played. The victories over Owen Sound and Barrie help Sudbury move up the Rankings, but for the Wolves to continue upwards, they will need a good week coming up. Sudbury hosts Sault Ste. Marie on Tuesday evening, and will have Brampton in town for a contest on Friday.

12. Owen Sound Attack – (Last Week: 12) Still at number 12 this week, the Owen Sound Attack were able to earn three points from a pair of games over the last seven days. After the Attack lost a shootout contest in Sudbury Friday night, Owen Sound retaliated by winning a night later, knocking off Sault Ste. Marie. This week, the Attack hosts Barrie on Wednesday night, then plays in Guelph on Friday. Owen Sound finishes the weekend back at home on Saturday night, when London comes to visit.

13. Guelph Storm – (Last Week: 9) The Guelph Storm are one of many teams that have seemed to settle into the middle of the pack in their conference. They would win two and lose two over a four game week, but slide four spots landing at number 13. Guelph would start the week with a lopsided loss in Kitchener on Tuesday, and would be whitewashed by Belleville on Friday night. The Storm replied over the weekend, picking up victories over Plymouth and Mississauga to salvage an even record for the week. No rest for Guelph this week, as they play three games in three days over the weekend, starting with a visit from Owen Sound on Friday. The Storm then take to the road for weekend stops in Plymouth and Saginaw.

14. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – (Last Week: 11) After an impressive start, the Greyhounds have begun to falter as of late, and dropped both decisions this past week in the process. While the Hounds would pick up a point from a shootout loss to Saginaw on Friday, a loss the next night to Owen Sound would continue the Soo’s downward trend. The Greyhounds hit the road for four games in the next seven days, starting Tuesday when they play in Sudbury. With three more games over the weekend, starting Friday in Plymouth, and making stops in Saginaw and Sarnia, this could be a make-it or break-it week for Sault Ste. Marie.

15. Windsor Spitfires – (Last Week: 16) The Spits continue their slow trend upwards, climbing another spot this week, after earning a split in a pair of contests. A loss to Niagara on Friday night would start Windsor’s week on the wrong foot, but the Spitfires rebounded to take down Peterborough on Sunday afternoon. Windsor is another team that plays three times from Friday to Sunday this week ahead, playing contests on the road in Ottawa, Belleville, and Kingston.

16. Mississauga St. Michaels Majors – (Last Week: 14) It has been a long steady fall for a team that was one game away from winning the Memorial Cup on home ice this past May. The Majors got off to a terrific start to the season, but have since won just five times in their last twenty contests. Mississauga would fail to earn a point over the last week, dropping all three of their games. A midweek loss to Brampton was followed with defeats at the hands of Kingston and Guelph, and the Majors are in full free-fall. If that weren’t enough, the Majors will have their hands full this week, with two contests, both against top teams in the OHL. Mississauga plays in Kitchener on Friday night, before returning home to tangle with Ottawa on Sunday.

17. Oshawa Generals – (Last Week: 17) Contenders no more, the Generals are now vying in hopes of simply making the playoffs this season. A sluggish start would cost Chris DiPiero his job behind the bench, and Gary Agnew has fared little better, as Oshawa continues to sputter. They would split their games this week, starting Friday with a big road win in Ottawa. The Generals would fail to string together consecutive wins, dropping a game in Belleville Sunday afternoon. Oshawa has a pair of home games this week to try and right the ship, starting Friday night when Sarnia comes to town. The Generals also host Peterborough on Sunday evening.

18. Saginaw Spirit – (Last Week: 18) Saginaw remains planted at number 18 this week, as they continue to play inconsistent hockey. The Spirit would win two of three games this week, improving on a record that needs work. After a loss in Plymouth, Saginaw would get a shootout win over Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, and picked up another win a night later against Peterborough. The Spirit will look to keep winning this week, starting with a game in London on Friday night. After that, Saginaw returns home for the weekend, with games against Sault Ste. Marie and Guelph.

19. Kingston Frontenacs – (Last Week: 19) While playing better as of late, the Frontenacs have dug themselves quite a hole, a hole that may be too much to get out of in Kingston. The Fronts would earn three out of four possible points last week, defeating Mississauga on Friday, but losing in a shootout to Ottawa on Sunday. Three games await Kingston this week, starting Wednesday in Belleville. Belleville returns the visit to Kingston on Friday night, and the Frontenacs wrap up the week hosting Windsor on Sunday afternoon.

20. Erie Otters – (Last Week: 20) There is an OHL team that plays in Pennsylvania, but they haven’t given us much to talk about this season, and have become a league afterthought by November. Now with just three wins in their first 25 games, the Otters are already relegated to playing for pride, and maybe some of them who might be dealt off to contenders before the January trade deadline. The losing streak would hit ten games after three more losses this past week, as Belleville, Kitchener, and London would all take turns earning victories over Erie. The Otters play three games in three nights from Thursday through Saturday of the week ahead. After playing in Niagara, Erie comes back home for games with Barrie and Kitchener.

The ITO Three Stars and Power Rankings can be found every Tuesday here at In The O… The Radio Show. Be sure to check back next week to see where your favourite team ranks, but if you can’t wait for your OHL fix, find me on Twitter, @N24Nicholson.