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

We're only a few months away from the 2012 NHL draft, and most of the talk these days is about who the best draft eligible players are. The hot-stove like to change things up once in a while so what we will look at is who the best NHL prospect currently playing in the OHL is.

Joining me in today's hot-stove is Alex O'Brien, Anthony Nicholson, Brandon Sudeyko and Phil Phillips.

Todd Cordell

There are a lot great players in the OHL but, in my opinion, Brandon Saad of the Chicago Blackhawks is the best NHL owned player in the Ontario Hockey League. He plays on an average offensive team in Saginaw, and a team that is arguably the worst defensive team in the league. Despite Saginaw’s goal differential being -13 on the season, Saad is +28. That’s quite remarkable. Saad isn’t just getting it done in that category, though; he’s posting arguably the best offensive numbers in the league. In 39 games this season he has 30 goals, and 38 assists (68 points). When you watch him and look at the numbers he has put up despite the team he plays for, it’s hard to argue that he’s not the best player in the OHL.

Alex O'Brien

Though he isn't technically drafted, the Sudbury Wolves/Colorado Avalanche centre Michael Sgarbossa tops my list for the best player in the OHL. He was signed right after the draft, so he was basically drafted in my eyes. One could argue Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Strome, Tyler Toffoli, etc., but Sgarbossa is leading the OHL in points working basically with nothing around him. Hamilton and Strome have one of the best teams to compliment them. Sgarbossa is the Wolves' offence - he breaks the puck out from his own zone, plays well in all three zones, has a high level of compete and hands of pure silk. His shot has some sweet zip on it, and when he wants to dominate a game, nobody can really shut him down. Though he's a tad undersized, his shifty skating and hockey IQ allow him to be in the right place at the right time to make a play happen. If Sgarbossa had elite wingers, there isn't a doubt in my mind that he would be more recognized as a top OHLer. No offence to Kuchin or Leivo, but in my eyes both are a product of Sgarbossa's talent. If one watches the Wolves #1 PP unit at work, you'll notice Sgarbossa at the right dot most times, looking to crank a one timer with his LH shot. That's the Wolves' go to move on the PP. Sgarbossa really is the Wolves' entire offence.

Anthony Nicholson

There are so many good OHL players who have been drafted to the National Hockey League; selecting one to call the best is next to impossible. The first player that came to mind, however, is Ottawa Senators draft pick Shane Prince. The Ottawa 67's forward is fresh off a league best 21 game point streak that lasted nearly two months, Shane sits in 5th in league scoring with 82 points, 40 of them goals. His 1.58 Points per game is the highest in the Ontario Hockey League, and had he not missed 7 games this season, the argument could be made that he would be the league's leading scorer.

Brandon Sudeyko

Do I go for my typical Visentin love, as he is the best goaltender in the OHL at the moment, or do I go for a really hot player right now in Ivan Telegin? Tough decision...Do I surprise and shock the world? I don't think I can anymore.

My vote has to be Jarred Tinordi of the London Knights. What do you know? I did shock the world.

Last year, given the hype surrounding the Montreal Canadiens draft pick coming into the OHL, I wouldn't call it a flop... but his season was definitely just under average. This season, now with the C on his chest, a member of Team USA at the recent WJHC, and the current +/- leader in the OHL...Tinordi has transformed his game and excelled to the level in which we expected. He has learned to compensate for his shortcomings, use his size to his advantage, not only physically, but for excelling in the defensive zone. Jarred isn't the flashiest defenseman like Dougie Hamilton. His 2 goals and 16 points are evident that players will get rebounds off of his booming shot. He is overlooked because no one likes to talk about shutdown defenseman in the OHL.  But he deserves his props, and Montreal has a good one in Tinordi.

Phil Phillips

My vote goes to Kitchener Rangers defenseman Ryan Murphy. Mr. Murphy was drafted 12th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Ryan signed a three-year, entry level contract with Carolina, and began the 2011-2012 season in the NHL. He is a very gifted offensive defenseman who has great vision. Few D-Man in the OHL are as dangerous on the PP as he is. Murphy is a wonderful skater; he's very elusive, is a great passer and has a great shot.

The Rangers selected Murphy 3rd overall in 2009. As a 16 year old he put up 39 points in 62 games and was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team. He followed up his stellar rookie campaign by helping the Rangers proceed to the third round of the OHL Playoffs with 17 points in 20 games, leading the Rangers defense in scoring. Murphy broke out his sophomore season, leading the OHL in defensemen goal scoring with 26 goals. He added to that, 53 assists for 79 points in 63 games, good enough for second in defensemen scoring in the league. Murphy was named to the OHL First Team All-Star team for the 2010-11 season. He played for team Canada at the World Under 18 Championships in 2011. At the Under-18s, he was very impressive and was named defensemen of the tournament, scoring 13 points and leading the tournament in defensemen scoring, as well as leading Canada to a 4th place finish as their leading scorer.

Earlier this season Murphy suffered a severe concussion and as a consequence, he was placed in "complete shutdown mode" by the Rangers. Since then he was cut and missed a chance to play for Team Canada at the WJC he has returned to form, looks great and is producing at a better then a point per game clip. Enjoy him because he's a real treat to watch. I believe that Ryan Murphy will lead Team Canada back to Gold at next years World Jr Tournament. I could be wrong; he could be playing on a rebuilding Carolina team.

Friday the 13th.......Ice Dog Style

by Susan Tromanhauser

Just when the Niagara Ice Dogs thought they finally had the pieces of the puzzle together, Friday the thirteenth struck and proved to be an unlucky day for the a team filled with bad luck this season. With players returning late from NHL camps, injuries, suspensions, the World Junior tournament and more injuries, the Ice Dogs finally got their team back together as whole unit. But in one game against the Sudbury Wolves, the Dogs lost three key players.

Dougie Hamilton:

This week Hamilton was suspended for ten games as supplemental discipline for a check to the head of Sudbury captain Michael MacDonald who suffered a concussion on the play. The OHL imposed the ten game supplemental discipline after deciding Hamilton’s hit was a check to the head on a vulnerable player that resulted in an injury.

Niagara Coach Marty Williamson felt the suspension was “Unfortunate. It’s one of those hits the league is trying to get rid of and Dougie would be the first guy to say he’d like to have it back. Dougie’s not a dirty player, he plays the game clean, but there was a player injured and the league is making a bold statement about what they do in those situations.”

Williamson had earlier this season predicted it would be difficult for Hamilton due to his size to avoid a hit such as this. “It’s hard for big guys and you have to watch those hits coming across the middle. …….if a guy ducks on you, it’s awfully tough.”

Ryan Strome

Ryan Strome’s adventure in Sudbury got him a goal, an assist and a broken nose. In a scrum around the net, Brody Silk punched Strome in the face resulting with much blood on the ice and ending Strome’s night early.

There is controversy whether Silk should receive supplemental discipline as many believe fights happen in hockey and Strome was just as guilty for throwing punches. Others feel this was not a fight but rather Strome was punched from behind when he was not expecting it. Williamson believes it was a “bad punch. Fights happen, this wasn’t a fight, it was a scrum.” The only opinion that matters of course is the OHL as they handed out a twelve game suspension to Silk.

The other controversy talked about in the twitterverse was the fact Strome played the game against Barrie on Saturday night with a broken nose only to return home and discover on Monday the injury was much more severe, including additional broken facial bones. William assures there is no controversy. “(Strome) had a broken nose….we were told he could get it looked after Monday. Ryan wanted to play and felt good. …if this was play off time he could possibly be playing today. We are going to give him time to heal.” Williams also assures the surgery went well and “(Strome) looks better than ever.” Strome is expected to be out for one month.

Brock Beukeboom

After sitting out the first six weeks of the season with two cracked bones in his back, Brock Beukeboom suffered his fourth concussion against the Wolves. Again the confident Williams assures the concussion is not too worrisome as Beukeboom’s parents report the concussion is not as serious as previous ones he has suffered and he appears to be on his way to full recovery.

On top of missing three players in one game Joel Wigle is still out with a shoulder injury and many other players are not 100% due to a flu bug going through the Ice Dog dressing room.

In order to fill out the player roster, the Dogs turned to the St. Catharines Junior B Falcons many times this year. However, the “B” roster is getting slim as well. Broderick Kelly has already played nine games with the Ice Dogs and one more game will mean he is no longer eligible to play with the Falcons. Jimmy Sheehan is out with an ankle injury. The Ice Dogs have now turned to Falcons' Brad Col to bolster the defense.

Amid this upheaval the Ice Dog coach remains calm, insisting everything will be all right. Williamson insists “these things happen over a 68 game schedule” When asked how the Dogs will go forward in the wake of the bad luck his quick response is “Keep trying to win hockey games.”

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 - Niagara IceDogs vs. Barrie Colts

by Brandon Sudeyko
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After their game Thursday night in Niagara, I figured this rematch would not have been as one sided as the score suggested. But it was in fact that way. The IceDogs were finishing up their three in three, while the Barrie Colts were rested from not playing Friday. What I saw in the first 38 seconds was Niagara setting the tone for the remaining 59 minutes and change of the game. On the first shot of the game NIA Alex Friesen was able to put the IceDogs up 1-0. Friesen scored off of a deflection from Alex Lepokowski which would be a trend in the game to come. The first period was all Niagara. They used their speed, worked the puck down low, the defence had active sticks which lead to many shot blocks and Barrie could not get to the IceDogs net. Barrie came out flat, stayed flat for the first period and despite tying the game up at 1 with 14 seconds left in the first period. The shot clock told the entire story of the first period. 17-4 in favour of the Niagara IceDogs. The only momentum that the Colts could have mustered up in the first 20 minutes would have been a fight between BAR Norm Ezekiel and NIA Adam Desautels. The two dropped the gloves off a faceoff, waited about 3 seconds before skating towards each other and the linesman stepped in right away. Putting the kibosh on any type of momentum changer. After 20 minutes of play, game tied at 1 with Niagara owning the shot clock.

The start of the second period you thought, ‘would the Barrie Colts show up or is this going to be a complete domination by the Niagara IceDogs?’ The Niagara IceDogs came out flying like they did in the first period. Controlling the puck down low. Stopping the Colts at the blueline as they tried to break the zone. Continued to block a lot of Barrie shots, kept the Colts to the outside and used the boards and wide passes to stretch out the Colts so they can get deep into the Barrie zone. Despite the Colts best efforts, they could not stay out of the box which resulted in the second goal of the game. This would be the only goal you can argue that Barrie goaltender Alex ‘The Future’ Fotinos, could have had. Niagara on the Power Play, cycling the puck like they always do. The same set up every time that no one can seem to defend against. The PP master Ryan Strome does a great job of getting the puck to the top of the left circle on the tape of Tom Khunhackl, who finds Dougie Hamilton creeping in to the right circle around the faceoff dot where Dougie blasts it over the glove of Fotinos to make it a 2-1 Niagara lead. Again, this would be the only goal you could say Fotinos should have had on the night. Then again a Dougie Hamilton slapshot from 20 feet out, while moving left to right is never easy. Just over two minutes the Niagara IceDogs extend their lead. Remember the continuation of the night was the IceDogs dominating down low and pinning the Colts on defence. Niagara is able to cycle the puck back up to the Myles Doan where he fires a shot off the skate of Alex Lepkowski, off the inner pad of Fotinos and in the back of the net. What could go bad for the Colts did go bad. Of note for Barrie is Captain Colin Behenna drawing two penalties in the second period both hooking calls. The second period ended with Niagara up 3-1, winning the shot clock battle with 8-7 in the 2nd, 25-11 for 40 minutes of play.

The third period saw more of the same dominance by the Niagara IceDogs. At times, it looked like they took their foot off the pedal as they sensed that Barrie was not going to cause a lot of pressure for NIA goalie Mark Visentin. The lone goal in the third happened at the 10 minute mark when a pass from Chris Buonomo was intercepted by Tom Khunhackl which lead to a breakaway goal, another goal that Fotinos had no business saving unless luck was on his side. This time it was not. The Colts almost generate something with 5 minutes left in the game as a weird dump in clings off the glass and in the back of the Niagara net. However, Mark Visentin knocks the net off the moorings going to play the puck off the boards. The refs waive off the goal and after review, and the replay showing the puck was off the moorings, the ‘no goal’ call stood and no ‘delay of game’ penalty was assessed. It was that sort of night for the Barrie Colts as they suffered their 2nd loss of the weekend to the Niagara IceDogs.
IceDogs won 4-1 and also dominated the shot clock, 33-21.




Game Notes:


• The stats do not show how good Alex Fotinos was in this game. Many around me continually stated, without Alex in net, the game could have been 6 or 7-1 for Niagara.


• The two newest Niagara IceDogs, Jamie Oleksiak and Brett Ritchie, had opposite nights. Jamie was present every time on the ice, whether it was his stick, throwing his body around, or shot blocking. Brett Ritchie was for most part invisible and did not generate much offensively.


• BAR defenceman Chris Buonomo played with 4 different defenceman, never played with Aaron Ekblad.


• NIA Mark Visentin didn’t see much work, but continued to look very calm in net, squaring himself and building off the momentum of the Bronze medal victory back from the WJHC

What's in the OHL Rumour Mill?

In a perfect world every rumour would be true and given that it is that time of year in the OHL. It is hard to tell what is real and what is completely made up. ITO would like to share with you what is floating around in the Rumour Mill as there is still a week until the OHL Trade Deadline. By no means are these trades going to happen but just what is being talked about. None of these deals are finalized as they have not been approved by the OHL.

Barrie Colts

            Barrie made their move earlier this week but there is still talks about doing more. Gregg Sutch has been rumoured to be out the door for a while now. There are talks about bringing in Steven Shipley for Niagara and still potentially another deal for a D man. Before Ryan O Connor was thrown into their deal, Barrie was looking at adding Brandon Archibald in the back end. There is also talk of Barrie looking for help within their division with Mississauga and their older forwards, Derek Schoennemakkers and Joseph cramarossa.

Belleville Bulls

            Many people will look at the Bulls and say they don’t have the chips to trade but they do have picks. Earlier the rumour mill was reporting that Brett Ritchie was going to Belleville to help their PP which is 19^th in the league at just 13%.

Brampton Battalion

            Butler isn’t known to sell the farm unless he truly believes that his team can make a good run. The Troops are tied for first in the east and there has been talks of Butler giving up one of his young D for a goal scorer. But he will only move if an offer knocks ‘his socks off’

Erie Otters

            Greg McKegg is your asset here in Erie and there was a ‘done deal’ with Niagara before Ottawa jumped in late last minute. It is still a toss up between the two as Sherry Bassin has been rumoured to be able to choose between NIA Luke Mercer and OTT Dave Perklin.

Guelph Storm

            The Storm are not looking to make a move, much like Brampton. Stephen Gaskin has been on the market. A credible OA Defenceman but there isn’t much room for OA’s and may just stay in the the Royal City.

Kingston Frontenacs

            The big move everyone is waiting for in Kingston of course is Ryan Spooner. Where is he going, well officially no where right now, but the talk and widely believed to be sent to Sarnia for Ryan Kujawinski. People believe there is more to this deal so expect a pick or two thrown in as well.

Kitchener Rangers

            The Rangers are looking to stay with the roster they have but are open to offers. Like most GM’s if an offer is to good to be true, Why would Steve Spott say no.

London Knights

            Buyers or Sellers? Depending on who you are talking to or listening to it can be either or. London is currently looking to poach two players from Windsor for defenceman Troy Donnay. Going the other way is supposedly Goaltender John Cullen and defender Adrian Robertson. If Robertson is spoken for (Sarnia) then still look for a move of Donnay for a defenceman as the Knights still go after Cullen. If the Knights are sellers then Jared Knight is in play although the price right now would be very steep.  Will they or wont they.

Mississauga Majors

            The Majors are looking to sell and the rumour is JP Anderson and Riley Brace to Sarnia or Oshawa. Also, on the block in Mississauga is Derek Schoennmakkers  and Joseph Cramarossa. They have been linked together and separately.

Niagara IceDogs

            We have already mentioned that Steven Shipley could be out of the Red, Black and white. But joining him could be Luke Mercer and the Hamilton Brothers. The Hamiltons were put on the block 3 weeks ago. There has not been any buyers yet, but they are still out there.

Oshawa Generals

            The Generals were looking into acquiring a goaltender with the rumour mill spouting names like Maxwell, Stajcer and even Sadikov at times. They are feeling more comfortable with Altshuller which has quieted the talks about bringing in Stajcer or even the Mississauga duo.

Ottawa 67’s

            The 67’s are not looking to make a big splash, as much as preventing big deals. They were once thought to be in on the Ryan Spooner sweepstakes before blocking Greg McKegg to Ottawa. Ottawa’s main bargaining chip is Dave Perklin.

Owen Sound Attack

            The Attack have been looking to deal Matt Petgrave, Scott Stajcer, Geoffrey Schemitsch and even Mike Halmo. With those three guys being talked about it seems like they are looking to sell, but what they could get in return may make a a good setup for next season.

Peterborough Petes

            GM Dave Reid has basically said he does not know what he is going to do. Could sell or could buy. At the beginning of the year the Petes looked good. They have been hit by injuries and have been losing. Peterborough is truly a wait and see situation. They are looking to build around Koekkoek and Peumple for next season.

Plymouth Whalers

            The Whalers were in a holding pattern but look to be making a run to go against London for the Western title. They are pretty much set but a lil more offense or defence can not hurt. The 16 year old looking to be moved is Mitch Dempsey. He has been rumoured to be part of any deal much like Perklin in Ottawa.

Saginaw Spirit

            Spirit is a pure seller. Brandon Saad, Tadeas Galansky, Brandon Archibald, Josh Shalla and even Jamie Oleksiak have been inquired about. The Spirit will look to make the playoffs but still build for next season after slowly recovering from a terrible start.

Sarnia Sting

            Sarnia has been involved in practically every rumour. Whether it is bringing in Spooner, Knight, McKegg or selling players like Taylor Carnevale, Jack Kuzmyk, Ryan Kujawinski and Brett Ritchie. GM Beaulieu knows his time is now to go for a championship while still building for future years.

Soo Greyhounds

            Another quiet team when it comes to the rumour mill. If GM Kyle Dubas’ tweeting is any indication he wants to shake up the lineup and get the room more focused. He has mentioned players on twitter as needing to tweet less and play harder, paraphrasing of course.  David Quesnele, Nick Halagian, Corey Durocher and Andrew Fritsch has been mentioned in the GM’s tweets. Whether or not there are the assets to go after Jared Knight, the Greyhounds have been linked to him at some point.

Sudbury Wolves

            Sudbury is looking to buy. A big body forward is what they are looking for as well as an experienced D on the back end. Last year the Wolves tried to shop Josh McFadden at the deadline after it is rumoured that he requested a trade but no one was buying. This year as an OA he may be moved.

Windsor Spitfires

            Windsor has been looking to sell to build for a potential Memorial Cup run in 2014. Nick Ebert has been rumoured to be on his way out the door along with the previous mentioned Spitfires players. The other players involved in talks is Alexander Khokhlachev and Nick Czinder. For Koko to move, you would have to see an import be dropped. I don’t see London Dropping Namestnikov, so maybe Matta is the odd man out after falling down the draft boards.

As previously stated this is not a for certain list of what is going to happen. These are just players and teams who have been mentioned to be either buying or selling. You can point out the errors and omissions if you like. But here at ITO, we figured we would share with you all the rumours that we are trying to prove or disprove.

Do not forget that this year the OA trade deadline is a day before the deadline for the rest of the league. OA’s cannot be moved after 12 noon on Monday, while the rest of the league’s deadline is 12 noon on Tuesday.

ITO's WJHC Team Canada Thoughts

I know you have all been waiting for what I may possibly have to say in regards to the team and the cut list for Team Canada. Unlike many of my media counterparts I was not able to give 'instant feedback'. But you guys know me better than that. It could be 3 days after the fact I will still give you the honest straight up no bull feedback you expect from ITO.

OHLers on 2012 Team Canada

Goaltenders - Mark Visentin & Scott Wedgewood

To no surprise of anyone, these two are my choice. If I had it my way, which I unfortunately do not, I would select every OHL player available in camp. But bias opinion aside, how do you deny Visentin his opportunity to win back what was lost? Sure his season is very up and down, more down than up. But how does that change what his abilities allow him to do? He is a hard worker, no doubt about that and more importantly when he has to battle he definitely does. What has he won? ok you got me there. Team Canada didn't win silver they lost gold, notice I didn't say 'HE' or 'Mark' when talking bout the silver. It is a team game you know. But having Wedgewood behind Mark forcing him not to faulter may be the smartest move made in deciding the roster. Scott has been an amazing goaltender in the OHL for almost 3 years. He hasn't played many games in those 3 years, just eclipsed the 100 game plateau just last weekend, but without a doubt carries the title of 'elite' when talking about OHL Goaltenders. Scott has always been the unknown, or the underdog. Due to playing in the States, he never gets the credit he deserves. He will push Visentin to the max and I would not be surprised if he becomes the starter during the tournament.

Defenceman - Jamie Oleksiak, Dougie Hamilton, Scott Harrington

The obvious OHLer missing on this list is Ryan Murphy. But before I get to that, lets comb through these three individuals. Jamie Oleksiak was a lock for this team before he even stepped on the ice. In fact it was when he 'defacted' from USAHockey and decided to play for Canada. A 6'7" 240+lb defenceman is easy to get excited about. I still can not get over the fact that DSP Yardsaled him back in the summer camp. You just don't forget that. I know DSP is a Freaking Freight train on skates but wow! I can not get over it. Throw in the fact that most people I have talked to said he would be the 5-7 defenceman based on what they saw in camp, I am not happy about him being on the team. Like I always say, Prove me wrong. Dougie Hamilton was also a lock once he stepped on the ice. This time for the right reasons. Easily the best defenceman in the OHL right now. if not top 2. Dougie has really worked on his D play and given the other defenceman on the roster, he may not have to be the most responsible on the back end. Scott Harrington, honestly, I can do without. I know that shutdown D are important, heck I appreciate the hard work they do. The hard work barely makes the score sheet most nights. But I feel there was a better choice out there... not an OHLer but again. Good for Harrington and please prove me wrong.

as for the cuts, I really would have liked to see Ceci or Murphy on the roster. Murphy would only have been the 7th defenceman anyways and quarterback the power play. Ceci on the otherhand could have had a huge role as a 2 way blueliner who could be put in many different situations without hesitation.

Forwards - Mark Schiefele, Tanner Pearson, Ryan Strome, Freddie Hamilton, Boone Jenner, DSP (on loan from NHL)

I have absolutely no problem with any of these players making Team Canada except one. Freddie Hamilton. Schiefele and Strome are your 1-2 centreman, no doubt about that. These kids are very strong on the puck, talented, and can make it happen. Schiefele gets the edge because of this in game NHL Experience. Tanner got his invite based on being the OHL Leading Scorer and he earned his way on. The question many asked is, can he be as good with out Schiefele in the middle. The answer is yes. This is not a player who was brought along by riding coat tails. Pearson did not just drop out of the sky. I have spent many an hour laughing with his Colts teammates, talking about how people dont know anything about him or the fact that he is a goal scorer. Everywhere he has been, a goal scorer. He will be fine. Boone Jenner is as hard nosed as they can come. You want him to be a 1st line scorer, he can do that. You want him to be a 4th line shutdown forward, he can do that. His versatility and his ability to be 'that guy' makes him a key member to this team. The only weakness in his game is, as I have read in a tweet, do not put him in the shootout, he is ugly. DSP is DSP. The Notorious one, since his coming out party at the TPG, has been a wrecking ball for almost 2 years now. He will do this in the tournament. Now, on to Freddie Hamilton. Yes I have a personal problem with him, but besides the point. I have always felt that he was riding the coat tails of his teammates. They brought him along, got him drafted. Now with that said... he has worked his butt off to earn every second of ice and every opportunity given to him. This season I do not see it in Freddie like last year. Maybe that is all the politics going on right now. He had a good camp, congrats FH, and like the others. Prove me wrong.

If you take away Freddie I would easily put in either Thomas or Toffoli. More so Toffoli. At least he is bigger than Thomas, not as electric shot, but can score toe to toe with Christian Thomas. Either of them would be my selection over Freddie Hamilton.

Quick and Painless... and a friendly reminder that ITO will be at the WJHC. We will be following Pool B (CAN,USA, FIN, DEN, CZE) during round robin before the Medal Rounds.

A New Spectator Facility For St. Catharines and the Ice Dogs

This week Niagara Ice Dog action moved from the ice surface to Council Chambers in St. Catharines City Hall. On December 5^th the St. Catharines city counsel voted 9-3 in favour of building a new spectator facility……a new home for the Ice Dogs!

While the action in the chamber may have been a much slower pace than a typical hockey game, the final vote resulted in cheers, high fives and hugs for Ice Dog owners Bill and Denise Burke.

For months the “Let’s Build It” campaign has been heating up to lobby city counsellors to go forward with the building of a new spectator facility for the city of St. Catharines. The Jack Gatecliff Arena, home to the Niagara Ice Dogs was built in 1938 and is the oldest and by far most dilapidated in the OHL.

http://intheobloggers.blogspot.com/2011/10/honeymoon-is-over-at-jack.html

Leading up to the much anticipated vote Ice Dog owner Bill Burke made it clear it was not feasible for the Dogs to stay in St. Catharines if a new facility was not built. This was not just an idle threat from a disgruntled owner but a fact backed by the Ontario Hockey League.

The most surprising part of the “Let’s Build It” campaign was how the Ice Dog players themselves became involved in the process. While current Ice Dogs will never enjoy the new facilities by the time construction is completed, many players became active in supporting the “Let’s Build It” campaign. Team captain Andrew Agozzino, Niagara-on-the-Lake native Alex Friesen and coach Marty Williamson made video clips to promote the campaign and encourage councillors to support a new arena. The night of the vote city hall was packed with Ice Dog players and team staff.

After the vote was finalized the twitterverse heated up in response to the news a new facility was approved.

Glad to hear st.catharines has decided to build a new rink for the #icedogs the city deserves it.. The #jack will always be my fav rink tho! –Chris Desousa

WOOOHOOOO, new arena for my IceDogs. I want it named the Ryan Strome Entertainment Center on Mitchell Theoret Avenue #imahappypandanow – Johnny Super Fan

But like with most good news there is a catch…..the motion to build a new arena came with a friendly amendment to change the name of the team from Niagara to St. Catharines Ice Dogs.

So while the decision of building a new facility has been decided, debate starts about a possible name change. Some people still have not got used to the change from Mississauga to Niagara, will fans, and most importantly, the Burkes, accept a change of Niagara to St. Catharines?

The next chapter of the Ice Dog off ice drama continues…………

Dog Bytes:

• Saturday night’s game against Kingston began with Mayor Brian McMullan and St. Catharines city councilors dropping the puck
• Saturday night’s game against Kingston was the beginning of a seven game stretch missing four players at Team Canada
• Ice Dogs lost 3-2 to Kingston Saturday evening with almost half of their roster filled with Jr. B players to replace regulars hurt or at the Team Canada Camp
  
• This week Dougie Hamilton signed an Entry Level Contract with the Boston Bruins
• Rookie Broderick Kelly racked up his first (and second) OHL career points this week-end with two assists
• They can't build the new arena soon enough.....during the first period, it took referee Rob Langdon and the two linesmen an extra minute or two to catch a mouse that made its way onto the ice.

ITO Selects Team Canada for the WJHC

In the O is off to the World Juniors, but before they start or we get there, Canada has to trim the 43-man selection camp roster to 22. 13 forwards and 7 defensemen has been the usual for this team and I set my projected lineup to mirror that. Ladies and gentlemen: my projected 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship entry for Team Canada.

Centres:

Mark Scheifele [OHL]– The undisputed number one on this team. He will have to lead the team. He has game-breaking stuff and is capable of carrying a team on his back.

Ryan Strome [OHL]– An elite level offensive talent, Strome will be relied on to provide secondary scoring for the team as the tournament goes on. Strome is just too talented to leave off of this roster.

Zach Phillips [QMJHL]– Last year he was a beast through the QMJHL playoffs and into the Memorial Cup. Again he will be depended on as a checking centre that is also able to chip in offensively.

Michael Bournival [QMJHL]– Bournival is someone that will be asked to play an energy role on this team after being the last man cut last year. The nice thing with him is he has the scoring chops to move up in the lineup if needed.


Left Wingers:

Jaden Schwartz [NCAA]– Jaden comes back and will be looking to get the gold medal that eluded him last year. He will play a top line scoring role on this team. For Canada to win gold, Jaden will have to lead the way.

Jonathan Huberdeau [QMJHL]– Dynamic, electric, talented; these are adjectives that describe Jon’s game. He should be one of Canada’s leading scorers and will fit right in with Ryan Strome on a powerhouse second line.

Quinton Howden {WHL]– another returnee, Howden will be asked to play a checking role on this team. This is what he does well and if Canada wins gold, you can bet Howden will be a big reason why.

Tanner Pearson [OHL]– Maybe the one guy that can rival Spooner for the hottest player in the O. Pearson is leading the league in scoring but is also a dynamic penalty killer. He is a valuable player and would fit in nicely as the 13th forward.

Max Reinhart [WHL]- Max is my substitute selection for this team. He is able to play centre or the wing and that will make him a valauable player as injuries and poor play moves guys up and down the depth charts. He is a WHL boy and Hay likes that.

Ryan Spooner [OHL]– Maybe the OHL’s hottest player at this point, Spooner is a pure sniper. He can provide scoring on the 4th line in limited ice time, but he is also able to move up in the lineup if injuries or bad play takes over the aforementioned players. [ANNOUNCED THAT HE IS OUT WITH MONO]


Right Wingers:

Devante Smith-Pelly [NHL]– The Ducks have loaned DSP to this team and he will be looked upon to make a large impact. DSP is a banger with huge offensive touch. He will be the perfect winger for Mark Scheifele opening up plenty of ice for him and will be a pest around the opponents net.

Brett Connolly [NHL]– Another loaner from the NHL. Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning really wanted Brett to be on this team. An eye injury to Martin St. Louis seemed to spell disaster for those hoping he would be loaned, but Yzerman did it anyways. He will be asked to play a key role and should fit in nice with Ryan Strome.

Mark Stone [WHL]– Stone is an easy choice here as he would have been the undisputed #1 on this team without the NHL loaners. Stone is a superstar in the making and might be the best 3rd liner in this tournament.

Tyler Toffoli [OHL]– Many think that Toffoli’s chances of making this team were eliminated with the addition of the two big guns, but I just don’t see too many guys who are pure sniper’s on this team, not to mention how good he is in shootouts. Toffoli should make this team and as Canada likes to have….will be a 4th liner who can move up in the lineup if needed.

Defense:

Ryan Murray [WHL]– He’s draft eligible this year but you wouldn’t know it based on his game. He will be asked to play the shutdown role for this team.

Mark Pysyk [WHL] – Should be Murray’s defensive partner. He has offensive touch but will be asked to play against the other team’s best players in this tournament.

Brandon Gormley [QMJHL]– Gormley is the best Defenseman in the Q and will slot in nicely in the top 4. He moves the puck quick and takes the body. He is very tough to play against.

Dougie Hamilton [OHL]– Dougie is an offensive defenseman but he is able to take care of his own end as well as anyone in the O. At least one Hamilton should make this team.

Nathan Beaulieu [QMJHL]– Is another St. John Sea Dog that has a tonne of talent. He fits perfectly into the 3rd pairing on this team as Coach Don Hay loves puck moving defensemen.

Ryan Murphy [OHL]– I see Ryan as being kind of the Ryan Ellis of this group. He and Murray should run the 1st power play unit. Murphy will be important. He just has to buy in and accept a smaller role if Don Hay asks.

Jamie Oleksiak [OHL]– I feel like the big American-turned Canadian will make this team based on the fact that he switched his hockey allegiance from USA to Canada with hopes to play in this tournament for the Canadian side. I feel like he wouldn’t have made that decision if he weren’t guaranteed a spot. He should be the 7th defenseman.

Goaltending:

Mark Visentin [OHL]– you cannot leave your 2011 starting goaltender at home when he is still eligible. Yes, he had a bad third period in the gold medal game and yes he has not had a great season to date, but experience is at a premium on this team. He’s been there before and for a goaltender this is very important.

Tyler Bunz [WHL]– Is probably the best goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League this season. He deserves this place and if Visentin falters at all, Don Hay should have all the confidence in the world in him to go in there and do the job. He may even win the job pre-tournament.

What I could see happening on Don Hay’s team is that he substitutes some of the OHL players that I have slotted further down the depth charts like Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson for guys that he is more familiar with, like his stud right winger from his team, the Vancouver Giants, Brendan Gallagher or maybe inserting a big body in Brad Ross or Ty Rattie who is lighting the league up offensively, but is weak defensively. The final decisions will be very interesting!

Final Count:
8 OHL
6 WHL
5 QMJHL
2 NHL
1 NCAA

Dougie Hamilton Insane Highlight-reel Goal vs. Guelph Storm

If you think Ryan Strome's goal was amazing, try this one in for size.

#27 Dougie Hamilton (Ranked 8th in TSN's Bob McKenzie's pre-season NHL Draft Rankings) carries the puck up the gut and undresses two Storm defenders before putting the puck in the net. And he's a defenseman!!

Can you say beauty??