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.

Guelph Defeat 67's In A Shootout

Coming into the game against the Ottawa 67's, the Guelph Storm held onto the final playoff spot by the slimmest of margins. They were tied with the Soo Grey Hounds who were idle on Sunday. Guelph used one of their two games in hand on the Soo to jump two points ahead of them after defeating the 67's in a shootout by a final score of 4-3.

Both teams played a flawless first period, with Guelph dominating the majority of play. Both goalies Michael Nishi of the 67's and the Storm's Garret Sparks combined to stop all shots they faced. The score after one was 0-0.

The Storm once again pressed the action and at the 6:15 mark of the second they were rewarded when Jason Dickinson put one past Nishi for the 1-0 lead. However after allowing the games first goal Ottawa began to push back and tied the game ten minutes later when Nicholas Foglia beat Sparks, knotting things up again. Shortly after relinquishing the lead Guelph responded in a big way, scoring two goals in just over two minutes. Brock McGinn who was one of the best Guelph players in the game would notch the first one putting the Storm up 2-1, Cody McNaughton would add another to give Guelph a 3-1 lead heading into the third.

After killing a penalty to start the third Ottawa finally caught a break when the league's leading scorer would break in one on one with Sparks and he made no mistake tucking the puck into the net to cut the lead to one. 67's tender Nishi continued to turn away Guelph opportunities and help keep Ottawa within striking distance. Nishi and Ottawa would benefit from a rather fortunate bounce off a skate that beat Sparks 5-hole to tie it up at three. Steven Janes would be credited with the game tying goal. The 67's survived a late scare in the period when they were down two men, but they were able to kill off the penalties. Both teams had earned a point after sixty minutes.

In overtime the 67's took over and had multiple opportunities including what look to be a for sure tape in to win it, but Sparks stuck his pad out and denied the 67's the win. Sparks would continue to come up big for his team and help send this game to a shootout.

In the shootout Sparks continued to shine. Sparks faced Tyler Toffoli, Sean Monahan, and Mike Cazzola and he stopped em all. It was the first time in Spark's OHL career he had gone 3/3 in a shootout. The Storm got the only goal of the shootout from their second shooter Jason Dickinson who had opened the scoring back in the second.

With the Storm's win and a Windsor loss, Guelph jumped to 7th in the West. They are tied with the Spitfires in points with sixty but have two games in hand on Windsor. The Storm are two points up on the 9th place Soo Greyhounds and have a game in hand on them. Guelph's next game is Tuesday vs the Kitchener Rangers.


By Chris McDonald
Follow me on Twitter @ChrisMcdonald91

Prospect Files: Nathan Pancel

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

The Line:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NHL Player Comparison: Kris Versteeg – Florida Panthers

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.

Battalion take a bite out of the Wolves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 17th Game Report - Erie vs. Kingston

by John Duncan

Captain Cody Alcock Leads Fronts Past Otters

Coming into tonight's contest, Igor Bobkov was the only Frontenac goaltender to have recorded a win this season.  Jacob Riley was hoping to change that, in his 6th start as a Frontenac, since being acquired on trade deadline day, January 10th, from Owen Sound.

Riley got off to a shaky start, as he gave up a powerplay, rebound goal, by Anthony Cortellessa, his 3rd of the season at 1:40, then a rather harmless looking backhand by Jake Evans, his first of two, on the night.

Instead of hanging their heads, the Fronts took over the first period, and ultimately the game, from that point.  Going hard to the net, Spencer Green jammed in his 6th of the season, from Nevins and Dupuy, to draw the Fronts to within one at 11:48 of the first.  Shots are 22-9 Fronts after one, but they were down 2-1.

Trevor Morbeck and Tyler McCarthy got the fans into the game, early in the second period with a spirited fight. 

Nathan Cull was allowed to stand all alone at the side of the net and was spotted by Fronts' defenseman, Alex Gudbranson. After two or three tries, he tucked it in, to tie it at 2.

Just prior to the mid way mark of the second, Cody Alcock exploded down the left wing, and tucked one between Sadikov's legs, his first of the night, to give the Fronts the lead for good. Moments later, David Mazurek flew down the same wing on a two on one, and fired a rocket over the gloved hand of goalie Sadikov.  Just 1 minute and 20 secs later, Nathan Cull capitalized on a rebound of a Cody Alcock shot.  Kingston was up 5-2.

The Fronts were really taking it to the net on this night.   Alcock obviously got the coach's message, after sitting out the second period of last night's game due to perceived lack of effort.  The Fronts scored 4 goals in 6:42 of the second and lead on the shot clock 40-21. Jacob Riley had a solid second.

Alcock was rewarded for his play in the game by being moved up to the first line with Greenaway, and the suddenly hot, Nathan Cull.  This decision, by coach Gill, proved to be the right one.

Draft eligible, defenseman, Alex Gudbranson wristed one from the point, that beat goalie Sadikov five hole. Alcock scored his second of the game at the 5 minute mark of the third, for Kingston's 7th consecutive goal of the night.  After Jake Evans made it 7-3, Cody Alcock completed his hat trick as he blasted one past Sadikov short side on the powerplay, from Warren Steele, and Darcy Greenaway. Ryan Kujawinski sniped his 12th, on a beautiful pass from Billy Jenkins at 18:08.  Ryan has now scored in 5 consecutive games for the Frontenacs!

This made the final score 9-3 for the Fronts. Final shots on goal were 57-33 for Kingston. The three stars were Cody Alcock (3g, 1a) Nathan Cull (2g) and Alex Gudbranson (1g, 2a).

Kingston goalie, Jacob Riley settled down nicely, after giving up two goals on Erie's first 5 shots.  He only gave up one goal on his last 28 shots to become the Fronts only goalie, not named Bobkov, to win a game for Kingston. Outstanding effort by the Fronts again tonight!

The Fronts are going to want to add me to their staff, as they have now earned at least a point in their last six games, including every game that I have written about them!

OHL Draft Eligible 3 Stars: Week 20

by Dominic Tiano

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

OHL Game Report - GUE v KGN Feb 12/12

by John Duncan

Frontenacs Young Guns Explode !

Today marks the Guelph Storm's only visit to Kingston this season.  Entering today's game, the Guelph Storm were tied for the eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, with 49 points.  Needless to say, two points today would be huge for them.  Thanks to a breakout game by 3 young guns, it would be the Frontenacs celebrating in the end.

This was the third game in three days for both teams.  The Storm defeated the Ottawa 67's on Friday night 5-4, and lost to the Belleville Bulls 3-1 at Yardman Arena last night.

The Frontenacs lost in OT to the Bulls on Friday night, and lost in a shootout in Oshawa.

Early forechecking by Storm was rewarded, as Patrick Watling opened the scoring on a nice pass from behind the net byTyler Bertuzzi, 3:58 seconds into the first.

The Frontenacs responded with some early pressure of their own.  Warren Steele rung one off the left post. Jenkins was stopped off the rush by the quick glove hand of Sparks on a nice pass from Ryan Kujawinski.  Beranek,on a clear break, missed the net low to the right of the post.  The Fronts continued to apply pressure in the middle of the first period.

Jenkins scored his 6th of the year from Morbeck and Kujawinski at 9:18 of the 1st, on an afternoon which would prove to be his best as a Frontenac, tying the game at 1.

Matt Finn made it 2-1 on a wristshot from the point just as a penalty to the Fronts ended. The goal was unassisted.

Two quick goals by the Fronts at the beginning of second; the first at 1:15 by Cull (his 3rd) from Moffat, and Greenaway.  At 3:37 Fronts' rookie Ryan Kujawinski notched his 8th of season from Jenkins and Morbeck. The entire line was in on their second of the game.

Billy Jenkins then scored a beauty, bringing the fans to their feet at K-Rock, with a diving deke around Garret Sparks at 16:35, assisted by Morbeck and Nixon. Moments later, Jenkins  circled the net and fed Trevor Morbeck for his 7th of the year.  The other assist went to linemate, Ryan Kujawinski.  Time of the Fronts' 5th goal was 19:41 of the 2nd.

Play got a little nasty in the middle of the third, as Leslie from the Storm was called for high sticking, and later Nevins, Mazurek were called for crosschecking, resulting in a lengthy, unsuccessful, 5 on 3 advantage.  Thanks to solid goaltending by Bobkov, the Fronts' killed it off, but not before Moffat was awarded a rare penalty shot while killing a 5 on 3.  Sparks stopped him.

With 1:36 remaining in the contest, Bobkov stopped Guelph's Cody McNaughton on another penalty shot.  With 52 seconds to play, Ryan Kujawinski finished the scoring with an empty net, power play goal, from Trevor Morbeck, and Warren Steele.

Billy Jenkins was named the game's first star with 2 goals and 2 assists.  Linemate, Trevor Morbeck finished with a goal and 4 assists and was named second star. The third member of this line, Ryan Kujawinski was named the third star with 2 goals and 2 assists. An amazing game for these guys.

The Frontenacs accumulated 4 of the available 6 points this weekend, thanks in large part to an incredible 20 points by Kujawinski, Jenkins, and Morbeck in three games this weekend !

Kingston is off until Thursday when they travel to Peterborough to face the struggling Petes. One night later, the Fronts will host the Erie Otters at 7:30 at K-Rock Centre.

NCAA vs CHL... The Never Ending Debate

by Dominic Tiano



This debate is long, never ending, and frankly, getting tiresome. I am often asked about my opinion on it and what I feel should happen. First off, let me say I really don’t have an opinion on the matter, or at least a public one. I have listened to arguments from both sides and find them equally talking out of the sides of their mouths. My statements won’t win any popularity contests, nor have I ever attempted to.

The Canadian Hockey League, first and foremost is a business, one that the National Hockey League needs to succeed. As the premier supplier of talent to the NHL, the latter knows that it is in their best interest to have the CHL succeed both on the ice and financially. The CHL has over 1300 players playing under their three leagues. Some have already been drafted by NHL teams, some will in the next year and some in the coming years and the NHL needs a place for them to develop so the ultimate success of the CHL is also the NHL’s success.

The NHL, to ensure that the CHL has a good product to put on the ice to attract fans, and to keep those fans, came up with the age 20 rule – where a player drafted out of the CHL must turn 20 during the year in which the season is played – to play in the AHL otherwise, they must remain with the NHL team or be sent back to junior. There is no such rule for NCAA players, or for that matter Europeans. In fact, a player drafted out of the NCAA, or Europe, can make the jump to the CHL the following season and still be eligible to play in the AHL before he turns 20.

Furthermore, the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement allows for its member teams to pay a salary to players playing Major Junior as long as they are signed to an NHL Standard Player’s Contract and it is negotiated in that contract. (Section 9.4, page 26 of the CBA)

What the NHL has created here is an opportunity for NCAA players to make the jump to Major Junior and earn a salary and still maintain their chances of moving up to the American Hockey League and earn an even larger salary. It’s created a financial reason for NCAA players to want to play in the CHL.

Sure the CHL covets those players and tries hard to lure them to play Major Junior. But, as I said previously, it is a business and they have to do whatever it takes to make their business successful. It’s something that’s done at just about every level of hockey so why then are teams in the CHL being accused of doing something illegal in some circles? Or is it because of National Letters of intent?

National Letters of Intent are not a legally binding agreement. If there is a clause promising exclusive negotiating rights, then that clause is legally binding but the total document is not. The vast majority of those LOI are signed before the player is 18 years of age. And that is the age in most States that a person can enter into a legally binding contract.

If the NCAA firmly believes that players should honour LOI’s, a document that is not legally binding and is asking someone not of legal age to sign that document, then they should include the clause that is

legally binding – exclusive negotiating rights – in every LOI. So why don’t they? Only two reasons that come to my mind: Firstly, they know that players won’t sign it and throw away other options – one that includes the CHL and secondly, they know that they can’t legally enforce that on a person under the legal age of majority (in most States).

College Hockey Inc. Led by the former head of the NHLPA Paul Kelly seems to be taking the right approach. In an article on United States of Hockey website yesterday, it states that College Hockey Inc is trying to get legislation with the help of the NHL to make National Letters of Intent a binding agreement. http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/02/08/ncaa-vs-chl-strengthening-nlis-opening-college-hockey-to-chlers/

The article goes on to explain that it would take a gentleman’s agreement between the NHL, CHL and College Hockey Inc. It also goes on to talk about how USA Hockey and Hockey Canada could be involved because of the transfer rules that are governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation. My fear is that if LOI were made a legally binding agreement, that you would have players waiting out the CHL drafts and putting the NCAA in a more difficult situation trying to put squads together.

If College Hockey Inc is unsuccessful in having LOI’s made legally binding, would USA Hockey or Hockey Canada impede a players choice to make a jump across the border? It’s a possibility but highly unlikely. There is always the possibility of appeal to the IIHF or even court action to reverse their decision and I can’t see either supporting the decision to enforce something that isn’t legally binding, although with some of the decisions that have come down from the IIHF in the past, it wouldn’t be surprising.

I have always maintained that for any resolution to be successful, the NHL will have to be involved. Part of this lays on them for having seemingly two sets of rules governing drafted players, those from the CHL and everyone else. And if anyone thinks that the financial reward doesn’t play a part in this remember that these players are advised by player agents who have a vested interest. It’s about time the NHL stepped up to the plate.

As a hockey fan, I want hockey to be successful everywhere not just Canada, and that includes the United States. If I had to make the decision and fix this situation from a CHL standpoint, this is what I would do:

I would change the import rule and have every non-Canadian count against the import maximums and increase the import maximum to 5 per team. It currently stands at two and only Europeans count as imports. There are those that believe that this would harm the US based franchises. Well, a quick look at some rosters from the Ontario Hockey league shows the Windsor Spitfires having as many Americans as the Plymouth Whalers and Erie Otters on their roster with 8. Only the Saginaw Spirit has more with 11. I would even consider making American born players available only to the US franchises, but that may never fly with the Canadian teams.

With almost every other team other than the one’s mentioned above having 3 or less Americans on their roster, some that don’t have any, I don’t see a big change in how they do things. We could, theoretically see even more Europeans.

As it stands now, NCAA players lose their eligibility once they sign a pro contract. The NCAA could, as long as no monies are being handed out – such as signing bonuses, change their own rules to allow players to remain in the NCAA as long as their contract was signed after they entered school and will not receive any moneys before they leave school. For some players, there is no other option to leave the NCAA once they sign their pro contracts.

In turn the NHL could, with new CBA talks about to begin, eliminate salaries allowed Major Junior players after they’ve signed a pro contract and thus level that playing field. It’s not that many CHL players are collecting that salary, but the option is there and it is enticing.

There are two things we know for certain: One, the CHL will never give up the age 20 rule, and it’s unlikely the NHL wants that to happen. So do they even the playing field and make it the same for NCAA players? Also unlikely because once that player signs an NHL contract they lose their NCAA eligibility and are free to go where ever they want.

The second is that the CHL will never willingly and of their free will honour Letters of Intent. And this is where the NHL has to persuade the CHL. After all, isn’t that in the best interest of hockey and what the NHL stands for? If persuasion doesn’t work and a threat is needed, there is always the age 20 rule.

Then there is the moral issue: those that believe it’s morally wrong for players not to honour their LOI. Well the vast majority do honour them. Show me a group of 15-17 year olds in everyday life that hasn’t changed their minds in what could be life altering decisions, well...you get the picture.

In closing I’ll say this: The NCAA is the only innocent bystander in this. There is blame to be shared by the CHL, the NHL and yes, even the players, their families or their agents. So before we continue to put fingertips to keyboards and continue to blame the CHL, let’s remember that there are others involved and stop blaming them for something that is widely accepted at every other level.

Does Igor Bobkov = Best in the OHL?

by Phil Phillips

Who is the best goalie in the OHL?

Is it Malcolm Subban of the Belleville Bulls? When he has played his numbers say he is in the conversation, what about London Knights Star Michael Houser, Mark Visentin of the IceDogs, Scott Wedgewood or Matt Mahalak in Plymouth, maybe 67's Peter Mrazek. But on this day I'm not looking for just great numbers, I'm looking for which goalie is the best, based on what he means to his team. The search leads me to The K-Rock centre in Kingston Via Surgut Russia and Igor Bobkov. I was surprised he wasn't moved at the deadline to a team like Belleville. The Bulls have great goal tending when Subban is healthy, and John Chartrand and Charlie Graham have been very good in some games, But with injuries to Chartrand and a 16 year old goalie in Graham who has been good, but its just not fair to put the pressure on a kid who didn't even start the year in the OHL, to lead you in to the playoffs.

I think Chartrand for Bobkov straight up would have been a great deal for everyone, Bobkov comes and helps Belleville through the injuries and Chartrand gets to be a full time starter, he wont want to be 2nd banana next year. And I don’t feel he will be back anyways because next year Belleville goes with Subban and Graham.

But by not trading him shows just how important GM Doug Gilmour and Coach Todd Gill believe Bobkov is to the young team that Kingston has. Before coming to Kingston this year Igor already had an impressive resume, he was a Silver medal winner and goaltender of the tournament at the U18s in 2009. Bobkov was drafted that year by the Anaheim Ducks 76th over all. He was the fourth goalie taken in the 09 draft. The Ducks have signed him to an entry-level contract. He also came with a Gold medal from the 2011 WJC.

This year with the Fronts he has been outstanding. He's GAA 3.46 and SV% .905 don't top the OHL. But when it comes to Kingston goaltenders it leaps and bounds better, then the other options, both of the other goalies Kingston has used, have GAA over 6.14 and SV% under .825, but that doesn't tell the whole story, He is first in the league in Shots against, facing on average over 35 a night, 14 times he has faced more then 40 shots. He is also first in saves with 1427; Bobkov is 2nd in the OHL in minutes with 2585 and games played (45). The Fronts have 15 wins on the season; Bobkov has 15 wins on the season. He gets very little PP support, Kingston's PP is last in the OHL, or even strength goal support only Erie has scored less goals then the Frontenacs. Lots of nights he has to be the teams best penalty killer, their PK is also in the bottom half of the OHL. He has beat some good teams like Niagara, Brampton, London, and in division games he has beat Ottawa and Oshawa three times, Belleville twice and Peterborough once. He has been named a 3 Star selection 14 times; in 7 of those he has been the games 1st Star. 3 of his 1st Star selections have been on the road. His highlight so far has to be the 50 save performance he put in against his former team the London Knights on JAN 13th. I know when the Bulls face the fronts, we know who Darcy Greenaway, Cody Alcock are and what they do, but it’s Bobkov we worry about.

Can Kitchener Survive with Franky Palazzese

The Rangers have a pretty impressive goaltender. In fact he was a gift that has paid off for Kitchener. He ranks tied for 10^th in wins, 6^th in Goals against and second in Save Percentage. He is John Gibson. The Kitchener Rangers rookie goaltender (Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks this past june) who has been an absolute stud in net for Kitchener. His counterpart, former Kingston Frontenacs scapegoat Frank Palazzese, is tied for 11^th in wins, 13^th in Goals Againast and 3^rd in Save Percentage. Who is the back up and who is the starter? That has been a question asked amongst many a media members this year. The Rangers faithful will always answer that Gibson is your number one netminder and Frank is not the backup, but the second goalie.

Like a few times this year, Frank Palazzese has been thrusted into the crease as not the number 1 goalie, but the only goalie. That is not only fine with Franky, but the fans wish Palazzese all the best. After the season Palazzese had in Kingston, it was a shock to most (I still believed in FP) that he can play this well. As soon as it became evident that he is a goaltender in this league the fans cheered him on as much as Gibson. Considering how rabid the Kitchener fans can be not only home at the Aud, but on the road as well, Franky says he never gets that butterfly feeling on the ice,

            ‘I don't get nervous or even think about anything negative like that, I'm just looking forward to playing, and only taking one game at a time And do the best I can in every game’

            Doing his best is what he does, I don’t think I have to try and sing the praises of him anymore. With Gibson out for another period of time, the Rangers will hope Palazzese can help guide them to at the bare minimum solidifying the 3^rd seed in the east.

The London Knights are 10 points ahead of Kitchener, but Kitchener has a game in hand. The Rangers do not have to worry about losing ground in their division with Owen Sound 14 points behind them, but Sarnia is expected to start climbing the rankings and pressure Kitchener. The only unofficial time table that has been given for Gibson is that he would be able to resume training/rehabilitation in 7-10 days after his surgery.

            Taking a look at their upcoming schedule. From the time that Gibson has surgery to the time when he should be healed, the Rangers would have played 6 games, 3 of those 6 will be against Division leaders Plymouth and London. 8 of their final 19 games are against their division. This is not the time to be having a key injury to the lineup and Palazzese says that there should be no negative thoughts withhim in net,

            ‘…not thinking anything negative just worried about one game at a time, and trying to win every single game.’

            Ranger nation may have gasped about the initial thought of running with Palazzese instead of Gibson. Heck, he understands, but the Rangers are probably better with Palazzese given the fact he has had to run lengthy spans of being the starter with Gibson out.
            ‘…with the boys we have, we all have confidence in each other to get the job done on any night’

            If Kitchener happens to lose ground it will not be because Palazzese couldn’t win the game. Not only will he prevent the Rangers from falling down the standings, he will help improve them as he always rises up to the challenge. Then again… I have been saying this since last January… Just Saying.


Max Iafrate - January 27th Prospect Report

by Brandon Sudeyko

Thayne Hallyburton is the main prospects guy for ITO and by no means am I looking to outshine him. It is that time of the year where the draft prospects are watched a little closely and Friday night I was able to watch Kitchener Rangers defenceman Max Iafrate.

The Kitchener Rangers traded for Max before the puck dropped on the season, paying a price for the big offensive defenceman. Kitchener and Plymouth swapped 1^st round import selections in ’12 and ’13 while the Rangers GM Steve Spott also gave up a pair of 3^rd round draft picks in 2015 and 2016. The price was large but the payoff could be huge.
Max started the season off slow and some injuries have halted his progress this season but as of Friday January 27^th, Max Iafrate looked like a complete player.  Even though Max was a -3 on the night, stats do not tell the whole story. Entering the season Iafrate was an offensive defenceman. He was known for his offensive prowess, his big booming shot and his knack for getting shots on net to generate big rebounds. Entering the season the Kitchener Rangers wanted to change that and make him a possible first round selection, much like Spott did with Carolina Hurricanes prospect Ryan Murphy.
Max has had a string of games where he has looked like he deserves to be ranked higher than 78^th amongst NA skaters (NHL CS) and definitely a more complete player. Max has learned to use his size (6’2” 220lbs) to gain positioning on the opposition who are standing in front of the net. If he is unable to move them from the net, he does a great job at tying up the players stick and gives the goaltender a chance to come up with the save.
Even though Max and the Rangers are focusing on the defensive side of the game, Iafrate still has his offensive flare as he demonstrated with a few rushes, one leading to a Michael Catenacci goal. Iafrate shows poise with the puck, looking for a way to get the puck from the point to the net, a skill his father was very good at.
The most impressive part of Iafrate’s game on Friday night had to be his shot blocking and decision making. Max has no fear, whether it is standing up straight, or laying down to block shots, he will do what he has to do help out his goaltender and team when it comes to protecting the lead, or just stopping scoring opportunities. Iafrate’s deicision making ability was evident as many a time an offensive defenceman would have jumped for that loose puck and have a 50/50 chance at allowing the opposition to have a breakaway in his attempt to pinch. In 4 scenarios where he could have won the foot race, Iafrate analyzed the situation quickly and decided that his best decision was to play defense first. Max credits Steve Spott and the system for improving his decision making abilities.
It isn’t all positives for Max as he does need to work on his skating ability. He is quick for a bigger man but does not currently have NHL caliber skating , but that is the easiest of all skills to teach and improve on. Max will need to get a bit more physical in front of the net as there were some opportunities where shots got through and could not push the player around resulting in scoring chances off rebounds.
No one is going to question the skill that Max possesses, but it is scary to watch him grow and improve this season. Currently rated 78^th by NHL CS, look for him to be a late 2^nd round pick in this years NHL draft.
Have a listen to the post game interview I had with Max after his game Friday night.

Wednesday January 25th - Game Preview

Kitchener @ London

This is should be a great game between two historical powerhouses.  Both teams have shown their skill throughout the season and both come into the game with strong records – London 35-9-0-1 71 points and Kitchener 30-13-1-0 61 points.  London is ranked second in the CHL and Kitchener is ranked 10^th.

 London has won their last 5 games – three of them by one goal. They have also won 9 of their last 10 games. On Sunday they registered a surprising 3-2 overtime win vs. the improving last place Erie Otters. On Friday the 13^th they defeated the visiting Owen Sound Attack on Sportsnet’s game of the week 3-0 and then won at Owen Sound 6-5.  In the Owen Sound games the powerplay was 0 for 10 and then 2 for 5.  McKegg continues his strong play with 8 games played for the Knights.  He has tallied 10 goals and 5 assists to go with his + 8 rating.  He is on a 5 game scoring streak (11 pts).Seth Griffin continues his solid playmaking skills. He has scored more this season (63 points in 45 games) than he did all of last season (62 points in 68 games). Defenceman Tinordi has also become more noticeable (if that’s possible) adding 3 points in the last 3 games.

Kitchener has won 3 of their last 4 games.  Their Eastern road trip last weekend started Friday night with a bang in Kingston where the visitors blasted away and won 9-1 (every player scored at least one point). Saturday they allowed 3 third period goals to the Bulls, but still managed to hold onto a 5-4 win. Ryan Murphy with 1 goal and 3 assists – Zach Lorentz with 2 goals (and his 8 points in the month almost surpass his 9 point total for all of last year).  On Sunday they went up against the #1 Eastern team the Ottawa 67’s.  Kitchener led the game early on 1-0 before Ottawa scored 3 straight times.  Kitchener answered back with 2 poweplay goals in the second and third period. Ottawa then scores with 4 minutes to go for the win. 

My prediction (besides loads of penalties)  Kitchener 2 London 4

Sparks Fly In Guelph- Sting vs Storm January 22, 2012

The Sarnia Sting made the trip to the Sleeman Centre on Sunday in hopes of getting back in the win column after losing 3-2 to the Spitfires Friday night. The Storm themselves were coming off a loss of their own as they fell in Barrie the night before.

The Storm faithful turned out in full force for the afternoon game and did not have to wait long before the opening goal. Hunter Garlent put the Storm up twenty-three seconds in, not the start Sarnia was hoping for. The remainder of the period seen Andrey Pedan throw a big hit that he was called for a head check, I didn't see any contact with the head from where I was sitting. Once play stopped Sting Defence men Adrian Robertson challenged Pedan and the spirited bought ended in a draw, but more importantly a Sting power play. Guelph would go on to kill the penalty. With just under eight minutes later Guelph would add to their lead after some magnificent passing that started in their own end when Dickenson sent a bank pass off the side boards right on to the tape of Francis Menard sending him on a two on one with Zack Mitchell. Once the Sarnia defence men went down to take the pass away Menard sent a beautiful saucer pass over the defender right to Mitchell who made no mistake and beat J.P. Anderson, putting the Storm up 2-0. Later in the period the Sting went back on the power play and with twelve seconds to go in the first, Sarnia defence men Connor Murphy sent the puck past Garret Sparks to cut the lead to 2-1. As the first came to end the game would see its second fight of the period, this time between Sarnia's Tyler Brown and a much younger Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi not only held his own but landed some serious bombs and took all the momentum back.

The second period would start with a bang too. At the 2:29 mark of the period the game would see its third fight, this time between Guelph's Spencer Turcotte and Sting forward Justice Dundas. This one was only some jostling before Turcotte got the take down. At the halfway point of the frame Guelph would get a five on three, but couldn't capitalize as Matt Finn would get a double minor just thirty seconds into their two man advantage. Finn was intially called for holding but received an extra two for unsportsmanlike conduct for voicing his opinion on the holding call. Guelph goalie Garret Sparks had been solid all game long and that wouldn't change as he continued to stimmie the Sting, as they killed off yet another of Sarnia's power plays. After two periods the Storm still lead 2-1 and Sparks had turned a side twenty-seven of the twenty-eight Sarnia shots he faced.

The third period Guelph showed they can hang with the big boys as they held Sarnia to only eight shots in the period and Sparks made multiple big saves throughout the game when his team was leading by a goal. Sparks was rewarded by his teammates when they were on a two man advantage late in the period. Francis Menard put the game away when he scored to extend the lead to 3-1 with 2:42 to go. Guelph would finish the game by killing off a late penalty.

Guelph won the game 3-1 in front of a home crowd of 4,033 fans. Sparks finished the afternoon with thirty-five saves and a first star nomination that was much deserved. Francis Menard chipped in with a goal and an assist, while Jason Dickinson had two assists.

With the win the Storm once again hold the last playoff spot in the west one point ahead of the Sault Grey Hounds. Guelph however has four games in hand on the Grey Hounds. Meanwhile the Sting still remain in fourth spot in the west and miss an opportunity to put some ground between them and fifth place Owen Sound. Yakipov remained out with a knee injury.

The Storm's penalty killers played a great game too as they killed off six of the seven power plays that were awarded to the Sting.

Garret Sparks played his best game of the season that I have personally seen him play. His positioning was good and he never panicked when the puck was loose around the net. Sparks's made it look easy as he turned away shot after shot. Look for my post game interview with Sparks on the website.

Next up for the Storm are the Niagara Ice Dogs on Friday the 27th at 7:30PM in Guelph.


Feel free to give me a follow on Twitter @ChrisMcdonald91

Follow me for in game updates on the Storm.

January 20th - Brampton v. Mississauga Game Report

by Jason Ray
#34 Newly acquired Brandon Maxwell made the start in Goal for the majors also #10 Andrew Goldberg made his debut tonight for the majors.

The game started at a great pace. Both teams showed great skating and puck control. The Battalion started to take the period over by winning the board battles deep in the Majors Zone. Brampton also began to step up their physical game throughout the period. Using the body gave the Troops the early lead as Captain Sam Carrick netted his 23^rd of the year. The troops domination in the first period was also seen on the shot clock as Brampton held Mississauga to 3 shots in the first period, shades of their Thursday night game versus Plymouth.

In the Second, the Majors came out with more force and were able to tie the game at one off the stick of former Sudbury Wolves forward Kris Kontos. The tie would not last long as the Majors would take the lead on the Power Play. The Majors work their typical setup to find Riley Brace just beside the net with a little tip in goal. The goal was his 23^rd of the year, but it wasn’t his last. 3 minutes after the Majors take the lead, Brampton score twice to take back the lead for a score of 3-2. Patrick Mahac and Alex O’Neil, their 10^th and 1^st of the season respectively. The Battalion would add to their lead and take a 4-2 lead heading into the 3^rd period. Captain Carrick would score his second of the game on the Power Play, 24^th on the year. After 40 minutes the Battalion out shot the Majors 30- 8.

Shots on goal would be a non factor in this game as the third period saw Mississauga apply the pressure as Brampton would play their defensive game and protect their two goal lead. Spencer Abraham would take a high sticking call at 11:42 in the third and even thought Brampton killed off the penalty. Seconds after Abraham took to the ice, the same power play setup of Kontos to Brace found the back of the net to make it a one goal game. With under 2 minutes left in the game BRA Dylan Blujus takes a tripping call which gives Mississauga their 6^th power play of the game and Riley Brace completes the hat trick and ties the game up at 4. The game was headed into Overtime with the ice tilted in favour of the Majors as they had put 12 shots on goal in the third while holding Brampton to only 6 shots.

Overtime did not decide the game so it was off to a shootout. After trading goals and saves the game was decided in the 8^th round when Justin Rasmussen scored and Brampton’s Mitchell Porowski could not extend the shootout to round 9.

Mississauga picked up the extra point in the game and closed the gap on the Division Leader, Brampton Battalion to 11 points. Brampton with their SOL remained in first place in the Central Division. Both Mississauga and Brampton have the night off on Saturdy but have home games Sunday Afternoon, Saginaw and Sudbury respectively.

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.

ITO HotStove: Did The Whalers make the right moves at the Deadline?

by Brandon Sudeyko

Your regular host Todd Cordell has taken the week off so I will be filling in. After ITO's Part Time Contributor Bryan Thiel (@bryanthiel_88) posted his article yesterday, it got me thinking. Was the 'move of not making a move' when it comes to the Plymouth Whalers the right call? Who better to ask than the ITO Crew. We already know where Bryan stands on the issue, so lets see what other members of the ITO crew have said.

Susan Tromanhauser
If it ain't broke don't fix it. The Whalers have been successful so far all year and no signs of slowing down. The Attack didn't make any changes at the trade deadline last year and it worked out for them.

Josh Newhart
I don't see any way that not making any acqisitions at the deadline could help them. All the big boys made moves London got Mckegg. Sarnia got a lot better at the deadline as well. In a tight race to the playoffs i don't think the whalers have enough top notch pieces to make it past the first round

Alex Quevillon
Plymouth, as well as Brampton, will be just fine and will really reap the benefits next year.  The Whale will stay among the top teams in the West and will thrive while teams continue to gain chemistry.  In their two in-conference games since the deadline, Plymouth has won by a combined score of 11-2.  While teams like London needed to upgrade before their playoff run, Plymouth is only two points out of first place without being buyers and have proven they can take on the West’s top teams, in terms of both skill and toughness (see: MLK Day game vs. Windsor).  Keep in mind I’m from Ottawa, though, we’re used to being told the positives of not buying, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Jason Ray
My take on the Plymouth whalers standing pat is this, why fix it if it ain't broken... They are battling for top spot over all. Why trade unnecessary picks and personel away for a quick fix. Junior hockey tends to go for broke in these types of situations, ask the Windsor spitfires. Personally I think they did them self and their fans by keep that machine going in the direction it has been going all year win with what you got and keep your picks cause like Windsor and other teams in the past winning at the junior level only last's so long.

Dwayne Williams
With 20 teams in the OHL, you would expect each team to have a few players in the top 40 in scoring at this point in the season. The Whalers have balanced scoring ... Stefan Noersen tops the team at #20 overall in the OHL (48 pts), then Alex Aleardi at #30 (42 pts), Richard Rackell #35 (41 pts), Andy Bathgate and J T Miller  #41 and #42 (40 pts), Michael Heard at # 44 (39 pts),then Garrett Meurs #46 (39 pts). So far the team has been doing 'just fine' - so if it doesn't need to be tinkered with just leave it.  I guess the GM Mike Vellucci was comfortable with his roster so he chose to keep it 'as is'. They are averaging 4.0 goals per game in their last 6 games and 4.3 goals in their past 10 games while winning 8 of those matches- seems solid to
me.  Nice move - or no move Mr. Vellucci - if they remain at the top of the standings he will have ploayed his hand perfectly - reminds me of a Kenny Rogers song ... 'you gotta know when to fold 'em ...'

Nick MacArthur
You know the old saying " if it ain't broke , don't fix it" , I think the Whalers did just the right thing by saying pat. First of all you have what every team desperately needs to be successful , a rock solid goaltender and the Whalers have that in Scott Wedgewood. WJC experience and a solid season so far sees the Whalers have a clear cut number 1 heading into the second half. Barring an injury Wedgewood will play the bulk of the games an will be his stellar self between the pipes. Secondly the Whalers have depth from within. Captain Beau Schmitz, steady Nick Maylsa along with Austin Levi lead the back end that could be one of the deepest not only in the West but possibly the O. Upfront is where in my mind Plymouth is the strongest , speed , speed and more speed is whale they beat teams , skilled forwards like Noesen , Aleardi and Rakell leading the way the Whalers bring more than I one trick pony to the table. Whenever you can structure a spread out scoring team together you will find success , top scorers 1(Noesen) to 10( Devane) are 20 points apart and are all plus players. Look for a long playoff run by the Whalers led by Schmitz and company who are looking to avenge an early exit last year.




A very good response from the Crew. All pretty much agree staying pat is a good move, but for different reasons. Todd Cordell is back next week to bring you another rendition of the OHL HotStove

Standing Pat: Why the Plymouth Whalers Made the Right Deadline Move

by Bryan Thiel 

Sometimes you don’t mess with a good thing.

Case in point: The Plymouth Whalers.

Leading up to the OHL’s Trade Deadline, many watched as the Sarnia Sting turned their roster upside down to a dangerous degree, the London Knights snapped up two powerful pieces, and the Kitchener Rangers added a big, tough overage forward that cost them some experience on the blueline.

Those teams surrounded (and continue to do so) Plymouth in the standings, and they all made moves. The Knights have led the West for much of the season, with the Whalers in tow, while Kitchener and Sarnia round out the top four. The Whalers though, stood pat at the deadline, comfortable with what they had accomplished earlier in the season.

In a hockey world hungry for moves and changes when we see the word ‘deadline’ pop up, the Whalers did the unpopular thing and…did nothing.

Then again, it’s not like they had any pressing needs anyhow.

In net, the story of Scott Wedgewood came to the forefront at the World Junior Hockey Championships and he’s now been thrust into the spotlight. But behind him is the trustworthy Matt Mahalak, ready for an ascension of his own to a starting roll, owning the second-best goals-against average and save percentage in the OHL and two personal win streaks of five and six games this season. No need there.

On defense, the Whalers have just one player that isn’t a 1993 birthday, and that’s rookie defenseman Mitch Jones who has made it into just one game this season. Overager Beau Schmitz (the only ’91 birthday on the Whalers’ blueline) is in the midst of a career-year offensively, while Colin MacDonald and Austin Levi have punished opposing forwards all season long with bruising size. Up and down the depth chart though, a defense that features one defenseman officially under 5’11’ (Schmitz) and one under 170lbs (Jones) has been protecting their netminders all season long and preventing teams from establishing any kind of pressure-generating fore-check.

Just twice in the past six games have the Whalers surrendered more than 30 shots, while Wedgewood has faced 35 or more just six times in 24 games. Mahalak has faced 35 or more seven times in his 20 games this year.

Up front, it’s more of the same size and experience that has made the defense so good this season. A whopping nine forwards weigh in at 190 lbs or more, and 11 are listed at 6’0” or taller. Nine of them are 1993 birthdays or older, including overagers Jamie Devane and Andy Bathgate.

In terms of their scoring prowess, Stefan Noesen leads the team with 48 points, putting him in a four-way tie for 18^th in the league race. While the Sting and Knights both have two players in the top-16 with 50 or more points, neither boasts the able depth Plymouth does.

Plymouth has five players with 40+ points and two with 39. London incumbents Seth Griffith and Vladislav Namestnikov both have 50+ points, but the Knights had to acquire Greg McKegg (42 points) and Austin Watson (36 points) to even come close to Plymouth’s numbers. Sarnia’s Charles Sarault and Nail Yakupov both boast more than 50-point years already, but it took scooping up Brett Thompson (44—37 of them in 27 games with Sarnia), Tyler Brown (39), Ryan Spooner (38), and Adrian Robertson (36) to boost the rest of the numbers of an injury-riddled team.

In fact if you look around the OHL there are just two teams who have four players with 40+ points that didn’t have to acquire one of them during the season: The Niagara IceDogs (Andrew Agozzino-51, Dougie Hamilton-50, Freddie Hamilton-48, Alex Friesen-43, David Pacan-40, and Ryan Strome-40) and Barrie Colts (Tanner Pearson-67, Colin Behenna-56, Zach Hall-45, and Mark Scheifele-41).

The lack of needs for the Plymouth Whalers probably helped in preserving their biggest asset being traded away at the deadline: Chemistry and familiarity.

Plymouth has just seven players on the roster that weren’t with the team last year. Four are rookies, one is Bathgate (acquired during the off-season from Belleville), another is forward Cody Payne (acquired at the beginning of November), and then there’s American forward J.T. Miller, signed in the off-season after he was made a first-round pick by the New York Rangers. They’ve developed a locker room that sticks up for each other and won’t let any member fall behind, and General Manager/Coach Mike Vellucci knows it.

So….why mess with a good thing?

The Sarnia Sting’s chances in the West are based on the new pieces on the roster gelling. Any success the Knights and Rangers have will be based on young rosters stepping up and playing above their heads, and while there are upset specials in the West ready and waiting, each has key questions that need to be answered for a long playoff run.

The only team without any questions that needed answering at the deadline was the Plymouth Whalers. Now they have one.

Will the status quo be good enough?

Questions Asked Around the OHL

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

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

The Knights are Bullies

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

Bulls with no Horns

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

These Wolves have Bite

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

Lucky son of a Pete

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

Spirit’s are High

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

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

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