Elimination Looming: Spirited Saad Stings Sarnia

Game five is in the books and for the first time in three games a winner was declared without needing an overtime period.  Sarnia’s RBC Centre welcomed over 4,100 hockey fans Friday night eager to witness a hard fought battle between the fourth and fifth placed Western Conference teams.  The Sting and Spirit series has been an emotional rollercoaster as the teams struggle to find consistency in their game – particularly the Sarnia Sting. 

As the puck dropped to begin the first period, it took the Saginaw Spirit a mere fifty seconds to find the back of the net as defenseman Dalton Young fired the puck past netminder JP Anderson on the game’s first shot.  The opening jitters continued for the home team as Michael Fine added to the lead putting the Spirit up 2-0 before the game was three minutes old on assists from Strong and the man-beast Brandon Saad.  In the four previous game, Brandon Saad displayed why he started the 2011-12 NHL season as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks after being drafted 43^rd overall in last year’s NHL Entry Draft.  The Spirit’s captain has been dominant through the first five games of this series often singlehandedly winning games.  Friday night’s game five was no different as Brandon Saad continued to steamroll the Sarnia Sting with Sarnia having no effective solution for stopping the 6’2” Pennsylvania native.  Sarnia’s Domenic Alberga was assigned the task of shadowing Saad but at the 15:35 mark of the opening frame Saad broke loose and burrowed past Sting defenseman Adrian Robertson before beating JP Anderson one-on-one to extend the Saginaw lead to three goals.  After two mediocre playoff attendance records in games one and three, the good showing of Sarnia fans for game five were left deflated after a lacklustre first period.

In much the same way as the first period, Saginaw jumped on Sarnia early in the second period and once again Dalton Young was the recipient of the first goal of the period as Spirit fans in attendance applauded their teams’ fourth goal.  Defenseman Steven Strong added his third assist of the contest on Young’s goal while Saad earned his second helper and third point.  Feeling the embarrassment of their team’s poor start, Sting captain Nathan Chiarlitti attempted to revive Sarnia by dropping the mitts with agitator Garret Ross giving the home team fans a reason to cheer.  The fight appeared to work as Sarnia had several key scoring chances on Spirit goaltender Jake Paterson but could not solve him.  Overage forward Brett Thompson eventually broke through as he sent a Rensfeldt rebound through the legs of Paterson to put the Sting on the board and head to the second intermission with a little hope.

The Sarnia Sting have been a good third period team all season long and it was certainly the best of the bunch on this night.  Alex Galchenyuk was very noticeable all game long as he continues to return to game shape improving in each game he plays.  Scouts and fans were treated to several dazzling individual rushes by Galchenyuk that left fans on their edge of their seats, however, Paterson robbed him of several goals on Friday night with his spectacular play. Galchenyuk’s work did not go unnoticed by coach Beaulieu as the big centre was often double shifted in the latter moments of the game as Sarnia came with a late surge. As the third period ticked away, Nickolas Latta, on a rare shift, was dumped at the Sting blue line by Saginaw’s Amestoy sending Sarnia to their fourth powerplay of the night. Sarnia capitalized fourteen seconds into the man advantage as Connor Murphy wrapped the puck around the boards to Ryan Spooner who creatively sent a pass out to Brett Thompson standing alone in front.  Thompson quickly sent the puck into the Spirit’s net for his second of the game pulling Sarnia within two goals.  As time the frame neared a close, the Sting played with desperation and grit - that has been absent from their game in this post-season - and came close to making it a one-goal game on several scoring chances.  In the end, Sarnia’s comeback was a little too late and with 1:06 minutes remaining Brandon Saad, fittingly, sent the puck into the empty net clinching game five for the Spirit. 

The series returns to Saginaw Saturday night in what becomes a do-or-die game six for the visiting Sarnia Sting.  Can the Sarnia Sting stop the freight train that is Brandon Saad?  Saad currently sits third in playoff scoring with six goals and 12 points in 5 playoff games and continues to be the best player on the ice, both offensively and defensive, for either team.  Can the Sarnia Sting play a more consistent game from puck drop to the final buzzer? The Sting have struggled mightily to play consistently over a three period stretch and it has been their Achilles heel through the first five playoff games.  Sarnia Sting fans are hoping that their team can build off their strong third period play on Friday night and earn a game six win in Saginaw forcing a game seven on Monday night.  Filled with loads of talent, Sarnia desperately needs to win for the diehard Sting fans excited to extend this season. More importantly, the Sarnia Sting players need to win for each other and pull together as a group to show the city, its fans and the entire Ontario Hockey League that their capable of playing better hockey. 

Was Friday night the last time Yakupov, Spooner, Thompson, Robertson and JP Anderson play on home ice?  The Sting certainly hope not.

Game Facts:

-        Brandon Saad finished with 2 goals, 2 assists and plus-4

-        Defensemen Dalton Young (2 goals) and Steven Strong (3 assists) factored in offensively in a big way tonight for Saginaw.

-        Brett Thompson, Nail Yakupov,

-        Powerplays:  Saginaw 0/4, Sarnia 1/5

-        Shots on Goal:  Saginaw 39, Sarnia 38

-        3 Stars: 1. Steven Strong (SAG), 2. Dalton Young (SAG), 3. Brett Thompson (SAR)

Game 6:  Sarnia @ Saginaw – Saturday, March 31^st @ 7:11

Game 7: Saginaw @ Sarnia – Monday, April 2^nd @ 7:00 *if necessary

Saturday Night Buzz: Sarnia Wins but Loses Yakupov

Excitement surrounded the RBC Centre on Saturday night as the Owen Sound Attack came to town in a significant game between the fourth place Sarnia Sting and fifth place Attack.  The winner of Saturday’s game would become the outright fourth place team and temporarily hold the final home-ice advantage spot for the forthcoming playoffs.  In the previous three meetings, the home town were victorious in each game and the Owen Sound Attack held the advantage in the season series two games to one. 

Sarnia continues to play shorthanded with injuries to Alex Galchenyuk, Craig Hottot, Adrian Robertson and Alex Basso testing the depth of the Sting roster.  The black and yellow have struggled recently to get off to strong starts but the importance of tonight’s game must have really sparked the team as Sarnia came out of the gates strong attacking netminder Jordan Binnington early and often.  Sarnia outshot Owen Sound 11-3 in the first period and the visiting squad was certainly fortunate to be tied at the end of twenty. 

Sarnia opened the scoring as overage forward Brett Thompson buried his 29^th goal of the season giving the Sting the ever-so-important first goal and sending 3,709 fans into frenzy.  The fans’ excitement quickly turned to agony when Sarnia’s star forward, Nail Yakupov, cut into the middle of the ice only to be met by a charging Mike Halmo who knocked the Sting winger into next week.  Nail Yakupov would lay injured on the ice before attempting to skate to the bench.  Yakupov would eventually leave the ice on his own but appeared to be woozy in the process.  The early report is the Nail Yakupov received stitches to his face to treat a few cuts but there is no definite report on whether Nail experienced a concussion.  The star forward will be monitored closely over the next few days. 

The Owen Sound Attacks’ penalty minute leader, Mike Halmo, received a five-minute charging major accompanied with the usual game misconduct.  Mike Halmo currently sits fifth in OHL penalty minutes and is a repeat offender meaning David Branch and the league will take a very close look at this infraction.  The hit on Yakupov was crippling to the Sting who have struggled with injuries all season but the Attack also lost their leading scorer in Halmo leaving them with a huge hole in their lineup as well. 

The Sarnia bench rallied in the absence of Yakupov and Brett Thompson led the offensive charge scoring 36 seconds into the powerplay to extend the Sting lead to 2-0.  Thompson’s powerplay was his 30^th of the season giving him 137 goals in his OHL career.  Defensemen Connor Murphy and Anthony DeAngelo earned assists on Thompson’s two second period goals.  As the buzzer sounded, Sarnia found themselves leading their opponents on both the scoreboard and shot clock as Sarnia fired 15 shots to Owen Sounds 12 in the second. 

In the third period, Sarnia added goals from Ryan Spooner and Ludvig Rensfeldt on the powerplay to extend their lead to a comfortable 4-0.  Tempers continued to run high as Sarnia fans got a preview of what will likely be their first round opponents in the OHL playoffs.  The clock wound down and Sarnia congratulated their netminder JP Anderson on his shutout victory as he turned away all 23 shots the Owen Sound Attack threw at him.  Anderson’s shutout was his third of the season - all coming in a Sarnia Sting uniform.

Connor Murphy and Anthony DeAngelo continued their exceptional play in the month of March.  Murphy tallied a career high four assists tonight giving him 7 goals and 23 points in 31 games.  Rookie Anthony DeAngelo extended his point streak to five games as he picked up a pair of assists in the victory.

Sarnia travels to Windsor tomorrow afternoon for a 2:05pm start time and will likely be forced to play with just nine forwards after Yakupov’s injury Saturday night.

StingFacts

-          Craig Duininck has just returned from a foot injury but he was seen limping after taking blocking a shot late in the first so his status will be one to watch.

-          Sarnia has one home game remaining on Wednesday versus the Saginaw Spirit and will wrap up their 2011-12 regular season on the road in London and Plymouth next weekend.

-          The Sting (73) now hold a 2-point lead over Owen Sound (71) and currently sit in 4^th place all alone with one game in hand on the Attack.

-          Sarnia and Owen Sound split the season series 2-2 with the home team winning every game.

Friday Night Buzz: Sarnia Sting Clinch Playoff Berth

The Sarnia Sting entered their final home stand of the season looking for a single point to clinch their first playoff berth in three years.  Last week, Sarnia failed to record the single point in all three of their games and with three games in two-and-a-half days this weekend, the Sting were looking to get the win early.  On Friday night, the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds rolled into town looking for wins and points of their own as they sit 9^th in the Western Conference standings, one spot out of a playoff position.  The Hounds’ visit to the RBC Centre marked the eighth and final regular season game between the Sting and Greyhounds and Sarnia carried the advantage winning four of the previous seven meetings.



Metcalfe Photography



In typical Sarnia Sting fashion, the team came out flat in front of a good home crowd of 4055 spectators and while there was no scoring in the first period the Hounds outshoot the Sting 15-7 in an extremely quick first period. After an opening period with few stoppages that took just over twenty minutes to complete it appeared the Greyhounds and Sting wanted to get this game over with as quickly as possible. 

The Greyhounds came out of the first intermission with energy and at the 6:35 mark of the middle frame, Detroit Red Wings’ prospect defenseman Ryan Sproul let a howitzer go beating Sting netminder JP Anderson over the shoulder to open the scoring. Sarnia was once again behind and it became worse as the Sting spotted the visiting Greyhounds a 3-0 lead giving up the next two goals to towering Swede Michael Schumacher (Los Angeles Kings) and David Broll, a Maple Leafs’ prospect. Broll’s goal came in the opening seconds of a four minute Greyhounds powerplay, awarded after Alberga hit pesky forward Nick Cousins from behind.  Two Soo powerplay goals later and a 3-0 deficit to overcome it appeared Sarnia’s playoff hopes would be delayed for the fourth straight game after another slow start.  However, late in the second period, Ludvig Rensfeldt welcomed his parents to Canada (visiting from Sweden) and gave the Sting a bit of life when he knocked in a goal to cut the lead to 3-1.

The RBC Centre came to life as the puck dropped for the third period and the chants began echoing through the arena taunting Greyhounds’ agitating forward and leading scorer Nick Cousins after many fans felt he embellished Alberga’s hit from behind in the second period.  Dominic Alberga continued his verbal battle with Cousins (Flyers’ 2011 3^rd round selection) but his best jab was when he was able to bury his 17^th of the season passed netminder Jack Campbell on DeAngelo’s centering pass to pull the Sting within one goal.  At the 4:22 mark of the third, former Sting defenseman Joe Rogalski was sent to the sin bin for delay of game after clearing the puck over the glass.  Seven seconds later, Greyhounds’ defenseman Mike Schwindt fired his clearing shot into the crowd to put the visiting team on a 5-on-3 penalty kill.  Sarnia capitalized early on the man advantage as former Greyhound and Sault Ste. Marie native Brett Thompson tied the game for the Sting.  The fury of goals in the third period continued as Reid Boucher and Ludvig Rensfeldt scored 56 seconds apart to put Sarnia up 5-3 as the Sting scored five unanswered goals.

The Soo Greyhounds pushed back late in the third period as Nick Cousins fired a wrist shot into the back of Sarnia’s net with the goaltender pulled.  The Sting fended off the late attack and won the game 5-4 despite being outshot 48-25 on the shot clock.  Sting goaltender JP Anderson played strong and made several key saves to keep Sarnia in the game. 

#StingFacts

-           Ludvig Rensfeldt (Chicago Blackhawks) scored his 19^th and 20^th goals of the season and continues to play his best hockey of the season.  Rensfeldt has 20 goals, 41 points in 52 games in his first year in the Ontario Hockey League.  The big Swede has 10 goals and 9 assists for 19 points in his last 21 games.

-          Connor Murphy, Sarnia’s 15^th round selection in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection Draft, has been simply amazing in his first OHL season after returning from injury in December.  The lanky Murphy has shown tremendous upside at both the defensive and offensive ends of the rink.  Connor added an assist and was plus-3 in last night’s win.

-          Sixteen year old rookie defenseman, Anthony DeAngelo, continues his strong play recording another assist last night extending his point streak to four games.  DeAngelo has two goals and eight points over his last eight games and sits third in Sting defenseman scoring (20 points) trailing injured rearguards Adrian Robertson (37) and Alex Basso (34).  DeAngelo is a treat to watch and is going to be a fun player to watch develop as he earns more ice time in the OHL.

-          Sarnia has five players in the 20-goal club including Nail Yakupov (31), Ryan Spooner (28), Brett Thompson (28), Reid Boucher (26) and Ludvig Rensfeldt (20).  Tyler J. Brown (19) is still searching for his first goal as a member of the Sarnia Sting.  Charlie Sarault (18), Craig Hottot (18) and Dominic Alberga (17) are within grasps of reaching the 20-goal milestone as well.

-          Sarnia continues to play with a shortened roster as Coach Jacque Beaulieu is forced to dress only ten forwards and six defensemen last night and does not expect any of the injured players to return this weekend.   Alex Galchenyuk, Craig Hottot, Alex Basso and Adrian Robertson are all still on the mend.

-          Sarnia’s win Friday night over the Greyhounds gives the team 71 points tying Owen Sound.  The Sting currently have one game in hand over the Attack to seed them in the 4^th spot in the Western Conference.  Sarnia welcomes Owen Sound to the RBC Centre tonight (Saturday, March 10^th) in a huge game that will likely determine who finishes 4^th and receives home ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

 http://youtu.be/frsa0JMvank

Sarnia/Sault Ste Marie Season Series Recap (5-3-0)

October 20^th – SSM 5, SAR 2

October 26^th – SAR 5, SSM 1

December 4^th – SSM 2, SAR 5

December 28^th – SAR 3, SSM 6

January 19^th – SSM 4, SAR 6

February 12^th – SAR 7, SSM 6

February 29^th- SAR 2, SSM 8

March 7^th- SSM 4, SAR 5

Game Day Preview:  Owen Sound @ Sarnia, 7 pm

-          The Western Conference 4^th seed and home ice advantage is up for grabs tonight.

-       It's expected that there will be a strong presence of NHL scouts to take in the 2012 NHL draft-eligible players specifically Nail Yakupov (Sarnia), Gemel Smith (OS) and Artur Gavrus (OS).

-          Tonight’s game is the fourth and final meeting between the Sting and Attack.

-          Previous Games:

o   Sarnia 3 @ Owen Sound 4 (OT)

o   Owen Sound 3 @ Sarnia 5

o   Sarnia 2 @ Owen Sound 5

-          The home team has won all three games to date.

-          Sting Scorers vs. Owen Sound Attack:

o   Charlie Sarault (1G, 4A)

o   Brett Thompson (2G, 2A)

o   Reid Boucher (2G, 1A)

o   Nail Yakupov (2G, 1A)

o   Ludvig Rensfeldt (1G)

o   Ryan Spooner (1G)

o   Jack Kuzmyk (1A)

o   Anthony DeAngelo (1A)

o   Dominic Alberga (1A)

o   Alex Basso (1A)

o   Craig Hottot (1A)

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.

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.

7-Day Buzz – Sarnia Sting Weekly Recap

The Sarnia Sting entered this past weekend on the tail end of a five-game road trip that witnessed them go 2-1 defeating the Barrie Colts (3-2) and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (7-6 SO) in close matchups but losing to the Sudbury Wolves (5-3).  After a subpar January record that watched them go 5-7, Sarnia began the month of February winning three of the first four games.

Charlie Sarault gets back on track during his birthday weekend (Metcalfe Photography)

Quick Recap: Sarnia 4 @ Guelph 2

Friday night, Sarnia travelled to the Sleeman Centre in Guelph to face the Western Conference’s ninth place Storm.  The Sting’s leading scorer, Charlie Sarault, was in the midst of a scoring slump coming into the game with no goals in the past ten games and only two points over the last nine.  Charlie would knock the monkey off his back as he assisted on the opening Sting goal by Craig Hottot and potted the eventual game-winning goal halfway through the final frame giving Sarnia back-to-back road wins. Sarnia’s win over the Guelph Storm kept the Sting in fourth place as Owen Sound and Saginaw continued to chase them down in the Western Conference.

The Sting have continued to battle the season-long curse of injuries as Sarnia played without three veteran defenseman including captain Nathan Chiarlitti (ankle), Adrian Robertson (neck) and Craig Duininck (foot).  The Sting’s fourth line was without hustler Nick Latta due to a shoulder injury.  The number of injuries to key players on the Sting roster has been almost laughable this season and as the past weekend unfolded, Sarnia would soon find them losing two other key components. During the Guelph outing, the speedy and offensive-minded defenseman Alex Basso left the game with an upper body injury after a collision in the first period.  The injuries did provide an opportunity for several Sting draftees to enter into the lineup including Davis Brown (3^rd Round, 2011) from the Strathroy Rockets and Daniel Nikandrov (4^th Round, 2011) and Mike Dipaolo (4^th Round, 2010) from the Sarnia Legionnaires. 

Quick Recap: Sarnia 2 @ Saginaw 6

On Saturday night armed with two busloads of Sting fans, Sarnia headed west to take on the Saginaw Spirit without the likes of Chiarlitti, Basso, Robertson, Duininck, Latta, and Galchenyuk in the lineup.  Entering the game, Sarnia has fared well against the Spirit this season winning the four previous games. On this night, Saginaw took advantage of the depleted Sting roster and jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period.  Lead by the red hot Josh Shalla with four points that extended his active point streak to eight games (second only to Nail Yakupov’s previous streak of 19 points in 8 games), Saginaw would skate easily to a 6-2 game. 

Defenseman Connor Murphy and Nail Yakupov would add third period goals but it was all that the Sting could muster. Unfortunately, the loss to Saginaw allowed the Owen Sound Attack to pass Sarnia in the standings as they took over fourth spot in the OHL’s Western Conference.  The biggest loss for Sarnia was yet another injury, this time to heart-and-soul player Craig Hottot.  The Sombra native left the game just moments into the first period with an upper body injury. 

In the absence of the Sting’s leading defensive scorer Alex Basso (separated shoulder, 4-6 weeks) and do-it-all forward Craig Hottot (upper body injury, 2-3 weeks) Sarnia will need other players to step up in key roles.

Quick Recap: London 2 @ Sarnia 6

The Sting had a nice welcome back to a packed full RBC Centre on Monday afternoon in the annual Family Day game after going two and a half weeks without a home game.  Playing in front of the largest crowd Sarnia has witnessed in over a decade, the Sting netted two powerplay goals before the halfway mark of the first period by OHL veterans Brett Thompson and Ryan Spooner.  Another game without seven regulars, Sarnia’s depth players stepped up in a big way to take the lead against a strong London Knights’ team. 

The Sting were able to get timely goals from Connor Murphy and Brett Thompson (second of the game) to maintain the lead against the Canadian Hockey League’s top rated team.  Just past the midway point of the third period, 5100 fans witnessed one of the best OHL goals of the season as Sarnia’s Nail Yakupov retrieved the puck, circled speedster Knights’ forward Andreas Athanasiou before ripping a blazing shot through the legs of six-foot-seven defenseman Jarred Tinordi and over the shoulder of a helpless Michael Houser. 

Minutes later with Sarnia playing shorthanded, rookie Daniel Nikandrov exited the penalty box and tracked down a loose puck to the right of an empty Knights’ net and made a swift move to elude the defender before tucking in his first career OHL goal (in his fifth game). The Sting’s final two goals capped off a great day at the RBC Centre in a gutsy win by a depleted Sting lineup.  JP Anderson made 34 saves to earn his seventh win as a member of the Sting giving the London Knights their first road loss in 2012.

Upcoming Week Preview

Sarnia heads back out on the road to take on the Owen Sound Attack Wednesday night to determine fourth place and home-ice advantage.  The importance of Wednesday’s game in Owen Sound cannot be understated.  Sarnia has split the season series with one win a piece with the home team coming out victorious in both games.  Wednesday’s game will mark the third of four meetings between the Attack and Sting.  Reid Boucher (2G, 1A), Brett Thompson (1G, 2A) and Charlie Sarault (1G, 2A) each have three points in two games versus the Attack this season and JP Anderson has posted a record of 1-0-0-1 (both as a Mississauga Major) and has a 2.88 GAA and .924 save percentage.

Hot or Not?

Ludvig Rensfeldt continues to find the scoresheet since returning with his World Junior gold medal as he has accumulated 7 goals and 13 points over his past 14 games.

Ryan Spooner has buried 10 goals and 21 points in 18 games wearing a Sting jersey and has registered a point in 78% of the games.

Nail Yakupov had 22 goals and 32 assists entering February but has since returned to the goal scorer we witnessed last season recording 5 goals and 1 assist in five February games. Despite battling injury and frustration this season, Yakupov has improved his point-per-game pace from 1.55 last season to 1.79 this season.
Reid Boucher has only two goals and 5 points through 19 games in 2012 after starting the season on a tear. 

Tyler J. Brown is still looking for his first goal as a member of the Sarnia Sting.  Brown has seven assists in 18 Sting games after posting over a point-per-game for the Kingston Frontenacs.

#StingFacts

• Only two players, Charlie Sarault and rookie Anthony DeAngelo, have played in all 56 games this season for the Sting (Stat courtesy of Dave Barody)
• The Sting has 12 games remaining in the regular schedule, seven of them on home ice.
• The Sting have a record of 6-3-0-1 in their past ten games and currently sit 4^th in the Western Conference with 64 points, one point ahead of Owen Sound and three points ahead of Saginaw but with a game in hand on both teams.
• Charlie Sarault celebrated his 20th Birthday yesterday (February 20th) as Sarnia defeated the London Knights for the second time this season.
• On Monday, Sarnia wore commemorative red and white jerseys to support the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Jerseys are available for purchase by auction through the SarniaSting.com website.

Past Week’s Point Leaders (3 Games)
Brett Thompson -  2G 2A
Ludvig Rensfeldt - 1G 2A
Charles Sarault - 1G 2A
Ryan Spooner - 1G 2A
Nail Yakupov - 2G
Connor Murphy - 2G
Craig Hottot - 2G
Daniel Nikandrov - 1G
Anthony DeAngelo - 1A
Dominic Alberga - 1A

Follow @RossyYoungblood for the latest Sarnia Sting and OHL news

OHL Hot-Stove: If the playoffs started today, who is your sleeper pick?

With the playoffs nearing, I've decided that it was time to get the writers on our team to examine and select their sleeper team. Obviously the playoffs are not set in stone yet, but at this point we pretty much know who will and will not make the playoffs and which teams are not getting the respect and recognition they deserve.

Without further ado, here is this week's question for the hot-stove to discuss: If the playoffs started today, who is your sleeper pick?

Joining me in this week's hot-stove is Trevor Miller, Alex Quevillon, and Phil Phillips.

Todd Cordell

If the playoffs started today, my sleeper team would have to be the Barrie Colts. Though they're currently 5th in the Eastern Conference, I feel as though they don't get the respect they deserve. The Colts have a good mixture of high end talent, gritty players, and their starting goaltender, Mathias Niederberger, is playing the best hockey of his young OHL career. I feel like the Colts forwards can score with pretty much any team in the league, and their defense and goaltending are very underrated in my opinion. The Colts have a lot of depth on defense, and between Niederberger and rookie goaltender Alex Fotinos, who has played very well for Barrie this season, I think they certainly have the talent to get the job done.

All of this aside, your best players need to be your best players come playoff time and with the likes of Mark Scheifele, Ivan Telegin and Tanner Pearson, among others, leading the way I see no reason why the Colts can't make some noise.

Trevor Miller

If the playoffs started today, my pick for the East as a dark horse would have to be the Brampton Battalion. The Troops have been terrific all year with the exception of their eight games without coach Stan Butler behind the bench. While not laden with OHL stars, the Battalion boast one of, if not the best defense corps in the league. Steady goaltending from Matej Machovsky and Keegan Wilson has also been and will continue to be crucial for Brampton’s success. They have victory’s over the elite teams in both conferences this year and Sam Carrick, Barclay Goodrow and Phil Lane have proved to be valuable up front for the team.

My dark horse in the West is Sarnia. With the likes of Yakupov, Sarault, Spooner and Thompson up front, the Sting should have little trouble scoring. They solidified their goaltending bringing in JP Anderson, a guy who went all the way to the OHL and Memorial Cup final last year. They have a good enough defense corps to knock off some of the big teams in the West.

Alex Quevillon

In my mind, Oshawa has to be the "sleeper" in the East.  They lose so many games because of poor discipline.  In the playoffs, I think that the referees will become a little more lenient and it will be intimidating for other teams to play the Gens.  Having a young goaltending tandem is worrisome.  But let's be honest.  Who wouldn't love to have Boone Jenner in a seven-game series? Fact is, the Generals attack is scary when it gets going.  They play a tough game against teams like Niagara and Ottawa and if they end up playing a team like Barrie, the inexperience in goal isn't any sort of disadvantage.  I've spoken to many 67's fans who are hopeful that Oshawa doesn't end up being the first round playoff opponent, or it could be another short playoff here.  In the West?  Well, Windsor always finds a way to go far as of late, right?

Phil Phillips

If the playoffs started today, my sleeper pick to represent the Eastern Conference in the OHL final would be the Oshawa Generals.

Big things were expected of the Generals this season, and they haven't lived up to the hype. They made a coaching change. Chris DePiero stayed on as the teams GM, but was replaced behind the bench with Gary Agnew earlier in the season.

Coach Agnew comes to the Generals with a nice resume, He's coached in the NHL, AHL.  Is a two time winner of the Matt Leyden Trophy for OHL Coach of the year. He took the London Knights to the OHL Final in 1999, where his Knights would lose to the Belleville Bulls in 7 games. He also holds the distinction of being the only coach to lead the Kingston Frontenacs to a division title in 1994–95.

Up front the Generals are loaded with fire power. Where do you start ? Andy Andreoff , Lucas Lessio , Nicklas Jensen, Boone Jenner and lets not forget former 50 goal scorer Christian Thomas, who we all know is capable of more. The Generals could have six 20 goal scorers in the line up when the playoffs start. And with import Sebastian Uvira and Scott Laughton also on the roster, if they can get rolling any team in the East would have a hard time handling what would be three very solid lines.

On the back end the Generals are lead by two players they picked up at the trade deadline. 1st is Matt Petgrave, who brings a wealth of playoff experience and Julian Melchiori. Both can put up points. Chris Carlisle and Colin Suellentrop are both over +11 and give the Generals a nice top 4.

But as we know all playoff runs start and end in net. This is a question mark for Oshawa. They have a former 1st rounder in Kevin Bailie. Who up to this year, hasn't really lived up to expectations. But as of late the Belleville Minor Hockey product seems to be coming in to his own . Daniel Altshuller has showed in his rookie year that he also has the tools to help the Genny's go far. With a lead both goalies are able to win games.

If all of the pieces fall in to place and everyone reaches their potential look for the Oshawa Generals to make some noise.

ITO Hot-Stove: who will represent the East and West in the OHL finals?

Before we begin here, I'd like to thank Brandon Sudeyko and company for filling in for me for last week's ITO hot-stove and doing a great job. As you can tell, I'm back on the saddle here and ready to roll. Joining me today in this week's hot-stove is Matt Leacy, Brandon Sudeyko, Susan Tromanhauser and Trevor Miller.

Without further ado I'd like to introduce you all to this week's debate question: who will represent the East and West in the OHL finals and why?

Todd Cordell

In the East, I'm going to go out on a limb and go with the Barrie Colts. They have one of the most explosive forward groups in the Ontario Hockey League led by Mark Scheifele, Tanner Pearson and company. At the deadline the Colts added some grit up front with Anthony Camara, and upgraded their defense corps as well by bringing in Ryan O'Connor. 17 year old goaltender Alex Fotinos has been brought up to the big club due to the Clint Windsor trade and he's been playing some fantastic hockey. He's currently side-lined with concussion like symptoms, but he should be back relatively soon. In my opinion if the Colts can stay healthy and get solid goaltending from Mathias Niederberger and Alex Fotinos, they can compete with anyone in the East.

Now out west I'm going to go with the Sarnia Sting. I know they're struggling a little bit right now but I believe if and when they get healthy they can make a serious run at it. I love what they did at the deadline in bringing in Adrian Robertson, Ryan Spooner, JP Anderson and company and in my opinion each and every one of those acquisitions will payoff come playoff time. When Nail Yakupov, and possibly Alex Galchenyuk return, the Sting will be a force to be reckoned with. I think they'll show why in the post-season.

Matt Leacy

Talk about a hard question to answer. A lot of teams with great depth and skill in the league this year. There really is no clear cut favorite. That being said, I believe Niagara will win the East, and Plymouth will win the West.

Plymouth has tremendous skill, starting in net with Scott Wedgewood, and lots of players who can score including Richard Rakell and Stefan Noeson. Of course, London, Kitchener and Sarnia will give them a good run for their money, but my money's on the Whalers to take it this year.

Niagara again has strong goaltending from Mark Visinten, and guys like Ryan Strome plus the Hamilton brothers really make them a strong team and a force in the Eastern Conference. Just like in the west, there are very good teams such as Ottawa and Oshawa, but I don't think anyone has the same type of depth as the Ice Dogs.

Brandon Sudeyko

Pick the OHL Finals... but those are about 20 games away and several rounds. But the Trade deadline has passed and I would have to go into the archives to see if my personal pics have changed. They clearly have. When all is said and done, the Western Conference will go through Plymouth and Sarnia. I don’t know why I still give Sarnia credit, especially when they are looking like the same fire wagon team from last season... just more offensive power than the previous incarnation. But there is something about Sarnia. I will call it the mystique factor as I don’t think anyone has seen what this team is capable of. Brett Thompson is your veteran scorer. Sarault is a beast this year. Captain Charlitti is having an outstanding year on the back end. And the team will go deep enough to get both Gally and Yaki back. There is also a guy by the name of Spooner on that team too. There set back is JP Anderson but all you have to do is outscore your opponent by 1. But back to Plymouth, who has been the most complete team in the OHL all season. There is strength on the team, as exhibited by Tom Wilson and Jamie Devane. Skill with J.T. Miller, Stefan Noesen and Rickard Rakell. Their D is probably the 2^nd best 6 pack in the league, and their goaltenders... well you know that story.

The East is probably filled with Niagara and Ottawa, but I have a feeling that Goaltending will hurt Niagara, while Ottawa will get stymied again by a hot goaltender and their shooters will hit nothing but iron. Call me Crazy but I am going to call Brampton in the OHL Finals... Their D can lock down the best shooters. Their forwards can play great defensive hockey and by all accounts... every team hates to play against them. ‘They just sit back and wait, I f*!#ing hate playing them. I’m glad it is over,’ said one eastern conference player after a game. The system acts to their strength, they have no problem with patience and contrary to belief... they can score too. OHL Finals... Brampton / Sarnia...

Susan Tromanhauser

I posed this question to the media room in St. Catharines. All were in agreement Niagara should be there representing the East. The key word is should. Niagara has by far the strongest team on paper but paper doesn't win championships.

The West was more difficult to decide. The media types could not agree between London and Plymouth. What they did agree upon was they hoped it was Plymouth as the Wedgewood versus Visentin goaltender dual will make a great story.

Trevor Miller

My pick to come out of the East is Ottawa. I picked them as my favourite early on in the year and I’m sticking with it. Their offense is spread nicely over the roster. Tyler Toffoli is having another banner year taking over the league lead in scoring recently. With Sean Monahan riding shotgun, the pair remind me a little of the Brampton days with Cody Hodgson and Matt Duchene. Add in Shane Prince and newly acquired John McFarland and it’s clear that this team should have no trouble scoring. The likes of Cody Ceci and Marc Zanetti will help the 67’s keep the puck out of their own net, as will the presence of Petr Mrazek in goal.

The easy thing to do for the Western Conference is to pick the London Knights, and it makes sense to do so. Since Dale Hunter moved on to coach the Washington Capitals, the Knights haven’t missed a beat, pacing the west with a league best 71 points.  Greg McKegg and Austin Watson have been huge additions to a London team that was already chock-full of talent. Max Domi has had a rough month of January, recording only two assists thus far, but will most definitely bounce back as the playoff picture becomes clearer. Michael Houser has also been a huge factor in goal for the Knights winning 33 of his 42 starts, five of which are shut-outs.

Daniel Altshuller: Not an easy ride

Special Thanks to Chris Messina

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Daniel Altshuller has gained a reputation as being a top notch goaltender the past couple seasons, now he’s getting a chance to do it in the Ontario Hockey League with the Oshawa Generals.

The seventeen-year-old was acquired by the Generals from the Belleville Bulls this past summer. The Bulls already had Malcom Subban (who is a top rated goaltending prospect in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft) in net and wouldn’t have been able to give Alsthuller substantial playing time. For the young goaltender the trade has worked out well.

The Ottawa native has been Oshawa’s number-one-goalie appearing in 20 games with a record of 6-12-2, a .897 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.64. Altshuller was drafted by the Bulls in the third round of the 2010 OHL Priority Selection.

“At first it was a pretty hard just getting use to the amount we are on the ice. It’s just a little faster, but I feel like I’ve gotten use to it now,” says Altshuller of the adjustment to the OHL. “Tracking the puck back-and-forth, being able to concentrate on every save. The only way to be able to (get better) is to just play as much as you can and work as hard as you can and eventually it will come.”

Altshuller spent last year in the Central Canada Hockey League as a member of the Nepean Raiders and had an impressive rookie season. In a league where it’s rare to see goaltenders fresh out of minor midget AAA, he put up impressive numbers. In 33 games he was 19-13-10 with a GAA of 3.22 and a save percentage of .906.

In the playoffs last spring Nepean pushed the Brockville Braves to seven games in the opening round of the CCHL playoffs. The third seeded Braves were supposed to make quick work of the sixth seeded Raiders. Altshuller, (still 16 at the time) played well and his team push the series to seven-games. He put up a .911 save percentage with a 3.73 GAA.

His most impressive moment as a Raider might have come two-years-ago when he was called-up as a minor midget to face the Pembroke Lumberkings (eventual league champions). Nepean lost the game 2-1 but Altshuller stopped 45 of 46 shots thrown his way.

Last season, Altshuller garnered a lot of attention in the hockey world when he won gold as a member of Team Ontario at the World Under-17 Championships in Winnipeg. He was one of only two players not playing in the OHL at the time to be named to the team. The other was Robert Polesello of Vaughan in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

He followed up that international performance this past summer with another stellar showing at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Under-18 Tournament, where he was once again Canada’s number one goalie on a gold medal winning team. The experiences helped Altshuller prepare for making the leap from the CCHL to Major Junior.

 “I think it’s helped a lot. It has the same professionalism you need to play in the OHL. Get use to the fact you need to come on time and always have to be ready to go every game,” says the 17-year-old of his experiences representing his country. “It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you put that jersey and you think of all the other great hockey players who have put on that jersey. Just to be able to represent your country in anyway is amazing, especially to be able to represent your country playing hockey.” 

If Altshuller has a strong finish to this, he will have a chance to have his name called at this summer’s National Hockey League entry draft. He is listed by the NHL central scouting bureau as a goaltender to watch for the upcoming draft.  

“I try not to really think about those things, whether they are positive or negative. I honestly couldn’t remember right now where I was on that list. I try and not think about and just focus on playing hockey,” says the Generals rookie netminder.

For the time being Altshuller’s Generals are battling for a playoff spot in the OHL’s Eastern Conference. If he can play well and help Oshawa lock down a playoff spot in the second half it will go a long way to helping his draft stock.

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

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

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

Todd Cordell

Sarnia Sting

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

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

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

Shawn O'Reilly

London Knights

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

Susan Tromanhauser

Plymouth Whalers

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

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

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

Brandon Sudeyko

Belleville Bulls

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

Thayne Hallyburton

Plymouth Whalers

 

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

 

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

 

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

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