OHL Arena Naming Rights

A few years ago I wrote a post looking at the naming rights deals from across the league.
I have updated that as we have a few new names on OHL arena's since I last posted and this would be a nice time with deals coming up in Guelph, London and Erie over the next 2 years.

Deals range anywhere from $640,000 a year (London) to just under $44,000 a year (Sarnia) most deals come in at 10 years but there are a few exceptions to that and more are being seen to have inflation escalators attached to them.

Below is the total value of each teams Naming Rights deal (excluding option years)

Kingston has a great deal currently with Leon's which pays it north of $250,00 a year. It is also only 5 years and comes with an option for an additional 5. The option years however come with inflation escalators based on the CPI that would push the yearly value higher if triggered.

Currently 7 OHL cities have naming rights deals worth more than $200,000 a year. Only 3 are below $100,000 although 2 of those have been signed in the last 4 years

I go into more details on each team below. I hope you enjoy.

Teams

Barrie Colts - Sadlon Arena
Year signed 2019
Term - 10 years
Total Value - $1,701,210
Source

Approved this past November Paul Sadlon Motors won the naming rights after Molson Breweries declined to extend their partnership with the city of Barrie. Barrie took their time in finding a company to partner with and the wait seemed to work out for them as they come away with a very good deal when compared to the one signed recently by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. This deal also compares favorably to the one signed by the Windsor Spitfires.

Erie Otters - Erie Insurance Arena
Source
Year signed 2012
Term - years
Total Value - $3,000,000 USD

Erie as with their American counter parts in Saginaw have a very nice naming rights deal. It should be noted that these arena's aren't your typical OHL arenas. Both are larger regional centers and the Erie Insurance Arena is also home to the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA G League. The G League teams however seem to relocate quite frequently out of Erie and the most recent incarnation has plans of moving to Alabama by 2022.

It helps having a major business having its headquarters in Erie. The naming rights for the Arena will be coming up for renewal in the very near future.


Guelph Storm - Sleeman's Centre
Source
Year Signed 2007
Term - 13 years
Total Value - $1,200,000

The naming rights for the Storm's arena will be coming up soon. One thing I can almost surely guarantee is that the length of the deal will be shorter. The original 13 year deal signed by Sleemans was not only longer than most but it was at quite a discount compared to the naming rights of other facilities in Ontario.

Hamilton Bulldogs - First Ontario Credit Union
Year Signed - 2014
Term 10 Years
Total Value
Source

Kingston Frontenacs - Leon's Centre
Year Signed 2018
Term - 5 years with an option for 5 more
Total Value - $1,287,500* (inflation escalators increase the value of this deal)
Source
The city moved on from the K-Rock Centre when the signed a 5 year deal with Leon's for the naming rights to their entertainment facility. The deal comes with inflation escalators and has an option for an additional 5 years tacked on the back of it.

London Knights - Budweiser Gardens
Year Signed - 2012
Term - 10 years
Total Value - $6,400,000
Source

The Budweiser Garderns is one of the busier faciliteis in Ontario. Its centralized location in Southwestern Ontario and the fact that London is one of the larger OHL centers allows it have the highest naming rights deal.

When they negotiated their previous deal with Labatts when the name changed their deal increased by 28%. I am not sure if they will be able to increase this by 28% but I imagine a deal north of 700k a year is attainable for the city of London.

Niagara Ice Dogs - Meridian Centre
Year Signed 2014
Term - 15 Years with an option for a further 10
Value $3,000,000 ($5,200,000 if option is exercised)
Source

One of the higher deals in terms of total value but the length of the deal limits its present value when compared to others. That said the yearly amount of $200,000 is the 7th highest in the league (5th highest among OHL based franchises). Should also note that the option for an additional 10 years comes with escalators that would make the options years worth approx $223,000 a year.

This is however a great deal for Meridian Credit Union as already 2 deals (in similar markets) since this signing have come in at greater than 25% of what they paid.

St Catharines Standard scribe Doug Herod tried to get this place called "The Vault" after the name was release. It is a shame it didnt stick. "The Ice Dogs lock up another home win here at The Vault" Just rolls off the tongue.

Oshawa Generals - Tributes Communities Centre
Year Signed - 2017
Term - 10 years
Total Value - $2,500,000
Source

A special thank you to the Oshawa Express for filing a FOI request to get the details of this uncovered. They weren't available the last time I did this post and I wish someone would do the same thing in Mississauga but I digress.

The deal expires in August of 2026 and in that year the city of Oshawa will receive $208,344. Some might ask, what is Tributes Communities? It is a housing development company that builds houses in the East GTA. The only company of that type to have a naming rights deal in an OHL city.
Saginaw Spirit

Sarnia Sting - Progressive Auto Sales Arena
Year Signed - 2016
Term - 10 years
Total Value - $434,415
Source

Not only is the by far the lowest naming rights deal in the OHL (and by a fair margin) But the dealership that won the bidding rights come away with more than $30,000 in benefits. The deal works out for the Sting however as they recieve north of $19,000 annually from this deal. Not all OHL teams get a piece of the naming rights pie.

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - GFL Memorial Gardens
Year Signed 2018
Term - 10 years
Value - $750,000
Source

Affectionately known as the Dumpster by opposing OHL fans due to it being named after garbage company it is one of only 2 deals in the OHL whose value falls under $1,000,000. I have recently applied for a job with the city of SSM so I will not comment further on this deal.

Windsor Spitfires - WFCU Centre
Year Signed - 2019
Term - 10 years
Value - $1,806,523
Source

The Windsor Family Credit Union renewed their agreement with the city of Windsor. Extending for a further 10 years till 2028. Years 6-10 of the deal come with inflation escalators based on the CPI.

The deal seems to be working out quite well for WFCU as they parlayed this into a partnership with the OHL and became the official credit union of the league. They are one of 3 credit unions to have their names on OHL arena's

Excluded

Flint Firebirds - Dort Federal Credit Union

Could not find any financial details surrounding the naming rights of this arena.

Mississauga Steelheads - Paramount Fine Foods Centre
Year Signed 2018
Term - 10 years
Value - Unknown

Finanical details around this are unknown however it does come with additional naming rights with the community rinks, sportszone and sports fields near by.

Based on its location right beside a busy highway where traffic always moves at a snails pass and the fact that it is also home to the 905 Raptors I would imagine this deal is north of what Budweiser pays London and could be pushing 7 figures.

The only definitive numbers I have ever gotten on this arena is the original deal Hersheys signed. That was valued at $180,000 a year. Hershey renewed once after that. I received the original numbers from the feasibility study done on what is now the Meridian Centre.

Ottawa 67s - TD Place Arena

This deal is worth 7 figures but it also comes with the naming rights to the football stadium. Being home to the Ottawa Renegades and with the viewership numbers the CFL gets on TSN it is no surprise the deal is worth that much. Little of the value however comes from the arena which is why I did not include it with the others.

No Naming Rights

Kitchener Rangers - Kitchener Memorial Auditorium

The Rangers currently play in the oldest arena in the OHL and it has been 8 years since their most recent major renovations. That said to learn more Josh Brown is currently doing a 3 part series on the Arena and the need for a new one.

North Bay Battalion - North Bay Memorial Gardens

Built in 1955 the arena underwent renovations of over 12 million dollars prior to the arrival of the Battalion. North Bay could likely use a newer modern arena but with attendance the way it is, it would hard to see an appetite for such an expenditure by local government.

Owen Sound Attack - Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre

One of the oldest rinks in the OHL at 36 years, it was last renovated in 2002. There have been no talks about building a new arena although as of right now there doesnt seem to be much of a need as it gets the job done for the city of Owen Sound.

Peterborough Petes - Peterborough Memorial Centre
Currently in the (Enter Arena Name) but the 2020 goals for Peterborough city council include making progress on a new potentially $85 million dollar arena. Would would have to imagine that with a new arena that naming rights would be explored just for the additional revenue stream to pay of the debt associated with construction.

Sudbury Wolves - Sudbury Arena

Sudbury was in the process of having a new arena built but that has been delayed. Would not be surprised to see a company like Northern Ontario Credit Union step up for the naming rights of the Arena in Sudbury if it is to ever get beyond its current court delays.

OHL Head Coaching Candidates

This is a post that I have made the last few years. I try to identify potential head coaching options for OHL teams. Some of my choices have become OHL head coaches others have been picked up as assistants, while others have been passed over but have continued to find success. I try to concentrate more on those who have not been OHL Head Coaches rather than those who have been. You can find my past posts below.

2018 list

2017 list

2016 Bulldogs HC candidate list

I have broken it down by OHL assistant coaches, JR A head coaches and CIS head coaches. I have also added a section for names to watch. These are coaches who I feel could potentially be head coaches down the road but not foresee it happening this offseason, some in this list outside of the OHL could be prime candidates to be hire as assistants.

If I were to rank the top 5 that I would like my team to reach out to if there were a head coaching vacancy it would be as follows

1) Jason Fortier
2) Mario Duhamel
3) Brett Gibson
4) Martin Dagenias/Jason Clarke
5) Marc Lafleur

Below you can find write ups on the above coaches as well others that you may have promotions coming their way this spring/summer

OHL Assistant Coaches

B.J. Adams

Adams has spent the last 5 seasons as a coach in the OHL with the Erie Otters. The first 2 as an assistant coach and the last 3 as an associate coach to Chris Hartsburg.

Before joining the Otters Adams spent 5 seasons at the NCAA level with Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.

In 2017-18 Adams won a silver medal at the U17 Hockey Championships with Team Canada Red while also leading team Green to the Development camp title that summer.

In Erie he has worked primarily with the defense and the Penalty Kill. An area where the Otters rank #1 this season.

Ryan Kuwabara

Kuwabara has 5 years of head coaching experience in the GOJHL were he led the Stoney Creek Warriors and the Ancaster Avalanche. While behind the bench in Ancaster he did a great job of developing talent for the next level, particularly that for the Hamilton Bulldogs whom Ancaster was an affiliate franchise of.

When the Saginaw Spirit tabbed former OHL coach Troy Smith to lead their team prior to the 2017-18 season he called on Kuwabara who he had gotten to know while he was an associate coach with the Bulldogs. Kuwabara spent 2 seasons in Saginaw before moving to the upstart Flint Firebirds this year as the associate coach for Eric Wellwoods team.

Kuwabara has a wealth of experience to draw on including some time in the AHL after 3 straight 30 goal seasons with the Ottawa 67's. Following the AHL he played professionally in Japan for 15 years. While in Japan he played in the Olympics in Nagano as well as 5 world championships.

Dylan Hunter

Hunter has been an assistant coach for the London Knights since 2011-12 and has been on the staff for 3 OHL champions. During the 2018-19 season he added U-17 duties on top of those with the Kngihts. He was an assitant coach for Team Canada White at the U-17 world championships. In the summer he was head coach of Team Gold at the development camp. While Dale and Mark were in the Czech Rep. wtih Team Canada for the World Junior Championships it was Dylan who was tasked with the job of acting head coach.

This past season he was also an assistant coach for the OHL All-Stars and the Jr Super Series vs Russia.

Before joining his father behind the bench in London Dylan had embarked on a 5 year professional career that saw him play in the AHL and ECHL. Before that he had spent 5 years with the London Knights the last 2 of which he spent as Captain.



Mario Duhamel

Mario Duhamel of the Ottawa 67's has a weath of expierience both in the CHL, NHL and for Hockey Canada.

He spent 4 seasons as the head coach of the Drummondville Voltigeurs where he compiled a record of 162-87-20. Prior to that he had spent 4 seasons as an assitant coach with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

After his time in Drummondville, Duhamel spent 2 seasons as a video coach with the Colorado Avalanche before returning to the Q as an assistant GM with the Huskies in 2015-16 as they won the league title.

After half a season as head coach in Gatineau he joined the 67's as an associate coach.

On the international level he has been an assistant coach at the Hlinka cup twice and the U20 world juniors once. He was also an assistant on Team Quebec at the U17 hockey championships in 2008-09

Hiring someone with a Q background would go against the norm in the OHL but having someone with a different track record could produce strong results. All you have to do is look at the results in Ottawa with Andre Tourigny.

Jordan Smith

Currently in his 2nd season as an associote coach on John Deans staff with the Greyhounds. Prior to his return home he spent a seaosn in the same role with the Sudbury Wolves.

From 2013-17 Jordan Smith was behind the bench of the Soo Thunderbirds in the NOJHL where he compiled a record of 176-29-10-3. He helped lead the Thunderbirds to back to back league titles in 2014-15 and 2015-16. The 2014-15 went on to win the Dudley Hewitt Cup and earned a spot in the RBC cup.



JR A Coaches

Jason Fortier

Fortier has been on my list every year that I have posted it. I am shocked he hasn't gotten his shot yet. From 2008-20012 he was the head coach of the Vaughn Vipers of the OJHL. over those 4 seasons his team went 125-61-0-18. From there he went to the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots and won back to back OJHL titles (the first team in a decade to do so) with a record of 70-30-0-7. He was named the coach of the year for 2013-14 in the OJHL and lead the Patriots to a Royal Bank Cup berth thanks to winning the Dudley-Hewitt Cup.

He was pulling double duty in 2013-14 as he was also the head coach of the Toronto Nationals Midget AAA team and let them to a Telus Cup title and national champions.

During the 2015-16 season He was an assistant coach with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and helped guide the team to the Memorial Cup. Following that season he spent a year with the Kitchener Rangers. After splitting from the Rangers he joined the Coquitlim Express of the BCHL part way through the 2017-18 season. The Express were 3-22-0-1 at the time he was hired. As of Mid January 2019 they are the 2nd ranked Jr A team in the Country and are in top spot in the BCHL.

Jason Fortier has a history of not only winning at all his stops but developing talent to meet their potential. There isn't much more an OHL team could ask for in a coach.

Martin Dagenais

Dagenais is currently in his 6th season as the head coach of the Ottawa Jr Senators in the CCHL. They are coming off of back to back CCHL titles for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. In his first 5 full seasons his teams compiled a record of 214-70-26. On top of the 2 titles they have also lost the league championship twice and have never failed to win fewer than 40 games.

The Jr Senators have also played in 2 straight Jr A National championships thanks to a pair of Fred Page Cup Championships

This year he took over the head coaching duties of Team Canada East for the World Jr A challenge. It was his 2nd time with the team after being an assistant the previous year. In charge of the team he led them to a 2nd place finish in the tournament. It was Canada Easts best finish in 4 seasons and only the 5th time they have won Silver in the tournaments history.

Jason Clarke

Jason Clarke has been the man behind the bench for the Carleton Place Canadians for more than a decade. Over that time he has compiled a record of 431-158-34 and has led his team to the last 6 league championship series. Winning 4 straight before losing the last 2 to Martin Dagenais and the Ottawa Jr Senators.

Along with those 4 league titles came 3 straight Fred Page Cup titles before losing a potential 4 championship in 2017 to the host Terrebonne Cobras of the QJHL. The Carleton Place Canadians made it to back to back Royal Bank Cup championship games before ultimately losing both.

Jason Clarke was twice named head coach of Team Canda East at the World Jr A challenge, coming home with a Silver medal in 2016. This past spring he was head coach for HEO entry in the OHL Gold Cup.


Marc Lafleur

Marc Lafleur has 8 years of Jr A head coaching experience in the NOJHL. 5 years with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and 3 years with the Hearst Lumber Jacks. He took over a Kirkland Lake team that went 9-40-0-1 and within 2 years led them to the NOJHL title and a record of 43-7-1-5. The Gold Miners never had a losing season under his guidance. He eventually left Kirkland Lake to lead his hometown Hearst Lumber Jacks who had relocated to his home city after 3 straight 5th places finishes in Iroquois Falls. In his 2nd season behind the bench in Hearst Mr. Lafleur won his 2nd NOJHL title.

On top of his Jr A head coaching experience Lafleur spent 2 seasons as an assistant with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL

He has also been tabbed by Hockey Canada to be an assistant coach for Team Canada East on the Jr A Hockey Challenge 4 times and once for the U17 Hockey Challenge.

Mark Jooris

OJHL Coach of the year in 2015-16 with the Burlington Cougars and Western Conference coach of the year in 2009-2010 when the OJHL was known as the CCHL (not to be confused with what is now the CCHL in the Ottawa area).

Since 2011-12 5 OJHL coach of the year awards were won by Greg Walters (Now HC in Oshawa), James Richmond (HC Mississauga) and John Dean (HC Soo Greyhounds). The others Michael Peca 2012-13, Mike Tarintino 2018-19 (He would  actually be near the top of my list for a GM) and the aforementioned Jooris.

Jooris has found a fair bit of success coaching his hometown Burlington Cougars. A Jr. A team that doesn't necessarily have the financial ability of some of its rivals but Jooris has found success non the less. If a HC position isn't available Jooris is someone who could make a real difference as an associate or assistant coach at the OHL level. 



CIS coaches

Brett Gibson

A 2 time OUA coach of the year having taken home the honours in 07-08 and 13-14. Led Queens to a Queen's Cup championship in 2018-19 (their first title since 1981). From 2006-2019 coach Gibson accumulated a record of 209-158-40.

On top of his duties with Queens he has been tabbed by Hockey Canada to coach Canada's entry int he 2019 U18 world championships where they came away with a 4th place finish. He did however get a bronze medal at the 2017 Universaide in Kazakhstan leading the Canadian team there.

Before stepping into coaching he spent 4 years playing at St Mary's. Before that an OHL career that saw him make stops in Erie, North Bay and London.

Names to Watch

This list is for OHL assistant coaches who I feel may be a few years away but are worth watching. Also a CIS assistant and 3 Jr A coaches who I am very high on but feel they are more likely to become OHL assistants than head coaches in the near future before making the next step.

Jared Nightingale
Nightingale is in his 1st season as an associate coach behind the bench in Saginaw. He spent the 2017-18 season as an assistant with Omaha in the USHL and last season as an interim assistant coach with the USNTDP U17 team.

He brings and interesting background and is regarded as an up and coming coaching prospect.

His brother Adam is currently an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings.

Brad Staubitz

Got his start with the Sting as their strength and conditioning coach before moving onto the bench the next season when Sting assistant Chris Lazary took a job with the Spirit.

He has been behind the Sting bench the last 4 seasons and brings a wealth of experience from 230 NHL games and nearly 300 AHL games.

Nathan McIver & Greg Nemisz

A pair of Oshawa assistants  have been behind the Generals bench for 4 and 5 years respectively. In that time they have worked under Bob Jones and Greg Walters. Both come with varying levels of AHL and NHL success.


Jerrod Smith

Smith has spent the last 9 years as part of the Windsor staff. His first 2 seasons were as video coach before 5 seasons as an assistant and the last 2 as an associate coach for the Spits.

In that time the team has won a memorial cup while he has had the opportunity to work with some great coaches.

Mike Zigomanis

Former NHL player is currently an assistant coach for the 1st place Toronto Varsity Blues in the OUA. Zigomanis has a wealth of NHL experience and operates a hockey school in the Toronto area.

Corey Beer

Currently the head coach of the Timmins Rock in the NOJHL. Currently this season he has the Rock poised for their 1st division title as they have a record of 30-6-2 as of writing this. He has been an assistant coach with Team Canada East the last 2 World Jr A Challenge's.

Before Joining the Rock he spent 4 years as an assistant with the Cobourg Cougars and 1 year with the Whitby Fury of the OJHL.

Kyle Brick

Brick is currently the head coach of the Blind River Beavers of the NOJHL. It his his 4 season in charge of the Beavers and he currently has them in 1st place in the West Division. On top of his duties with the Beavers he was head coach for the NOHA entry in the OHL Cup last year and has been head coach for team NOJHL in the Eastern Canada Cup for the 17-18 and 18-19 seasons.

Before joining the Beavers he was an assistant for Jordan Smith with the Soo Thunderbirds. Before that he was head coach of the St Mary's high school hockey team in Sault Ste. Marie for 3 seasons.

Geoff Schmogyi

For the past 4 years Schmogyi has been the Head Coach of the North York Rangers in the OJHL. For a team that has generally been solid but has not seen much success he was able to lead them to back to back franchise record seasons and all the way to the Conference finals last year.

In North York he has shown a strong ability to develop talent and move players on to the NCAA. With the limited seasons OHL teams get it is imperative to have someone who shows an ability to develop talent.

Before landing in North York Schmogyi spent 2 years as an assistant in Georgetown under Greg Walters. He was also the head coach of the Mississauga Rebels in the GTHL even winning an OHL Cup title with the likes of Dawson Carty, Stephen Desrochers and Robbie Fabbri in 2011-12. His 2015-16 team ultimately bowed out in the QFs with a heartbreaking loss to York Simcoe.

2020 OHL Trade Deadline

2015-16 Trade deadline Flashback
Total Trades - 23
Total players moved 37
total draft picks moved 46 + 12 conditional (13 2nds 14 3rds)

2016-17 Trade deadline Flashback
Total Trades 33
Total Players Moved - 45
Total Draft Picks Moved 74 draft picks + 13 conditional picks ( 27 2nds 19 3rds)

2017-18 Trade deadline Flashback

Total Trades 28
Total Players Moved 47
Total Draft Picks moved 71 + (34 2nds 18 3rds)

Breakdown by birth year and draft pick

Players

'99 5 traded
'00 13 traded
'01 5 traded
'02 8 traded
'03 1 traded

Draft Picks
Round

Round 2 21 traded
Round 3 17 traded
Round 4 9 traded
Round 5 8 traded
Round 6 3 traded
Round 7 1 traded
Round 8 5 traded
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
Round 13 1 traded
Round 14
Round 15

Year
2020 12 traded
2021 11 traded
2022 16 traded
2023 13 traded
2024 13 traded

Trades

Jan 10

Hamilton
Kit 2 2020

to

Owen Sound
NB 2 2022
OS 3 2024

Breakdown
From a future value perspective I love this deal for the Attack. They move their 2nd round pick ahead by 2 years and it only cost them a 3rd that is 5 drafts away.

Niagara
Rights to Christian Stevens
Eri 8 2022
Ssm 3 2023

to

North Bay
Cameron Peters
NB 6 2022

Breakdown

Peters gets a fresh start in Niagara. The Battalion now become the 3rd team to hold the rights for Stevens who is an NCAA commit. Niagara even moves up in the draft by 2 rounds in 2022, gets a player and it only cost them a 3rd that is 4 drafts away.

Sault Ste Marie
Holden Wale

to

Kitchener
Ott 3 2024
Kit 5 2022
Kit 8 2020

Breakdown
Wale was never able to get off the bottom pair in the Soo and with the leap in development by Robert Calisti this year there was no where for him to go. He will head home to the Kitchener area and add depth to their blue line. He has some offensive upside but due to the numbers game was never able to put up the numbers. The draft haul is a nice return for a former 4th round pick who wasnt going to get off the 3rd pair


Sault Ste Marie
Brett Jacklin

to

Sudbury
Sby 5 2021* Con

Breakdown
Jacklin has been playing for Laurention University this year. A low cost add for the Wolves to bring size to their lineup for the playoffs.


Barrie
Jack York

to

Peterborough
Wsr 3 2023
Ptb 4 2023
Ptb 8 2020

Breakdown
'00 born defender comes with 152 games of OHL experience. Doesn't bring much offence to the table from the back end but will add to the depth of Peterborough's back line.

More picks for the Colts who have brought in 18 draft picks now while only trading 4 this deadline.

Barrie
Ryan Suzuki
Peter Fleming
Ryan beck
Bar 5th 2020

to 

Saginaw
Conner Punnett
Ethan Cardwell
Sag 2 2021
Ptb 2 2024* Con
ptb 3 2020
Ssm 3 2021
OS 3 2022* Con
Miss 5 2024

Breakdown

Ryan Suzuki is an elite playmaker. Having him center a line with Cole Perfetti on the wing should see some serious synergy and bring out the best in both players. Suzuki has 1.5 years left and was a point per game player last year. His production has dropped a bit due to an eye injury but should be primed to pick things back up in Saginaw.

Fleming suited up for the Colts last year and has been putting up great numbers for the Toronto Patriots in the OJHL this year as an 18 year old. If he is interested he could find a roster spot for himself in Saginaw next season. Beck is a Michigan native who is currently playing in the USHL. The ’02 born forward is committed to the University of Denver and played for Team USA at this summer’s Hlinka tournament.

What a return for the Colts. Connor Punnett was Saginaw’s 1^st round pick this past April. He only has 2 assists this year but had a strong showing at the U17 tournament for Team Canada Red and was the 3^rd highest scoring Dman for Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games last year. Ethan Cardwell is an ’02 born forward who was one of the highest scoring 16 year olds in the OJHL last year. He is having a very strong rookie season in the OHL this year and looks like a player who could have point per game production as an 18 and 19 year old. The 5 picks coming back will be useful for the Colts to augment this roster as this trade further solidifies them as the favorites in the East for the 2021-22 season.


North Bay
Rights to Martin Has

to

Guelph
Sag 3rd 2022* con
Mis 3rd 2023* con

Breakdown
Picks are conditional upon Has reporting to Guelph. With the Battalions season lost this is a way for them to potentially recoup assets. As talented as he is he wont lead them to the playoffs this year and the future picks have a greater value.

For Guelph it is a low cost move for a team with an open import spot. If Has reports he will give them arguably the most  enviable blue line in the West. The Strom are in 1st place in the West with the best GF% in the conference. This is a great job of Burnett getting creative when he doesn't have the assets other teams do.

London
Avery Winslow

to

North Bay
NB 3rd 2023
NB 5th 2024

Breadown
The Knights always have a glut of talent and are able to free them selves up of some of that by shipping the 1st year rearguard to North Bay where Winslow should find plenty of ice time. Originally a 5th round draft pick that Knights flip him for that and a 3rd. Not to bad of asset management.

For North Bay they get 2.5 years of Jr eligibility in a defencmen that has some nice development potential. This is good value for a team that desperately needs to add more skill and competition to their lineup.

Jan 9

Ottawa
Quinn Yule

to

Flint
Fli 8 2021

Breakdown
Yule became surplus for the 67's with the acquisition of Groulx from Owen Sound. An 8th round pick 3 drafts down the road is a fair return for a player given Yule's offensive upside.

For Flint Yule will add more size to their team as he now gives them 5 forwards over 6'2" and 200lbs. They may not have the most talent in the West but they are doing their best to make sure they are one of the more difficult teams to play against in the playoffs.


Owen Sound
Daylon Groulx

to

Ottawa
OS 3rd 2020
OTT 4 2020
OTT 6 2023

Breakdown
Groulx is the 8th highest scorer on the Attack. A team that is battling the Otters and the Greyhounds for the 7th and 8th seeds in the west. He adds an element to the 67s lineup that will be needed come playoff time and should really complement the bottom 6 in Ottawa.

The Attack still have 5 '00 born players who have a chance to be OA caliber players on their roster. This was a preemptive move to get a return that they likely feel is greater now than in the off season while also opening up additional ice time for Deni Goure and Ethan Burroughs who have both shown flashes in their rookie seasons this year.

Did you know that Daylon's father Wayne is the 2nd all time leading scorer in OHL history?

Sudbury
Peter Stratis

to

Sarnia
Bar 4th 2021

Breakdown
The Wolves move 19 year old defenceman Peter Stratis to Sarnia. Papineau must be making room for a bigger addition on the blue line with this trade. All Sarnia had to give up was a 4th which is somewhat underwhelming even when you factor in his lack of offensive upside and the fact that he is a former 1st round pick and likely comes with a higher education package.

For the Sting this is the 3rd '00 they have acquired this season that will likely return as an OA next year joining Roth and Bitten. The cost of those 3? a 2nd, a 3rd, a 4th, a 5th and a conditional 5th. Nick Sinclair has done a good job of doing everything he can to keep this team competitive while still having an eye on future seasons.

Guelph
Tanner Wickware

to

Barrie
Sag 7th 2020

Breakdown
Guelph moves Wickware who played 40 minutes for them this year and was their #3 goalie. The former 1st round Midget draft pick nets them a 7th round pick this year which is one of the better returns a team has gotten from the midget U18 draft.

Barrie
Jason Willms

to

London
Josh Nelson
Nia 2nd 2021
Bar 4 2024

Breakdown
The Knights make their 2nd OA trade of the deadline adding a proven goal scorer in Jason Willms. The added scoring will help spread the offence and take pressure off of Foudy and McMichael to carry the team.

Nelson is a nice placeholder for the Colts as they try to fight for the highest possible playoff seed and the 2 draft picks are a nice pick up for Willms who was a former 3rd round draft pick.


Niagara
Akil Thomas

to

Peterborough
Cameron Butler
Miss 2 2020
Pbo 2 2022
Nia 3 2022
Pbo 4 2024

Breakdown
After Thomas scored the winning goal for Canada at the World Junior championships people were wondering how much it would increase his price on the trade market? At the end of the day it did little to spur interest in his tepid market. In return for their star the Ice Dogs pick up a 17 year old with intriguing potential but one who is a -5 on the team with the 2nd most points in the east and is averaging less than .5 points per game. The Mississauga 2nd in 2020 is nice as it will allow them to bring in some nice new talent next year but overall the draft pick return is quite underwhelming for a player of Akil Thomas's pedigree.

The Petes one of the best players in the OHL. In fact his 275 points is the highest active total in the OHL and in the last 4 seasons is the 4th most behind graduated stars Nick Suzuki, Jason Robertson and Morgan Frost. He will likely hit his 300th career point while with the Petes and adds a dimension to their offence that fans in Peterborough haven't seen in quite a while.

North Bay
Brad Chenier

to

Sudbury
Shane Bulitka
Sby 3rd 2023
Sby 8th 2022* Conditional

Breakdown
The Battalion move their captain for essentially a 3rd round pick and a conditional 8th. (Conditions weren't released but are likely based on how far Sudbury makes it in the playoffs). Bulitka is a serviceable OA who will be relied upon to bring offence to the last place team in the OHL.

It is a low price to pay as Sudbury upgrades the OA portion of their roster. Chenier has been a point per game player the last 2 years and to do it this year with the dearth of talent around him is quite amazing. Should be a big boost for the Wolves and plays a style that should allow him to thrive in the playoffs.


Niagara
Philip Tomasino

to

Oshawa
Rights to David Gucciardi
Osh 2 2020
Kit 2 2021
Osh 4 2022
Osh 2 2023
Gue 2 2023
Kit 2 2023
Osh 2 2024
Wsr 3 2024
Osh 2 2024

Breakdown
What an underwhelming return for the Niagara Icedogs. To trade a player like Tomasino who is currently 8th in scoring (now 5th after a 5 point debut with the Generals) and has another year of eligibility and not get an '03 born 1st round pick back is a major disappointment. The Ice Dogs went big on quantity but all they got were a bunch of lottery tickets and the 2nd round jackpot isnt anything special. If Tomasino was 19 and purely a rental this would be a fantastic return but the Generals get him for another year. The draft picks are nice but you lose his leadership in the dressing room and the impact he has on his teammates development by keeping the team competitive and helping his younger teammates get into higher leverage situations. To have no impact player coming back is a head scratcher. Fans love draft picks but bodies are always more valuable than draft picks.

The Generals to acquire 1.5 years of a player who arguably is a top 10 player in the league is a major coup for Roger Hunt. Keeping Brett Harrison and only giving up an unsigned player with an NCAA commitment is a work of art. Is it possible that this is just part of the Studnicka trade from last year that was rumoured to have a 2nd part? Yes that is possible but that just makes this even more of a win for the Generals.

January 8th

Oshawa
Serron Noel

to

Kitchener
Ryan Stepien
Kit 2 2021
Kit 2 2022
Ott 3 2022
Nia 3 2024

Breakdown
The return for a player of Noel's stature may have been a bit higher in past years but the Generals get a player in Stepien who could be a key depth piece next year. Roger Hunt does have an uncanny ability to finding hidden gems from other teams. The Draft picks gives them options come next year as they look to augment what should be the best roster in the East (only 1 of these picks were used in the Tomasino trade)

The Rangers have been on a tear since their coaching change and have arguably the best group of OAs in the Western Conference. Noel has a chance to make a major impact for them and the price they paid was outstanding value.

Barrie
Metej Pekar

to

Sudbury
Er 3 2020
Sby 2 2022
Sby 5 2023
Sby 2 2024
Sby 6 2024

Breakdown
Great return for the Colts in this trade. They moved an import who will not be returning for 5 draft picks, 2 of which are 2nd rounders. Pekar has been a valuable player for them the last 2 seasons but this team is clearly building for something beyond this year and did a great job in getting a nice return for an import.

I like this move by Sudbury. They improved their depth up front. They should be in line for the 2nd seed and while I think the Petes still have a leg up on them it should be a good series and at the end of the day you never know what will happen in a 7 game series.

Jan 8

Sarnia 
Anthony Tabak

to

Barrie
Bar 4 2021
Bar 5 2021
Erie 3 2023

Breakdown
The only logical reason I can see to Sarnia making this trade is that their hand was forced. Tabak is such an intriging player that has seen his point production on a per game basis triple this season. He offers size and intriging upside that he is now starting to tap into.

Barrie gets a piece that can grow with their young core and could be an intriguing OA for them during the 2021-22 season where this team is looking primed to peak in.

Oshawa
Andrew MacLean

to

Niagara
Nia 5 2022

Breakdown
With the acquisition of Kooy the Generals moved MacLean, a player the acquired for a 2021 5th back in September. For 19 wins games and 11 wins the Generals move back 1 year on a mid round draft pick.

The Icedogs get some insurance while Tyran recovers from his horrific injury. Maclean should offer solid goal tending for a team that is going to look very different in the 2nd half of the season.

Guelph
Markus Phillips

to

London
Bar 3 2021
Ldn 4 2021
Ham 2 2023

Breakdown
Returned to the OHL by the LA Kings the Storm were hampered by a cool OA trade market. They were still able to get 3 picks for a player who will arguably be the top OA defender in the league.
The Knights, one of the few contending teams with a glaring need for an OA upgrade were able to take advantage of a buyers market. The 2nd in this trade is 4 drafts away which limits is present value.

Sarnia
Jordon Kooy

to

Oshawa
Wsr 2 2020
Osh 5 2022
Kit 3 2024* Conditional

Breakdown
The Generals pick up a goalie with intriging upside. Kooy should be back in the OHL next year for an OA season even though he is a Las Vegas draft pick. He has the potential to be an impact goalie in Oshawa for a team primed for a Memorial Cup run next season.

Sarnia claimed Dylan Myskiew off of Waivers from the WHL and flipped him to London with a Conditional 3rd for Kooy. They got a handful of starts and moved him for a 2nd and a 5th as well as a 2024 conditional 3rd. Not a bad move at all.

January 7th

Barrie
Riley Piercey
Tyler Tucker

to

Flint
Evan Vierling
Fli 2 2023
Fli  2 2024

Breakdown
Personally I think this is a great move for both teams involved.
Flint Gets bigger on the blueline with Tucker. They also add an '02 born 1st round pick in Riley Piercey to offset the loss of Vierling. I dont know if this team can battle with the big guns in the West but they will be a tough team to beat in round 1.
Barrie gets the better '02 in this trade and adds a pair of 2nd round picks. Losing Tucker hurts but it will open up development time for their younger defenders. I love the group of '02 and '03 players this team has assembled. They have positioned them self well for the 2021-22 season.

January 6th

Niagara
Kyen Sopa
Nia 13 2022

to

Erie
Eri 2 2022
Eri 8 2022
SSM 3 2023

Breakdown
I dont get this trade to be honest. The Otters move assets for a '00 born Import. One coming off a trip to the WJC and is currently averaging a point per game but it is a step cost for a player that wont move the needle much. Do they plan on bringing him back next year as an OA? Having an import OA isnt the most efficient way to construct a roster. He would have to have quite the impact to make a worthwhile move and would he really turn down pro options in Switzerland?
As for Niagara this is a great return for an import whose markets are always limited by the fact that teams can only carry 2.

Teams

Barrie

In
Josh Nelson
Evan Vierling
Anthony Tabak
Conner Punnett
Ethan Cardwell
Fli 2 2023
Fli  2 2024
Nia 2nd 2021
Bar 4 2024
Er 3 2020
Sby 2 2022
Sby 5 2023
Sby 2 2024
Sby 6 2024
Sag 2 2021
Ptb 2 2024* Con
ptb 3 2020
Ssm 3 2021
OS 3 2022* Con
Miss 5 2024
Wsr 3 2023
Ptb 4 2023
Ptb 8 2020

Out
Tyler Tucker
Riley Piercy
Jason Willms
Matej Pekar
Ryan Suzuki
Peter Fleming
Rights to Ryan Beck
Jack York
Bar 4 2021
Bar 5 2021
Erie 3 2023
Bar 5th 2020

Erie

In
Kyen Sopa
Nia 13 2022

Out
Eri 2 2022
Eri 8 2022
SSM 3 2023

Flint

In
Tyler Tucker
Riley Piercy
Quinn Yule

Out
Evan Vierling
Fli 8 2021
Fli 2 2023
Fli  2 2024

Guelph

In
Rights to Martin Has
Bar 3 2021
Ldn 4 2021
Ham 2 2023
Sag 7th 2020

Out
Markus Phillips
Tanner Wickware
Sag 3rd 2022* con
Mis 3rd 2023* con

Hamilton

In
NB 2 2022
OS 3 2024

Out
Kit 2 2020

Kingston

In

Out

Kitchener

In
Serron Noel
Holden Wale

Out
Ryan Stepien
Kit 2 2021
Kit 2 2022
Ott 3 2022
Nia 3 2024
Ott 3 2024
Kit 5 2022
Kit 8 2020

London

In
Markus Phillips
Jason Willms
NB 3rd 2023
NB 5th 2024

Out
Josh Nelson
Avery Winslow
Bar 3 2021
Ldn 4 2021
Ham 2 2023
Nia 2nd 2021
Bar 4 2024


Mississauga 

In

Out

Niagara

In
Andrew MacLean
Rights to David Gucciardi
Cameron Butler
Cameron Peters
NB 6 2022
Eri 2 2022
Eri 8 2022
SSM 3 2023
Osh 2 2020
Kit 2 2021
Osh 4 2022
Osh 2 2023
Gue 2 2023
Kit 2 2023
Osh 2 2024
Wsr 3 2024
Osh 2 2024
Miss 2 2020
Pbo 2 2022
Nia 3 2022
Pbo 4 2024


Out
Philip Tomasino
Kyen Sopa
Akil Thomas
Rights to Christian Stevens
Eri 8 2022
Ssm 3 2023

Nia 13 2022
Nia 5 2022


North Bay

In
Avery Winslow
Shane Bulitka
Rights to Christian Stevens
Eri 8 2022
Ssm 3 2023

Sby 3rd 2023
Sby 8th 2022* Conditional
Sag 3rd 2022* con
Mis 3rd 2023* con

Out
Brad Chenier
Rights to Martin Has
Cameron Peters
NB 6 2022
NB 3rd 2023
NB 5th 2024

Oshawa

In
Philip Tomasino
Ryan Stepien
Jordon Kooy
Kit 2 2021
Kit 2 2022
Ott 3 2022
Nia 3 2024
Nia 5 2022

Out
Serron Noel
Andrew MacLean
Rights to David Gucciardi
Wsr 2 2020
Osh 5 2022
Kit 3 2024* Conditional
Osh 2 2020
Kit 2 2021
Osh 4 2022
Osh 2 2023
Gue 2 2023
Kit 2 2023
Osh 2 2024
Wsr 3 2024
Osh 2 2024

Ottawa

In
Daylon Groulx
Fli 8 2021

Out
Quinn Yule
OS 3rd 2020
OTT 4 2020
OTT 6 2023

Owen Sound

In
OS 3rd 2020
OTT 4 2020
OTT 6 2023
Kit 2 2020

Out
Daylon Groulx
NB 2 2022
OS 3 2024

Peterborough

In
Akil Thomas
Jack York

Out
Cameron Butler
Miss 2 2020
Pbo 2 2022
Nia 3 2022
Pbo 4 2024
Wsr 3 2023
Ptb 4 2023
Ptb 8 2020

Saginaw

In
Ryan Suzuki
Peter Fleming
Rights to Ryan Beck
Bar 5th 2020

Out
Conner Punnett
Ethan Cardwell
Sag 2 2021
Ptb 2 2024* Con
ptb 3 2020
Ssm 3 2021
OS 3 2022* Con
Miss 5 2024

Sarnia

In
Peter Stratis
Bar 5 2021
Erie 3 2023
Wsr 2 2020
Osh 5 2022
Kit 3 2024* Conditional

Out
Anthony Tabak
Jordon Kooy


Sault Ste. Marie

In
Ott 3 2024
Kit 5 2022
Kit 8 2020
Sby 5 2021* Con

Out
Holden Wale
Brett Jacklin

Sudbury

In
Brad Chenier
Metaj Pekar
Brett Jacklin
Bar 4th 2021

Out
Peter Stratis
Shane Bulitka
Er 3 2020
Sby 2 2022
Sby 5 2023
Sby 2 2024
Sby 6 2024
Sby 3rd 2023
Sby 8th 2022* Conditional
Sby 5 2021* Con

Windsor

In

Out

OHL Awards

How I would vote for each award based on the 3 finalists from each conference. Based on some of the articles I have read recently it seems some in the media have forgotten that each conference gets the 3 nominee's.


Rookie of the Year / Emms Family Award Finalists:

1)  Cole Perfetti

 No brainer selection here. Perfetti finished the year with 74 points in 63 games and led the Division winning Spirit in scoring. He is the highest scoring 16 year old rookie since Alex Galchenyuk. It will be exciting to see what he has in store for his final season in Saginaw next year.

2) Jamie Drysdale

The only defenceman nominated this year. Drysdale finished the year with 40 points for the Otters  breaking Travis Dermott's franchise rookie record of 28. His 15 power play assist led all rookies but what impressed me most was his 116 shots in 63 games which is a very high total for a 16 year old defenceman. Only Ryan Merkley has had more since it has become an officially tracked stat.

3) Quinton Byfield

The Jack Ferguson award winner finished 2nd among rookies with 182 shots. His 2 SHGs and 3 SHPs were most among rookies. He finished 3rd among rookies with 61 points.

4) Marco Rossi

The '01 born import forward made a great impact with the 67s this year finishing with 65 points in 53 games. His 1.23 points per game were tops among rookies but being an '01 born player and being on a loaded Ottawa team has him 4th on my list.

5) Jacob Perrault

The rookie pivot from Sarnia joined Cole Perfetti in the 30 goal club. Those two along are among the only five 16 year old rookies since 09-10 to hit the 30 goal mark joining Matthew Puempel, Alex Galchenyuk and Arthur Kaliyev.

6) Tyler Tullio
Had a very productive season on the Oshawa Generals finished 6th among OHL rookies in scoring.

Overage Player of the Year / Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy Finalists:

1) Justin Brazeau

Led the OHL with 61 goals and finished 2nd with 113 points and was the only offensive weapon on the North Bay Battalion. Brazeau scored 21.5% of North Bays goals and had points on 49.1% of their goals

2) Mac Hollowell
Fans will point to Frost and Hayton as the stars of the Greyhounds but the most irreplaceable player on the team this year without a doubt was Mac Hollowell. Hollowell led all OHL defencemen in goals with 24 and points with 77 this year.

3) Tye Felhaber
Finished 2nd in the OHL with 59 goals and added 50 assists to place himself 3rd in the league with 109 points.

4) Kevin Hancock
Finished the year with 52 goals and 107 points. Averaged 1.68 points per game while with Owen Sound. His 1.36 per game while with the London Knights was a team high.

5) Brandon Saigeon
Finished the year with 92 points split between Hamilton and Oshawa. Scored 16 power play goals for the 2nd consecutive year. Was a disappointing -3 while with the Generals.

6) Sean Durzi
Only played in 35 games this year but finished with 37 points. Under a point per game in Owen Sound but picked it up with 20 in 17 games with Guelph.

Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year / William Hanley Trophy Finalists:

1) Ryan McGregor
 Does anyone really spend that much time in picking this winner? Do they just look at PIMs and go from there? McGregor is my choice for sticking it out in Sarnia and breathing in that chemical air for 4 years.

2) Cole Carter
Showed great leadership and class on a young Mississauga team.

3) Nick Suzuki
 I made my picks before I pulled up the previous winners and see that Nick has won 2 in a row. He will likely win a 3rd in a row because it seems like the easy thing to do when you try and quantify a qualitative characteristic like sportsmanship.

4) Ryan Suzuki
Not sure how the OHL feels about someone from Barrie being nominated for this award (i kid, i kid)

5) Allan McShane
2 Canadians prospects nominated for this. How about that.

6) Jospeh Garreffa
He finishes last as punishment for the Kitchener media continually whining about 3 stars.

Coach of the Year / Matt Leyden Trophy Finalists:

1) John Dean
Took over the reigning Western Conference champions who fielded the 3rd youngest team in the league this year after a host of graduations from last years squad. The teams best player Barrett Hayton only suited up for 39 games yet the team led the West Division for most of the year before being passed in the final month by Saginaw after they loaded up at the deadline.

2) Andre Tourigny
No teams core has shown more growth from last year to this year than that of Ottawa. A lot of credit has to go to Andre Tourigny as he helped guide the Easts 8th place team from '17-'18 to 1st place by December which allowed the management team to push all in.

3) Chris Lazary
I wouldn't be surprised if Lazary won the award but is he going to win it because of the job he did or because this team grossly underachieved while Troy Smith was the coach?

4) Greg Walters
The Generals did a great job this year of keeping shots to the outside as Kyle Keyser faced more shots from low danger areas then any other OHL starter with over 79% of his shots coming from the outside. The 1st year coach led the Generals to 44 wins and the 3rd seed in the East

5) Dale Hunter
Dale Hunter did a great job managing players with NHL aspirations and young players accumulated at the deadline last year. Finished 1st place in the Western Conference with Joseph Raaynakers as his goalie which is a feat in itself.

6) Cory Stillman
Pros: Took at team that finished last in the league 1 year ago to home ice in the 1st round of the playoffs
Cons: Was it the coach or was it star goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen?
Pros: This team got home ice advantage while having the Pilon brothers play significant minutes.
Cons: This is the 6th oldest team in the OHL so you hope with a veteran team that they would have success
Cons: Worst power play in the OHL. Last 4 coach of the years PP ranks? 3,1,2,3

Goaltender of the Year Award Finalists:   

1) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Led the league in save percentage, wins and shutouts. Did not have much in front of him and helped orchestrate a miraculous turn around for the Sudbury Wolves.

2) Kyle Keyser
 2nd in the OHL in save percentage and 6th in wins. Constantly making highlight reel saves for the Generals. What keeps him from the top spot in my eyes though is that Oshawa does a better job than anyone and keep shot attempts to the outside. Keyser led all OHL starters with 79% of the shots he faced being from low danger areas while 5vs5

3) Ivan Prosvetov
Highest save percentage in the league 5vs5 on shots from high danger areas in the slot. Finished 3rd in the league with a .910 save percentage

4) Matthew Villalta
Finished his OHL career with a record of 98-20-9 after a 5th place finsihed his season with 33 wins. His save percentage 4vs5 was 2nd in the OHL at .909

5) Cedrick Andree
Isnt even the best goalie on his team ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

6) Joseph Raaymakers
Isnt even the starter on his team for the playoffs  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Defenceman of the Year / Max Kaminsky Trophy Finalists:

1) Mac Hollowell

 Led all defencemen in scoring in the OHL with 77 points this year and helped anchor a defense core that lost Noah Carrol, Conner Timmins and Rasmus Sandin from last years squad. Played in all situations for the Hounds this year and excelled in all areas from breakouts to controlled entries. He is great in transition and among the best in the league in breaking up plays at the blueline.

2) Bode Wilde
The Saginaw defender finished 3rd among OHL defenders in points in what I imagine will be his only OHL season. Carries the Saginaw back end at times and plays in all situations for the team.

3) Evan Bouchard
Finished with 53 points in 45 games. His 1.18 points per game were 2nd among OHL defenders behind only Mac Hollowell. Arguably the best defenceman in the league but hard to put him number 1 when he played 19 fewer games then Hollowell.

4) Thomas Harley
58 points in 68 games for a Mississauga team that was not very good. Kept them competitive post deadline and should be a favourite to win this award in one of the next 2 seasons.

5) Noel Hoefenmayer
The 4th year defender set career highs across the board as he finished 4th among OHL defenders in points with 62 this season.

6) Declan Chisholm
His 5 goals were the fewest among those nominated for the award and arguments could be made for other defenders from the East to take this spot. Chisholm though brought a level of consistency to the Petes this year. He led all OHL defencemen with 33 even strength assists.

Most Outstanding Player of the Year / Red Tilson Trophy Finalists:
  

 

1) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Only 2 goalies have won this award in the modern OHL. Michael Houser in 2011-12 and Andrew Raycroft in 99-00. Luukkonen came in and helped take a team that finished in last its previous season to the 4th seed. Led the league with a .920 save percentage and tied for the league lead with 6 shutouts. 

2) Justin Brazeau

As I mentioned earlier he carried a North Bay team that sorely lacked talent. He scored 21.5% of their goals and had points on more than 49% of their goals. He led the league in 5vs5 points with 71. What works against him is that he is an OA and it doesn't look like an OA has ever won this award at least not in the 20 team era of the OHL.

3) Morgan Frost

His 1.12 5vs5 points per game were most in the OHL this year. Led the league in assists with 72 and finished 3rd in the league in points with 109.

4) Jason Robertson

OHLs leading scorer, if he were to win he would be the first player to win the award in a year that he was traded since Vincent Trocheck. Did most of his damage on the power play with 17 goals and 36 assists.

5) Kyle Keyser

5th on this list but IMO it is a coin flip between anyone from 2 to 5. Was fantastic for the Generals while they were short handed this year. With him in net their penalty kill was 8% better then when the backup was in net.

2019 OHL Draft Recap

If you are looking for draft grades this isnt the post for you. If past OHL draft results have taught us anything it is that it is futile to grade a draft of 15 year old kids a couple of days after it takes place. Now you could grade based on value that each team got with their selections but I am not the man for that. TheScout.ca I believe will be posting an article with Grades at some point this week and I would highly recommend checking that out.

The OHL did a good article on some of the Takeaways form the draft that I would recommend giving a read.

In this post and take a look at where the players came from and see where OHL teams like to take their players from whether it be the GTHL, the Ottawa area or the USA.



Where did the 2019 draft picks come from and how does it compare to previous years


To the surprise of none the GTHL led the way with 81 draft picks in this past Saturdays Priority Selection. 26 picks from the first 3 rounds were taken from the GTHL which represented just under 42% of the players taken in those early rounds. This was similiar to 2018 when 25 players from the GTHL were taken in the first 3 rounds.

There was a jump in players taken from the USA this year with 63 total players hearing their name called. This was a jump from 56 in 2018. Surprisingly though there were none taken in round 1 and only one player taken in round 2. There were 26 taken in the final 5 rounds which were the most out of any league. This is the norm however as teams are taking flyers on potential lottery tickets with NCAA interest.

The Alliance and NOHA each saw jumps this year. The NOHA's charge was led by a very strong Sudbury team who had 9 players drafted which was tied for 6th most in the draft.

the OMHA saw a drop from 84 players in 2018 to 74 in 2019 and HEO midget saw a drop of 1 but with 4 players taken in round 1.

2019 OHL Priority Selection

2019 OHL Priority Selection

2018 OHL Priority Selection

2018 OHL Priority Selection

What rounds did the position runs happen in

 A total of 81 centres were taken in the Priority Selection and if you include C/LW C/RW and F that total jumps up to 89 which accounted for 29.5% of the players drafted. More than half of the players selected in rounds 1 and 2 were centres and 40% of those selected in round 3 were Centres as well.

The run on goalies this year started surprisingly late. Outside of Ben Gaudreau the first goalies weren't taken till round 4 when 2 were taken. 3 followed in each of the next 4 rounds. Overall 23  goalies were selected (my pivot table includes the ceremonial pick the OHL made) as OHL teams averages taking 1.15 goalies in this draft. Teams that selected more than 1 goalie include the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who have taken 2 goalies in 5 of the last 6 drafts. Erie, London, Owen Sound and Saginaw while Flint and Windsor did not select any goalie.

Overall 106 defencemen were taken in the draft. They were taken steady throughout but the biggest run occured from rounds 4-7 when 34 were taken over that 4 round stretch. 6 were taken in the opening round with 4 coming after the 17th pick where Niagara went with Isaac Enright from the Pemborke midget program.

 Where did your team pick its players from

It should come as no surprise as the majority of  US based players were drafted by teams in the Western Conference. 40 of the 63 players from US leagues went to teams from that Conference. Geographically it should come as no surprise since the 3 US based teams play in the Western Conference and the OHLs 3 border teams are also in that conference. Every team in the Western Conference selected atleast 3 US based players which were the most any team in the East selected.

In the West Division the Greyhounds were the only team to select a player from the Ottawa area. In 2018 they selected the most as well picking 3 while nobody else in the division selected more than 1. They Greyhounds have had a fair bit of success with the Ottawa area in recent years taking players like Zach Senyshyn, Jacob Leguerier, Alex Johnston and Joe Carroll.

Flint and Sarnia both selected 5 from the GTHL and were also the only 2 teams in the division to pluck players out of the NOHA.

Saginaw went heavy with USA based players taking 5 from the youth ranks, 1 prep player and 1 Jr player. With their success of getting commitments in recent years I would not be surprised to see if more than half of these players commit to their program.

Windsor concentrated on 3 leagues taking 4 players from the GTHL, OMHA and USA.

West Division

No division selected more players from the GTHL than the Central. The Barrie colts lead the way with 8 of their 15 picks coming from the Toronto based league. The Steelheads stayed close to home with 5 from the GTHL and 6 from the OMHA.
The Icedogs spread the Burke's money around well in this draft. They also were the only team to take players form the Ontario Jr Ranks. It is an area they have had success in the past with Castleman and Singer being plucked from there.
The divisions 2 northern enteries North Bay and Sudbury spread out their picks taking from someone from all MM leagues.

Central Division

The Alliance is the farthest division from the East but unlike the West Division which barely ventured into the Ottawa area the East divison went heavy on Alliance based talent with 12 picks which accounted for 30% of the Alliance selections.
The Bulldogs went heavy on the Alliance and OMHA (2 leagues with teams based in Hamilton) with 9 of their 14 picks.
Kingston and Oshawa both spread their picks out taking 3 more than 3 from each the GTHL, Alliance and OMHA.
Ottawa and Peterborough stayed close to home with their picks as Ottawa took 5 from HEO and the Petes led the way with 7 OMHA selections.

East Division

The Midwest drafted heavy in the USA youth leagues, OMHA and the Alliance.
Erie and Owen Sound selected 5 and 6 players respectively from the OMHA. The Attack also tied the Greyhounds for the most selections from the Alliance.
Guelph and Kitchener had the majority of their picks from the GTHL and USA with a couple of picks from the OMHA and the Alliance as well.
The big bad London Knights tied for the fewest picks from the GTHL but selected the most players form the Ottawa area out of any Western Conference team. They also led all OHL teams with 6 minor midget aged players from the USA.

Midwest Division

Which minor midget program has been producing the most OHL Players


In 2019 the top 5 OHL draft producing teams all came from the GTHL. The OHL cup Champion Don Mills Flyers led the way with 14 selections. The Marlboros, Red Wings, Rebels and Nationals all added double digit draft selections as well.

The top producing teams outside of the GTHL were the Compuware U16 team and from the NOHA the Sudbury Wolves who had 9 of the 14 selections from the NOHA. The London Jr Knights were the top producing team from the Alliance, the Whitby Wildcats were tops in the OMHA-ETA, Pembroke with 6 including 1st round picks Mason McTavish and Isaac Enright led the way for HEO and the Guelph Gryphons with 6 had the most from OMHA-SCTA.

In 2018 the Oakville Rangers led the way with 14. The Marlboros are the only team to be in the top 5 in each of the last 2 years. Their 26 picks the last 2 years are the most. Don Mills who had 9 in 2018 have the 2nd best 2 year total with 23.

2019 OHL Conference Semi Final Preview

Western Conference

(1) London Knights vs (4) Guelph Storm

Schedule

1. Fri Apr 05 @ LDN

2. Sun Apr 07 @LDN

3. Mon Apr 08 @ GUE

4. Wed Apr 10  @ GUE

5. Fri Apr 12 @LDN

6 *. Sat Apr 13 @ GUE

7. Tue Apr 16 @LDN

Reason to be optimistic
London
They are the London Knights and they are playing Guelph
Guelph
Handily defeated the Rangers in round 1 and the players the team they assembled at the deadline seems to be finally coming together.

Reason for concern
London
50% (10/20) of their goals in round came from defencemen. That in itself isn't much cause for concern but the lack of production from the forward group is. They will need more from them if they are to avoid an upset at the hands of Guelph

Guelph
Out of the remaining starting goalies in the playoffs Popovich was the only one to have a sub .900 save percentage in the regular season. He was stellar against Kitchener but can he keep it up against teams that have talented players?

Prediction
London in 5


(2) Saginaw Spirit vs (3) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Schedule

1. Fri Apr 05 @ SAG

2. Sun Apr 07 @ SAG

3. Tue Apr 09 @ SSM

4. Thu Apr 11 @ SSM

5. Fri Apr 12 @ SAG

6. Sun Apr 14 @ SSM

7. Tue Apr 16  @ SAG

Reason to be optimistic

Saginaw

Coming off of their first playoff series win since 2012 and their first opening round sweep since 2009

Sault Ste. Marie

They are the most experienced team in the playoffs and Matthew Villalta had his best 4 game stretch in the playoffs in his career to start the series against Owen Sound.

Reason for Concern

Saginaw
The Spirit have lost 13 straight playoff games to the Greyhounds and are 2-16 in their last 4 series.

Sault Ste. Marie

In round 1 the Greyhounds gave up 2 goals to Owen Sound OA forward Zack Poirier. Giving up 2 goals to a player like Poirier can fracture the psyche of a team.


Prediction
Saginaw in 7

Eastern Conference

(1) Ottawa 67s vs (4) Sudbury Wolves

Schedule

1. Fri Apr 05 @ OTT

2. Sun Apr 07 @ OTT

3. Tue Apr 09 @ SBY

4. Thu Apr 11 @ SBY

5. Sat Apr 13 @ OTT

6. Mon Apr 15 @ SBY

7. Tue Apr 16 @ OTT

Reason to be optimistic

Ottawa
Arguably the deepest team top to bottom in the OHL. Sudbury will have a difficult time matching their depth
Sudbury
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has already bested Michael DiPietro once this year in a quarter final match up and would anybody be truly surprised if he did it again?

Reason for concern

Ottawa
While they dominated on special teams against Hamilton the play was  a lot closer 5 on 5. Luukkonen had the highest short handed save percentage in the league during the regular season so Ottawa cant expect to feast on PP opportunities.

Sudbury
The Wolves have not made it past the 2nd round since 06-07 and have lost their last 8 2nd round match ups with both series ending in sweeps.

Prediction
Ottawa in 6


(2) Niagara Icedogs vs (3) Oshawa Generals
Schedule

1. Fri Apr 05 @ NIA

2. Sun Apr 07 @ NIA

3. Tue Apr 09 @ OSH

4. Thu Apr 11 @ OSH

5. Sat Apr 13 @ NIA

6. Mon Apr 15 @ OSH

7. Tue Apr 16 @ NIA

Reason to be optimistic
Niagara
The Icedogs are one of the better diving teams in the OHL. The led the league in power plays in the regular season and averaged over 5 a game in round 1 against North Bay.

Oshawa
7 different players scored more than 2 goals in the opening round. They have multiple lines clicking right now and the types of players who could make life difficult for Robertson and Thomas.

Reason for concern
Niagara
During the regular season Stephen Dhillon had the worst save percentage in the league 4vs5 among playoff starters with a .823 save percentage. Kyle Keyser had the 3rd highest at .908. In fact when Keyser was in net the Generals penalty kill was over 7% more successful.

Oshawa
The last 2 starting goalies to win an OHL title are Kaden Fulcher and Troy Timpano. Depth and talent in the forward group and on the blueline have gone a lot farther recently in the OHL playoffs and is an area where Niagara has quite the edge.

Prediction
Niagara in7