Latest news with #OshawaGenerals
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'It was surreal': Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford finds leadership in breakthrough season with Oshawa Generals
Ben Danford (via Getty Images) When the Oshawa Generals awarded Ben Danford the 'C' to begin the 2024–25 OHL season, they weren't simply presenting the letter to a veteran returnee. They were charging a third-year defenseman with being the pulse of a franchise rich in history. Now that the season concludes with another deep playoff run and another consecutive OHL Finals appearance, the 19-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs prospect has not only solidified himself as a reliable leader but as a player refashioning his game. Ben Danford leans into leadership, physicality and 200-foot game in breakout OHL season as Oshawa Generals' captain View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) The Oshawa Generals reached the OHL Championship Series once again, only to fall to the London Knights in five games — a bitter déjà vu after being swept by the same team in 2024. Despite winning Game 1 on the road, the Oshawa Generals dropped the next four games, handing London their only loss of the playoffs. 'It was surreal,' Ben Danford said. 'It was an honor to wear the 'C' on a team like Oshawa, especially the organization behind me. All the great players that have come through and the captains that have come through the organization. There's a lot of leaders on our team this year so I was really honored to get recognized like that.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo One of the largest alterations in Danford's game this year was his adoption of a more physical, attacking brand of play — something he credits partly to Generals assistant coach Patrick Sexton. 'I feel like it's something that's a part of the game that you lay a big hit, sometimes you have to answer the bell. I feel like I'm comfortable doing that type of thing,' Danford said. 'I'm not a heavyweight by any means, but I can hold my own. I feel throughout my whole game, defensively, that's obviously the strong attribute of my game. I thought I got better that way and got more physical, I wanted to bring that component to my game. Offensively, I didn't get as many looks as I maybe wanted. Maybe my points are what I was looking for. I was really happy throughout my whole season. My 200-foot game, that's kind of what I look at. Defense first, and offense is there.' Even though Danford's season point tally fell from 33 to 25, he did score more goals than last year and assumed more responsibility under all circumstances. His 200-foot game impressed the Maple Leafs, who selected Danford 31st overall in 2024 and are following his development closely. Having scored five points (2G, 3A) in 21 playoff appearances, Danford believes he is now ready for the next level — but is aware consistency will be the watchword. 'I feel like they're (Leafs) happy with my season. I think personally, something I could get better at is consistency, at times. As the year went on, I think I got a lot more consistent with my game, but as things started to pick up after Christmas, I thought I was a lot better. Before that, I felt I was a bit inconsistent at times,' Danford explained. What's next? With the 2025 offseason on the horizon, Danford's mind is laser focused: get better, make a good impression at Toronto's development camp, and one step closer to being a full-time pro. 'I think they were happy with my game, and yeah, they just want to see me just keep getting better and better, especially this offseason – it's a huge offseason for me. Getting stronger, faster, doing anything to be that much better next season,' Danford added. Also read: Toronto Maple Leafs brace for impact; Mitch Marner contract negotiations stall before 2025 free agency As he develops his game — leadership, physicality, two-way dependability — Danford is showing he's more than a future NHL defensemen, but a player willing to take the spotlight, pressure, and battle. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘I Can Hold My Own': Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Embraces Physical Edge, Leadership Role In First Season As Generals' Captain
When the Oshawa Generals named up-and-coming defenseman Ben Danford captain to start the 2024-25 season, they handed the responsibility to a hard-nosed blue liner entering his third OHL campaign. Now, at the season's end, the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect has emerged not only as a leader but as a tone-setter going forward. In a sit-down interview with TSN's Mark Masters on Monday, Danford looked back on a season marked by personal development, increased responsibility, and the highs and lows of leading the Generals through another deep playoff run. 'It was surreal,' Danford said of being named captain. 'It was an honor to wear the 'C' on a team like Oshawa, especially the organization behind me. All the great players that have come through and the captains that have come through the organization. There's a lot of leaders on our team this year so I was really honored to get recognized like that.' #LeafsForever prospect Ben Danford reflects on season:🏒Landing more big hits🏒Comfortable fighting 🥊🏒First year as captain🏒Goals, shots increase 📈🏒Competing with pal Cowan🏒Getting advice from Muzzin1-on-1 with @Oshawa_Generals d-man 👇 — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) May 27, 2025 The Generals reached the OHL Championship Series for a second straight year but, once again, fell short, losing in five games to the London Knights. Despite winning Game 1 on the road, Oshawa dropped four straight, handing London its only loss of the 2025 playoffs. It marked the second consecutive season that the Generals bowed out of the playoffs in the finals to the Knights, previously getting swept in the 2024 championship series. 'We had lows and highs throughout the whole year,' Danford told Masters. 'At the end of the day, we came short of our end goal of winning the championship. I'm really proud of our group and what we accomplished, but it's a tough pill to swallow. Going to back-to-back finals and losing both times, it's really tough.' 'The Second He Called My Name, I Kind Of Blacked Out': Maple Leafs First-Round Pick Ben Danford Reflects on Being Selected by Toronto The Leafs selected Danford with the 31st pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Though the ending stung, Danford's personal growth was positive, he says. The 19-year-old leaned into a more physical identity this year, thanks in part to Generals assistant coach Patrick Sexton. That included but was not limited to, laying open-ice hits and becoming more assertive in creating plays that could help swing the momentum of the game. 'Right when we first met, he thought just the way I play – I'm a competitive guy and the way I can skate – he thought that's something I can bring into my game,' Danford explained. 'He showed me some tips and tricks, and I kinda got the hang of it. I'm looking for those open-ice hits, not chasing them or anything, but hits like that can change the tide of the game. Change the energy. I enjoyed bringing that component to that part of my game, helping out my team that way.' 'I think it's just all timing,' he added. 'Just looking at their feet, seeing if their heads are down or whatnot. Just kind of a feel thing if you can get it done or not.' With physicality comes accountability, sometimes in the form of a fight, which Danford did not shy away from, engaging in four brawls during the 2024-25 season. 'I feel like it's something that's a part of the game that you lay a big hit, sometimes you have to answer the bell. I feel like I'm comfortable doing that type of thing,' Danford said. 'I'm not a heavyweight by any means, but I can hold my own.' Defensively, Danford remained a reliable presence in his own zone, continuing to describe his game as a 'defense-first' – but there were strides made offensively, too. While his point total dipped from 33 to 25 in the regular season, he scored four more goals than in 2024, saying that he believes the numbers don't tell the full story. 'My goal totals and shots on goal went up this year, and that was something I was focusing on,' he said. 'I feel like I have a good shot and that I can use it a lot more. When it comes to making plays and creating offense, I feel like I did a great job breaking out pucks and things like that. Secondary offense but also in the o-zone, shooting for sticks, I thought I got better as the season went on.' 'I feel throughout my whole game, defensively, that's obviously the strong attribute of my game. I thought I got better that way and got more physical, I wanted to bring that component to my game. Offensively, I didn't get as many looks as I maybe wanted. Maybe my points are what I was looking for. I was really happy throughout my whole season. My 200-foot game, that's kind of what I look at. Defense first and offense is there,' he added. 'Never Take Anything For Granted': Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Reflects On Marner's Mentorship, Another Shot At Memorial Cup A year after coming up short in the Memorial Cup final, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and London Knights forward Easton Cowan is heading back for a chance at redemption in Rimouski. The Madoc, Ont., native finished the regular season with five goals and 25 points in 61 regular-season games, and chipped in five more points (2G, 3A) across 21 playoff games. The Maple Leafs, who selected him 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, expressed satisfaction with the development of Danford, who made strides in his overall game. While the organization is pleased with his progress, Danford is focused on finding more consistency and continuing to round out his physical and offensive presence. With a big offseason ahead, he is eager to return to the ice stronger and faster, he says. 'I feel like they're (Leafs) happy with my season. I think personally, something I could get better at is consistency, at times. As the year went on, I think I got a lot more consistent with my game but as things started to pick up after Christmas, I thought I was a lot better. Before that, I felt I was a bit inconsistent at times,' Danford explained. 'I think they were happy with my game, and yeah, they just want to see me just keep getting better and better, especially this offseason – it's a huge offseason for me. Getting stronger, faster, doing anything to be that much better next season,' he added. Maple Leafs Send Defensive Prospect Ben Danford Back to OHL's Oshawa Generals After Recovery From Concussion The 18-year-old missed Toronto's Prospect Showdown and training camp as he recovered from a concussion sustained in rookie camp. One key element of Danford's offseason will be the Leafs' development camp, where he'll be reacquainted with a familiar face, fellow Toronto first-round pick Easton Cowan. The two matched up against each other shift after shift throughout the OHL Finals this year, a strong test for both sides. 'He's a phenomenal player. He's a hard player to defend for sure,' Danford said. 'Just the way he sees the ice, the confidence he has with the puck. He's a great player, he makes everyone around him better as well. Cow had a great series, and I wish him the best the rest of the Memorial Cup for sure.' 'He's taken steps in all aspects of the game. I feel like some people might see him as all offense, but defensively, I thought he did a great job in the championship series. Offensively, he just keeps getting better and better, the way he sees the ice, the way he makes plays. He's pretty good at getting shots through, pucks on net, creating chances for his linemates,' he added. Despite their competition on the ice, they quickly became friends after meeting at last year's development camp. Danford says they've built a strong bond off the ice that helps balance their on-ice battles with respect. 'We met for the first time at the last development camp in the summer. We hit it off right away,' said Danford. 'We're good buddies, but when we're on the ice, we're enemies on the ice. We have no problem going at it on the ice, but there is nothing against battling each other hard on the ice. Off the ice, we're still good buddies.' Maple Leafs Sign 2024 First-Round NHL Draft Pick Ben Danford to Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract, What's Next? The Leafs selected the 18-year-old defenseman with the 31st overall pick. From stepping into a leadership role to embracing a tougher, more physical style of play, Danford has grown in ways that will serve him well in the future. Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! 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Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kane reflects on Bayern glory and bids farewell to Müller
Oshawa Outguns Barrie To Sweep Eastern Conference Final The Oshawa Generals defeated the Barrie Colts 8-4 in game four of the OHL Eastern Conference Final to sweep the series and win a rematch against the London Knights in the Final. It is the second year in a row that the Generals have won the Bobby Orr Trophy. 2:30 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Edmonton Journal
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
LEAFS NOTES: Lineup tweaked for Game 6 but Matthews and Marner remain together
Article content The creative forward is going to have another shot at the Memorial Cup in his last year with the London Knights after they defeated the Oshawa Generals 5-2 on Thursday night to win another Ontario Hockey League crown. Cowan had a goal and assist in the victory, giving him 96 career playoff points in 60 games, second in OHL history. He has been a late camp cut twice while in the shadow of Fraser Minten — a high draft pick a year earlier in 2022 — who was dealt to Boston in the Brandon Carlo trade. Cowan and the Knights made the Memorial Cup final last June, but lost 4-3 in the final to the host Saginaw Spirit. BLOCK IT OUT Paul Dennis, a former Leafs assistant coach and team psychologist, had an interesting take on the blanket of negativity around the team after Game 5. 'It's disappointing in one sense, but understandable from another perspective,' said Dennis, a retired professor of Sports Psychology at the University of Toronto and York University. 'Firstly, it has been documented that people have a tendency to respond more intensely to negative events than positive ones. That's one possible explanation why fans might throw jerseys on the ice, boo the players, or have commentators, such as Chris Pronger, Mark Messier and P.K. Subban ramp up their criticism of the team.
Toronto Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
London Knights win 6th OHL title in last 20 years with defeat of Oshawa Generals
London won 5-2 in Game 5 to clinch the championship Sam Dickinson of the London Knights hoists the J. Ross Robertson Cup after beating the Oshawa Generals in Game 5 of the Ontario Hockey League final at Canada Life Place in London on May 15, 2025. (Mike Hensen/The London Free Press) There have been many powerhouse squads in Ontario Hockey League history and a lot of different ways to measure them. But these London Knights put one debate to rest. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account They are the greatest major junior playoff team ever assembled in this province and proved it with a 5-2, Game 5 championship-clinching victory over the Oshawa Generals before 9,061 Thursday at Canada Life Place. They dominated with a near-perfect 16-1 post-season run and celebrated with a second straight J. Ross Robertson Cup as league champs. No one could touch them once they got all their star players back from NHL camps and they will enter the Memorial Cup next week in Rimouski, Que., as the favourites. 'They really pulled for each other the whole year,' London coach Dale Hunter said. 'Throughout the season and playoffs, we had guys missing and the next guy steps up and plays. That's how you have winning teams. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It was easy because they enjoy the game. We would skate and work but they had lots of fun doing it, too.' This was the Knights' sixth league title in 20 years. Does it ever get old? 'No,' Dale Hunter said with a laugh. This London crew joined the 2012 and '13 Knights and the 2009 and '10 Windsor Spitfires as OHL teams who have won back-to-back titles. The 1988 Spitfires (12-0) and 1998 Guelph Storm (12-1) had yardstick playoff runs, but neither had to grind it out for four rounds at the time. The current core group went 32-3 over the past two springs – 35-4 if you count the Memorial Cup in Saginaw last year. 'It's so hard mentally,' said veteran forward Landon Sim, who scored late in the third period Thursday to give the Knights the necessary breathing room. 'You feel like you played for so long last year and you have to go through the ups and downs again. We listen to Dale. He teaches us how to play. That's our base and the skill takes over. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We've been through a lot, but this caps it off and we're not done.' Sam Dickinson has played in three straight OHL finals and won twice. He admitted it's a hard road and that's why very few teams have accomplished it. 'It really is special to have this little stretch we've been on in London,' the Sharks first-rounder said. 'Winning is what gets bred here. You're around guys like Easton (Cowan), Denver (Barkey), Jules (Jacob Julien) and Simmer and that winning attitude breeds throughout the dressing room. 'Everything they do is to win and it makes it that much more fun.' The London Knights celebrate after winning the Ontario Hockey League championship by beating the Oshawa Generals at Canada Life Place in London on May 15, 2025. (Mike Hensen/The London Free Press) HALTTUNEN MVP: The Generals' biggest problem the past week was letting Kasper Halttunen get scorching hot. The big Finn followed up his eight-goal final last year with a jaw-dropping nine goals this time – eight of them over the last three games. He brought clutch scoring to another level with 17 goals and four hat tricks in a career nine OHL championship series contests. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He was the first European to be named Wayne Gretzky 99 playoff MVP for his 15-goal, 21-point performance over 17 games. He finished it with two goals, including the series winner in the second period. 'It (scoring) has always been my thing and when you get a couple of goals in you, your confidence goes up a lot,' the Sharks prospect said, 'but it was never about that. It was about doing everything for the win. That's a team trophy and I couldn't have done that without everyone. 'The guys lifting that trophy (the Robertson Cup) – that's all that matters.' Cowan led the OHL playoffs in points for the second straight year and gave credit to Halttunen for his opportune finishing. 'Back-to-back hat tricks (in Oshawa) and two more here – and he could have had three (except for a post),' the Maple Leafs first-rounder said. 'One hundred per cent the right decision (to name him MVP).' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There were many Knights who played at the highest level when it mattered most. Halttunen, Cowan and Dickinson all had their moments of greatness. 'They were all MVP calibre,' Dale Hunter said. 'You look at the guys and they're all happy for Kasper. He can really score.' BARKEY BACK: London captain Denver Barkey returned to the lineup after missing seven games with an ankle injury suffered in the first game of the Kitchener series. He was relieved the timing worked out that he could dress and play – although sparingly, of course. It meant a lot to him to raise the Robertson Cup while in uniform. 'I'm super proud of everyone,' the Flyers prospect said. 'We have great fans, great coaching staff and a great team. It comes down to the guys in that room wanting to buy in and sacrifice. We all want to do it for each other and it creates such a tight group. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We play for each other and work our hardest.' Barkey spent the last week on the ice – half of it in a non-contact jersey during practice. On Thursday, he took warmup to see if he was good to go and got the green light. 'We all love him,' London forward and Oilers draft pick Will Nicholl said. 'He's our captain. He's the heart and soul of this team. It brings a lot to us and helps our spirits to see him back.' Will he be back to 100 per cent in a week or so for the Memorial Cup opener? 'That's what I'm working towards,' Barkey said. 'We'll see.' AROUND THE RINK: Dale Hunter tied Hap Emms (Barrie, Niagara Falls) with five J. Ross Robertson Cup championships. He received a Gatorade shower on the ice and, typically, thanked his players for helping get him another title. 'You gotta enjoy the journey,' the legendary coach said. 'This is part of it. You win one, there's another one to go. It's enjoyable. Enjoy winning, because it's really hard to do.' . . . Not for Austin Elliott, of course. The Knights goaltender improved to 51-2 this season starting back in the fall with Saskatoon. ''If you told me at the start of the year I would end up an OHL champion, I'd tell you you're crazy,' the 21-year-old from Alberta said. 'It hasn't even sunk in. (When you come up short in previous playoffs), It's just learning from those times. You fall down, you have to pick yourself up.' He was at his best in the third periods against Oshawa when he had to protect leads . . . Cowan became the first player since Windsor's Taylor Hall (2009-10) to lead the OHL championship series in scoring in back-to-back years. He finished with 12 points after racking up 15 last year and ended up with a franchise-record 96 career points in 60 post-season games . . . Oliver Bonk was plus-11 in the final series and was a standout on the back end . . . The final power play total was 24-16 for Oshawa. In the end, it didn't matter . . . On Thursday, Halttunen scored with 20.1 seconds left in the first period and Oshawa's Beckett Sennecke answered with 24.7 seconds remaining in the second period. The Sennecke goal came right after a lengthy review to see if Sam O'Reilly's collision with Luke Torrance was intentional. The refs eventually removed the five-minute major call and determined there was no infraction on the play. It could have been a much different game if the penalty stuck . . . The Knights were 8-1 at home this spring and a perfect 8-0 on the road. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. rpyette@ OHL HOCKEY Knights 5, Generals 2 (London wins best-of-seven OHL championship series 4-1) London goals: Kasper Halttunen (2), Sam O'Reilly, Landon Sim, Easton Cowan Oshawa goals: Andrew Gibson, Beckett Sennecke Next: The Knights will head to the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Que., starting next week. Thursday at Canada Life Place Knights 5, Generals 2 First period 1., Oshawa, Gibson 8 (Sinivuori, Rogowski) 6:57 2. London, Halttunen 14 (Dickinson, Julien) 19:39 Penalty – Wang, Osh (cross-checking) 9:50. Second period 3. London, O'Reilly 7 (Dickinson, Cowan) 5:43 4. London, Halttunen 15 (O'Reilly, Bonk) 13:05 5. Oshawa, Sennecke 14 (unassisted) 19:35 Penalty – Gibson, Osh (holding) 7:27. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Third period 6. London, Sim 12 (Montgomery, Julien) 15:18 7. London, Cowan 13 (unassisted) 16:18 (en) Penalties – Bonk, Ldn (illegal equipment) 4:10, Julien, Ldn (roughing) 19:42. Shots on goal by Osh 4 12 18–34 Ldn 8 10 7–25 Power plays: Osh 0-2. Ldn 0-2. Goalies: Oster, Osh (L, 13-8). Elliott, Ldn (W, 16-1) Referees – Pat Myers, Chad Ingalls. Lines – Spencer Knox, Justin Noble. Attendance – 9,061 (9,061). Three stars: 1., Kasper Halttunen, Knights; 2. Sam O'Reilly, Knights; 3. Austin Elliott, Knights Read More
