Latest news with #PrioritySelection
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Knights Take Care Of Business At Memorial Cup
Two words followed the London Knights throughout the 2024-25 season: unfinished business. At first, those two words were whispered behind closed doors in conversations about how the Knights had come up short when they were the favourites to win the 2024 Memorial Cup. Advertisement "We went through the whole process last year and came up short with 20 seconds to go in a hockey game," said Flyers prospect Denver Barkey after the game. "We remembered that all summer and talked about it all year - that's been our motivator," Slowly, the drumbeat grew. First, it was announced that most of the team would return to London for the 2024-25 season. Next, the Knights dominated the OHL, losing only 13 games during the regular season to finish at the top of the OHL. London stomped their way through the playoffs not losing a single game until the OHL Playoff Finals. After dropping game one of the finals, London won four straight games to take down Oshawa and book their tickets to Rimouski for the 2025 Memorial Cup. Steelheads Sign 2025 First-Round Pick Steelheads Sign 2025 First-Round Pick Yesterday, the Brampton Steelheads announced the signing of 2025 OHL Priority Selection first-round pick Keaton Ardagh to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Advertisement At that point, the question was asked point blank. Is there unfinished business for this group? A resounding yes was the response. This season would not be complete without a Memorial Cup victory. On Sunday night, the London Knights took care of business, defeating the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-1 to secure the Memorial Cup for the third time in franchise history. Make no mistake, this was a special group of players, the majority of whom came together two seasons ago. They won back-to-back OHL titles and set OHL and franchise records. To cap that off with a Memorial Cup victory must be perfection for a team that seems so close. "This is my family, these guys are my brothers," said San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson. "It feels like it's the perfect ending for this core ... it's how it should have gone out." Advertisement This time around, the Knights had to walk the hard road to the Memorial Cup Final after they lost their first encounter with the Tigers 3-1. Medicine Hat went down early in that game before scoring three unanswered goals to seal their place in the final. Knights Heading To Memorial Cup Semi-Finals Following Loss To Medicine Hat Knights Heading To Memorial Cup Semi-Finals Following Loss To Medicine Hat The London Knights missed out on the opportunity to go straight to the Memorial Cup Finals due to a 3-1 loss at the hands of the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday night. London made it through the semi-final in dominant fashion beating Moncton 5-2 while outshooting their opponent 37-23. Advertisement In the rematch against Medicine Hat, it was once again the Knights who struck first. Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien scored halfway through the first to give London the early lead. The score would remain 1-0 heading into the second. As they did so often in the OHL Playoffs, the Knights took over in the second period, opening up a four-goal lead within the opening 12 minutes of the period thanks to a goal from Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and a pair scored by Barkey. Former Colt To Take Up Head Coaching Reins In Barrie Former Colt To Take Up Head Coaching Reins In Barrie Earlier today, the Barrie Colts announced that Assistant Coach Dylan Smoskowitz will take over as Head Coach effective immediately. He replaces Marty Williamson, who will stay on with the club as Vice President and GM of Hockey Operations moving forward. Advertisement The Tigers pushed back in the third with star forward Gavin McKenna scoring a goal early in the period to give the team hope. With minutes to go McKenna put another puck into the net before the goal was called back upon review. The Knights fought the Tigers off for the rest of the period leading to the final score of 4-1. The win gave Head Coach Dale Hunter his third Memorial Cup trophy, tying him for the most ever won by single coach. Early in the tournament he took the title of most wins in Memorial Cup history. This London team will go down in the history books as one of the best rosters ever iced by an OHL team. Their accomplishments are impressive, and many of these players will make their way into the NHL in the very near future. While this team will never play together again, their names will sit next to each other on the Memorial Cup.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Matteo Drobac Commits To Miami (Ohio)
Former Western Mustangs goaltender Matteo Drobac has committed to Miami (Ohio), it was confirmed earlier this week. Drobac, who hails from Oakville, Ont., just fished his first season playing U Sports, collecting a record of 13-9-1 along with a 2.72 GAA and a .904 SP in 24 regular season appearances. In a further three playoff games with the Mustangs, Drobac went 1-2 while posting a 2.35 GAA and a .922 SP. Drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the sixth round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, Drobac would go on to spend parts of four seasons with the Bulldogs (three in Hamilton and one in Brantford), putting up a stat line of 66-37-11, a 3.30 GAA and a .890 SP. Prior to making the jump to the OHL, Drobac played his minor hockey with the Oakville Rangers and the Halton Hurricanes. With Drobac still only 21, he still has a long runway ahead of him at the collegiate level. Joining a RedHawks team that is bringing in some solid talent, Drobac stands to see time during his first season in the NCAA and could surprise some people.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sam Alfano Commits To Arizona State
Former Erie Otters forward Sam Alfano has committed to Arizona State, it was announced late last week. Alfano, a product of Hamilton, Ont., just finished his overage season in the OHL, scoring 41 goals and adding 43 assists for 84 points in 68 regular season games with the Otters. With Erie having made the playoffs, Alfano collected six goals and 15 points in nine games. Drafted by the Peterborough Petes in the second round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Alfano spent parts of four seasons in the OHL with the Petes and the Otters, putting up 99 goals and 103 assists for 202 points in 258 career regular season games. Prior to making the jump to the junior level, Alfano played his minor hockey for the Southern Tier Admirals. With Alfano off to join the Sun Devils, they will be getting a player who will immediately be one of their better offensive drivers. Having showed his ability to score at will this year, Alfano has the size and strength necessary to make the transition to the NCAA look seamless.
Ottawa Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Sudbury Wolves prospects impress at orientation camp
Article content Brayden Bennett came as advertised with a combination of skill, speed and competitiveness. Article content Kingston Harris turned heads with his fleet feet and puck prowess in a high-scoring performance. Article content Caleb Deanovich displayed smooth skill and high-level hockey IQ. Article content Ethan Dean and Henry Doucet looked exactly as hoped — faster, stronger and seemingly ready for bigger roles at the OHL level. Article content Article content Eager for a glimpse at their newest crop of prospects, Sudbury Wolves staff and fans got an eyeful during a two-day prospect orientation camp this past weekend, with many youngsters meeting or even surpassing expectations over two days of practices, scrimmages and off-ice testing at Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex. Article content Article content 'It's very nice here,' smiled Deanovich, the 16-year-old defenceman from Fond du Lac, Wisc. who was the Wolves' fifth-round choice in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. Article content 'The coaches are very good, Scott Barney is an amazing coach and I like the city a lot.' Article content A right-shooting six-foot, 170-pounder who starred for the Chicago Reapers 15U AAA squad this season, Deanovich was among several U.S.-based standouts who helped to make up a roster of 35 players who converged on the Nickel City. Article content Most members of the 2025 and 2024 draft classes, a sprinkling of 2023 picks and a handful of free agents took part the camp, which included Blue and White games on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Article content Article content 'I wanted to see what the OHL is like, especially Sudbury,' Deanovich said. 'I never really got to experience it before, but the college portals have opened up now, so it's good to be here. It's definitely nice to see.' Article content Asked to described his game, he pointed to his speed, offensive skill and ability to see the ice as some of his best qualities. Article content 'I want to show my speed, my vision of the ice — and hopefully, we'll put the puck in a little bit.' Article content That they did, with Deanovich's Team White edged 6-5 on Saturday, then bouncing back with a 6-5 win over the Blue side the next morning. Article content Also a first-round pick in the recent United States Hockey League Futures Draft, Deanovich will have no shortage of options for the next phase of his hockey development, but NCAA rule changes will allow him to explore the OHL route without jeopardizing his Division I eligibility — an intriguing possibility for the youngster.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Misa Named 2024-25 OHL Most Outstanding Player
Earlier today, the OHL announced that Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa is the 202-25 winner of the Red Tilson Trophy, which is awarded annually to the OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by accredited members of the media. "I am honoured to receive the Red Tilson Trophy," said Misa. "None of this would be possible without the hard work of my teammates, the dedication of my coaches and support staff or the support of my family." Misa, who is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, just finished his third season playing for the Saginaw Spirit after being selected first overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. At the time of the selection, Misa was 14 years old, making him the sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status. This year, Misa captained the Spirit and led all CHL players in points scoring 62 goals and a total of 134 points in 65 games. He finished second amongst OHL players in goals, trailing only Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis, while coming fourth in assists. 2025 #OHLAwards 🏆Top #NHLDraft prospect Michael Misa of @SpiritHockey is this year's recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, presented annually to the #OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by the League's accredited writers and 📰: — Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 12, 2025 From the end of December through the beginning of March, Misa went on a 28-game point streak during which he scored a jaw-dropping 63 points. "In my mind, it was never in doubt that Michael was the most outstanding player in our league this season," said Saginaw GM Dave Drinkill. "He carried our team on his back when we needed him the most and we're so proud of him." The majority of the media who were allowed to vote for the recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy agreed with Drinkill's assessment. Misa was by far the frontrunner in terms of voting, getting 50 percent of the total votes, followed by Nick Lardis, who received 26 percent of the votes. Can This Maple Leafs' Prospect Become The Highest-Scoring Player In OHL Playoffs History? Those familiar with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan know he has a long list of accolades attached to his name. Just last year, he won the OHL Most Outstanding Player (Red Tilson Award) and the OHL Playoffs MVP (Wayne Gretzky 99 Award). There were many games this season where Misa was a difference maker for the retooling Saginaw Spirit. He scored three-plus points in a single game 19 times this season and was held off the scoreboard in just five games. The Spirit could consistently rely on him to contribute offensively and help the team pick up points. Being recognized as the most outstanding player in the OHL is a prestigious thing for anyone, but winning it at such a young age is all the more impressive. All three of the previous winners (Easton Cowan, Matthew Maggio and Wyatt Johnston) took home the trophy after being drafted into the NHL. Misa is a special player, as shown by his individual and team accomplishments. He is considered to be a top-five pick by the vast majority of draft analysts and was ranked second amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He is expected to go very early at the 2025 NHL Draft.
