NEWS

John Druce is back as head coach of an OJHL team. The former NHLer, who led Cobourg to the RBC Cup title last spring, was hired by East Division rival Wellington last week. (Photo by Amy Deroche / OJHL Images)

By Ron Valentine

While the temperatures outside were bone-chilling, the on-ice action was hot again this week – Jan. 3 to 7, 2018 – in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

It looked like the calm before the storm on the trade front with not a lot to report although:

• the Georgetown Raiders picked up a blueliner with experience in Mitch Luzar.

• Newmarket got 'keeper Kristian Hufsky from Orangeville and added veteran defender Wyatt Hicken who started the season with Burlington

• the Whitby Fury signed goalie Alex Horawski from the CCHL's Pembroke Lumber Kings

• North York saw Josh Dame return from the OHL's Niagara IceDogs.

• Trenton acquired veteran blueliner Stuart Harley from the CCHL's Smiths Falls Bears.

The trade deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 10.

A look at the week on the ice for all 22 teams, by division:

 

EAST

The WELLINGTON DUKES (56 points) had a new head coach behind the bench but not new to the OJHL. Ex-NHLer John Druce had been with the Cougars of Cobourg earlier this season and had guided them to the 2017 RBC Cup. He takes over from Scott McCrory who joined the Dukes from Whitby last summer. The game at the 'Dome' against the Golden Hawks was a see-saw affair that had them coming out on top 5-4 with an overtime goal from Declan Carlile. Early in the second Colin Doyle gave the home team a 3-2 lead with a shorthanded marker. Jackson Arcan and Mitchell Martan each posted a goal and an assist. Sunday at home to the Muskies Carlile opened up the scoring and Andrew Rinaldi had two goals in the 7-3 victory. The win was No. 24 for the Dukes cementing their hold on first place in the East.

 

The KINGSTON VOYAGEURS (44 points) got off on the right foot with a hard-fought win over the Panthers Thursday night at the INVICTA. Dorian Overland had two goals and Josh Leblanc had a goal and recorded his 100th. career point. The club extended their winning streak to four games in Milton with a convincing 7-1 final. Leblanc's early opening period score turned out to be the game winner in a 62-shot effort. Cole Edwards had a pair of goals and Colin Van Den Hurk had a goal and four points on the night. Rounding out the three-game week was a Sunday ride to Newmarket and a close encounter with the Hurricanes. Cameron Pound's second of the campaign got them on the board first but the North Division squad would ice it in overtime 2-1. They will be happy with five out of six points.

 

The COBOURG COUGARS (40 points) had a good week getting two wins from two games, No. 17 and 18, under their belts. In Burlington they came back strongly from a 2-0 deficit to take the other Cougars 4-2 scoring two in each of the second and third periods. Madoka Suzuki had the winner and added an assist. Their home game saw the desperate Fury coming in and almost single- handedly Jamie Engelbert, a Whitby native, was responsible for the club's 5-3 victory doubling his season's goal scoring output with four, the last one into the empty Whitby cage. Bryce Martin had the other, in the third. A modest three-game winning streak now for the Division's third place squad. GM Adam Yahn was very happy with the two wins since the injury bug had chomped on the team who going in and they were without the services of leaders Mac Lowry and Connor MacEachern and lost George Miranda at the Appleby. it's a sign of the progress the team has made, he noted, that other players like Engelbert, can step into the limelight. The OJHL Development League graduate has developed quickly into a two-way player who against Whitby was able to get open and bury his chances, Adam says. Twice behind 2-0 they managed to mount the comebacks. It's a good sign, he added, that the club is now getting stronger as a group. The Whitby game was an important one and they came through. He praised the performance of his two 1997-born goalkeepers in the games – ex-Golden Hawk Elliot Gerth against Burlington and former GOJHL-er Jorge Johnson with 29 saves against the Fury. He looks forward to getting a full lineup back soon, though, with lots of tough games coming up starting with next week against Kingston and Wellington. 

 

The TRENTON GOLDEN HAWKS (40 points) could not keep their season success against the Tigers going Wednesday night in Aurora dropping a 4-2 decision. Second-period scores less than three minutes apart from Steven Elliott and Caleb Boman gave them a lead in the second but they could not hold on to that. Another big game- the 'Battle of Quinte' Friday night in Wellington saw the 'Hawks gain a point in a dramatic 5-4 extra time loss. Boman got them going early and Rex Moe, in just his second game back, made it 2-1 before the end of the opening stanza but the Dukes took the lead before Tiger McDonald evened things up at threes after two periods. Moe scored his second of the contest to force the OT. Back to the .500 mark after 40 games played.

 

The WHITBY FURY's (29 points) road woes continued to start the week as they went down 7-2 in Newmarket with Shane Bull and Jason Stachelbeck doing the honours, getting the game's first two goals after a scoreless first frame. The third was their undoing. They got the win they needed the next night in Lindsay. The winner in the 5-4 game came with Dylan Latty scoring one shorthanded with just over five minutes remaining in the final period. Their third of three away games took place Saturday in Cobourg where their 3-2 lead was lost as the home side notched three in the final stanza for the 5-3 setback. Stachelbeck had the go-ahead goal, his 11th. goal of his term as as a Fury. They now trail their Durham Region neighbours, the Panthers, by six points in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the North/East Conference.

 

NORTH

The NEWMARKET HURRICANES (51 points) got the No. 1 position back Thursday with six unanswered goals in the third period to inflict another road loss on Whitby, 7-2. Lyam Cripps had his first of the season in this one and Owen Ramsay's goal put him up to the 22 mark. The Vees were the visitors Sunday and this was a close one that could not be decided in 60 minutes. A Kingston goal in the first stood up until Claudio De Gasparis tied it a minute and a half into the third. Sheldon Nolan got the winner 3:29 into the extra time session. Alex Ierullo's assist lifted him to the 50-point plateau. That's 51 points in 37 games for the club who ended last season with 50. Get the photo finish cameras ready!

 

The AURORA TIGERS (50 points) got the action back underway in Trenton Wednesday night and based on the three previous meetings this season – two OT wins for the Golden Hawks and a 0-0 tie – it set up as a close one. That's the way it turned out with the Tigers breaking a 2-2 tie with two goals in the third period, the winner from Jake Kostopoulos and an insurance marker from blueliner Marcelo Pericao for the 4-2 victory and, at least temporarily, they moved into top spot in the North. Saturday night in Stouffville, the offence was on fire getting eight while only conceding two. Jake Bricknell had the contest's first two goals and added two assists to give him 65 points on the season, tied for first place with the Patriots' Andrew Petrucci. Joseph Mizzi had one goal and three assists. 8-2 at the final buzzer. No quarter asked or given in this battle.

 

The MARKHAM ROYALS (46 points) had a strong showing to open the New Year beating Stouffville 6-1. One of two remaining former Hamilton Red Wings on the club, defenceman Jonathan Prasnjak, saw his first goal of the season would prove to be the winner. Former Spirit winger Justin Bennett recorded his first two goals of the season, one shorthanded; Lucas Condotta had a goal and two helpers (make that 59 points for the ex-Hamilton Red Wing and team captain) and Nate McDonald chalked up the victory in his first game as a Royal. On the 'big ice' in Oakville goals were scarce as the Blades won it 2-1 in overtime. Brett Ouderkirk had the goal and in the loss McDonald made 45 saves. A big point on the road.

 

The PICKERING PANTHERS (35 points) lost a couple more one-goal games this week- 5-4 in Kingston and 4-3 in Oakville. Despite a hat trick from Andrew Hughes they came away pointless against the Vees and versus the Blades Hughes got two more, both on the power play, to make it a 4-3 score and that's the way it would end. So near yet so far for this club that is in every game until the end and they remain in the eighth position in the conference.

 

The STOUFFVILLE SPIRIT (17 points) did not gain much joy from a trip to the Centennial Arena in Markham losing 6-1, the goal coming on the power play from rookie defenceman Jordan Giacomin. The Tigers were in town Saturday evening and they took them 8-2 with Ian Vucko and Beau Binnie finding the net.

 

The LINDSAY MUSKIES (13 points) ended up on the wrong side of a 5-4 score at home to the desperate Fury. Down 4-1 in the second they came back with a pair in quick succession from Braydon Leeking and Noah Dollo but fell two behind in the third and got one back with just a second remaining from Ben Sellars. Sunday afternoon, the trip to East Division leading Wellington bore little fruit as they took a 7-3 loss. Goals again from Dollo, who also assisted on the other two, Leaking (who also missed on a penalty shot) and Sellars. 

 

SOUTH

The TORONTO PATRIOTS (63 points) had two different looks on their scoresheets in wins against the Buzzers away (6-3) and the Junior Canadiens (5-2) at home. 'Lesser lights' Jackson Alexeev, with two goals including one shorthanded, and Rhys Brown (one goal) scored against St. Michael's and in the 'Battle of Toronto' it was the vets' turn led by two from Dante Spagnuolo who now has 61 points to date including 28 in his last thirteen games. GM Mark Joslin noted that although captain Andrew Petrucci's point production had levelled off of late his contribution is still at the highest level and he attracts extra attention from the opposition allowing other players to step in and take advantage. Spagnuolo, from the centre ice position, is “on fire” he notes but it's coming as a result of hard work throughout the season so far. The club's goal, Mark says, is to be conference champion and he is very excited about the way the team is going about its business. Three of the top four point getters in the OJHL are from this team: Petrucci on 65 and Spagnuolo and Oliver Benwell with 61. Brett Bannister on 49 and Lee Lapid (44) are also in the top 20.

 

The OAKVILLE BLADES (61 points) were busy with a three-game weekend that went well for the first two. Wins by a single goal – 4-3 over the Panthers and 2-1 in OT against the Royals – both at home were followed Sunday with a 4-2 setback at St. Michael's. The club built up a 4-0 lead against Pickering with Matthew Kellenberger getting a pair before the Panthers got three on the power play to make it an interesting finish. Jack Ricketts was the overtime hero against the Royals scoring at 1.04 of the second session. Callum Jones got them ahead in the first and Kellenberger assisted on both goals. Sunday afternoon in the big city, Spencer Kersten got the ball (puck) rolling to give them a 1-0 lead after one  and Teth Burles put them ahead in the second but the Buzzers would prevail 4-2. Coach Mike Tarantino felt that his guys were perhaps a little complacent and tired throughout most of the game. (Cosimo) Lazzarino was very good for them and gave them a chance to win, he added and it could easily have been 4-2 or 5-2 after two periods. "We had a little breakdown on assignments and they capitalized. The St. Michael's arena is not an easy place to win in and they proved that today".

 

The NORTH YORK RANGERS (57 points) had one game and one win in the first week of the year. Kyle Clarke scored just past the six-minute mark of the third, his 11th of the season, to give them the 2-1 advantage over Orangeville at the Carnegie arena in North York. Colby Muise made 24 saves for the win. Ryan Radisa got the Rangers on the board before five minutes were showing on the clock. The club stays in the thick of things 

 

The TORONTO JUNIOR CANADIENS (55 points) were on the wrong end of a 5-2 count at the Westwood versus the Patriots. Jason Pineo and NHL prospect Jack McBain found the net. Back in the 'Pond' Sunday night, they hosted a hot Buffalo Sabres' squad and were taken to overtime before posting the 3-2 victory. Arlington, Texas, product Chad Lopez scored the game's first goal and netted the winner in the extra session to keep the club well in the race and Matthew O'Brien had the other one.

 

The St. MICHAEL'S BUZZERS (40 points) were doubled 6-3 by the Patriots Friday night with Jonah Alexander, James Gibbins and Spencer Smith scoring the goals. For Sunday fun, they hosted the Blades and had a nice bounce back topping them 4-2. Ryan Madigan had the winner just over seven minutes into period three and Curtis Lazzarino stopped 35 Oakville attempts and even contributed two assists to the winning cause. Forty points in 41 games but nothing guaranteed yet.

 

The MISSISSAUGA CHARGERS (34 points) had just one chance to start the year off right with a home contest against a team also looking for a playoff place – Burlington. Once again they came through big winning 5-3 'charged up' by the hat trick from Matt Ceolin who now has an even dozen for the campaign. Maxwell Routledge and Alex Daigle accounted for the other two. They seem to be pointing in the right direction being unbeaten in their last four, winning their last three. Just 13 games left on the docket.

 

WEST

The GEORGETOWN RAIDERS (49 points) cannot solve the Junior Sabres this term and fell 2-1 at the Alcott on Saturday night. The Raiders continued to see their lead over the U.S. outfit in the division shrinking. Justin Paul had their only goal late in the first period. A Sunday afternoon matinee in Milton was the tonic they needed and they got seven without reply against the IceHawks. Nathan Torchia made 23 saves for his first win as a Raider. Matt McJannet and Brendan D'Agostino each registered two goals and an assist. Jordan Crocker had a goal and two helpers and Jason Smith brought his team-leading total up to 23 goals. Two thirds of the season done for the team and 23 wins and 49 points in the bank. 

 

The BUFFALO JUNIOR SABRES (46 points) got off on the right foot for 2018 with a 2-1 extra time victory at home against the Orangeville Flyers. Matt Jakubowski got the regulation time goal and Christian DiFelice had the overtime winner. They beat the Raiders by the same score in Georgetown for their third win against the West's number one team in as many tries this season with Trevor Peca scoring in the first and blueliner Jack Millar tabbing the winner late in the second. Brian George was on top of his game with 46 saves. Just four points behind the Raiders they were in the 'Pond' Sunday night for contest number three on the week versus the J.C's and got another valuable point going down 3-2 in OT. DiFelice and Anthony Hora accounted for their goals. The Sabres who not too long ago looked pretty certain to finish in second spot in the Division and now they have a realistic shot at first.

 

The ORANGEVILLE FLYERS (36 points) managed to glean a single point in Buffalo to start their year off in a 2-1 overtime loss. Another away game Sunday in North York and the same score but this time in regulation with Michael Hill getting the goal early in period two. Currently they hold down the last playoff spot in the S/W Conference – two points ahead of the Chargers. Expect a race to the wire!

 

The BURLINGTON COUGARS' (29 points) first period of 2018 was good with Matthew Galli (his 10th) and Josiah Degazon (seventh) scoring but the Cougars from the East would take over from there and it ended 4-2 in favour of the visitors. A trip to Port Credit followed for a game that had important consequences in the fight for a post-season spot. Galli, again, and Noah Kalsner-Lowe had goals in the first which ended 2-2. Andrew Salt's marker in the second put them ahead but two quick ones from the Chargers would put them ahead to stay in the final 5-3 scoreline. A lot of work to do for the young Cougars team.

 

The MILTON ICEHAWKS (6 points) had another tough one at home Friday with the Kingston Vees winning 7-1. Their goal came on the power play from Martin Nowysz. They could not get one past Nathan Torchia on Sunday afternoon falling to Georgetown 7-0.

 

Forty-two game days remain between now and the end of the regular season and we can expect the pace will only get quicker, the standings will change (probably) and the fans will be treated to the OJHL brand of high level junior hockey.