The Puck Drop Issue: August 31, 2018 by HockeyNow

L ON IA IT I EC E D SP AL U

N AN

SOPHOMORE SURGE WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE'S HOTTEST SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS ARE SET TO TAKE THE SEASON BY STORM

BIG CHANGES JAYNA HEFFORD IS NEW CWHL COMMISH, AND THE BOSTON BLADES ARE NOW THE WORCESTER BLADES

SCHOOL'S IN CANADIAN SPORTS SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER BUSY SEASON OF ELITE HOCKEY

THE PUCK DROP ISSUE

GEAR UP FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON OF MINOR HOCKEY

August 31, 2018

DRAFT-GRADE PROSPECTS FILL CJHL ROSTERS ONCE MORE HockeyNow.ca

2 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 31, 2018

EDITOR'S NOTE

DROP THE PUCK W

ELL, THAT SUMMER WAS A BLUR.

For some, summer goes by too quickly. For others, it’s the time of year that gets in the way of the game. For that second group, we have good news. Drop the puck. Yes, hockey season is upon us. And so is our annual Puck Drop edition. Don’t get us wrong. It’s always good to take a break — even from hockey. Whether you put in a few rounds of golf, enjoyed some mountain biking or were just running through the sprinkler on the front lawn, Canadian summers are some of the best on the planet. But it’s over. And for some, like our 2018 Minor Hockey Players of the Year Powered by HockeyShot, it was a short summer. Hockey Canada development camps and other offseason high-performance commitments meant Jake Chiasson, Sean Tchigerl and Jamie Drysdale were skating gassers through most of the break. On the women’s side, former Hockey Canada stalwart Jayna Hefford barely had time to catch her breath this summer. After being selected to join the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player, alongside fellow inductees like Martin St. Louis and Martin Brodeur announced in June, she stepped into the interim commissioner’s role with the Canadian Women’s Hockey League at the beginning of August. She may have retired from playing, but she sure hasn’t retired from the game. Other female skaters include former and present Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) players attending Hockey Canada development camps in Calgary. They’re all ready. And so are we. Building on our increased focus on prospects, we’re super excited to roll out our video series on some of the Western Hockey League draft prospects and Players of the Year Powered by HockeyShot candidates for 2019. We’ll also be checking up on some of our past winners. Taken fourth overall in the 2018 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection (the first defenceman selected), Ontario POY Drysdale is skating for the Erie Otters in his rookie OHL season. On top of bringing more prospect coverage, we’ll have a gear bag crammed with intel from International Scouting Services (ISS), as they start releasing their NHL draft lists later this fall. Their war room is the engine that drives HockeyNow’s POY Powered-by-HockeyShot selection process. We’ll also bring more news from the school ranks, as the CSSHL continues to build momentum. The league has been progressively expanding its elite hockey footprint, with both Tschigerl and Chiasson — among others — skating for CSSHL schools. We’ll also get you caught up with what’s happening in the WHL, OHL, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Canadian Junior Hockey League and Canadian Women’s Hockey League, along with U Sports and NCAA updates. We’ll even take a look at the prospect of Calgary hosting the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and what that means for grassroots and elite hockey across the nation. Speaking of grassroots hockey, the early returns on cross-ice and half-ice hockey for Initiation-aged (5-6) entry-level kids are positive. Hockey Canada’s initiative — and the provincial associations’ successful rollout of it — to shrink the ice for beginning players has given youngsters more touches of the puck and more chances to discover their creativity in the game. Breaking it down to the most basic element, the idea behind shrinking the rink was that these are little people — the majority of them learning to skate and stick-handle for the first time — so a smaller ice surface for them until they get bigger will work. Imagine that. When you add it all up, that’s a lot of hockey. It’s why we’re here, and you should be, too. Drop the puck.

BRENDAN NAGLE, editor On Twitter: @HockeyNow

NEXT EDITION: September 29, 2018 CONTACT THE EDIOTR: brendan@hockeynow.ca

NATIONAL EDITION Vol. 20, No. 8, Issue 691 - August 31, 2018

PUBLISHER Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

Celebrate the 2017/18 MINOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS with our annual PARADE OF CHAMPIONS! Find it online at: hockeynow.ca/issues

EDITOR Brendan Nagle brendan@hockeynow.ca

ART + PRODUCTION Stacey Rourke stacey@hockeynow.ca

Find the next tournament for you or your team in our TOURNAMENT GUIDE! Available in print at online at hockeynow.ca/tournaments

DISTRIBUTION office@hockeynow.ca

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

WRITERS Iain Colpitts Neil Hilts Ryan McCracken Brendan Nagle Jeremy Rupke SERIES

Start improving your game today! Find your next hockey school or program in the 20th EDITION of our HOCKEY SCHOOLS SERIES. Available online at: hockeynow.ca/hockey-schools

With NEW CONTESTS every month and GREAT HOCKEY PRIZES on the line, why wouldn’t you enter? Entry is EASY, and FUN, so drop by our website for your chance to win apparel, equipment, training devices and so much more: hockeynow.ca/contests

COVER PHOTO Kevin Sousa Photography, courtesy OMHA

HockeyNow Box 714 Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z4 Telephone: 1-877-990-0520 Contents copyright 2018 by HockeyNow. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or duplicated in print or online without the written permission of HockeyNow. The opinions conveyed by contributors to HockeyNow may not be indicative of the views of HockeyNow. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, HockeyNow does not assume any responsibility or liability for errors or omissions.

August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 3

NEW SEASON. FRESH CONTENT. It’s puck drop time at HockeyNow and we’re gearing up for a huge year online and in print, with tons of new weekly features and special pieces in the works. Look out on our website for our series on bantam draft and NHL draft eligible prospects, kicking off early next month with video exclusives of some of the top WHL draft prospects and HockeyNow Player of the Year candidates for 2018. We’ll also be bringing our readers more than ever from the CSSHL and U SPORTS this year. All that on top of our regular coverage of minor, junior, major junior, college and female news, plus tournament features, weekly blogs and performance pieces.

VISIT OUR [WEBSITE] Check out www.hockeynow.ca for new daily content

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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at hockeynow.ca/subscribe/newsletter to get all the latest news from the rink

ENTER OUR [CONTESTS] Fun contests, awesome prizes. Find them all at hockeynow.ca/contests

READ US IN [PRINT] Look out for our monthly print editions at your local rink 4 | HOCKEYNOW – August 31, 2018

HockeyNow.ca

CONTENTS

AUGUST 31, 2018

12 | ON THE COVER

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE RINK

MINOR HOCKEY FOR ENTRY-LEVEL YOUNGSTERS IS GOING OFF ON SMALLER ICE SURFACES

in this issue... 6 WHL

10 CWHL

20 NCAA

7 OHL

11 CSSHL

21 U SPORTS

8 QMJHL

16 CJHL

SUPER SOPHOMORES READY TO ROCK THE RINK WHEN PUCK DROPS ON THE DUB

SUZUKI AND MURRAY HEADLINE THIS YEAR’S NHL DRAFT PROSPECTS OUT OF THE 'O'

GOOD NUMBER OF HIGH-END PROSPECTS SKATING THE THE 'Q' THIS SEASON

NEW COMMISSIONER AND A CHANGE OF CITIES HIGHLIGHT BUSY OFF-SEASON

MORE ELITE HOCKEY ON TAP WHEN PUCK DROPS ON SCHOOL SEASON

HIGH-END TALENT CONTINUES TO FEATURE IN CANADIAN JR. A HOCKEY

NEW TEXTBOOKS FOR U.S. COLLEGE PLAYERS AS LEAGUE INTRODUCES RULE CHANGES

ALBERTA MEN AND MANITOBA WOMEN SKATING TO DEFEND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR  22 August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 5

MAJOR JUNIOR

WHL

 Saskatoon Blades sophomore centre Kirby Dach is a pivotal piece in the club’s push to return to the WHL playoffs this season.

Krebs played a key role in Canada’s gold-medal run at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The 5-foot-11, 162-pound left winger logged a point-per-game average at the five-game tournament, including two goals and an assist in Canada’s opening 10-0 blowout over Switzerland, and the assist on Williams’ 6-5 semifinal overtime winner against the United States. Krebs has already been filling a leadership role on the rising ICE roster, and will likely be leaned on heavily as their go-to guy up front this season.

LUKE TOPOROWSKI (LW, SPOKANE CHIEFS)

WHL'S SUPER SOPHOMORES STORY Ryan McCracken

ET READY FOR A SOPHOMORE SURGE. The Western Hockey League’s hottest second-year players are set to take the season by storm after leading Canada to a gold medal in a perfect run at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last month. Here’s a breakdown of what a few of those rising stars have to offer their respective teams as they enter their NHL draft year:

KIRBY DACH

(C, SASKATOON BLADES) After missing out on the playoffs in each of the past five seasons, the Saskatoon Blades are finally ready to make a serious push for the Eastern Conference’s top eight — and Kirby Dach is sure to be a key factor in their potential success. The 6-foot-4, 181-pound centre led Canada’s crop of 11 WHLers at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with seven points over the five-game tournament after putting up seven goals and 39 assists in 52 games with the Blades last season. The second overall pick from the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft benefitted from an early start when the Blades were forced to call on him for 19 games as an affiliate in the 2016-17 season. Starting his Dub career at just 15 years old, Dach still managed to put up 10 points before surging into his official rookie season. Now 17, the Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., product will be out to climb the NHL draft rankings while filling a key leadership role on an up-and-coming Blades roster.

DYLAN COZENS

(C, LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES): Dylan Cozens exploded onto the WHL scene as an affiliate 6 | HOCKEYNOW – August 31, 2018

in the 2017 post-season. Then just 16 years old, Cozens helped the ’Canes to the Eastern Conference final with three goals and five assists in 12 playoff contests — including five points in a seven-game series victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers in the second round. The 6-foot-3, 177-pound centre carried that pace into his official rookie campaign, leading all WHL newcomers with 0.93 points per game — for a total of 53 over 57 contests — before adding 13 points in yet another run to the Eastern Conference final. Cozens went on to add two goals and three assists over five games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Expect big things from the Whitehorse product this season.

JOSH WILLIAMS

(RW, MEDICINE HAT TIGERS) Selected at fifth overall in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, Josh Williams is the highest pick the Medicine Hat Tigers have seen in well over a decade, and he’s poised to make a monumental impact with the orange and black this season. While he was held off the scoresheet in Canada’s opening 10-0 victory over Switzerland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Williams ended up leading his country with five goals — alongside Rimouski Oceanic left-winger Alexis Lafrenière — while making a massive impact in elimination play. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound right winger potted two goals, including the overtime winner, in Canada’s thrilling 6-5 semifinal victory over the United States before adding a key insurance marker in a 6-2 gold-medal win over Sweden. Williams played a significant role with the Tigers last season, logging 11 goals and nine assists in 47 games, but with plenty of outgoing veterans and even more scouts to impress, Williams’ role is sure to grow with the Tabbies this year.

PEYTON KREBS (LW, KOOTENAY ICE)

After going first overall in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, Peyton Krebs entered his WHL career with some lofty expectations — but the 17-year-old Okotoks, Alta., product has been meeting them all with the Kootenay ICE. After leading all WHL rookies with 54 points last season,

 Peyton Krebs of the Kootenay Ice follows the play during WHL action

DACH: STEVE HISCOCK/SASKATOON BLADES, KREBS: ROBERT MURRAY / WHL

Second-year players ready to showcase elite skills in the Dub

While American Luke Toporowski was forced to settle for fourth after his team fell to Russia in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup bronze-medal game, the Bettendorf, Iowa, product still made his mark on the world stage. Toporowski led his team with four goals at the tournament — including a late go-ahead goal against Canada in his team’s eventual semifinal loss — while adding an assist to close out the event at a point per game. The 5-foot-11, 179-pound left winger posted double digits in both scoring categories with the Spokane Chiefs last season — finishing his rookie campaign with 10 goals and 13 assists in 61 games — and is likely to make the most of his increased ice time with the team this year.

OHL

HIGH-END PROSPECTS Suzuki and Murray headline this year’s NHL draft prospects out of the OHL STORY Iain Colpitts

SUZUKI: ERRY WILSON/OHL IMAGES, MURRAY: AARON BELL/OHL IMAGES

ROM CONNOR MCDAVID TO ANDREI SVECHNIKOV, Ontario Hockey League fans have been treated to some very high-end NHL Draft-eligible talent over the past few years. The 2018 draft was an eventful one for the OHL, as seven players from around the league were selected in the first round. That includes second-overall pick Svechnikov, as well as top-10 selections Barrett Hayton and Evan Bouchard. There have been many cases where the top prospect from the OHL has been obvious, but this year isn’t one of them. It’s still very early in the draft conversation, but if preliminary projections are any indication, we could see a repeat of 2017, where there wasn’t an OHL player selected until Owen Tippett was chosen 10th overall. That’s not to say there isn’t a strong crop of talent expected to come out of the OHL. There are a lot of unknowns, but these are some of the players who could hear their names called to the podium early in June.

RYAN SUZUKI

(C, BARRIE COLTS) Drafted first overall in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Suzuki played for a stacked Barrie Colts squad that featured OHL leading-scorer Aaron Luchuk and second-overall 2018 NHL Draft pick Andrei Svechnikov. Although he took a back seat to those players, he still looked impressive as a secondary scorer, finishing the season with 44 points (14 goals and 30 assists). He went

on to play a big role with Canada’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup-winning team, finishing second in tournament scoring with eight points, including a tournament-leading seven assists, while showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability.

BLAKE MURRAY

(C, SUDBURY WOLVES) The talented centre made an early impact with the lowly Sudbury Wolves, and finished as the team’s leading scorer after a few of their top players were traded away in January. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, he has decent size to go along with game-breaking talent. His 44 points (21 goals and 23 assists) were fifth among OHL rookies and second among all 16-year-olds. With 2018 first-overall OHL draft pick Quinton Byfield joining the fold, Sudbury fans can look forward to a dynamic duo for the next few years.

ARTHUR KALIYEV

(LW, HAMILTON BULLDOGS) The young American didn’t enter the OHL with very much fanfare, but people took notice after he scored 31 goals for the league-champion Bulldogs. To put that stat into context, the last 16-year-old OHLer to score more than 30 goals previously was Alex Galchenyuk in 2011. Kaliyev’s 48 points were the most by anyone in their first year of eligibility, and while his production slowed down in the OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup, there’s no doubt playing so late into the year can only help with his development. He also excelled with Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with three goals and six points in five games.

GRAEME CLARKE (RW, OTTAWA 67’S)

A shoot-first kind of forward, Clarke may have the most

MAJOR JUNIOR

 Ryan Suzuki (left) of the Barrie Colts and Blake Murray (right) of the Sudbury Wolves are both high-end prospects expected to draw plenty of attention at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

lethal shot of anyone eligible for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. His quick release allows him to score from anywhere, and he’s displayed great hands, too, dating back to when he scored the famous “Michigan goal” (scooping up the puck and tucking it in lacrosse style from behind the net) as a 15-year-old. After a 14-goal rookie season with the 67’s, he made Canada’s under-18 team and helped Canada win gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring two goals and an assist in five games.

MICHAEL VUKOJEVIC (D, KITCHENER RANGERS)

The mobile, 6-foot-3 defenceman had committed to the University of Michigan before he was drafted by Kitchener, but after spending the first half of last year in the United States Hockey League, he had a change of heart and joined the Rangers in January. While it took him a while to get accustomed to the OHL, he excelled through the playoffs with 10 assists in 19 games as Kitchener came one goal away from reaching the OHL final. Vukojevic also played an important role on Canada’s blue line at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

JAMIESON REES (C, SARNIA STING)

Another member of Canada’s under-18 team, Rees enjoyed some early success with the Sting when they got off to an electric start in the fall. A franchise-best 14-game winning streak propelled them to the top of the CHL’s Top-10 rankings, and during that stretch, Rees made a strong enough impression with coach Derian Hatcher to earn some playing time with top players Jordan Kyrou and Drake Rhymsha. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he showcased his work ethic and two-way ability, while also excelling offensively with a goal and four points in five games en route to gold. August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 7

MAJOR JUNIOR

QMJHL

 The Acadie-Bathurst Titan won their first-ever Memorial Cup last spring, defeating the host Regina Pats to claim the Major-Junior Hockey Championship.

QMJHL TOP 10 (IN ORDER OF FINISH AT END OF LAST SEASON)

(1)

BLAINVILLE-BOISBRIAND ARMADA

(2)

ACADIE-BATHURST TITAN (MEM CUP CHAMPS)

(3)

RIMOUSKI OCEANIC

(4)

HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS

QMJHL Hosting Major-Junior Hockey Championship In Halifax This Season STORY Neil Hilts

HE 2018-2019 SEASON IN THE QUEBEC MAJOR Junior Hockey League(QMJHL) will be a big one with a number of high-end prospects to watch, the Memorial Cup hosted by Halifaxin the spring, plus the celebration of 50 years of existence. Training camps opened at the middle of August, but many teams’ fortunes will be decided by which players are unable to crack NHL squads in the coming months. It’ll be an exciting year in the ‘Q’, with future NHL superstars waiting in the wings and some supremely talented teams fighting for the championship.

TEAMS TO WATCH Last year’s league champs, the Acadie-Bathurst Titanalso claimed the Memorial Cup. They return leading scorer Antoine Morand, plus expect Noah Dobson, a New York Islanders 2018 first-rounder back, in the fold. As hosts of the 2019 Memorial Cup, the Halifax Mooseheads will be bringing an elite lineup this season. They finished tied for third in the league in points last year and should contend for the top spot. Rimouski has a number of talented players back for 2018-2019, including uber-prospect Alexis Lafreniere. The Oceanic had the best goals-against average last year, and bringing Colten Ellis back between the pipes will give the team plenty of confidence. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada losing their top three scorers will make it tough to replicate the regular league championship and finals appearance. Expect a solid bounce-back season from last year’s basement dwellers, the Saint John Seadogs, who won the 8 | HOCKEYNOW – August 31, 2018

league the year prior. They had three first-round draft picks who should make an impact, including two defenceman in the top eight.

PLAYERS TO WATCH A late-born 2001, Lafreniere is already being heralded as a top pick for the 2020 draft, and it’s no surprise after the QMJHL’s first overall choice in 2017 scored 42 goals and 80 points in 60 games during his rookie campaign, ranking ninth in the league. He’s the latest Rimouski superstar, following Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier. 2017 Ducks second-rounder Maxime Comtois finished fourth in goals and fifth in points in the league, plus recorded six points at the World Juniors for Canada. If he can’t crack Anaheim’s roster out of camp, expect monster output in his final lap around the Q. Most signs point to Filip Zadina earning a spot with the Detroit Red Wings this year, but if the NHL’s fifth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draftcan’t make it and the team decides he’s better off in Halifax than the AHL farm team in Grand Rapids, Zadina should be a favourite for the goal-scoring crown. Another 2018 Detroit draft selection, Joe Veleno’s offence took off when he moved to Drummondville at the trade deadline. He was granted exceptional status to enter the 2015 QMJHL Draft a year early, and after some modest production, he projects to be a star this year. Flames’ second-rounder D’Aragnan Joly had solid third year in Baie-Comeau, finishing 12th in the league in points-per-game production. The big winger could also land a spot on Team Canada at the World Juniors. Rimouski’s Colten Ellis had a very strong rookie year, and is on the radar for the NHL Entry Draft. Last year, Ellis had a 2.35 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. The second goalie chosen in 2018, Olivier Rodrigue could be on Canada’s World Junior team this winter if he can build off a solid second year with Drummondville.

(6)

VICTORIAVILLE TIGRES

(7)

ROUYN-NORANDA HUSKIES

(8)

QUEBEC REMPARTS

(9)

CHARLOTTETOWN ISLANDERS

(10)

SHERBROOKE PHOENIX

PROSPECTS TO WATCH FOR 2019 DRAFT Forty-five points in his debut season was a good start for Samuel Poulin on his Sherbrooke squad, and his totals should double as he settles into the league. Chosen after Lafreniere in the 2017 draft, Poulin will need to up his scoring output as just one of the Phoenix’s top-seven scorers is returning. Another high-end forward on Halifax, Xavier Parent, played a smaller role on a strong team, but will likely step into the top six this season. He’s an undersized skater, but came into his own late in the year, evidenced by his 11 points in nine playoff games. Despite his small size, Jakob Pelletier was a third-overall selection by Moncton in 2017, and he rewarded them with a point-per-game rookie season. Pelletier will be battling for the Wildcats’ No. 1 centre role and will be a big factor as the team looks to improve on their finish of fifth-last in the Q. Having missed the NHL draft age cutoff by 10 days, Raphael Lavoie enters his third season in the Q, and will be a leader on the Memorial Cup-hosting Moosehead. With a few top players gone and uncertainty surrounding others, Lavoie has a perfect opportunity to boost his draft stock. The QMJHL’s 50th season kicks off on Sept. 20 as the defending-champs Acadie-Bathurst host Moncton.

MARISSA BAECKER/CHL IMAGES

LA COUPE MEMORIAL

(5)

DRUMMONDVILLE VOLTIGEURS

SHOT POWER & RELEASE FROM YOUR KNEES – SKILLS SERIES BY: HOCKEYSHOT BENCH BOSS, JEREMY RUPKE

E LIKE TO THINK OF COACH JEREMY’S SKILLS SERIES AS BUILDING blocks to becoming a great player. There are many components that go into a good shot, so you need a good foundation of building blocks so that you can practice all your skills and take them to the ice. The building block Coach Jeremy shares with us today helps you isolate part of your shot so that you can generate more power and improve the accuracy in your release. The best way to do this is to isolate your upper body to see how much power you have. How do you remove your legs from a shooting drill you might ask? Simple, you kneel! If you have the HS Dryland Flooring Tiles All-star Edition you can practice your shot from kneeling on either 1 or 2 knees, or sitting on something, depending on your size. Using only your upper body without relying on weight transfer you can test your hockey strength and pay attention to how you get power in your shot. This also helps you improve your shot. Depending on your skill level Coach Jeremy recommends using the HS Lightweight Pucks to make sure you are able to build some momentum and get a good snap. This drill helps your shot power and challenges your body to get a decent shot even when you aren’t lined up in the perfect situation. This hockey training drill forces you to get outside of your comfort zone and forces your body to adapt. As your skill improves so will your power, and an all-star player needs an All-Star Premium Home Training Centre to keep your game up all year round ;) Be sure to visit Hockeyshot.com for more tips and tricks and all your hockey training needs.

WATCH VIDEO:

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/HOCKEYSHOT1

August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 9

FEMALE

CWHL

MEET THE NEW BOSS Furies select Courtney Kessel as team’s new head coach STORY HockeyNow

WORCESTER BLADES The Boston Blades have undergone a substantial makeover as the puck drops on the CWHL this season. The two-time Clarkson Cup-champion franchise has moved to Worcester, Mass., and the team is now the Worcester Blades. Home games will be played at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center. Prior to the team's move and name change announced Aug. 20, the Blades named Derek Alfama as the team's 10 | HOCKEYNOW – August 31, 2018

new GM and Paul Kennedy as the new head coach for the upcoming CWHL campaign. Kennedy replaces Kacy Ambroz behind the bench. Kennedy joins the CWHL having coached high-performance athletes in the Massachusetts area over the past 15 years. He is the 2018 Women’s Ice Hockey Founders Award recipient. “It’s an honour to step into the role of head coach with the Boston Blades,” Kennedy said. “I’m well aware of the decorated history this franchise possesses, and I know there is a bright future ahead.” Throughout his career, Kennedy has worked extensively with USA Hockey. He was the power-skating coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team, retiring in 2014, and he serves as an instructor at National Development Camps and as an evaluator and scout for the U.S. National Team program. Well known within the Massachusetts hockey community, Kennedy will play a key role in advancing the Blades franchise through the recruitment of players in the 2018 CWHL Draft and the establishment of a strong support staff for the upcoming 2018-2019 season.

LEAGUE It's going to be a summer to remember for Jayna Hefford. After being selected to join the Hockey Hall of Fame in June, Hefford was announced as the CWHL's interim commissioner in late July. She replaces inaugural commissioner Brenda Andress, who’s been in the position since the league began in 2007. As Hefford steps into the interim commissioner's role, the search for a permanent replacement is underway. Hefford’s first task was to prepare for the 2018 CWHL Draft, which went off on Aug. 26, and to guide the league as it enters the 2018-2019 regular season. She will also continue to place a priority on growing elite women’s hockey through the CWHL, which features the world’s best female hockey players. “I am honoured and excited to step into this role with the support and trust of the board of directors,” Hefford said. “I am fully committed and focused on setting our league and its players in a positive direction for the upcoming season.” With an elite playing career spanning two decades, Hefford holds the distinction of second-most games

 After assisting Hockey Canada with its U18 program, Courtney Kessel is coaching the CWHL Toronto Furies this season.

played, goals, and points scored across five Olympiads and 12 world championships with Team Canada. Hefford has also made her mark on the CWHL, retiring from the Brampton Thunder in 2013 as the league’s then all-time top scorer. The Jayna Hefford Award is handed out annually to the CWHL’s most valuable player in the regular season as voted on by the players.

2018 CWHL DRAFT (AUG. 26 IN TORONTO) FIRST ROUND 1 - Lauren Williams, D, Worcester Blades 2 - Sarah Nurse, LW, Toronto Furies 3 - Victoria Bach, C, Markham Thunder 4 - Halli Krzyzaniak, D, Calgary Inferno 5 - Kimberly Newell, G, Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays 6 - Shea Tiley, G, Toronto Furies SECOND ROUND 7 - Morgan Turner, C, Worcester Blades 8 - Brittany Howard, RW, Toronto Furies 9 - Ailish Forfar, C, Markham Thunder 10 - Rebecca Leslie, RW, Calgary Inferno 11 - Leah Lum, LW, Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays 12 - Genevieve Bannon, RW, Les Canadiennes de Montréal THIRD ROUND 13 - Meghan Turner, RW, Worcester Blades 14 - Mellissa Channell, D, Toronto Furies 15 - Hannah Miller, C, Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays 16 - Megan Sullivan, LW, Markham Thunder 17 - Annie Bélanger, G, Calgary Inferno 18 - Julia Fedeski, D, Toronto Furies

DAVE HOLLAND/HOCKEY CANADA IMAGES

S THE TORONTO FURIES drop the puck on their new season, Courtney Kessel will be calling the shots as the team’s new head coach, replacing the outgoing Jeff Flanagan. She takes the helm this fall. Joining the 29-year-old Kessel will be Ken Dufton in an advisory role for the upcoming 2018-19 Canadian Women’s Hockey League campaign. A University of New Hampshire grad, Kessel (nee Birchard) brings a wealth of hockey experience as a coach and a player. “I am really excited to join the Furies organization,” Kessel said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to be back in the CWHL, a league that provided me so many opportunities as a player.” Kessel is a coach with Hockey Canada’s Women’s Program, most recently as an assistant with Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team through the August selection camp and three-game series versus the United States. She was also the head coach at Havergal College in Toronto and served as an assistant in the Oakville Hornets Girl's Hockey Association. The recently retired National Women's Team player competed in elite women’s hockey for 10 years, most recently in the Swedish Elite League with Linkoping. A reliable defenceman in the Hockey Canada program, she played in three IIHF World Championships with Team Canada, winning gold in 2012. In addition, she also played at the U22 and U18 levels for the national program. She played five seasons with the Brampton (now Markham) Thunder of the CWHL from 2011 to 2017, appearing in two CWHL all-star games and earning rookie-of-the-year honours in 2012. Dufton comes to the Furies as one of the most decorated coaches in female hockey. Having been a founding member of the Toronto Aeros organization, Dufton helped develop a program that included many Olympians, world champions and Hockey Hall of Fame members.

CSSHL

MINOR HOCKEY

 A former assistant coach, Katie Greenway is moving into the head-coaching role with the Okanagan Hockey Academy Female Prep team this season.

BWC ACADEMY

OHA PROMOTES GREENWAY Katie Greenway moving up from assistant to headcoaching role with OHA Female Prep STORY HockeyNow

CSSHL PHOTO

S THE PUCK DROPS ON A NEW CANADIAN SPORTS School Hockey League season, Katie Greenway will be calling the shots for the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) Female Prep team. An assistant coach with the club last season, Greenway steps up to the head coach’s role this year. “Moving Katie into the role of head coach was an easy decision for us,” said Dixon Ward, vice-president of the Okanagan Hockey Group. “She brings a high level of motivation and energy, and did an exceptional job last season as an assistant coach. We look forward to seeing Katie work with our female student athletes and assist in their development off and on the ice.” Prior to coaching at OHA, Greenway, 26, was a student athlete for both the University of B.C. and St. Francis Xavier women’s varsity teams. She was twice named an academic all-Canadian, while compiling a U Sports career goaltending record of 33-8-0, which included a second-place finish at the 2011 U Sports women’s hockey championship. During the 2013-14 season, she was the starting goaltender for the ZSC Lions Frauen A team in Zurich. Along with coaching OHA, Greenway will be an assistant coach for Team B.C. at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer in February. Joining Greenway on the OHA bench this season is long-time coach and former NHL defenceman Blake Wesley, who will serve as an associate coach and female coach mentor. Wesley, 59, has been a part of the OHA coaching staff since 2004.

OKANAGAN HOCKEY ONTARIO Class will be in for a new CSSHL member next season, as the league is adding Okanagan Hockey Ontario

beginning in fall 2019, bringing the league membership to 22 programs. Located in Whitby, Ont., Okanagan Hockey Ontario’s primary focus is to promote the long-term development of each of its athletes in the classroom, on the ice and in the community. Students will attend Henry Street High School. “We are excited to have Okanagan Hockey Ontario as our 22nd League member,” said Kevin Goodwin, CEO of the CSSHL. “The Okanagan Hockey brand is well-known to us with two academies already league members in Penticton and Edmonton, so we have no doubt that Okanagan Hockey Ontario will be a good fit for us and will help us continue to grow our league in eastern Canada.” Okanagan Hockey Ontario will field one team at the U18 AAA level. “Being able to align ourselves with a league like the CSSHL is very exciting,” said Andy Oakes, president of the Okanagan Hockey Group. “The CSSHL has an outstanding history of developing not only good hockey players, but good people. We can’t wait to get going with some events this upcoming season and begin league play in 2019-20.” To get the program some early exposure, Okanagan Hockey Ontario is expected take part in four-to-five CSSHL eastern events this upcoming season.

OHA EDMONTON Jordan Kohlman will be mining gold in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) this fall. The Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) Edmonton defenceman has signed on with the NOJHL’s Kirkland Lake Gold Miners. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound defenceman racked up a goal and nine assists this past season playing for OHA Edmonton’s Midget Prep team in the (CSSHL). Over two seasons with OHA Edmonton, he carded three goals and 10 assists in 45 games. He played one game with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’sGrande Prairie Storm in 2018. The 18-year-old product of Sherwood Park, Alta., skated for two seasons with Midget teams in Sherwood Park. The league made the announcement July 30.

Three-year CSSHL student athlete Tom Sweeney has signed on with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Estevan Bruins. Sweeney, 18, has attended the Burnaby Winter Club Academy the past three seasons, the last two with their Midget Prep team, where he compiled 39 points (19-2039) in 59 games. During the 2015-16 season, the Richmond, B.C., product recorded 22 points (13-9-22) in 33 games with the BWC Academy Elite 15 team. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound forward made his Junior A debut this past season, appearing in one game with the B.C. Hockey League’sPrince George Spruce Kings. The League made the announcement July 27.

RINK HOCKEY ACADEMY The Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League have signed CSSHL student athlete Josh Kagan. Kagan, 17, attended the Rink Hockey Academy during the 2017-18 season, posting 38 points (12-2638) in 35 games with the Winnipeg school’s Midget Prep team. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound forward from Winnipeg also registered seven points (3-4-7) in five games at the 2018 BDO CSSHL Championships, helping his team earn a berth in the 2018 CSSHL Midget Prep Championship game. The League made the announcement July 27.

YALE HOCKEY ACADEMY The BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks have committed to CSSHL student athlete Jonathan Krahn for the 201819 season. Krahn, 17, has attended the Yale Hockey Academy the past two seasons, most recently netting 13 goals and nine assists in 33 games with Yale’s Midget Prep team. During the 2016-17 season, the Chilliwack, B.C., product registered five goals and six assists in 29 games with the Yale Hockey Academy Elite 15 team. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward made his BCHL debut this past season, appearing in seven games with the Silverbacks. The league made the announcement July 26.

SHAWINIGAN LAKE Three-year CSSHL student athlete John Little has signed with the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Little, 15, has attended Shawnigan Lake School the past three seasons, most recently compiling 10 goals and 14 assists in 31 games with Shawnigan’s Midget Prep team. The Parksville, B.C., product spent the previous two seasons with the Shawnigan Lake School Bantam Prep team, where he registered a combined 36 points (18-1836) in 43 games. Little made his Junior A debut this past season, appearing in one game with the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzles. The 5-foot-11, 179-pound forward was selected by the Vancouver Giants in the third round, 60th overall, at the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. The league made the announcement July 25. August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 11

BY BRENDAN NAGLE

SHRINK THE RINK

SMALLER PLAYING SURFACE TAKING OFF IN ENTRY-LEVEL MINOR HOCKEY

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ONEY, I SHRUNK THE RINK. No, Rick Moranis hasn’t taken over minor hockey in Canada. But, the powers that be in Canadian community hockey have taken a page out of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids — the 1980s feature film in which Moranis starred as a residential inventor/scientist whose kids are unwittingly shrunk with a home-built shrink-ray. The move by Hockey Canada and its provincial partners has effectively cut the rink in half, and in some cases into thirds, for entry-level players just getting started with skates, sticks and pucks. The standard ice surface is divided up, and skills-development sessions and scrimmages are played cross-rink on the rink divided into thirds, and lengthways — from the centre-line in — on each half. Initiation-aged kids (ages 5-6) played last season on rinks divided into thirds and played cross-ice. This season sees the half-ice playing surface move to Novice (ages 7-8). Various regions are currently in different phases of the rollout, with B.C. dropping the puck on its third season of smaller ice for little people, while Ontario is entering Year 2. Flexibility in the program allows the provinces to work within the new national framework while adding their own touches to it to suit their needs. Some provincial associations will “graduate” Novice-age players to full-ice midway through the season, once they’re ready. Other variants may include minor and major categories in the early-development age groups, where you might see entry-level kids moving up from crossice to half-ice surfaces because they’re good to go. All these choices, and more, are available to the provincial associations within the national framework developed by Hockey Canada in consultation with its provincial partners. Options are good. Hockey Canada’s goals for the shift to smaller ice are simply to increase enjoyment, engagement and participation in the game for very young, entry-level players. As with all significant changes in Canadian organized minor hockey,

OMHA PHOTO

the transition wasn’t immediately embraced by the adults in some circles. But, with a season of Initiation completed on the smaller surface, the returns are demonstrably positive across the country. “It’s looking really good,” says Paul Carson, Vice-President of Hockey Canada’s Player Development. “We’re really pleased with where things are.” It’s not like this initiative fell from the sky into the laps of community hockey associations across the nation. Hockey Canada spent years engaging its minor-hockey constituents in the provinces, assembling the data and material necessary to ensure the shrunken-ice programs would succeed right from the opening faceoff. (They don’t really face off all the time in Initiation. The coach will toss a puck onto the ice and get the little skaters into the flow of the game.) “You always start with the end in mind. Then, you reverse-engineer the process and try to determine what do you need in terms of promotional material and messaging to your constituents? What do you need for resources to support minor-hockey associations and coaches? ” Carson explains. “We’ve been engaged in the process for almost five years now in terms of rewriting the plan for Initiation- and Novice-level hockey. We’re really excited to be where we are today. If you look at the Initiation and Novice material that’s been available to coaches for well over 30 years, it has always recommended small-area games — cross-ice hockey, half-ice hockey — it’s always been a recommendation. A number of countries across the world even took that material and said, ‘Good, that’s what we’re going to do.’” Remember, Carson is talking about hockey for little people aged 5-8 — the majority of them beginners. The need to hot-house them, to coach them to play to win, isn’t as acute at this level as it is to put them out there to participate and explore their budding creativity in an activity that is brand-new to most of them. Once they acquire a level of enjoyment, and skill, through their introduction to hockey on smaller ice, they can take that forward as they progress. They’ll advance to more-competitive, full-ice hockey soon

enough. (They grow up very quickly,) “Now, we’ve got to look at ‘How do we keep kids in the game in Atom, Peewee and Bantam if all the pressure was put on them early on to excel at the game?’” Carson surmises. “Right now, we just want them to have fun. We want them to enjoy developing the basic skills of the game, and we want them to have success as they continue their engagement in hockey through what we hope is going to be a life-long membership with Hockey Canada.”

WE’VE BEEN ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS FOR ALMOST FIVE YEARS NOW IN TERMS OF REWRITING THE PLAN FOR INITIATION- AND NOVICE-LEVEL HOCKEY. WE’RE REALLY EXCITED TO BE WHERE WE ARE TODAY.” PAUL CARSON, Vice-President of Hockey Canada’s Player Development  ONTARIO MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Count the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) as a significant and successful participant in the move to the smaller ice surface. With 90,000 kids aged 5-20 playing organized hockey in 28 leagues spread across 223 local associations under what is claimed to be the world’s largest regional minor-hockey umbrella, the OMHA provides a cavernous petri dish in which to conduct this latest hockey experiment for entry-level kids. Of the association’s player total, 29,462 players participated at the Initiation (5-6 years old), Tyke (7 years old) and

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Novice-and-below programming accounts for 32% of total registration annually

The OMHA accounts for 20% of Hockey Canada’s total membership Currently, the OMHA administers 28 LEAGUES and 223 LOCAL MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATIONS across Ontario

OMHA BY THE NUMBERS Novice (8 years old) levels in 2017-18. Initiation-aged players (5-6) taking up the sport for the first time played on the shrunken ice surface (divided into thirds with players skating cross-ice last season.) “Overall, it went off. It was well received,” OMHA executive-director Ian Taylor says. “A lot of associations were already playing games on modified ice. It wasn’t like starting from scratch. “The reality is kids just want to play. If the kids are engaged, they are going to have fun,” Taylor explains. “The second part of that is the kids are going to come back. I know that second part wasn’t always on the radar before, kids automatically played hockey, right? It’s not a for sure anymore. There are a lot of options out there for people. So, engagement is huge in terms of enjoying it and in terms of continuing to play.” In an established program like the OMHA — which began in 1935 and has turned out game-changing players such as Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr — change doesn’t always come easily, particularly for some of the adults, at least. “Change is always a challenge, especially when it comes to the sport of hockey and your history in the game and all that good stuff that comes with being Canadian,” Taylor offers. “But change is always a challenge.” However, with challenges come rewards. If rekindling interest in grassroots hockey and retaining entry-level kids are the goals, recent Ontario enrolment numbers reveal a telling story. An Aug. 13 press release from OMHA media-relations official Joe Roma indicates an immediate and demonstrable spike in Initiation hockey participation. In the inaugural season of cross-ice Initiation hockey for kids aged 5-6, in 2017-18, there was a 35 per cent jump in registration over the 2016-17 season in Ontario. “At the end of the day, everyone says this is the right thing to do,” Taylor says of shrinking the rink for the little people. “Kids sit at smaller desks and chairs in school, they ride smaller bikes. Other sports are doing this. It's a no-brainer that way. But we're a little more prepared now on how to deliver it and what that experience looks like."

 HOCKEY ALBERTA With Alberta completing its first season of shrunken ice at the Initiation (5-6) level, the official introduction of Novice half-ice games isn’t due until the 2019-20 season. But that isn’t keeping the provincial association from allowing its

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BC HOCKEY/EAGLE VISION VIDEO

30,000 PLAYERS were registered in programs Novice and below last season

community partners to get the jump on the new Novice model. "We're encouraging associations to move forward with a transitional plan for the 18-19 season for their Novice age group (7-8),” says Justin Fesyk, Manager of Hockey Development for Hockey Alberta. “We've outlined a program for them, and those that are wishing and willing to go ahead in a transitional year are encouraged and supported to move forward in implementing half-ice and cross-ice at the 7-8 age groups for the 18-19 season.” With the Initiation transition set, and Novice now in a flex year, Alberta’s regional hockey centres have the freedom to devise the best way to get the Novice plan rolling, ahead of total implementation in 2019-20. Some associations may put all their Novice kids on to half ice, others may decide to put first-year Novices on half ice, while second-year Novice players who’ve already been playing on full ice continue to play on the full rink. It’s a process. "What we've created in Alberta is an Intro-To-Hockey model. It's your first four years of hockey,” Fesyk says. “We're working towards that for 2019-20. It's our Hockey Alberta Intro-To-Hockey model. It's really looking at the developmental components and scaling down process for

AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE GAME, SOMETIMES WE FORGET ABOUT THE MENTAL CAPACITY OF KIDS, AND WHERE THEY'RE AT, AND THEIR EMOTIONS. ” JUSTIN FESYK, Manager of Hockey Development for Hockey Alberta

age-appropriate programming for all the way from 5 to 8 year olds.” and understand now this many years in that this is the way to go — that Fesyk was in the room with hockey officials from across the country this is the way we should be teaching hockey. as Hockey Canada enlisted the support from all regions to assist with “So we’re very happy with that, obviously.” the design and implementation of the small ice-surface model for enThe second takeaway for B.C. Hockey and its member associations try-level kids. He admits he was skeptical at first of the proposal to is that change is a challenge, both for the administrators introducing mandate smaller ice surfaces for entry-level little people. Then he saw it the change and the constituents asked to embrace it. Taking somein action. thing as established as entry-level minor hockey and retooling it, "There were some things that I wasn't a 100 per cent believer in, until significantly as some insist, can be a daunting endeavour. There I saw it. You can see it on paper, you can have your own personal beliefs, will be differing points of view, even dissent in some cases, along and those are based on your own experiences, right?” Fesyk says. with acceptance. "When you walk into a rink, what emotions do you have as a fan, “The people who felt that this system was taking something away from parent or player when it’s a 5-on-5, full-ice game? And then you walk their players were the biggest opponents,” Petrachenko says. “That’s the into the arena and the emotions you have when you walk into two halfbiggest thing. If you look at it from the standpopint of something being ice games, 4-on-4. You can feel the energy, taken away, they take the attitude that this the excitement — the emotion. Everyone's is better for the bad players, the less-skilled involvement, the passion. You get a completeplayers. It’s not better for the best ly different feeling. We're really suggesting players. parents come in with an open mind and ac“We would argue actually the best players tually witness what’s going on on the ice and benefit as much if not more than anyone then talk to their child after, and I think else because the skills they develop are they'll be surprised as to how excited the kids different.” are to be actually playing the game.” It all gets back to the age group. We’re As a hockey dad, Fesyk expects to get a full talking about kids aged 5-8 playing hockey report from his little players, who are jumping on a smaller ice surface. Is it more about right into the middle of the shrunken-ice getting them into the game, or about them transition. being Jamie Drysdale from the first time "I'm lucky. My kids are coming into secthey hit the ice? There will always be highond-year Initiation, so I'm seeing it firster-skills kids right from the drop of the hand,” he says. “Dealing with the struggles puck. And they will still be those high-skills of getting them motivated to go to the rink kids once they graduate from Novice to — when my one kid doesn't touch the puck Atom, Peewee and beyond. for a whole game — all those types of things. Remember — parents, players and You deal with that emotionally, mentally, as coaches are still going to the same arenas a parent. As administrators of the game, serving up the same post-game hot chocsometimes we forget about the mental caolate in the same neighbourhoods as bepacity of kids, and where they're at, and fore. It’s just that the playing surfaces in their emotions. We really need to ensure those arenas have been reduced to account Approximately 130 that we start to think at their level and do for the size and skill of entry-level kids MINOR HOCKEY what's right, not do what we’ve always done.” aged 5-8. ASSOCIATIONS plus Remember, the emphasis is on partici“What we’re finding with the kids is the pation, encouragement, fun — and learnenjoyment is up there,” Petrachenko says. Junior and Senior teams ing how to play before learning how to “I think back to a story from the Yukon play to win. actually that I heard in our first year. The 60,000 PLAYERS “It's 4 on 4. Everyone gets to experiment Yukon at the time had five teams in the with goaltending. It's really making it Novice age group. The way they did it, age-appropriate, because the game is far because of their ice allocation, four teams 4,500 REFEREES too professionalized for 7 and 8 year olds,” would play against each other and one team Fesyk says of the entry-level model minor would have a full-ice game every other 10,000 COACHES hockey is leaving behind. “It's far too seriweekend, or however the schedule worked ous already. We need to remember, kids out. When they had the full-ice game, the need to be kids. They have the rest of their players didn’t look forward to it.They ac20,000 OFFICIAL hockey careers to basically get to the Midget tually didn’t like it because they knew the VOLUNTEERS Triple A model. We don't need them playone or two best players would dominate ing it at ages 7 and 8.” that game and they wouldn’t get to touch the puck as much. They wouldn’t have as  B.C. HOCKEY much fun. I think back to that one as one Entering Year 3 of shrunken-ice hockey for that stands out. youngsters, B.C. is ahead of the pack in implementing Hockey Canada’s “Generally, we feel that the enjoyment level across the board has program. They’ve taken notes and assembled a dossier on the transition gone up.” so far, and are pleased with the results. When young children enjoy doing something, they usually want to “Our biggest learnings have been two-fold,” says B.C. Hockey CEO come back and do it again. If Hockey Canada’s goal with the move to Barry Petrachenko. “The benefits that our experts and research told us shrink the rink was to increase participation by, and retention of, young that would be a part of this seem to be correct — seem to be there. We hockey players, the early returns from its provincial member associations have seen anecdotally that parents, coaches and administrators all feel all point to success.

B.C. HOCKEY BY THE NUMBERS

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JUNIOR

CJHL

PRODUCING TOP PROSPECTS CJHL players continue to skate into the top ranks of the NHL STORY Neil Hilts

B.C. HOCKEY LEAGUE As always, the Penticton Vees will be a favourite heading into the year as they bring in top talent. Joining the team

this year is Jackson Neidermayer, son of former NHLer Scott, who is coming up from the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. Cole Shepherd, a second-rounder from the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft and Harvard commit, will join a lineup that includes Rizzo, a top prospect for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft who had a solid rookie year with the Vees. The league champion Wenatchee Wild could be in tough to repeat after they lost a few key players to college — leading scorer Jasper Weatherby and top defenceman Slava Demin. Eighteen-year-old Murphy Stratton, who already has one WHL season and a BCHL campaign under his belt, will look to build off 53 points in 54 games, and could find himself among the league leaders in scoring. One player to watch is Newhook of Victoria, who has been listed anywhere from the top five to top 20 on mock draft and prospect lists. Newhook led the BCHL in pointsper-game last year, and likely would have claimed the scoring title had he not broken his hand in the final month of the season. The Boston College commit has had lots of pressure from Halifax in the QMJHL to get him to join, but it appears he remains intent on staying on the West Coast — the Grizzlies recently named him the captain this year. The Chilliwack Chiefs, who hosted the RBC Cup last year and eventually claimed it, will return a strong team with coaching that led them to the title. After a first-round playoff exit, the Chiefs fired their head coach, promoted their assistant and took the month off before winning the national Jr. A title.

ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE It has been a decade since the AJHL final featured two teams other than the Spruce Grove Saints or Brooks Bandits — the two have become powerhouses in the league and continue sit atop their respective divisions. With the coaching and recruiting they have, it’d be unwise to bet against them. Not much information has been released regarding the

 Alex Newhook of the Victoria Grizzlies has seen his name mentioned in several top-30 NHL draft rankings and could go as early as the top five.

16 | HOCKEYNOW – August 31, 2018

 The Chilliwack Chiefs, who hosted the RBC Cup last year and eventually won it, return with a strong team this season, including a coaching staff that led them to the National Jr. A title.

Bandits roster yet, but head coach and GM Ryan Papaioannou is a recruiting wizard, and the selling point of the Bandits hosting the RBC Cup will surely land some big fish. The Bandits have five of their top-10 scorers returning, but lost captain and top defenceman Dennis Cesana to Michigan State. Spruce Grove will not have Chris Van Os-Shaw, the league MVP, back as he’s off to college. Back behind the bench for the second year is Bram Stephen, who already has 11 years of coaching experience at just 32 years old. Coming off a regular-season league title, the Okotoks Oilers have a number of key players who are not returning — such as 2018 NHL Entry Draft pick Jacob Bernard-Docker, starting goalie Riley Morris, leading-scorer Tanner Laderoute and captain Carter Huber. However, the Oilers have some solid young options, including Austin Wong, a seventh-round pick in 2018 to the Winnipeg Jets, and Dylan Holloway, a late-born 2001 who is a prospect for the 2020 draft. They also have a new tender in Nolan Hildebrand, who joined from the Penticton Vees in a trade at the end of July. Fort McMurray should challenge the Saints in the North with an experienced team heading into the season. Team chemistry and familiarity with one another could be the best thing for the Oil Barons, which could lead to a hot start as other teams work to get acquainted.

ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Despite finishing sixth in the league in the regular season last year, the Wellington Dukes turned it on in the playoffs to take the league title, and made the RBC Cup Final, narrowly falling to Chilliwack. The third-leading scorer in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League last year, Tyson Gilmour (son of NHL great Doug), got swapped to Wellington this off-season and could contend for the OJHL’s league scoring title. The Dukes have the playing rights to Kyle Yewchuk, a WHL veteran and RBC Cup champ who would step in and be the top d-man on the

SPAGNUOLO: PHOTO BY ANDY CORNEAU / OJHL IMAGES, RBC CUP: DAVE HOLLAND/ HOCKEY CANADA IMAGES, NEWHOOK: KYLE ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

OR THE PAST THREE NHL DRAFTS, THE CANADIAN Junior Hockey League (CJHL) has been producing some top prospects who have been drafted in the first round, and it looks like there will be another this year. Alex Newhook of the British Columbia Hockey League's (BCHL) Victoria Grizzlies has seen his name mentioned in several top-30 rankings, and could go as early as the top five. Three others from the BCHL — Massimo Rizzo, Harrison Blaisdell and Keaton Mastrodonato — are names to watch, with others expected to join the list as the season gets underway. Beyond the prospect hype, the CJHL will bring another year of thrilling, elite hockey as players seek to jump to the next level, the majority to college, all while playing toward the goal of a league championship and national Junior A victory at the RBC Cup in May. Brooks, Alta. will be the host of this year’s aforementioned RBC Cup, and it could be a repeat of the host winning the title, after Chilliwack won last year. Brooks is a top-end CJHL team each year and has two finals appearances in the last five years — winning it all in 2013.

CJHL

team should he not find a major-junior home. The Toronto Patriots were one of two teams to break 80 points as they sat atop the league at the year’s end, but they lost their lone 50-goal, 100-point player, Andrew Petrucci, as he aged out of the league. The OJHL’s third-leading scorer, Dante Spagnuolo, should be back with the Patriots and a favourite for the scoring crown after notching 89 points. Aurora is also looking to rebound after a disappointing playoff outcome, and will be a team to watch after bringing in a number of skilled youngsters to their squad. Harrison Caines, Markus Paterson, Evan Pringle and Michael Palandra, all 2001-born, will make their rookie debuts after high-scoring Midget careers. They’ll be able to lean on veteran d-man Noah Tooke, a four-team Junior A workhorse.

CENTRAL CANADIAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Entering the playoffs last year off a 53-5-1 record, the Carleton Place Canadians looked poised to win their fifth straight league championship. However, the Ottawa Jr. Senators came up huge in the post-season and were able to knock off the Canadians. Carleton Place will surely be back atop the standings with a number of big recruits and nearly 10 returnees. They are simply too strong of a program to bet against.

Keenan Reynolds had nearly a point per game between two CCHL teams and a strong finish with the Canadians. Another season with the Tupker twins, Ben and Zach, who both reached 30 points in their rookie year, will be boost. Ottawa was a strong team last year, as evidenced by its league title, RBC Cup berth and 46-win season. They had five of the top-10 scorers last year, but with only Darcy Walsh back in the fold, other players can step into some new roles. If Francis Boisvert returns in net, Ottawa will have much more confidence for the 2018-2019 campaign. Watch for Brockville to be a contender this year. They have a veteran goalie in Liam Souliere, who came over from Nepean, 25-goal man Phillipe Gilmour and several skaters joining from CCHL and OJHL teams. Throughout the year, the CJHL will release rankings of the top-20 teams in the nation. Watch for the first instalment during the last week of September.

JUNIOR

TOP-20 CJHL TEAMS (FINAL 2017-18 RANKINGS)

1. OKOTOKS OILERS, AJHL 2. CARLETON PLACE CANADIANS, CCHL 3. STEINBACH PISTONS, MJHL

 Dante Spagnuolo of the Toronto Patriots was the OJHL’s third-leading scorer last season with 23 goals and 66 assists, and should be back with the club this season to challenge for the scoring crown.

4. POWASSAN VOODOOS, NOJHL 5. 5SPRUCE GROVE SAINTS, AJHL 6. TORONTO PATRIOTS, OJHL 7. OTTAWA JR. ‘A’ SENATORS, CCHL 8. NIPAWIN HAWKS, SJHL 9. BROOKS BANDITS, AJHL 10. COBRAS DE TERREBONNE, QJHL 11. THIEF RIVER FALLS NORSKIES, SJHL 12. PENTICTON VEES, BCHL 13. BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS, SJHL 14. DRYDEN GM ICE DOGS, SIJHL 15. COLLEGE FRANÇAIS DE LONGUEUIL, QJHL 16. FORT MCMURRAY OIL BARONS, AJHL 17. MELFORT MUSTANGS, SJHL 18. NORTH YORK RANGERS, OJHL 19. EDMUNDSTON BLIZZARD, MARITIME JR. A 20. OAKVILLE BLADES, OJHL

August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 17

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

PUCK SET TO DROP ON 2018-19 SOCKEYES, ICE HAWKS EYE TITLE DEFENCES PJHL SEASON WITHOUT KEY OVER-AGE PLAYERS ANOTHER PJHL SEASON is just around the corner, and the Richmond Sockeyes and Delta Ice Hawks have titles to defend. The Ice Hawks enter the season as reigning league champions after reaching the finals the year prior while the Sockeyes, as hosts of the

Cyclone Taylor Cup, defeated the Ice Hawks for B.C.’s Junior B crown.

But, for now, there are still several key players on both teams who are eligible to return.

Both teams will be losing valuable over-agers, and likely some more players that are capable of playing against tougher competition at the Junior A, Major Junior or collegiate levels.

Jordan Deyrmenjian, Delta’s leading scorer last year, and fourth-leading scorer Daniel Rubin still have one more season of eligibility, while PJHL rookie-of-the-year Jonathan Rees Jr. and goaltender-of-the-year Jordy Engleson are young and have a few more seasons ahead of them if they stay in the junior B loop. Richmond won’t be as fortunate, as they have the guaranteed departures of stars such as league and Cyclone Taylor Cup MVP Tyler Andrews, Arjun Badh, Brett Gelz and Noah Wozney to deal with, just to name a few. Best-case scenario: power-forward Nicolas Bizzutto and top-scoring defenceman Jacob Keremidschieff return for their over-age seasons. Elsewhere around the PJHL, the Abbotsford Pilots are hoping for the return of Baylee Wright, last year’s leading scorer who has one more season of junior eligibility. He averaged more than two points a game last season with 81 points (36 goals and 45 assists) in 38

The Richmond Sockeyes enter the 2018-19 season as reigning Cyclone Taylor Cup champions. (Doug Abbott photo)

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

games, while also leading the Pilots to the Brittain Conference final.

Whalers that played from 1985-89 and won the Cyclone Taylor Cup in 1988.

Wright’s career has been a steady progression, and filled with highlights thus far. He was a key part of the Mission City Outlaws’ championship run in 2015-16 and was fourth in league scoring the following year.

The Whalers will have plenty of roster spots to fill through training camp, just like every other team in the league, but the foundation has been formed over a busy off-season.

Other award winners who could still return are defenceman-of-the-year Davin Padgham from the Aldergrove Kodiaks and the Ridge Meadows Flames’ Ryley Lanthier, the most-improved player. Last season, Padgham recorded 46 points (11 goals and 35 assists). He’s eligible to return as an over-ager while Lanthier has two more years of junior eligibility. Lanthier collected 38 points (18 goals and 20 assists) last season after a 16-point year in 2016-17. Lanthier was also helpful during the Flames’ run to the league final last year. On the goaltender front, there are still a number of quality netminders who could return for another PJHL season. Included in that group are Cale Dolan of the Grandview Steelers, who led the league with 20 wins last year, and the Ridge Meadows duo of Paul Tucek and Cooper Anderson. Tucek and Anderson each finished last season with a sub-2.90 goals-against average to go along with save percentages of .905 or higher. WHALERS COMING INTO FORM For the second straight year, the PJHL will be welcoming an expansion team into the league. The White Rock Whalers will become the 12th team in the league. The news came a few months after the Langley Trappers completed their first season in the league. PJHL executives have said there’s the potential of having a 14-team league in the near future. There was a previous incarnation of the

It started with the hiring of coach/director of hockey operations Jason Rogers at the end of May. He’s a former assistant coach with the B.C. Hockey League’s Surrey Eagles and spent last season as coach of the Vancouver Thunderbirds midget squad, leading them to the No. 1 ranking in B.C., as well as the provincial title. White Rock’s first signing was Erik Bocale, a veteran defenceman with more than 120 games of experience between the PJHL (with the Kodiaks and Ice Hawks), Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. He split last season with the Campbell River Storm and Beaver Valley NiteHawks, recording 15 points (four goals and 11 assists) in 43 games. The Whalers also traded for defenceman Marcus Sihota from the Richmond Sockeyes, who recorded 10 points (four goals and six assists) in 21 games last year. As well, Rogers went to the well and brought in Saul Khalifa, a forward from last year’s Thunderbirds squad who scored 54 points (32 goals and 22 assists) in 63 games. Also on the team are two sets of brothers, Cameron and Calder Newson and Matt and Tyler Rogers. Rounding out the group of early signees are defencemen Butch La Roue and Hayden Dance and forward Leland Konrath.

HOME OPENERS SET The first week of the PJHL season will feature all 12 teams in their home openers between Sept. 4 and 9. This year’s home openers are as follows: Tuesday, Sept 4 Delta Ice Hawks vs. North Vancouver Wednesday, Sept 5 Langley Trappers vs. Mission City Wednesday, Sept 5 Aldergrove Kodiaks vs. Grandview Thursday, Sept 6 Richmond Sockeyes vs. Delta Thursday, Sept 6 Surrey Knights vs. Port Moody Friday, Sept 7 Ridge Meadows Flames vs. Aldergrove Friday, Sept 7 Abbotsford Pilots vs. Langley Saturday, Sept 8 Mission City Outlaws vs. Abbotsford Saturday, Sept 8 North Van Wolf Pack vs. Ridge Meadows Saturday, Sept 8 White Rock Whalers vs. Richmond Saturday, Sept 8 Port Moody Panthers vs. Grandview Sunday, Sept 9 Grandview Steelers vs. White Rock

COLLEGE

NCAA

 The University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs are defending NCAA Div. 1 men’s hockey champions.

season,” Michigan coach Mel Pearson said of Hughes’ return “Quinn was one of college hockey’s best players last year and I look forward to his continued development both on and off the ice.” The 5-foot-10, 174-pound defenceman played in 37 games for the Wolverines in his freshman season, tallying five goals and 24 assists. He set a program record for most assists by a freshman defenceman and sits third all-time in total points for a first-year blueliner. Hughes was also a Big Ten Rookie of the Year finalist and was named to the Northeast Regional All-Tournament Team, Second Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

KRAUSE BACK WITH BULLDOGS IN COACHING ROLE

When Puck Drops on NCAA season, players and coaches will be studying new rules

• •

STORY HockeyNow

ATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION hockey teams are going back to school to brush up on new rules coming into play when the puck drops this season. During the off-season, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a proposal to allow conferences to use one of two alternative formats to award points in their standings after the mandatory five-on-five, five-minute overtime period in men’s and women’s hockey. After a traditional five-minute, five-on-five overtime, conferences may use either a five-minute, three-on-three overtime period and a shootout, or only a shootout to award additional conference points. Conferences are not required to use either of the alternative systems and may end play after the five-minute overtime. During non-conference regular-season games, these alternative options are not in play, and a game would end in a tie after a traditional five-minute OT. In regular-season tournaments requiring advancement, a 20-minute sudden death format can be implemented for OT, instead of the traditional five-minute overtime period. These tournaments also may use the three-on-three and shootout or the standalone shootout format. Other rules changes approved include: • Allowing the use of video review in situations where ejecting a player is being considered.. • A redefining of slashing. The approved change states: “Any forceful or powerful chop with the stick on an opponent’s body, the opponent’s stick, or on or near the opponent’s hands that, in the judgment of the

20 | HOCKEYNOW – August 31, 2018

• •

•

referee, is not an attempt to play the puck, should be penalized as slashing.” For a substitution to be legal, the player coming off the ice must be within five feet of the bench before the substitute jumps over the boards. In overtime games, each team will have one timeout to use in overtime, regardless of whether a timeout was used during regulation play. The number of skaters allowed on each team will be increased to 19 (the current rule allows up to 18). A player who catches the puck must immediately place it on the ice for play to continue legally. If a player catches and conceals or throws the puck, a minor penalty shall be assessed. To reduce the number of video review situations, coaches must use a challenge to review goals scored where a potential high stick is involved or plays where the puck touches the netting out of play and leads to a goal.

HUGHES’ RETURN HUGE FOR MICHIGAN Michigan defenceman Quinn Hughes is coming back for the 2018-19 NCAA Div. 1 season. The first-round draft pick (seventh overall) of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft returns to the Wolverine following his stellar freshman season in Ann Arbor. “My heart’s obviously still at Michigan,” Hughes said about his return to the school. “I want to be the best player in college hockey, and I want to win the national championship. I think we can do it with the group and the coaching staff we have, and we believe in each other.” The Wolverines made it the NCAA Frozen Four last season before being ousted from the tournament by Notre Dame, which lost 2-1 to Minnesota Duluth in the title game. “I know that I can say everyone involved with Michigan hockey is extremely excited to know that Quinn has decided to return to the University of Michigan for another

NCAA DIV. 1 MEN’S HOCKEY RANKINGS (AT END OF 2017-18 SEASON)

1. MINNESOTA DULUTH 2. NOTRE DAME 3. OHIO STATE 4. MICHIGAN 5. DENVER

6. ST. CLOUD STATE 7. PROVIDENCE 8. CORNELL 9. MINNESOTA STATE 10. BOSTON U.

NCAA DIV. 1 WOMEN’S HOCKEY RANKINGS (AT END OF 2017-18 SEASON)

1. CLARKSON 2. COLGATE 3. WISCONSIN 4. OHIO STATE 5. BOSTON COLLEGE

6. MINNESOTA 7. CORNELL 8. NORTHEASTER 9. ST. LAURENCE 10. MERCYHURST

BRETT GROEHLER / UMD

NEW COURSE MATERIAL

Three years after wrapping up his playing career at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Adam Krause is returning to the reigning-champion Bulldogs men's hockey program to serve as an assistant men's hockey coach. He replaces Brett Larson, who accepted the head coaching position at St. Cloud State University last month. "I couldn't be more excited to be back," the 26-year old Krause said. "Coaching at the college level is something I've always had in the back in my mind — I just didn't expect to land my dream job right out of the gate. UMD is truly one of the elite programs in the country and this is an opportunity I couldn't pass up." The 6-foot-3 205-pound Hermantown, Minn., product was a staple at right wing for four seasons (2011-15) with the Bulldogs, and spent both his junior and senior seasons serving as a team captain. He skated in 133 career games at UMD, notching 16 goals and 21 assists. “Coach (Scott) Sandelin and I have always been pretty close and share a lot of the same ideas and philosophies,” Kruase continued. “He's built an amazing culture here so it will be easy for me to step in.”

U SPORTS

COLLEGE

 The University of Alberta Golden Bears celebrated their 16th career national men’s championship last spring.

WILD YEAR AHEAD Bears, Bisons charge into new U Sports season STORY HockeyNow

U SPORTS PHOTO

HEN THE PUCK DROPS ON THE 2018-19 U Sports hockey season, all eyes will be on the University of Alberta Golden Bears and the University of Manitoba Bisons. The Golden Bears won their record 16th career U Sports men’s hockey championship with a 4-2 win over Nova Scotia’s St. Francis Xavier X-Men, while the Bisons are defending their first national women’s hockey crown in school history. Alberta’s men are coming off one of their best seasons in program history, going 18-0 at home during U Sports Canada West play, tying a team record with 15 wins before Christmas, and finishing with a 37-6 record overall. The Bears have won three of the last five University Cup titles, and five of the last six Canada West men’s hockey titles. While Bears head coach Serge Lajoie isn’t returning to the bench this season, the team will be bolstered by the return of former head coach Ian Herbers. Herbers rejoins the Golden Bears as bench boss after a three-year leave of absence in which he was an assistant coach with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. In Herbers’ absence, Lajoie guided the team to a 94-21-1 record, including 37-6 in 2017-18 and the program’s national championship this past March. Herbers brings a busload of coaching experience to the Bears’ bench. In his first tour with the Bears between 2012 and 2015, the team claimed three consecutive

Canada West titles, and back-to-back University Cup titles in 2014 and 2015. Between 2012 and 2015, Herbers and the Bears skated to a 72-10-2 Canada West record, and a gaudy 119-19 overall U Sports record. Herbers first joined the Golden Bears as a player in 1988, spending four seasons in the Evergreen and Gold. In 1992, he led the Bears to a Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union national championship, the program’s eighth, as the team’s captain. The squad drops the puck on its 2018-19 U Sports Canada West season the weekend of Sept 29-30 at Clare Drake Arena on U of A’s Edmonton campus.

U SPORTS WOMEN The Manitoba Bisons, meanwhile, won their first-ever U Sports national women’s title with a 2-0 win over the Western Mustangs last March. As with the Bears, the Bisons will see a new, albeit familiar face, in the head-coaching role this season. With Jon Rempel stepping back from coaching the U of M women, assistant coach Sean Fisher will assume the head-coaching role. "The opportunity to lead our program for the 2018-19 season is pretty special, and it's a great professional development opportunity for me personally,” Fisher said. “We have a number of terrific coaches on our staff, and I'm very excited to work with them towards the continued success of Bison women's hockey." The Bisons women’s U Sports Canada West home opener against the Calgary Dinos goes Oct. 5 at Wayne Fleming Arena on the U of M campus. The U Sports silver medal-winning Mustangs have also added a new bench boss, announcing in July that Candice Moxley is the women’s team’s new head coach. "I'm really excited to join the Western Mustangs this year. The team has had a lot of success the past few years,

U SPORTS MEN’S HOCKEY RANKINGS (AT END OF 2017-18 SEASON)

1. UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK 2. U OF A 3. ST. FX 4. MCGILL 5. SASKATCHEWAN

6. ACADIA 7. BROCK 8. ST. MARY’S 9. CONCORDIA 10 .YORK

U SPORTS WOMEN’S HOCKEY RANKINGS (AT END OF 2017-18 SEASON)

1. U OF M 2. ST. MARY’S 3. ST. FX 4. CONCORDIA 5. QUEEN’S

6. MONTREAL 7. WESTERN 8. SASKATCHEWAN 9. GUELPH 10 .NIPISSING

and I'm looking help build and grow the program for the future," Moxley said. Moxley comes to the Mustangs from the Markham Thunder of the Canadian Women's Hockey League, where she won the Clarkson Cup last season as an assistant coach. She replaces Kelly Paton, who’s coaching the Laurier Golden Hawks this season. The puck drops on the Mustangs’ U Sports OUA women’s hockey season on Oct. 20, when they play the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks. August 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 21

TOURMANT CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2018 CHICAGO, IL | SEPT. 28 - 30 CHICAGO EARLY BIRD CHALLENGE. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com

OCTOBER 2018 HALTON HILLS, ON | OCT. 5 - 7 BEST OF THE BEST HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Novice, Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt Levels: AA, A Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com LAKE PLACID, NY | OCT. 11 - 14 AMERICAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com OSHAWA, ON | OCT. 13 - 14 OCTOBER CLASSIC 1 - MENS. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com LAS VEGAS, NV | OCT. 19 - 21 LAS VEGAS OLD-TIMERS CLASSIC. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com OSHAWA, ON | OCT. 20 - 21 OCTOBER CLASSIC 2 - WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S & COED. Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com FORT WAYNE, IN | OCT. 26 - 28 ONEHOCKEY FORT WAYNE 2018 TOURNAMENT. Divisions: Novice, Tyke, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, Squirt. Levels: AA, A, B, House. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com

NOVEMBER 2018 ROCHESTER, NY | NOV. 2 - 4 ONEHOCKEY ROCHESTER, MN 2018 TOURNAMENT. Divisions: Peewee, Bantam. Levels: AA, A, B. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com HARRISBURG, PA | NOV. 2 - 4 ONEHOCKEY HERSHEY 2018 TOURNAMENT. Divisions: Novice, Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget. Levels: AA, A. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com BARRIE, ON | NOV. 9 - 11 BARRIE AAA REMEMBRANCE DAY/ VETERANS DAY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Novice, Minor Atom, Atom, Major Midget, Squirt Levels: AAA Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com NIAGARA FALLS, ON | NOV. 9 - 11 NIAGARA FALLS WHT TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com

OSHAWA, ON | NOV. 10 - 11 NOVEMBER CLASSIC 1 - LADIES/CO-ED - NAQ. Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com MONTREAL, QC | NOV. 16 - 18 MONTREAL FALL CLASSIC - NAQ M/W/ COED. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com OSHAWA, ON | NOV. 16 - 18 NOVEMBER CLASSIC 2 - NAQ. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com SYRACUSE, NY | NOV. 16 - 18 ONEHOCKEY SYRACUSE 2018 TOURNAMENT. Divisions: Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget. Levels: AA, A. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | NOV. 16 - 18 CANADIAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Squirt Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, Senior, Junior, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CLEARWATER BEACH, FL | NOV. 22 - 25 THANKSGIVING ON THE BEACH. Male & Female. Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt Levels: AA, A, B, Selects, AE, MD Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com CHICAGO, IL | NOV. 23 - 25 CHICAGO THANKSGIVING CLASSIC. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com RIVERSIDE, CA | NOV. 23 - 25 ONEHOCKEY CALIFORNIA THANKSGIVING 2018 TOURNAMENT. Divisions: Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget. Levels: AA, A, B, House. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com BURLINGTON, VT | NOV. 23 - 25 GOBBLE GOBBLE CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | NOV. 24 - 25 MONTREAL YOUTH FALL CLASSIC 1. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com MONTREAL, QC | NOV. 30 - DEC. 2 MONTREAL YOUTH FALL CLASSIC 2. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com MONTREAL, QC | NOV. 30 - DEC. 2 CANADIAN CUP. Male & Female Divisions: High School. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | NOV. 30 - DEC. 2 CANADIAN CUP. Male & Female Divisions: High School. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com

DECEMBER 2018 LAKE PLACID, NY | DEC. 6 - 9 AMERICAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com LAKE PLACID, NY | DEC. 6 - 9 AMERICAN CUP. Female Divisions: Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget. Level: AA, A, B. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com GATINEAU, OTTAWA QC/ON | DEC. 7 - 9 OTTAWA RIVER CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom,Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt. Level:AA, A, B, House, Selects, Senior, Junior, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com TBD, MI | DEC. 27 - 30 ONEHOCKEY GUINNESS RECORD ATTEMPT WORLD HOLIDAY INVITE. Male & Female. Divisions: Novice, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School, Squirt. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, House. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com HESPELER, ON | DEC. 27 - 30 52ND ANNUAL HESPELER OLYMPICS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Novice, Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt Levels: A, B, Selects, AE, MD Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com LAKE PLACID, NY | DEC. 27 - 30 AMERICAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Bantam, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com

JANUARY 2019 LAKE PLACID, NY | JAN. 10 - 13 AMERICAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com LAKE PLACID, NY | JAN. 17 - 20 AMERICAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | JAN. 18 - 20 CANADIAN CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt. Level:AA, A, B, House, Selects, Senior, Junior, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CLEARWATER BEACH, FL | JAN. 18 - 21 CLEARWATER BEACH MLK INVITATIONAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt Levels: AA, A, B, Selects, AE, MD Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com BLAINE, MN | JAN. 18 - 21 ONEHOCKEY MINNEAPOLIS JANUARY 2019 TOURNAMENT 7TH MN GONE WILD. Divisions: Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget. Levels: AA. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com

QUEBEC CITY, QC | JAN. 25 - 27 QUEBEC CUP. Male Divisions: Minor Atom, Atom,Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt. Level:AA, A, B, House, Selects, Senior, Junior, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com

FEBRUARY 2019 LAKE PLACID, NY | FEB. 7 - 10 AMERICAN CUP. Male Divisions: Novice, Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Squirt. Level: AA, A, B, House, Selects, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com BRAMPTON, ON | FEB. 8 - 10 BRAMPTON WHT TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com MONTREAL, QC | FEB. 15 - 17 CANADIAN CUP. Male Divisions: Novice, Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Squirt. Level:AA, A, B, House, Selects, Senior, Junior, AE, MD. Contact: smcdougall@chehockey.com or chehockey.com RIVERSIDE, CA | FEB. 15 - 18 ONEHOCKEY CALIFORNIA FEBRUARY 2019 TOURNAMENT PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND. Divisions: Novice, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, High School. Levels: AA, A, B. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com

MARCH 2019 NIAGARA FALLS, ON | MAR. 8 - 10 NIAGARA FALLS WHT TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com

APRIL 2019 MONTREAL, QC | APR. 26 - 28 MONTREAL WHT TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com NIAGARA FALLS, ON | APR. 26 - 28 NIAGARA FALLS WHT TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com OTTAWA, ON | APR. 26 - 28 OTTAWA WHT TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com

MAY 2019 NIAGARA FALLS, ON | MAY 3 - 5 NIAGARA FALLS WHT TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: All Levels Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com

August 31, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HOCKEYNOW | 23