EHM The Blue Line

2007 J. Ross Robertson Cup Playoffs, Conference Semi-Finals



April 6th, Game 1

Oshawa 3, Barrie 6 (Barrie lead the series 1-0!)
Mississauga 0, Kingston 2 (Kingston lead the series 1-0!)

Sarnia 1, Erie 5 (Erie lead the series 1-0!)
Sault Ste. Marie 5, Plymouth 1 (Sault Ste. Marie lead the series 1-0!)



April 7th, Game 2

Oshawa 2, Barrie 4 (Barrie lead the series 2-0!)
Mississauga 3, Kingston 5 (Kingston lead the series 2-0!)

Sarnia 6, Erie 5 (The series is tied 1-1!)
Sault Ste. Marie 4, Plymouth 2 (Sault Ste. Marie lead the series 2-0!)



April 9th, Game 3

Kingston 3, Mississauga 2 (Kingston lead the series 3-0!)
Barrie 7, Oshawa 5 (Barrie lead the series 3-0!)

Erie 4, Sarnia 3 (Erie lead the series 2-1!)
Plymouth 4, Sault Ste. Marie 5 (Sault Ste. Marie lead the series 3-0!)



April 10th, Game 4

Kingston 5, Mississauga 2 (The Kingston Frontenacs eliminate the Mississauga Steelheads, defeating them 4 games to 0!)
Barrie 4, Oshawa 6 (Barrie lead the series 3-1!)

Erie 5, Sarnia 4 (Erie lead the series 3-1!)
Plymouth 3, Sault Ste. Marie 4 (The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds eliminate the Plymouth Whalers, defeating them 4 games to 0!)



April 12th, Game 5

Oshawa 5, Barrie 3 (Barrie lead the series 3-2!)

Sarnia 6, Erie 3 (Erie lead the series 3-2!)



April 14th, Game 6

Barrie 5, Oshawa 0 (The Barrie Colts eliminate the Oshawa Generals, defeating them 4 games to 2!)

Erie 4, Sarnia 2 (The Erie Otters eliminate the Sarnia Sting, defeating them 4 games to 2!)



J.Ross Robertson Cup Playoffs, Conference Final Match-Ups



Eastern Conference



#1 Kingston Frontenacs vs. #2 Barrie Colts

In 4 regular season games Kingston outscored Barrie 17-13, while the teams split the season series 2-2-0!



Western Conference



#1 Erie Otters vs. #4 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

In 4 regular season games Erie outscored Sault Ste. Marie 17-10, while taking the season series 3-1-0!

2007 J.Ross Robertson Cup Playoffs, Conference Finals



April 17th, Game 1



Barrie Colts vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Kingston defeat Barrie 8-0! First star honours would go to Kingston Frontenacs winger Peter Poulin-Roy, who scored a goal, and three assists! Second star would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Roland McKeown, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs enter Ryan Kujawinski, who scored a goal, and two assists!

The Kingston Frontenacs lead the series 1-0!



Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Erie Otters

Sault Ste. Marie defeat Erie 3-0! First star honours would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds goaltender Matt Murray, who posted a 33 save shutout! Second star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Jean Dupuy, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman Justin Felker, who recorded an assist!

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds lead the series 1-0!



April 18th, Game 2



Barrie Colts vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Kingston defeat Barrie 5-3! First star honours would go to Kingston Frontenacs winger Samuel Bennett, who scored two goals, and two assists! Second star would go to Barrie Colts winger Peter Angelopoulos, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs center Darcy Greenaway, who scored a goal, and an assist!

The Kingston Frontenacs lead the series 2-0!



April 19th



Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Sault Ste. Marie 7-4! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Brendan Gaunce, who scored two goals, and an assist! Third star would go to Erie Otters defenseman Ramon Lopez, who recorded three assists!

The series is tied 1-1!



April 20th, Game 3



Kingston Frontenacs vs. Barrie Colts

Kingston defeat Barrie 4-2! First star honours would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Roland McKeown, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Michael Moffat, who recorded two assists!

The Kingston Frontenacs lead the series 3-0!



April 21st



Erie Otters vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Erie defeat Sault Ste. Marie 6-3! First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored a goal, and two assists! Third star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Sergei Tolchinsky, who scored a goal, and two assists!

The Erie Otters lead the series 2-1!



April 22nd, Game 4



Kingston Frontenacs vs. Barrie Colts

Kingston defeat Barrie 4-3 in overtime! First star honours would go to Barrie Colts winger Andreas Athanasiou, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Evan McEneny, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who recorded an assist!

The Kingston Frontenacs eliminate the Barrie Colts, defeating them 4 games to 0!



April 23rd



Erie Otters vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Sault Ste. Marie defeat Erie 4-2! First star honours would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Sergei Tolchinsky, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Sault Ste. Marie goaltender Matt Murray, who stopped 27 of 29 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman Adam Bateman, who recorded an assist!

The series is tied 2-2!



Kazakhstan, and Slovenia won their groups at the Division 1 World Championship!



April 25th, Game 5



Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Sault Ste. Marie 5-3! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Brendan Gaunce, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Bradley Latour, who scored a goal, and an assist!

The Erie Otters lead the series 3-2!



April 27th, Game 6



Erie Otters vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Sault Ste. Marie defeat Erie 4-3! First star honours would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds winger Bradley Latour, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman Darnell Nurse, who recorded two assists. Third star would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who recorded two assists!

The series is tied 3-3!



April 29th, Game 7



Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Sault Ste. Marie 6-4! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Brendan Gaunce, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters defenseman Adam Pelech, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Erie Otters winger Michael Curtis, who scored a goal, and an assist!

The Erie Otters eliminate the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, defeating them 4 games to 3!



J.Ross Robertson Cup Final Match-Up



#1 (West) Erie Otters vs. #1 (East) Kingston Frontenacs

In 2 regular season games Kingston outscored Erie 7-3, while taking the season series 1-0-1!

To get to this point the Erie Otters had to go through #8 Guelph Storm, #7 Sarnia Sting, and #4 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, while the Kingston Frontenacs had to go through #8 Belleville Bulls, #5 Mississauga Steelheads, and #2 Barrie Colts!

2007 J.Ross Robertson Cup Final



May 1st, Game 1



Kingston Frontenacs vs. Erie Otters

Kingston defeat Erie 5-4! First star honours would go to Kingston Frontenacs winger Peter Poulin-Roy, who scored a hat trick, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored a goal, and three assists! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Roland McKeown, who scored a goal!

The Kingston Frontenacs lead the series 1-0!



May 3rd, Game 2



Kingston Frontenacs vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Kingston 6-4! First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters defenseman Adam Pelech, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who recorded two assists!

The series is tied 1-1!



May 5th, Game 3



Erie Otters vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Erie defeat Kingston 6-4! First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Joel Wigle, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Roland McKeown, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Erie Otters center Brendan Gaunce, who scored a goal, and an assist!

The Erie Otters lead the series 2-1!



The OHL Priority Selection took place today, more info in next post!



May 7th, Game 4



Erie Otters vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Kingston defeat Erie 7-6! First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored two goals, and three assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Dylan Strome, who scored two goals, and three assists! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs winger Mac Lemmon, who scored a hat trick!

The series is tied 2-2!



May 9th, Game 5



Kingston Frontenacs vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Kingston 4-2! First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Joel Wigle, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored two goals!

The Erie Otters lead the series 3-2!



May 10th

The Kootenay Ice eliminate the Prince Albert Raiders, defeating them 4 games to 2! The Kootenay Ice have won the WHL Presidents Cup, and will represent the WHL as Champions at the Memorial Cup in Vancouver!



May 11th, Game 6



Erie Otters vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Erie defeat Kingston 3-2! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored a goals, and 2 assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs winger Samuel Bennett, who scored a goal!

The Erie Otters eliminate the Kingston Frontenacs, defeating them 4 games to 2!



The Erie Otters Win The J.Ross Robertson Cup, and will represent the OHL as Champions at the Memorial Cup in Vancouver!



May 13th

The Baie-Comeau Drakkar eliminate the Moncton Wildcats, defeating them 4 games to 2! The Baie-Comeau Drakkar win the QMJHL Presidents Cup, and will represent the QMJHL as Champions at the Memorial Cup in Vancouver!



May 15th

Finland defeat Sweden 4-3 to win Bronze at the World Championships!

Canada defeat Russia 4-3 to win Gold at the World Championships!

Bronze: Finland
Silver: Russia
Gold: Canada



The Memorial Cup

Vancouver Giants (Hosts, BCHL team!)
Erie Otters (OHL Champions)
Kootenay Ice (WHL Champions)
Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL Champions)

May 5th, 2007 OHL Priority Selection



The IceDogs hold the 4th Overall Pick in the Draft!



With the first overall pick of the draft, the Kitchener Rangers select Toronto Junior Canadiens defenseman Jacob Chychrun!



1st Round (4th Overall): LW/RW Alexcei Masch (Chatham Kent Cyclones, Alliance Pavilion League)





2nd Round (31st Overall): C Zak Bresden (Chatham Kent Cyclones, Alliance Pavillion League)





2nd Round (38th Overall): G Pierre-Olivier Harper (Sun County Panthers, Alliance Pavilion League)





3rd Round (42nd Overall): RD Tanner Broad (New Liskeard Cubs, Great Northern Midget League)





3rd Round (44th Overall): LD Todd Lacroix (Gloucester AA Rangers, Ottawa and District MHA Midget League)





4th Round (64th Overall): RW Fred Tory (North York AAA Rangers, Greater Toronto Hockey League)





5th Round (84th Overall): RD Sebastian Parent (Huron-Perth Lakers, Alliance Pavilion League)





6th Round (103rd Overall): C Floyd Piggot (Markham Junior Waxers, Eastern AAA Hockey League)





6th Round (104th Ovearll): LW Connor Forer (North York AAA Rangers, Greater Toronto Hockey League)





7th Round (124th Overall): RW Colan Julien (Scarborough Ice Raiders, Greater Toronto Hockey League)





8th Round (144th Overall): LD Dino Mattson (St. Louis Amateur Blues U16, United States U16 East)





10th Round (184th Overall): G Martin Deck (Brantford 99ers, Alliance Pavilion League)





11th Round (204th Overall): RW Owen Anderson (Kapuskasing Flyers, Great Northern Midget League)





13th Round (244th Overall): C Leath Irving (Mississauga Rebels, Greater Toronto Hockey League)





14th Round (264th Overall): LW Yashar Barletta (Superior Eagles, Hockey Northern Ontario)





15th Round (284th Ovearll): LD Conor Dillon (Clarington Toros, Eastern AAA Hockey League)





May 20th, OHL Awards Presentation



Red Tilson Award (Most Outstanding Player)

C Michael Dal Colle, London Knights (62GP, 38G, 76A, 114P, +44, 77 PIM, 8.71 AvR)

Runners-Up: C Connor McDavid (Erie Otters), C Nickolas Latta (Sarnia Sting)



William Hanley Award (Perserverance, Sportsmanship, Dedication to Hockey)

D Steven Varga, Peterborough Petes

Runners-Up: D Matthew Spencer (Peterborough Petes), LW Samuel Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs)



Matt Leyden Trophy (Coach of the Year)

Kris Knoblauch, Erie Otters

Runners-Up: Todd Gill (Kingston Frontenacs), Sheldon Keefe (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)



Max Kaminsky Trophy (Outstanding Defenseman)

Roland McKeown, Kingston Frontenacs (62GP, 13G, 49A, 62P, +42, 30 PIM, 8.35 AvR)

Runners-Up: Nikita Zadorov (London Knights), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie Colts)



OHL Goaltender of the Year

Christopher Festarini, Niagara IceDogs (50GP, 21-23-5, 4 SO, 2.89 GAA, .908 SV%, 8.22 AvR)

Runners-Up: Spencer Martin (Mississauga Steelheads), Philippe Trudeau (Ottawa 67's)



Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)

RW Peter Poulin-Roy, Kingston Frontenacs (52)

Runners-Up: LW Samuel Bennett (Kingston Frontenacs), C Jared McCann (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

Note: In real life the Eddie Powers Trophy goes to the Point Scoring Leader, and the note in the game says that's who it goes to, but the game always awards the trophy to the goal scoring leader instead, so I'm just going to say that's what it's actually for.



Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy (Overage Player of the Year)

RW Peter Poulin-Roy, Kingston Frontenacs (68GP, 52G, 40A, 92P, +29, 45 PIM, 7.75 AvR)

Runners-Up: C Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals), C Jarrod Maidens (Owen Sound Attack)

Note: None of these three players are actually overage players.



Emms Family Trophy (Rookie of the Year)

C Jared McCann, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (68GP, 44G, 53A, 97P, +27, 66 PIM, 8.28 AvR)

Runners-Up: RW Peter Poulin-Roy (Kingston Frontenacs), C Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)



Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)

C Stephen Pierog, Peterborough Petes

Runners-Up: D Nikita Zadorov (London Knights), C Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)



OHL Executive of the Year

Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters

Runners-Up: Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Jeff Twohey (Oshawa Generals)



OHL Star Player Award

C Michael Dal Colle, London Knights

Runners-Up: C Connor McDavid (Erie Otters), C Nickolas Latta (Sarnia Sting)

2007 Memorial Cup



May 21st



Erie Otters vs. Baie-Comeau Drakkar

Erie defeat Baie-Comeau 4-1! First star honours would go to Erie Otters defenseman Spencer Abraham, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Dylan Strome, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Erie Otters winger Joel Wigle, who recorded two assists!



Kootenay Ice vs. Vancouver Giants

Kootenay defeat Vancouver 6-2! First star honours would go to Kootenay Ice center Austin Vetterl, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Kootenay Ice center Ryan Chynoweth, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Kootenay Ice center Jaeden Descheneau, who recorded two assists!



May 23rd



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Kootenay Ice

Kootenay defeat Baie-Comeau 3-1! First star honours would go to Kootenay Ice center Sam Reinhart, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Kootenay Ice goaltender Mackenzie Skapsi, who stopped 33 of 35 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Kootenay Ice winger Tyler Wong, who scored a goal, and an assist!



Erie Otters vs. Vancouver Giants

Erie defeat Vancouver 7-0! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Dylan Strome, who recorded four assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters defenseman Cody Mintz, who scored two goals, and an assist! Third star would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored a goal, and two assists!



May 25th



Erie Otters vs. Kootenay Ice

Erie defeat Kootenay 4-2! First star honours would go to Erie Otters defenseman Spencer Abraham, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Kootenay Ice center Sam Reinhart, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Erie Otters center Jake Evans, who recorded an assist!



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Vancouver Giants

Baie-Comeau defeat Vancouver 6-1! First star honours would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar defenseman Alexis Vanier, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar center Felix Gerard, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar center Frederic Gamelin, who scored a goal, and an assist!



The host Vancouver Giants have been eliminated! The Erie Otters get a buy to the final, while the Kootenay Ice will play the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the Semi-Final!



May 30th, Memorial Cup Semi-Final



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Kootenay Ice

Baie-Comeau defeat Kootenay 4-1! First star honours would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar defenseman Alexis Vanier, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar center Denis Gorbunov, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar winger Alec Jon Banville, who recorded two assists!



June 2nd, Memorial Cup Final



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Baie-Comeau 6-1! First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Joel Wigle, who scored a goal, and three assists! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Brendan Gaunce, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who recorded two assists!



The Erie Otters are 2007 Memorial Cup Champions!

June 2007, CHL Import Draft and Other Business



June 2nd

The Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup, defeating the New York Rangers 4 games to 2!



June 3rd

The IceDogs release the following players

G Chris Festarini
RW Eric Ming
G Blake Richard

These players have been released because they are either just finished their overage season, or they are going into their overage season, and are surplus to requirements! The current plan is to keep the following three as my overage players:

D Luke Mercer
D Ryan Shipley
C Billy Jenkins



June 5th

The IceDogs announce the completion of a trade with the Barrie Colts, as the IceDogs send Russian defenseman Aleksandar Mikulovich, and center Ben Hughes to the Colts in exchange for winger Kegan Blasby!

Aleksandar Mikulovich played in 64 games for the IceDogs last season, putting up 10 (4+6) points, and was +8, with 30 penalty minutes!

Ben Hughes played in 61 games with the IceDogs last season, putting up 16 (5+11) points, and was +4, with 55 penalty minutes!

Kegan Blasby split last season between the Kitchener Rangers, and the Barrie Colts, playing in 65 games, and putting up 59 (32+37) points, and was +2, with 86 penalty minutes!

The Colts will be losing many of their best players to age, and the NHL next year, and the trade could signal the start of a rebuild, as they get a young defenseman, and a solid prospect at center, while the IceDogs shore up their right wing, which was a weak spot on the roster all this past season, picking up a viable first line winger.



June 7th

The Canadian Hockey League have released their All-Star Teams!



First All-Star Team

Goaltender: Alex DuBeau (Moncton Wildcats)
Defenseman: Philippe Archambault (Chicoutimi Sangueneens)
Defenseman: Roland McKeown (Kingston Frontenacs)
Forward: Leon Draisaitl (Prince Albert Raiders)
Forward: Jake Virtanen (Calgary Hitmen)
Forward: Sam Reinhart (Kootenay Ice)



Second All-Star Team

Goaltender: Etienne Marcoux (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada)
Defenseman: Randy Gazzola (Val d'Or Foreurs)
Defenseman: Nikita Zadorov (London Knights)
Forward: Ross Johnston (Victoriaville Tigres)
Forward: Matt Barzal (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Forward: Mikhail Grigorenko (Quebec Remparts)



Rookie All-Star Team

Goaltender: Spencer Martin (Mississauga Steelheads)
Defenseman: Matthew Spencer (Peterborough Petes)
Defenseman: Zack Taylor (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Forward: Alexis Pepin (Charlottetown Islanders)
Forward: Jared McCann (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
Forward: Travis Konecny (Ottawa 67's)



June 21st, CHL Import Draft

The IceDogs hold the 12th Overall Pick in the Draft!

With the 1st Overall Pick the Drummondville Voltigeurs select Swedish winger Oskar Lindblom (Brynas J20)!

The Kitchener Rangers were the first OHL team to select, third overall, and they selected Swedish defenseman Oliver Kylington (Farjestad J20)!



1st Round (12th Overall): RD Ville Jarvinen (Free Agent)



Last Season (With Tampereen Ilves A-Jrs, Finnish A-Junior SM-League): 38GP, 7G, 15A, 22P, +15, 58 PIM, 6.58 AvR



2nd Round (69th Overall): LW/C Kevin Fiala (Ambri-Piotta, Swiss National League A)



Last Season (With HV71 J20, Swedish J20 SuperElit): 33GP, 16G, 25A, 41P, +19, 44 PIM, 6.79 AvR

The likelihood that Fiala will come over without an NHL sign and send down is small. He is under contract in Switzerland for the 2007/08 Season.



June 23rd

The 2007 NHL Entry Draft was held today, and three IceDogs were drafted by NHL teams!

LW Brendan Perlini: Vancouver Canucks, 1st Round (26th Overall)
C Jordan Maletta: New York Rangers, 3rd Round (69th Overall)
D Luke Mercer: Anaheim Ducks, 7th Round (187th Overall)



The following IceDogs unsigned prospect was also selected in the draft:

LW Kevin Fiala: Ottawa Senators, 2nd Round (36th Overall)


The Columbus Blue Jackets held the first overall pick of the draft, and selected Kootenay Ice center Sam Reinhart, the New York Islanders selected London Knights center Michael Dal Colle with the second overall pick, and with the third overall pick the Edmonton Oilers selected Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Roland McKeown!



June 27th

The IceDogs announce the signing of Finnish defenseman Ville Jarvinen! Jarvinen was the IceDogs 1st Round pick, 12th Overall in the 2007 CHL Import Draft!



June 29th

IceDogs center Jordan Maletta has been named Niagara IceDogs Fans Player of the Year! In 65 games this season, Maletta put up 72 (27+45) points, and was +24, with 143 penalty minutes!



June 30th

The IceDogs Board of Directors announce that they expect the team will make the playoffs this season!

The Erie Otters will host the 2008 Memorial Cup!

2007 Offseason



July 1st

The OHL release their 2007/08 Season Schedule, and the IceDogs will open the season at home playing the Mississauga Steelheads on September 22nd, the Barrie Colts on September 24th, and the North Bay Battalion on September 29th!

Season Ticket Update: 572



July 4th

The IceDogs release the scheduled slate of pre-season games!



Starting with a three game tour of the USA!

August 11th: at Seattle Thunderbirds
August 13th: at Spokane Chiefs
August 15th: at Saginaw Spirit



Followed by the second annual Niagara Cup Tournament, where Niagara hosts the champions of each of the three leagues! The tournament will run from August 24-26! The IceDogs won the tournament last year, though none of the other teams return!

Niagara IceDogs (Hosts)
Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL Champions)
Kootenay Ice (WHL Champions)
Erie Otters (OHL, and Memorial Cup Champions)



Regular Pre-Season

September 4th: vs. Barrie Colts
September 7th: at Oshawa Generals
September 10th: at Kingston Frontenacs
September 12th: vs. Moncton Wildcats
September 14th: at London Knights
September 16th: vs. Mississauga Steelheads



July 5th

The IceDogs announce the signing of goaltender Martin Deck! Deck was the IceDogs 10th Round Pick (184th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!

The IceDogs announce the signing of winger Fred Tory! Tory was the IceDogs 4th Round Pick (64th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!

The IceDogs announce the signing of winger Colan Julien! Julien was the IceDogs 7th Round Pick (124th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!



July 8th

Season Ticket Update: 891



July 9th

The IceDogs announce the signing of winger Alexcei Masch! Masch was the IceDogs 1st Round Pick (4th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!



July 11th

Former IceDogs goaltender Chris Festarini has signed a 2 year deal that will pay him $450K per season with the Pittsburgh Penguins!

IceDogs defenseman Niibin Nashkawa's contract has officially gone into effect, and he joins the IceDogs!



July 13th

The IceDogs announce the signing of center Zak Bresden! Bresden was the IceDogs 2nd Round Pick (31st Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!



July 14th

The IceDogs announce the completion of a deal with the North Bay Battalion, sending center Hayden McCool, the rights to winger Connor Forer, and a 4th Round Pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection to the Battalion in exchange for winger Nick Betz!

Hayden McCool is considered a good prospect, but struggled last season in limited minutes behind Jordan Maletta and Carter Verhaeghe down the middle in Niagara! In 66 games he put up 16 (9+7) points, and was +3, with 75 penalty minutes, for a 6.21 AvR!

Connor Forer was the IceDogs 6th Round Pick (104th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection! He played last season for the North York AAA Rangers of the GTHL, where in 50 games he put up 49 (14+35) points, and was -8, with 91 penalty minutes for a 5.76 AvR!

Nick Betz split time between the Erie Otters, and the North Bay Battalion last year, playing in 59 games, and putting up 28 (6+22) points, and was -1, with 44 penalty minutes for a 7.02 AvR! Betz was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 6th Round (157th Overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft!



July 15th

The IceDogs announce the signing of goaltender Pier-Olivier Harper! Harper was the IceDogs 2nd Round Pick (38th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!

Season Ticket Sales: 1,084



July 22nd

Season Ticket Update: 1,950



July 24th

Former IceDogs winger Eric Ming has signed a 1 year contract worth $22,500 to play with the Manglerud Star of the Norwegian First Division!



July 29th

Canada has been chosen to host the 2012 World Junior Championship!

Season Ticket Update: 2,113



August 1st

IceDogs prospect Blaine Byron has committed to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes!

The Niagara IceDogs Board of Directors, and the Czech Ice Hockey Association both think I'm doing a good job!



August 5th

Season Ticket Update: 2,176

2007 Niagara IceDogs Alumni Report



Note: When doing a Junior League blog I always like to keep track of where some of the players go in their career after they move on to the professional ranks! However, since the list would get ridiculously long, ridiculously fast if I included every IceDogs I will restrict those kept track of to the following:

a) Those who were taken in the NHL Draft.

b) Those who played for the IceDogs as overage players, but were never taken in the draft.



Since so few people left the team this year, the report will be fairly short in length, but will obviously grow as the years pass.



NHL Draftees



None



Undrafted Overagers



G Christopher Festarini

6'2", 189 lbs, Age: 21, From: Oakville, Ontario, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, 2 yrs/$450K)

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs, OHL): 50GP, 21-23-5, 4 SO, 2.89 GAA, .908 SV%, 8.22 AvR

OHL Playoffs: Did Not Participate



Career (Ontario Hockey League): 149GP, 63-65-11, 9 SO, 3.18 GAA, .898 SV%, 8.22 AvR
Erie Otters (25 games), Niagara IceDogs (124 games)

OHL Playoffs: 3 GP, 0 SO, 3.81 GAA, .882 SV%



Individual Awards

2006/07 OHL Goaltender of the Year



After completeing his overage year with the Niagara IceDogs, Festarini managed to catch the eye of the Pittsburgh Penguins with his Goaltender of the Year performance, and signed a 2 year entry level contract, and will play his first professional season in the Penguins organization this coming season!



RW Eric Ming

5'10", 187 lbs, Age: 21, From: Ottawa, Ontario, Manglerud Star (Norwegian First Division, 1 year/$22.5K)

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs, OHL): 68GP, 23G, 29A, 52P, +15, 46 PIM, 6.69 AvR

OHL Playoffs: Did Not Participate



Career (Ontario Hockey League): 256GP, 47G, 71A, 118P, +21, 162 PIM, 6.69 AvR
Kitchener Rangers (188 games), Niagara IceDogs (88 games)

OHL Playoffs: 33GP, 5G, 4A, 9P, -7, 7 PIM
Kitchener Rangers (33 games)

After completeing his overage year with the Niagara IceDogs this past season, Eric Ming was unable to catch the eye of North American Scouts, and so has headed off to Europe to continue his dream of playing professional hockey, signing a 1 year deal with the Manglerud Star of the Norwegian First Division, where he will play his first season as a professional this coming year!

August 2007, US Tour, and Niagara Cup Tournament



August 11th

The IceDogs make their first stop on their American Tour, travelling to play the Seattle Thunderbirds! Martin Deck will get the start in goal for Niagara! Martin Deck stopped only 11 of the 15 shots he faced before being pulled in favor of Pierre-Olivier Harper, who stopped all 13 shots he faced the rest of the way to give Niagara the time to battle back, forcing overtime, where IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby played the hero, scoring the overtime winner!

Niagara 5, Seattle 4 (OT)

Kelly (1) (Verhaeghe)
Blasby (1) (Maletta, Masch)
Betz (1) (Maletta, Nashkawa) PP
Protapovich (1) (Nashkawa, Betz) PP
Blasby (2) (Maletta)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Shea Theodore, who recorded an assist!



August 12th

Season Ticket Update: 2,202



August 13th

The IceDogs continue on their American Tour, making a stop to play the Spokane Chiefs! Brent Moran will get the start in goal for Niagara! Brent Moran stopped 16 of the 18 shots he faced, and though the score was tied 2-2 after one period, the IceDogs would score three unanswered goals to take a decisive victory!

Niagara 5, Spokane 2

Jenkins (1) (Betz, Shipley)
Jenkins (2) (Blasby) PP
Blasby (3) (Unassisted)
Jarvinen (1) (Betz, Wilkie)
Gillard (1) (Verhaeghe, Todosichuk) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Billy Jenkins, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Spokane Chiefs defenseman Reid Gow, who scored a goal!



August 15th

The IceDogs finish up their American Tour, stopping in to play the Saginaw Spirit! Martin Deck will get the start in goal for Niagara! Martin Deck stopped 18 of the 23 shots he faced, and four straight goals to start the third put Saginaw up 5-2, and though the IceDogs attempted a comeback, Saginaw kept adding on as well!

Niagara 4, Saginaw 6

Cornell (1) (Gillard, Wilkie)
Kelly (2) (Bresden)
DiFruscia (1) (Bresden)
Gillard (2) (Kelly)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Broderick Kelly, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Saginaw Spirit center Jimmy Lodge, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Saginaw Spirit winger Jeremiah Addison, who scored a goal, and an assist!



August 19th

Season Ticket Update: 2,206



August 24th

The Niagara Cup Tournament begins play today, pitting the IceDogs against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, Kootenay Ice, and Erie Otters!



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs return home to play their first game of the Niagara Cup, against the reigning QMJHL Champion Baie-Comeau Drakkar! Brent Moran will get the start in goal for Niagara! Brent Moran stopped 21 of the 25 shots he faced, and the IceDogs took a 3-0 lead in the first five minutes, and though Baie-Comeau battled hard, the IceDogs managed to stay a step ahead the rest of the game!

Baie-Comeau 4, Niagara 6

Blasby (4) (Perlini, Jenkins)
Masch (1) (Bresden)
Jenkins (3) (Mercer, Kelly)
Bresden (1) (Perlini, Mercer)
Protapovich (2) (Todosichuk, Haydon)
Wilkie (1) (Protapovich, Haydon)

First star honours would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar defenseman Alexis Vanier, who recorded two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Zak Bresden, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Luke Mercer, who recorded two assists!



Erie Otters vs. Kootenay Ice

Kootenay defeat Erie 4-3! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Dylan Strome, who scored a goal, and two assists! Third star would go to Kootenay Ice defenseman Rinat Valiev, who scored a goal!



IceDogs center Billy Jenkins will miss 2 weeks with a thigh strain!



August 25th



Kootenay Ice vs. Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs remain at home to play their second game of the Niagara Cup, playing host to the Kootenay Ice! Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced, and though the score was tied 2-2 entering the second, the IceDogs scored twice in the middle stanza, and ended up holding on for the victory!

Kootenay 3, Niagara 5

Caron (1) (Gillard, Morris)
Maletta (1) (Blasby, Jarvinen) PP
Verhaeghe (1) (Haydon)
Verhaeghe (2) (Gillard, Dunn) PP
Shipley (1) (Unassisted) EN

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Kootenay Ice defenseman Arwin Atwal, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal!



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Erie Otters

Erie defeat Baie-Comeau 4-2! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Erie Otters winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored a goal, and two assists! Third star would go to Baie-Comeau Drakkar defenseman Alexis Vanier, who scored a goal, and an assist!



August 26th



Erie Otters vs. Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs finish off their Niagara Cup run, with a battle against the reigning OHL, and Memorial Cup champions Erie Otters! Brent Moran will get the start in goal for Niagara! Brent Moran stopped 25 of the 30 shots he faced, and though the IceDogs scored midway through the third period to go ahead 5-4, Erie would score in the final minute to end the game in a draw!

Erie 5, Niagara 5

DiFruscia (2) (Jarvinen, Betz)
Masch (2) (Unassisted) PP
Mercer (1) (Cornell)
Jarvinen (2) (Protapovich, Moran) PP
Betz (2) (Haydon, Bresden)

First star honours would go to Erie Otters winger Joel Wigle, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Nick Betz, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Erie Otters winger Mike Baird, who scored a goal, and an assist!



Baie-Comeau Drakkar vs. Kootenay Ice

Kootenay defeat Baie-Comeau 4-3! First star honours would go to Kootenay Ice center Zachery Zborosky, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Kootenay Ice defenseman Keoni Texeira, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Kootenay Ice center Ryan Chynoweth, who scored two goals!



The Niagara IceDogs are 2007 Niagara Cup Champions!



Season Ticket Update: 2,211

Early September 2007, Training Camp, Pre-Season, Czech Four Nations Under-20 Tournament



All unsigned prospects, with the exception of winger Kevin Fiala, and college center Blaine Byron have reported for training camp. With training camp starting, the players have been split into four teams!



Team Blue

G Brent Moran
D Luke Mercer
D Niibin Nashkawa
D Conor Dillon (tryout)
D Broderick Kelly
LW Tyler Jackson
LW Brendan Perlini
C Cody Caron
C Carter Verhaeghe
C Floyd Piggot (tryout)
RW Kegan Blasby
RW Colan Julien



Team Red

G Martin Deck
D Vince Dunn
D Dino Mattson (tryout)
D Ville Jarvinen
D Tanner Broad (tryout)
LW Anthony DiFruscia
LW Matt Gillard
C Billy Jenkins
C Alexander Protapovich
RW Nick Betz
RW Owen Anderson (tryout)



Team Green

G Pierre-Olivier Harper
D Zack Wilkie
D Aaron Haydon
D Sebastian Parent (tryout)
LW Mitchell Fitzmorris
LW Alexcei Masch
C Jordan Maletta
C Zak Bresden
RW Derek Todosichuk



Team White

D Ryan Sarris
D Ryan Shipley
D Todd Lacroix (tryout)
LW Graham Knott
LW Yashar Barletta (tryout)
C Johnny Cornell
C Leath Irving (tryout)
RW Fred Tory



September 1st

IceDogs Assistant GM Brad Ostrom has accepted a job as General Manager of the WHL's Kamloops Blazers! We wish him well, and will begin looking for a replacement!



September 2nd

Russia win the Czech Cup of the European Hockey Tour!

Italy win Group A of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!

Norway win Group B of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!

Latvia win Group C of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!



Season Ticket Update: 2,216



September 4th

IceDogs training camp opened up today with physical fitness testing, Showing outstanding fitness were newly acquired wingers Kegan Blasby, and Nick Bentz, while Jordan Maletta was a cause for concern!

Team Red defeat Team Blue 3-2! Best performance was put in by defenseman Ville Jarvinen, with mentions also going to winger Anthony DiFruscia, and tryout defenseman Tanner Broad!

Team Green defeat Team White 5-2! Winger Alexcei Masch, and tryout defenseman Sebastian Parent were the best players on the ice!



The IceDogs remain at home to open their preseason, playing host to the Barrie Colts! Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 32 of the 33 shots he faced, and the IceDogs scored in the third to force overtime, but Barrie won the shootout!

Barrie 2, Niagara 1 (SO) Defenseman Troy Donnay scored the shootout winner!

Lacroix (1) (Haydon, Bresden)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper, who stopped 32 of 33 shots in the loss! Second star would go to Barrie Colts goaltender Justin Fazio, who stopped 28 of 29 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Todd Lacroix, who scored a goal!



The Czech Four Nations Under-20 Tournament begins play today, pitting the Czech Republic against Russia, Sweden, and Finland!



Czech Republic vs. Sweden

Sweden defeat Czech Republic 4-3! First star honours would go to Czech center Matej Lev, who recorded two assists! Second star would go to Swedish winger Oskar Lindblom, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who recorded an assist!



Russia vs. Finland

Finland defeat Russia 4-0! First star honours would go to Finnish center Aleksei Saarela, who scored two goals, and two assists! Second star would go to Finnish winger Mikko Rantanen, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Finnish defenseman goaltender Juuse Saros, who posted a 27 save shutout!



September 6th

Team Green defeat Team Red 2-1! Wingers Alexcei Masch, and Anthony DiFruscia were the best players on the ice!

Team Blue and Team White skate to a 1-1 draw! Best performance was put in by tryout defenseman Todd Lacroix, with mention also given to winger Colan Julien, and defenseman Broderick Kelly!



Finland vs. Czech Republic

Finland defeat Czech Republic 6-4! First star honours would go to Finnish winger Jaako Kulmala, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Czech winger Lukas Blazek, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Finnish defenseman Mattias Pulli, who scored a goal, and an assist!



Sweden vs. Russia

Sweden and Russia battle to a 2-2 draw! First star honours would go to Swedish center Jacob de la Rose, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Russian center Nikita Zagryadsky, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who recorded an assist!



September 7th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Oshawa Generals! Brent Moran will get the start in goal for Niagara! Brent Moran stopped 19 of the 22 shots he faced, and though the Generals led 3-2 after one period, the IceDogs scored four unanswered goals to take a decisive victory!

Niagara 6, Oshawa 3

Masch (3) (Irving, Cornell)
Protapovich (3) (Jackson, Dunn) PP
Bresden (2) (DiFruscia)
Protapovich (4) (Jackson, Blasby) PP
Masch (4) (Verhaeghe, Perlini) PP
DiFruscia (3) (Bresden)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Zak Bresden, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Alexcei Masch, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Alexander Protapovich, who scored two goals!



Czech Republic vs. Russia

Czech Republic defeat Russia 5-2! First star honours would go to Czech center Matej Lev, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Russian defenseman Dmitry Filonenko, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Czech winger Lukas Blazek, who scored a goal!



Sweden vs. Finland

Finland defeat Sweden 4-2! First star honours would go to Finnish center Aleksi Saarela, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Swedish center Jacob de la Rose, who scored a goal!



September 8th

Team Blue defeat Team White 2-1! Defenseman Broderick Kelly, and winger Tyler Jackson were the best players on the ice!

Team Green defeat Team red 5-1! Best performance was put in by center Jordan Maletta, with mention also going to defenseman Zack Wilkie, and winger Alexcei Masch!



September 9th

The Hockey News have released their OHL Season Preview, and the Niagara IceDogs (Team MVP: Brendan Perlini, Key New Face: Alexcei Masch) were ranked 16th out of the 20 OHL Teams! Favourites to win the J.Ross Robertson Cup this season are the Peterborough Petes, though the Sarnia Sting should give them a good run! The Owen Sound Attack, and Kitchener Rangers should be solid contenders, while the Barrie Colts, and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are expected to struggle!



Season Ticket Update: 2,221



September 10th

Team Blue defeat Team White 5-0! Best performance was put in by defenseman Broderick Kelly, with mentions also given to center Carter Verhaeghe, and winger Kegan Blasby!

Team Green and Team Red battle to a 3-3 draw! Best performance was put in by Jordan Maletta, with mention also given to tryout defensemen Sebastian Parent, and Tanner Broad!



The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Kingston Frontenacs! Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped only 5 of the 9 shots he faced before being pulled in favor of Brent Moran, who stopped 15 of 16 shots the rest of the way, and the IceDogs never recovered from the early hole, taking the loss!

Niagara 2, Kingston 5

Blasby (5) (Jackson, Protapovich) PP
Perlini (1) (Unassisted)

First star honours would go to Kingston Frontenacs center Ryan Verbeek, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Kingston Frontenacs center Kylan Forrest, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Kingston Frontenacs winger Anthony Sorrentino, who recorded two assists!



September 11th

The IceDogs announce the signing of defenseman Sebastian Parent! Parent was the IceDogs 5th Round Pick (84th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!

The IceDogs announce the signing of defenseman Tanner Broad! Broad was the IceDogs 3rd Round Pick (42nd Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!

The IceDogs announce the signing of defenseman Todd Lacroix! Lacrois was the IceDogs 3rd Round Pick (44th Overall) in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection!



September 12th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Moncton Wildcats! Brent Moran will get the start in goal for Niagara! Brent Moran stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced before leaving the game due to injury, giving way to Pierre-Olivier Harper, who stopped all 6 shots the rest of the way, and the IceDogs scored late in the third to force overtime, where IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby played the hero, scoring the overtime winner!

Moncton 2, Niagara 3 (OT)

Jackson (1) (Knott)
Blasby (6) (Maletta, Perlini)
Blasby (7) (Perlini, Kelly)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who recorded an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who recorded two assists!



IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran will miss 10 days with a broken finger!

All unsigned prospects return to their midget teams!



The following IceDogs left the IceDogs to attend NHL training camps:

LW Brendan Perlini, Vancouver Canucks
RW Nick Betz, Toronto Maple Leafs
C Carter Verhaeghe, Toronto Maple Leafs
C Jordan Maletta, New York Rangers
D Luke Mercer, Anaheim Ducks



September 13th

IceDogs center Billy Jenkins resumes full contact practices after recovering from his thigh strain!



September 14th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the London Knights! Martin Deck will get the start in goal for Niagara! Martin Deck stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced, and the IceDogs jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, and though the Knights battled back, the IceDogs held him off to achieve the victory!

Niagara 4, London 2

Lacroix (2) (Jenkins)
Shipley (2) (Jenkins) SH
Protapovich (5) (Cornell)
Knott (1) (Protapovich)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Alexander Protapovich, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Todd Lacroix, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Billy Jenkins, who recorded two assists!



September 15th

Former IceDogs goaltender Chris Festarini has been released by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and is now a free agent!



September 16th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Mississauga Steelheads! Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 23 of the 24 shots he faced, and the IceDogs ran away with this game from the start, with Mississauga managing to break the shutout in the final minutes!

Mississauga 1, Niagara 6

DiFruscia (4) (Blasby, Haydon)
Bresdon (3) (Haydon)
Jarvinen (3) (Protapovich) PP
Masch (5) (Bresden)
Lacroix (3) (Cornell)
DiFruscia (5) (Blasby, Haydon)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Anthony DiFruscia, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Aaron Haydon, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who recorded two assists!



IceDogs center Jordan Maletta is an early cut from New York Rangers training camp, and returns to the IceDogs!

IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe, and winger Nik Bentz are early cuts from Toronto Maple Leafs training camp, and return to the IceDogs!



The IceDogs announce the hiring of Jason Maleyko as Assistant GM!



September 20th

The Hockey News released their OHL Top Ten Lists today!



Top Goaltenders

1. Liam Herbst (Kingston Frontenacs)
2. Spencer Martin (Mississauga Steelheads)
3. Alex Fotinos (Oshawa Generals)
4. Michael Giugovaz (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)
5. Nikita Serebryakov (Saginaw Spirit)
6. Jack Flinn (Owen Sound Attack)
7. Daniel Gibl (Barrie Colts)
8. Deron Motzko (Windsor Spitfires)
9. Charlie Graham (Belleville Bulls)
10. Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth Whalers)



Top Defensemen

1. Aaron Ekblad (Barrie Colts)
2. Jacob Chychrun (Kitchener Rangers)
3. Matthew Spencer (Peterborough Petes)
4. Sean Day (Mississauga Steelheads)
5. Nikita Zadorov (London Knights)
6. Phil Baltisberger (Guelph Storm)
7. Kyle Wood (North Bay Battalion)
8. Anthony DeAngelo (Sarnia Sting)
9. Jeff Corbett (Sarnia Sting)
10. Conor Cummins (Mississauga Steelheads)



Top Left Wingers

1. Damian Bourne (Sudbury Wolves)
2. Brendan Perlini (Niagara IceDogs)
3. Andre Burakovsky (Erie Otters)
4. Kerby Reichel (Guelph Storm)
5. Brandon Robinson (Kitchener Rangers)
6. Tavin Danyluk (North Bay Battalion)
7. Zach Bratina (London Knights)
8. Spencer Watson (Plymouth Whalers)
9. Jeremiah Addison (Saginaw Spirit)
10. Nick Moutrey (Saginaw Spirit)



Top Right Wingers

1. Nick Ritchie (Peterborough Petes)
2. Nikolai Goldobin (Sarnia Sting)
3. Ryan Hartman (Plymouth Whalers)
4. Nikita Korostelev (Sarnia Sting)
5. Zack Nastasiuk (Owen Sound Attack)
6. Josh Ho-Sang (Windsor Spitfires)
7. Jaden Lindo (Owen Sound Attack)
8. Nicholas Baptiste (Sudbury Wolves)
9. Holden Cook (Owen Sound Attack)
10. Mack Lemmon (Kingston Frontenacs)



Top Centers

1. Connor McDavid (Erie Otters)
2. Travis Konecny (Ottawa 67's)
3. Dylan Strome (Erie Otters)
4. Eric Cornell (Peterborough Petes)
5. Kyle Pettit (Mississauga Steelheads)
6. Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals)
7. Viktor Crus-Rydberg (Plymouth Whalers)
8. Matt Schmalz (Oshawa Generals)
9. Jordan Maletta (Niagara IceDogs)
10. Hunter Garlent (Guelph Storm)



Top Prospects

1. D Jacob Chychrun (Kitchener Rangers)
2. D Zach Werenski (Oshawa Generals) (Currently with USA U-18)
3. LW Jordan Greenway (Plymouth Whalers) (Currently with USA U-18)
4. LW Tavin Danyluk (North Bay Battalion)
5. C Travis Gaudet (Windsor Spitfires) (Currently with Burlington, OPJHL)
6. RW Baird Pierce (Guelph Storm (Currently with Kingston, OPJHL)
7. RW Shanon Richards (London Knights) (Currently with Toronto JC, OPJHL)
8. C Cleon Lynch (Guelph Storm) (Currently with Coburg, OPJHL)
9. RW Jan Hruby (Guelph Storm)
10. LW Alexcei Masch (Niagara IceDogs)



September 21st

A blockbuster deal today, as the Oshawa Generals acquire center Dylan Strome from the Erie Otters in exchange for Finnish defenseman Jimi Kuronen, center Josh Sterk, and the rights to defenseman Zach Werenski! This is the second blockbuster deal to invole Werenski's rights, he has yet to decide whether he would like to play college or major junior hockey!



The following players have been assigned to the St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL):

G Martin Deck
D Sebastian Parent
D Tanner Broad
D Niibin Nashkawa
D Vince Dunn
D Todd Lacroix
LW Tyler Jackson
LW Mitchell Fitzmorris
C Cody Caron
C Johnny Cornell
RW Fred Tory

2007/08 Niagara IceDogs Roster - The Goaltenders



Brent Moran

6'3", 180 lbs, Age: 18, From: Ottawa, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Starting Goaltender

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 20GP, 8-9-2, 1 SO, 3.00 GAA, .901 SV%, 8.05 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 39GP, 15-19-2, 1 SO, 3.59 GAA, ,887 SV%, 8.05 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (39 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Pierre-Olivier Harper

5'8", 178 lbs, Age: 16, From: South Mountain, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Backup Goaltender

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 2nd Round (38th Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Sun County Panthers, PAV): 50GP, 23-15-12, 2 SO, 2.99 GAA, .896 SV%, 7.46 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Martin Deck

5'11", 207 lbs, Age: 16, From: Bracebridge, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Goaltender

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 10th Round (184th Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Brantford 99ers, PAV): 50GP, 30-12-8, 0 SO, 2.69 GAA, .904 SV%, 7.66 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Unsigned Prospects

None

2007/08 Niagara IceDogs Roster - The Defensemen



Luke Mercer, Overage, Team Captain

5'11", 189 lbs, Age: 20, From: Mississauga, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: First Pairing, First Powerplay, First Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: Anaheim Ducks, 7th Round (187th Overall), 2007

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 68GP, 9G, 16A, 25P, +4, 61 PIM, 6.57 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 235GP, 16G, 57A, 73P, +47, 177 PIM, 6.57 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (235 games)

OHL Playoffs: 27GP, 0G, 5A, 5P, +12, 22 PIM
Niagara IceDogs (27 games)



Broderick Kelly

5'11", 200 lbs, Age: 19, From: St. Catharines, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Second Pairing, Second Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 68GP, 9G, 20A, 29P, +5, 22 PIM, 7.09 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 142GP, 12G, 24A, 36P, -12, 36 PIM, 7.09 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (142 games)

OHL Playoffs: 4GP, 0G, 0A, 0P, Even, 0 PIM
Niagara IceDogs (4 games)



Ryan Shipley, Overage

5'10", 191 lbs, Age: 20, From: Ilderton, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Third Pairing, Second Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 62GP, 6G, 12A, 18P, +10, 28 PIM, 6.40 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 178GP, 7G, 16A, 23P, -4, 136 PIM, 6.40 AvR
Ottawa 67's (78 games), Niagara IceDogs (100 games)

OHL Playoffs: 22GP, 0G, 0A, 0P, -7, 6 PIM
Ottawa 67's (17 games), Niagara IceDogs (5 games)



Todd Lacroix

6'2", 205 lbs, Age: 16, From: Collingwood, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Defenseman

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 3rd Round (44th Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (Gloucester AA Rangers, ODMHA): 50GP, 10G, 26A, 36P, -14, 92 PIM, 6.50 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Aaron Haydon

6'3", 189 lbs, Age: 18, From: Plymouth, Michigan, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: First Pairing, Second Powerplay, First Penalty Kill

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 1st Round (20th Overall), 2005

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 67GP, 5G, 14A, 19P, -12, 34 PIM, 6.19 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 67GP, 5G, 14A, 19P, -12, 34 PIM, 6.19 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (67 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Zach Wilkie, Alternate Captain

6', 169 lbs, Age: 17, From: St. Catharines, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Second Pairing, Second Powerplay

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 2nd Round (29th Overall), 2006)

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 65GP, 10G, 18A, 28P, +4, 58 PIM, 6.52 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 65GP, 10G, 18A, 28P, +4, 58 PIM, 6.52 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (65 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Sebastian Parent

5'7", 187 lbs, Age: 16, From: Collingwood, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Defenseman

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 5th Round (84th Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Huron-Perth Lakers, PAV): 50GP, 11G, 14A, 25P, -5, 74 PIM, 6.38 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Ville Jarvinen, Foreigner

6'2", 185 lbs, Age: 17, From: Tampere, Finland, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Third Pairing, First Powerplay

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 1st Round (12th Overall), 2007 CHL Import Draft

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Tampereen Ilves A-Jrs, FinJr): 38GP, 7G, 15A, 22P, +15, 58 PIM, 6.58 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Tanner Broad

6'1", 218 lbs, Age: 16, From: St. Mary's, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Defenseman

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 3rd Round (42nd Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With New Liskeard Cubs, GNML): 49GP, 10G, 22A, 32P, +2, 97 PIM, 6.67 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Ryan Sarris

6'1", 176 lbs, Age: 17, From: Brooklin, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Extra Defenseman

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 3rd Round (53rd Overall), 2006

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 18GP, 4G, 2A, 6P, +5, 8 PIM, 6.50 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 18GP, 4G, 2A, 6P, +5, 8 PIM, 6.50 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (18 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Niibin Nashkawa

5'11", 183 lbs, Age: 17, From: Mattawa, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Defenseman

Drafted: Sudbury Wolves, 13th Round (249th Overall), 2006

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Stoufville Spirit, OPJHL): 60GP, 10G, 32A, 42P, -6, 92 PIM, 6.67 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Vince Dunn

5'10", 185 lbs, Age: 17, From: Peterborough, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Defenseman

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 6th Round (109th Overall), 2005

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With St. Catharines Falcons, GOJHL): 59GP, 25G, 26A, 51P, +31, 134 PIM, 7.10 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 1GP, 0G, 0A, 0P, +1, 0 PIM, 6.00 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (1 game)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Unsigned Prospects

Conor Dillon (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, OPJHL)
Dino Mattson (Melfort Mustangs, SJHL)

2007/08 Niagara IceDogs Roster - The Left Wingers



Brendan Perlini

6'3", 185 lbs, Age: 18, From: Guildford, Great Britain, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: First Line LW, First Powerplay, Second Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: Vancouver Canucks, 1st Round (26th Overall), 2007

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 55GP, 18G, 35A, 53P, +2, 16 PIM, 7.04 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 114GP, 26G, 39A, 65P, -19, 24 PIM, 7.04 AvR
Barrie Colts (32 games), Niagara IceDogs (82 games)

OHL Playoffs: 5GP, 1G, 2A, 3P, Even, 4 PIM
Niagara IceDogs (5 games)



Anthony DiFruscia

5'11", 198 lbs, Age: 19, From: Welland, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Second Line LW

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 66GP, 11G, 13A, 24P, +15, 49 PIM, 6.55 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 134GP, 25G, 29A, 54P, +9, 107 PIM, 6.55 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (134 games)

OHL Playoffs: 5GP, 2G, 1A, 3P, +1, 10 PIM
Niagara IceDogs (5 games)



Alexcei Masch

6'2", 187 lbs, Age: 16, From: Curve Lake, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Third Line LW, Second Powerplay

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 1st Round (4th Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Chatham Kent Cyclones, PAV): 50GP, 28G, 37A, 65P, +30, 56 PIM, 6.88 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Graham Knott

6', 163 lbs, Age: 17, From: Holland Landing, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Extra Winger

Drafted: 3rd Round (40th Overall), 2006

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With St. Catharines Falcons, GOJHL): 60GP, 28G, 45A, 73P, +29, 72 PIM, 6.48 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Tyler Jackson

5'10", 163 lbs, Age: 19, From: Wainfleet, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Winger

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 7th Round (137th Overall), 2004

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 53GP, 4G, 7A, 11P, -9, 32 PIM, 5.77 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 53GP, 4G, 7A, 11P, -9, 32 PIM, 5.77 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (53 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Mitchell Fitzmorris

5'11", 189 lbs, Age: 19, From: Toronto, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Winger

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 52GP, 3G, 0A, 3P, -1, 60 PIM, 5.96 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 116GP, 6G, 4A, 10P, -26, 102 PIM, 5.96 AvR
Kingston Frontenacs (39 games), Niagara IceDogs (77 games)

OHL Playoffs: 3GP, 0G, 0A, 0P, EVen, 0 PIM
Niagara IceDogs (3 games)



Matt Gillard

5'11", 174 lbs, Age: 18, From: Welland, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Extra Winger

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 4th Round (77th Overall), 2005

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 22GP, 1G, 4A, 5P, -6, 12 PIM, 5.68 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 22GP, 1G, 4A, 5P, -6, 12 PIM, 5.68 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (22 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Unsigned Prospects

LW Kevin Fiala (Ambri-Piotta, Swiss National League A)
Yashar Barletta (Burlington Cougars, OPJHL)

2007/08 Niagara IceDogs Roster - The Right Wingers



Nick Betz

6'5", 209 lbs, Age: 19, From: Mount Clemens, Michigan, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: First Line RW

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: Toronto Maple Leafs, 6th Round (157th Overall), 2007

Last Season (With Erie Otters/North Bay Battalion, OHL): 59GP, 6G, 22A, 28P, -1, 44 PIM, 7.02 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 103GP, 10G, 30A, 40P, -6, 82 PIM, 7.02 AvR
Erie Otters (83 games), North Bay Battalion (20 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Kegan Blasby

5'11", 196 lbs, Age: 18, From: Markham, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Second Line RW, First Powerplay

Drafted: Kitchener Rangers, 6th Round (119th Overall), 2005

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Kitchener Rangers/Barrie Colts, OHL): 65GP, 32G, 27A, 59P, +2, 86 PIM, 7.03 AvR

OHL Playoffs: 14GP, 5G, 10A, 15P, -1, 14 PIM, 7.36 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 65GP, 32G, 27A, 59P, +2, 86 PIM, 7.03 AvR
Kitchener Rangers (42 games), Barrie Colts (23 games)

OHL Playoffs: 14GP, 5G, 10A, 15P, -1, 14 PIM, 7.36 AvR
Barrie Colts (14 games)



Derek Todosichuk

5'8", 156 lbs, Age: 19, From: Nilestown, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Fourth Line RW, Second Powerplay

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 12th Round (240th Overall), 2004

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 57GP, 9G, 6A, 15P, -16, 28 PIM, 5.74 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 57GP, 9G, 6A, 15P, -16, 28 PIM, 5.74 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (57 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Colan Julien

5'8", 207 lbs, Age: 16, From: Bethany, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Third Line RW

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 7th Round (124th OVerall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Scarborough Ice Raiders, GTHL): 50GP, 13G, 14A, 27P, +10, 96 PIM, 6.32 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Fred Tory

5'9", 185 lbs, Age: 16, From: Timmins, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Winger

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 4th Round (64th Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With North York AAA Rangers, GTHL): 50GP, 10G, 11A, 21P, -13, 74 PIM, 6.14 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Unsigned Prospects

Owen Anderson (Burlington Cougars, OPJHL)

2007/08 Niagara IceDogs Roster - The Centers



Jordan Maletta

6'3", 216 lbs, Age: 19, From: St. Catharines, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: First Line Center, Second Powerplay, First Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: New York Rangers, 3rd Round (69th Overall), 2007

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 65GP, 27G, 45A, 72P, +24, 143 PIM, 8.09 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 184GP, 39G, 73A, 112P, -10, 269 PIM, 8.09 AvR
Windsor Spitfires (93 games), Niagara IceDogs (91 games)

OHL Playoffs: 9GP, 2G, 1A, 3P, -8, 6 PIM
Windsor Spitfires (4 games), Niagara IceDogs (5 games)



Carter Verhaeghe, Alternate Captain

6'1", 194 lbs, Age: 19, From: Hamilton, Ontrio, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Second Line Center, First Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: Toronto Maple Leafs, 3rd Round (82nd Overall), 2006

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 62GP, 11G, 29A, 40P, +14, 68 PIM, 6.68 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 190GP, 33G, 67A, 100P, +7, 100 PIM, 6.68 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (190 games)

OHL Playoffs: 23GP, 3G, 4A, 7P, +3, 8 PIM
Niagara IceDogs (23 games)



Billy Jenkins, Overage

5'11", 171 lbs, Age: 20, From: Ottawa, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Third Line Center, Second Penalty Kill

Drafted: Undrafted

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 59GP, 13G, 8A, 21P, +3, 74 PIM, 6.25 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 216GP, 44G, 48A, 92P, -19, 137 PIM, 6.25 AvR
Kingston Frontenacs (84 games), Niagara IceDogs (132 games)

OHL Playoffs: 4GP, 0G, 1A, 1P, -4, 0 PIM
Kingston Frontenacs (4 games)



Zak Bresden

5'11", 194 lbs, Age: 16, From: Barrhaven, Ontario, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Fourth Line Center

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 2nd Round (31st Overall), 2007

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Chatham Kent Cyclones, PAV): 50GP, 15G, 22A, 37P, +28, 62 PIM, 6.72 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Cody Caron

6'1", 167 lbs, Age: 17, From: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Center

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 7th Round (126th Overall), 2006

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With St. Catharines Falcons, GOJHL): 58GP, 13G, 17A, 30P, +24, 64 PIM, 6.28 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 0GP



Alexander Protapovich, Foreigner

6'2", 180 lbs, Age: 18, From: Novocheboksarsk, Russia, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Role: Fourth Line LW, First Powerplay Center

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 2nd Round (80th Overall), 2006 CHL Import Draft

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With Niagara IceDogs): 62GP, 6G, 12A, 18P, -21, 66 PIM, 5.81 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 62GP, 6G, 12A, 18P, -21, 66 PIM, 5.81 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (62 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Johnny Corneil

5'10", 183 lbs, Age: 17, From: Lindsay, Ontario, St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL)

Role: Minor League Center

Drafted: Niagara IceDogs, 4th Round (74th Overall), 2006

NHL Rights: None

Last Season (With St. Catharines Falcons, GOJHL): 33GP, 18G, 15A, 33P, +16, 40 PIM, 6.79 AvR

Career (Ontario Hockey League): 21GP, 2G, 3A, 5P, -4, 56 PIM, 5.95 AvR
Niagara IceDogs (21 games)

OHL Playoffs: 0GP



Unsigned Prospects

Blaine Byron (Ohio State Buckeyes, CCHA)
Leath Irving (Sudbury Nickel Barons, NOJHL)
Floyd Piggot (Pickering Panthers, OPJHL)

Late September 2007



September 22nd

The IceDogs remain at home to open their season, playing host to the Mississauga Steelheads! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced in the game, and the game was scoreless until the final two minutes, when the Steelheads scored twice to take the victory!

Mississauga 2, Niagara 0

First star honours would go to Mississauga Steelheads goaltender Devin Williams, who posted a 19 save shutout! Second star would go to Mississauga Steelheads defenseman Kyle Capobianco, who scored a goal! Third star honours would go to Mississauga Steelheads defenseman Frank Hora, who recorded two assists!



IceDogs defenseman Luke Mercer is among the final cuts from Anaheim Ducks training camp, and returns to the IceDogs!

IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini is among the final cuts from Vancouver Canucks training camp, and returns to the IceDogs!



IceDogs winger Nick Betz will miss 10 days with a groin strain!



September 23rd

Plymouth Whalers winger Ryan Hartman is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 3 goals, and 2 assists!



September 24th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Barrie Colts! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced, and though the Colts scored early in the second period to tie the score 2-2, the IceDogs scored four unanswered goals in the third period to take the convincing victory!

Barrie 2, Niagara 6

Bresden (1) (Protapovich, Kelly)
Jarvinen (1) (Verhaeghe)
Wilkie (1) (Maletta) PP
Maletta (1) (Wilkie)
Protapovich (1) (Kelly)
Julien (1) (Jenkins, Verhaeghe)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Broderick Kelly, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who recorded an assist!



September 25th

IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran resumes full contact practices after recovering from his broken finger!



September 27th

IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen will miss 10 days after suffering a skate bite in practice!



September 29th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the North Bay Battalion! Brent Moran stopped 27 of the 28 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, and the Battalion never got in the game, though they managed to break up the shutout in the third period!

North Bay 1, Niagara 3

Blasby (1) (Perlini, Wilkie)
Perlini (1) (Shipley)
Protapovich (2) (Haydon, Blasby) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 27 of 28 shots in the victory! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to North Bay Battalion winger Nick Paul, who recorded an assist!



September 30th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Kingston Frontenacs! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 19 of the 23 shots he faced, and though the IceDogs led 2-1 going into the third, the Frontenacs would scored three goals in the third period to take the victory!

Niagara 2, Kingston 4

Maletta (2) (Perlini, Haydon)
Julien (2) (Perlini, Mercer) PP

First star honours would go to Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Ryan Hutchinson, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal!



IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby will miss 10 days with a damaged elbow!

Plymouth Whalers center Ryan Hartman is named OHL Player of the Week! In 3 games he scored 6 goals, and 4 assists!

Plymouth Whalers center Ryan Hartman is named OHL Player of the Month! In 5 games he scored 9 goals, and 6 assists!

Early October 2007



October 1st

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the North Bay Battalion! Brent Moran stopped 26 of the 29 shots he faced, and though the Battalion scored first, the IceDogs would score three straight goals to finish the first period leading 3-1, and stayed a step ahead the rest of the game!

Niagara 6, North Bay 3

Perlini (2) (Kelly, Julien) PP
Perlini (3) (Unassisted) PP
Gillard (1) (Todosichuk, Bresden)
Maletta (3) (Perlini)
Jenkins (1) (Bresden, Haydon)
Maletta (4) (Sarris)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Zak Bresden, who recorded two assists!



The ISS released their Preliminary Rankings for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and two IceDogs were ranked!

G Brent Moran #126
LW Graham Knott #136

The top-ranked player was Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, followed by Seattle Thunderbirds center Matt Barzal, and Shawinigan Cataractes winger Nicolas Roy!


The ISS also released their Preliminary Rankings for the 2008 OHL Priority Selection! The top-ranked player was Ottawa Sting winger Brennan Rochefort, followed by Nickel City Sons winger Daryl Gibb, and Hawkesbury Hawks winger Derek Parsons!



The ISS also released their Preliminary Rankings for the 2008 CHL Import Draft! The top-ranked player was Czech winger Anatoly Kolek (Havlickuv Brod Jrs, Czech Junior League), followed by Latvian defenseman Zintus Boluss (HK Riga, Russian Minor Hockey League), and Slovakian winger Lumir Visnovsky (Banska Bystrica Jrs, Slovakian Junior League)!



The Groups were drawn today for this years World Junior Championships, and the Czech Republic drew into Group A, with the USA, Russia, Slovakia, and Kazakhstan!



October 4th

IceDogs winger Nick Betz resumes full contact practices after recovering from his groin strain!



October 6th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the London Knights! Brent Moran stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced, and though the Knights scored late in the second period to tie the score 1-1 going to the third, but the IceDogs potted two in the third to take the victory!

Niagara 3, London 1

Todosichuk (1) (Perlini, Haydon) PP
Perlini (4) (Todosichuk) PP
Jenkins (2) (Kelly) EN

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 29 of 30 shots in the victory! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Derek Todosichuk, who scored a goal, and an assist!



October 7th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Sarnia Sting! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 14 of the 17 shots he faced, and though the Sting led 3-2 midway through the third period, the IceDogs scored three times in the final five minutes to take the victory!

Niagara 5, Sarnia 3

Betz (1) (Wilkie, Perlini)
Julien (3) (Wilkie, Kelly)
Haydon (1) (Unassisted) PP
Kelly (1) (Perlini)
Perlini (5) (Betz, Kelly)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Broderick Kelly, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored a goal, and two assists! Third star would go to Sarnia Sting winger Carl-Philippe Finn, who scored a goal!



Erie Otters center Connor McDavid is named OHL Player of the Week! In 3 games he scored 5 goals, and 8 assists!



IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen resumes full contact practices after recovering from his skate bite!



October 8th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Saginaw Spirit! Brent Moran stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced, taking care of business, while the IceDogs blitzed the Saginaw goal, firing 43 shots on target, and winning decisively, blowing the Spirit out of the water!

Niagara 5, Saginaw 1

Masch (1) (Verhaeghe, Jarvinen)
Gillard (2) (Haydon, Jenkins)
Perlini (6) (Todosichuk, Jarvinen) PP
Mercer (1) (Protapovich) PP
Masch (2) (Unassisted)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Alexcei Masch, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 24 of 25 shots in the victory!



October 10th

IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby resumes full contact practices after recovering from his damaged elbow!



October 11th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds! Brent Moran stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced, and though he had a good game, the rest of the team didn't, as they were shutout by Greyhounds goaltender Michael Giugovaz!

Niagara 0, Sault Ste. Marie 2

First star honours would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds goaltender Michael Giugovaz, who posted a 27 save shutout! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 24 of 25 shots in the loss! Third star would go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman Justin Felker, who recorded an assist!



October 13th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Sudbury Wolves! Brent Moran stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced, and though the score was tied 2-2 after two periods, the IceDogs exploded for five goals in the third period, opening up the score in a decisive victory!

Sudbury 2, Niagara 7

Bresden (2) (Protapovich)
Protapovich (3) (Blasby, Mercer) PP
Masch (3) (Haydon, Jenkins)
Maletta (5) (Verhaeghe) SH
DiFruscia (1) (Jarvinen, Betz)
Todosichuk (2) (Shipley, Bresden)
Verhaeghe (1) (DiFruscia, Wilkie)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Zak Bresden, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Alexander Protapovich, who scored a goal, and an assist!



IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe played in his 200th OHL Game!



October 14th

Sarnia Sting center Robby Fabbri is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he recorded 5 assists!



October 15th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Ottawa 67's! Brent Moran stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced in the game, and though Ottawa scored early in the third period to tie the score 2-2, the IceDogs would scored two goals in the last half of the period to take the victory!

Ottawa 2, Niagara 4

Todosichuk (3) (Haydon, Verhaeghe) PP
Jarvinen (2) (Protapovich) PP
Wilkie (2) (Maletta)
Maletta (6) (Jenkins)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Zach Wilkie, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen, who scored a goal!

Late October 2007



October 20th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Belleville Bulls! Brent Moran stopped all 25 shots he faced in the game to record his first shutout of the season, and the offense backed him up, scoring five goals in the victory!

Belleville 0, Niagara 5

Maletta (7) (Wilkie) PP
Betz (2) (DiFruscia)
Bresden (3) (Protapovich)
Betz (3) (Maletta, Perlini)
Perlini (7) (Kelly, Maletta)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Nick Betz, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who posted a 25 save shutout!



October 21st

Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 2 goals, and 3 assists!



October 22nd

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Kingston Frontenacs! Brent Moran stopped all 21 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs absolutely exploded, with eight different IceDogs scoring a goal, and only center Billy Jenkins, and goaltender Moran not putting up a point!

Kingston 0, Niagara 8

Blasby (2) (DiFruscia, Jarvinen)
Julien (4) (Masch, Mercer)
Maletta (8) (Betz, Shipley)
Mercer (2) (Kelly, Verhaeghe)
Verhaeghe (2) (Maletta) SH
Protapovich (4) (Bresden, Todosichuk)
Perlini (8) (Betz, Wilkie)
Haydon (2) (Verhaeghe)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Luke Mercer, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal, and an assist!



October 24th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Oshawa Generals! Brent Moran stopped 20 of the 23 shots he faced, and though the IceDogs scored early in the third to tie the score 2-2, the Generals would scored just over a minute later, the goal that would win them the game!

Oshawa 3, Niagara 2

DiFruscia (2) (Verhaeghe, Blasby)
Wilkie (3) (Verhaeghe)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe, who recorded two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Anthony DiFruscia, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Oshawa Generals goaltender Alex Fotinos, who stopped 28 of 30 shots in the victory!



October 27th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Sudbury Wolves! Brent Moran stopped 33 of the 39 shots he faced in the game, and though the IceDogs actually led 3-1 after the first period, the defense would collapse after the first, and the Wolves scored five unanswered goals to take the victory!

Sudbury 6, Niagara 3

Masch (4) (Shipley, Wilkie)
Maletta (9) (Jarvinen)
Kelly (2) (Unassisted)

First star honours would go to Sudbury Wolves center Mathew Campagna, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Sudbury Wolves winger Rio Anzolin, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Sudbury Wolves center Connor Crisp, who recorded two assists!



October 28th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Belleville Bulls! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 16 of the 20 shots he faced, and despite the poor performance in goal, the IceDogs explode for nine goals and pick up the victory!

Niagara 9, Belleville 4

Blasby (3) (Verhaeghe, DiFruscia)
Perlini (9) (Betz) PP
Haydon (3) (Masch, Wilkie) PP
Jenkins (3) (Wilkie, Masch)
Betz (4) (Kelly, Maletta)
Jenkins (4) (Unassisted)
Blasby (4) (Mercer) PP
Haydon (4) (DiFruscia, Wilkie)
Jenkins (5) (Perlini, Jarvinen)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Billy Jenkins, who scored a hat trick! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Aaron Haydon, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Zach Wilkie, who recorded three assists!



IceDogs center Jordan Maletta played in his 200th OHL Game!

IceDogs center Billy Jenkins scored his 100th OHL Point!

Erie Otters winger Joel Wigle is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 3 goals, and 3 assists!



October 29th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Barrie Colts! Brent Moran stopped 34 of the 38 shots he faced, and the Colts scored near the end of the third period to force overtime, and went on to victory in the shootout!

Niagara 4, Barrie 5 (SO) Defenseman Troy Donnay scored the shootout winner!

Julien (5) (Jenkins, Knott)
Maletta (10) (Betz, Perlini)
Knott (1) (Julien, Haydon)
Protapovich (5) (Blasby, Perlini) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Colan Julien, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Graham Knott, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Barrie Colts winger Keaven Dube, who scored a goal!



October 31st

Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad is named OHL Player of the Month! In 12 games he scored 4 goals, and 10 assists!

Early November 2007, Finnish Four Nations Under-20 Tournament



November 3rd

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Erie Otters! Brent Moran stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs went ahead 2-0 in the first period, and despite relentless pressure, the Otters could not score more than the one goal in the third period, giving Niagara the victory!

Erie 1, Niagara 2

Knott (2) (Verhaeghe, Masch)
Betz (5) (Maletta, DiFruscia)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 33 of 34 shots in the victory! Second star would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Nick Betz, who scored a goal!



November 4th

Plymouth Whalers winger Ryan Hartman is named OHL Player of the Week! In 3 games he scored 2 goals, and 6 assists!



November 5th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Barrie Colts! Brent Moran stopped 18 of the 21 shots he faced, and though the IceDogs led 2-1 midway through the second period, the Colts would score three unanswered goals to take the victory!

Barrie 4, Niagara 2

Blasby (5) (Kelly, DiFruscia)
Mercer (3) (Perlini, Blasby) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Barrie Colts winger Brendan Levesque, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Barrie Colts winger Hans Stevens, who recorded an assist!



November 6th

The Finnish Four Nations Under-20 Tournament begins play today, pitting the Czech Republic against Sweden, Finland, and Russia!



Finland vs. Sweden

Sweden defeat Finland 5-3! First star honours would go to Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Swedish winger Oskar Lindblom, who scored two goals, and an assist! Third star would go to Swedish center Jacob de la Rose, who scored a goal, and an assist!



Russia vs. Czech Republic

Russia and Czech Republic battle to a 3-3 draw! First star honours would go to Russian winger Alexei Virshinin, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Czech center Matej Lev, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Russian center Samvel Mikhno, who scored a goal!



IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, and winger Brendan Perlini have been selected to play for the OHL All-Stars against the Russian Selects!



November 8th



Czech Republic vs. Finland

Finland defeat Czech Republic 5-1! First star honours would go to Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros, who stopped 32 of 33 shots in the victory! Second star would go to Finnish winger Mikko Rantanen, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Finnish defenseman Matias Pulli, who recorded two assists!



Sweden vs. Russia

Sweden and Russia battle to a 3-3 draw! First star honours would go to Swedish winger Oskar Lindblom, who scored a goal! Second star would go to Russian winger Yevgeni Svechnikov, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to SWedish center Gustaf Franzen, who scored a goal!



Former IceDogs goaltender Christopher Festarini has signed a 1 year/$470K contract with the Colorado Avalanche! The Avalanche have assigned him to the Denver Cutthroats of the Central Hockey League!



November 9th



Finland vs. Russia

Finland defeat Russia 2-1! First star honours would go to Finnish winger Mikko Rantanen, who scored a goal! Second star would go to Russian goaltender Maxim Tretyak, who stopped 33 of 35 shots in the loss! Third star would go to Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros, who stopped 24 of 25 shots in the victory!



Sweden vs. Czech Republic

Sweden defeat Czech Republic 6-2! First star honours would go to Swedish winger Joel Wallen, who scored two goals! Second star would go to SWedish winger Oskar Lindblom, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who recorded two assists!



Sweden win the Finnish Four Nations Under-20 Tournament!





November 10th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Guelph Storm! Brent Moran stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs offense did more than enough, especially Brendan Perlini, who was in on five of the IceDogs six goals!

Niagara 6, Guelph 2

Shipley (1) (Perlini) SH
Maletta (11) (Perlini, Betz)
Haydon (5) (Verhaeghe)
Perlini (10) (Maletta)
Shipley (2) (Haydon, Perlini)
Perlini (11) (Blasby, Protapovich) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored two goals, and three assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ryan Shipley, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Aaron Haydon, who scored a goal, and an assist!



There are rumors going around that several NHL teams, most notably the Buffalo Sabres, and Winnipeg Jets are thinking about selecting unranked Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft!



November 11th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Erie Otters! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 25 of the 27 shots he faced, and though at one point Erie led 2-1, four unanswered IceDogs goals gave them the victory!

Niagara 5, Erie 2

DiFruscia (3) (Betz, Maletta)
Masch (5) (DiFruscia, Verhaeghe)
Maletta (12) (Masch, Betz) PP
DiFruscia (4) (Masch, Verhaeghe)
Blasby (6) (Jarvinen, Mercer) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Anthony DiFruscia, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Alexcei Masch, who scored a goal, and two assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe, who recorded two assists!



Sweden win the Finland Games of the European Hockey Tour!

Kazakhstan win Group D of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!

Italy win Group E of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!

Slovenia win Group F of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!



Ottawa 67's center Travis Konecny is named OHL Player of the Week! In 3 games he scored 3 goals, and 5 assists!



November 12th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the North Bay Battalion! Brent Moran stopped 27 of the 31 shots he faced, and though the IceDogs drew first blood early, the Battalion scored four unanswered goals to take the victory!

Niagara 1, North Bay 4

Haydon (6) (Mercer, Jenkins)

First star honours would go to North Bay Battalion center Patrik Machac, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to North Bay Battalion winger Nick Paul, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to North Bay Battalion goaltender Jake Smith, who stopped 22 of 23 shots in the victory!



November 14th

Canada wins the Deutschland Cup!



November 15th

The IceDogs announce the signing of overage winger Justin Auger! Auger played last season with the Guelph Storm, playing in 67 games, and putting up 40 (22+18) points, and was -2 with 48 penalty minutes! He played one game with Guelph this season, before being released! Auger was drafted in the 4th Round (103rd Overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006! The fans were elated at the signing, hailing this as a sign that the team will challenge for the Cup this year!

Overage center Billy Jenkins was released by the IceDogs to make room for Auger, Jenkins played in 22 games this year with Niagara, putting up 11 (5+6) points, and was +14, with 18 penalty minutes!

Late November 2007



November 17th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Guelph Storm! Brent Moran stopped all 22 shots he faced in the game to record his third shutout of the season, and the IceDogs backed up his effort with five goals, with Justin Auger making an immediate impact, assisting on three of the goals!

Guelph 0, Niagara 5

Masch (6) (Maletta, Auger) PP
DiFruscia (5) (Auger, Haydon)
Masch (7) (Auger, Maletta) PP
Perlini (12) (Blasby, Protapovich) PP
Mercer (4) (Maletta)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Justin Auger, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who posted a 22 save shutout! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who recorded three assists!



IceDogs defenseman Ryan Shipley played in his 200th OHL Game!



November 18th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Owen Sound Attack! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 15 of the 17 shots he faced, and though the Attack led 2-1 going into the third, the IceDogs scored three unanswered goals in the third to claim the victory!

Niagara 4, Owen Sound 2

Masch (8) (Verhaeghe, Kelly)
Protapovich (6) (Perlini, Blasby) PP
Perlini (13) (Blasby) PP
Auger (1) (Perlini, Maletta)

First star honours would go to Owen Sound Attack center Jarrod Maidens, who recorded two assists! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Owen Sound Attack defenseman Brian Malhotra, who scored a goal!



Erie Otters center Connor McDavid is named OHL Player of the Week! In 4 games he scored 8 goals, and 2 assists!



November 19th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Ottawa 67's! Brent Moran stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced, and the IceDogs scored late in the third period to force overtime, where Ottawa defenseman Aiden Jamieson played the hero, scoring the winner just 15 seconds into the extra frame!

Niagara 4, Ottawa 5 (OT)

Bresden (4) (Blasby)
Bresden (5) (Masch, Mercer)
Maletta (13) (Wilkie, Masch) PP
Betz (6) (Unassisted)

First star honours would go to Ottawa 67's center Travis Konecny, who scored a hat trick! Second star would go to Ottawa 67's defenseman Aiden Jamieson, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Zak Bresden, who scored two goals!



November 22nd

The QMJHL All-Stars defeat the Russian Selects 5-1! First star honours would go to Shawinigan Cataractes winger Nicolas Roy, who recorded two assists! Second star would go to Halifax Mooseheads goaltender Zachary Fucale, who stopped 31 of 32 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Halifax Mooseheads defenseman Simon Boudreau, who scored a goal, and an assist!



November 23rd

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Peterborough Petes! Brent Moran stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced in the game, and though the Petes scored early in the third period to tie the score 3-3, IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby scored twice in the third to take the victory!

Peterborough 3, Niagara 5

Masch (9) (DiFruscia, Maletta)
Maletta (14) (Unassisted) SH
Maletta (15) (DiFruscia, Auger)
Blasby (7) (Kelly)
Blasby (8) (Jarvinen) EN

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen, who recorded an assist!



November 24th

IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe will miss 10 days with a hip flexor strain!



November 25th

The OHL All-Stars defeat the Russian Selects 6-2! First star honours would go to Erie Otters center Connor McDavid, who scored a hat trick! Second star would go to Peterborough Petes winger Nick Ritchie, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who recorded two assists!

IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini played 25:42, and was +1!

IceDogs center Jordan Maletta played 9:02, and was Even!



Ottawa 67's center Travis Konecny is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 5 goals!



November 26th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Sudbury Wolves! Brent Moran stopped 23 of the 25 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs ran out to a 4-0 lead by the end of the first period, and held on through a late Sudbury comeback attempt, to achieve the victory!

Niagara 4, Sudbury 2

Mercer (5) (Perlini, Haydon) PP
Maletta (16) (Mercer, Jarvinen) PP
Blasby (9) (Maletta, Perlini) PP
Jarvinen (3) (Perlini) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who recorded three assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal, and an assist!



November 28th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds! Brent Moran stopped 21 of the 25 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs scored five straight goals in the second period that put them ahead for good!

Sault Ste. Marie 4, Niagara 7

Blasby (10) (Protapovich, Wilkie)
Perlini (14) (Auger, Bresden)
Perlini (15) (Maletta, Auger)
Julien (6) (Knott)
Blasby (11) (Jarvinen, Maletta) PP
Auger (2) (Haydon, Protapovich) PP
Perlini (16) (Jarvinen, Mercer) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini, who scored a hat trick! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who recorded two assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Justin Auger, who scored a goal, and two assists!



IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini scored his 100th OHL Point!

IceDogs winger Justin Auger played in his 200th OHL Game!



November 30th

Erie Otters center Connor McDavid is named OHL Player of the Month! In 11 games he scored 14 goals, and 9 assists!

OHL Round-Up End of November 2007



Conference Standings







Niagara IceDogs Player Statistics







OHL Scoring Race

Early December 2007



December 1st

The WHL All-Stars defeat the Russian Selects 5-1! First star honours would go to Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Swift Current Broncos center Jay Merkley, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Ryan Pilon, who recorded an assist!



December 2nd

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Sarnia Sting! Brent Moran stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced in the game, and though the score was tied 1-1 going into the third, two straight Niagara goals gave them the lead, and they would hang on through a late flurry from Sarnia to pick up the win!

Sarnia 2, Niagara 3

Wilkie (4) (Auger, Bresden)
Maletta (17) (Unassisted)
Maletta (18) (Jarvinen, Perlini) PP

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored two goals! Second star woudl go to Niagara IceDogs winger Justin Auger, who recorded an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 31 of 33 shots in the victory!



Peterborough Petes winger Nick Ritchie is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 5 goals, and an assist!



December 3rd

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Kitchener Rangers! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped only 9 of the 13 shots he faced before being pulled in favor of Brent Moran, who stopped all 14 shots he faced the rest of the way, and though the IceDogs trailed 4-2 midway through the second period, three unanswered IceDogs goals gave them the victory!

Kitchener 4, Niagara 5

Masch (10) (Todosichuk, Protapovich) PP
Blasby (12) (Maletta) PP
Perlini (17) (Mercer, Haydon) PP
Knott (3) (Blasby)
Protapovich (7) (Blasby, DiFruscia)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Kitchener Rangers center Maxime Gallant, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Kitchener Rangers winger Aidan Wallace, who scored a goal!



IceDogs winger Anthony DiFruscia has been suspended one game after getting 5 and a game for clipping in the game against Sarnia!



December 5th

IceDogs center Carter Verhaeghe resumes full contact practices after recovering from his hip flexor strain!



December 7th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Windsor Spitfires! Brent Moran stopped 19 of the 22 shots he faced in the game, and though the IceDogs jumped to a two goals lead right out the gate, the Spitfires scored three unanswered goals, claiming the victory!

Niagara 2, Windsor 3

Gillard (3) (Auger, Protapovich) PP
Auger (3) (Verhaeghe)

First star honours would go to Windsor Spitfires winger Ben Johnson, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Justin Auger, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Windsor Spitfires goaltender Deron Motzko, who stopped 24 of 26 shots in the victory!



December 8th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Plymouth Whalers! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 22 of the 27 shots he faced, and the Whalers scored three goals in the third period, and despite a valiant comeback effort from the IceDogs, the Whalers scored the empty netter to put it away!

Niagara 4, Plymouth 6

Wilkie (5) (Unassisted)
Mercer (6) (Verhaeghe)
Jarvinen (4) (Unassisted)
Wilkie (6) (Maletta, Perlini)

First star honours would go to Plymouth Whalers winger Michael Turner, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Plymouth Whalers winger Danny Desrochers, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Plymouth Whalers winger Connor Chatham, who scored two goals!



IceDogs winger Colan Julien suffered a hip flexor strain, and will miss three weeks!



December 9th

Kitchener Rangers center Matia Marcantuoni is named OHL Player of the Week! In 3 games he scored 5 goals, and 4 assists!



December 11th

IceDogs center Alexander Protapovich will miss 2 weeks with a hip flexor strain!



December 15th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Barrie Colts! Brent Moran stopped 28 of the 30 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs scored midway through the second to tie the score 2-2, and held on to force overtime, where the IceDogs would emerge victorious in the shootout!

Barrie 2, Niagara 3 (SO) Center Carter Verhaeghe scored the shootout winner!

Kelly (3) (Verhaeghe)
Mercer (7) (Unassisted) SH

First star honours would go to Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who scored a goal! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Luke Mercer, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Broderick Kelly, who scored a goal!



IceDogs defenseman Aaron Haydon played in his 100th OHL Game!

Mid December 2007, Russian Four Nations Under-20 Tournament



December 16th

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Belleville Bulls! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 18 of the 21 shots he faced, and but the IceDogs could generate nothing, unable to get the puck past Bulls netminder Charlie Graham!

Niagara 0, Belleville 3

First star honours would go to Belleville Bulls goaltender Charlie Graham, who posted a 30 save shutout! Second star would go to Belleville Bulls center Dante Marcantuoni, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Belleville Bulls defenseman Adam Bignell, who scored a goal!



Russia wins the Baltic Cup of the European Hockey Tour, and once again clinch victory in the Tour as a whole, with one leg still left to play!

Norway win Group G of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!

Latvia win Group H of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!

Italy win Group I of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge!



Erie Otters center Connor McDavid is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored a goal, and 5 assists!



December 17th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Mississauga Steelheads! Brent Moran stopped 24 of the 28 shots he faced in the game, and though the IceDogs scored midway through the second to tie the score 2-2, the Steelheads scored twice at the beginning of the third to take the lead, and though the IceDogs scored once more, they couldn't complete the comeback!

Niagara 3, Mississauga 4

Perlini (18) (Jarvinen, Blasby) PP
Blasby (13) (Kelly)
Gillard (4) (Unassisted) PP

First star honours would go to Mississauga Steelheads defenseman Sean Day, who recorded two assists! Second star would go to Mississauga Steelheads center Everett Clark, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Mississauga Steelheads center Benjamin Barbour, who scored a goal!



Austria win the Slovak Cup!



December 18th

The IceDogs announce that they have signed winger Nick Betz to come back and play his overage year with the IceDogs! Betz has played in 31 games with the IceDogs this year, putting up 15 (6+9) points, and is +6, with 15 penalty minutes!



December 19th

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Barrie Colts! Brent Moran stopped 33 of the 37 shots he faced in the game, and though the IceDogs scored midway through the third period to tie the game 3-3, the Colts would score the game winner just seconds later!

Niagara 3, Barrie 4

Blasby (14) (Jarvinen, Verhaeghe) PP
Shipley (3) (Bresden)
Auger (4) (Mercer, Perlini)

First star honours would go to Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who recorded three assists! Second star would go to Barrie Colts winger Sean Darrock, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Barrie Colts winger Liam Dunda, who scored a goal!



IceDogs defenseman Zach Wilkie played in his 100th OHL Game!



The Russian Four Nations Under-20 Tournament begins play today, pitting the Czech Republic against Finland, Sweden, and Russia!



Russia vs. Sweden

Russia defeat Sweden 4-2! First star honours would go to Russian winger Ivan Barbashev, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Swedish winger Oskar Lindblom, who recorded an assist! Third star would go to Swedish defenseman Adam Ollas Mattsson, who scored a goal!



Czech Republic vs. Finland

Finland defeat Czech Republic 5-2! First star honours would go to Finnish defenseman Aku Maki, who scored a goal, and two assists! Second star would go to Finnish center Timi Lahtinen, who scored two goals, and an assist! Third star would go to Czech winger Kevin Fiala, who scored a goal, and an assist!



Germany and Norway have won their respective groups at the Division 1 World Junior Championships, and will be promoted to the top flight for next years World Junior Championship!



IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini has been selected to play for Canada at the World Junior Championship!



December 20th

The IceDogs return home to play host to the Saginaw Spirit! Backup goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 22 of the 27 shots he faced, and though the score was tied 3-3 midway through the second, the Spirit scored three goals to the IceDogs one the rest of the way to claim the victory!

Saginaw 6, Niagara 4

Perlini (19) (Unassisted) SH
Maletta (19) (Auger, Wilkie)
Masch (11) (Blasby, Bresden)
Mercer (8) (Masch, Kelly)

First star honours would go to Saginaw Spirit winger Andrey Alexeev, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Saginaw Spirit center Jimmy Lodge, who scored a goal, and two assists! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Alexcei Masch, who scored a goal, and an assist!



IceDogs winger Justin Auger scored his 100th OHL Point!



Finland vs. Russia

Russia defeat Finland 4-2! First star honours would go to Russian center Vladislav Boyko, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Russian winger Yevgeni Svechnikov, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Russian winger Ivan Barbashev, who recorded two assists!



Sweden vs. Czech Republic

Sweden defeat Czech Republic 6-3! First star honours would go to Swedish winger Dmytro Timashov, who scored two goals! Second star would go to Swedish winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Swedish defenseman Amil Krupic, who recorded two assists!



The IceDogs announce the signing of winger Anthony DiFruscia to return to play his overage year with the club! DiFruscia has played in 36 games with the IceDogs this season, putting up 16 (5+11) points, and is +8, with 55 penalty minutes!



December 21st



Russia vs. Czech Republic

Russia defeat Czech Republic 3-1! First star honours would go to Russian center Vladislav Boyko, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Russian goaltender Maxim Tretyak, who stopped 28 of 29 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Russian winger Ivan Barbashev, who recorded two assists!



Sweden vs. Finland

Sweden defeat Finland 5-3! First star honours would go to Swedish winger Andre Burakovsky, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Swedish center Adrian Kempe, who scored two goals! Third star would go to Swedish winger Petter Makitalo, who scored a goal, and an assist!



Russia Wins the Russian Four Nations Under-20 Tournament!





December 23rd

The IceDogs announce that they have signed defenseman Broderick Kelly to come back to play his overage year with the club! Kelly has played in 37 games with the IceDogs this season, putting up 17(3+14) points, and is +22, with 18 penalty minutes!

The IceDogs announce that they have signed center Jordan Maletta to come back to play his overage year with the club next season! Maletta has played in 36 games with the IceDogs this season, putting up 38 (19+19) points, and is +18, with 48 penalty minutes!



Owen Sound Attack center Jarrod Maidens is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 2 goals, and 4 assists!



December 24th

IceDogs center Alexander Protapovich resumes full contact practices after recovering from his hip flexor strain!



December 25th

The following IceDogs have left the team to participate in the World Junior Hockey Championship in Austria!

LW Brendan Perlini, Canada
GM Mark Addison, Czech Republic

Czech Republic Roster - 2007/08 World Junior Hockey Championship - Host Country: Austria



Goaltenders



Robert Melka

5'10", 154 lbs, Age: 16, From: Decin, Czech Republic, Chomutov Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Starting Goaltender

Stats: 19GP, 15-2-2, 4 SO, 1.94 GAA, .931 SV%, 8.32 AvR



Zdislav Rezek

6'1", 152 lbs, Age: 16, From: Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, Hradec Kralove Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Backup Goaltender

Stats: 16GP, 11-3-2, 3SO, 2.13 GAA, .921 SV%, 8.06 AvR



Gabriela Sedlacek

6', 205 lbs, Age: 19, From: Jihlava, Czech Republic, Jihlava Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Third String Goaltender

Stats: 16GP, 8-5-3, 0 SO, 3.50 GAA, .872 SV%, 6.88 AvR



Defensemen



Jan Kostalek

6', 183 lbs, Age: 19, From: Prague, Czech Republic, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Role: First Pairing, First Penalty Kill

Drafted (CHL): Rimouski Oceanic, 1st Round (10th Overall), 2005

Drafted (NHL): Winnipeg Jets, 4th Round (114th Overall), 2006

Stats: 38GP, 4G, 18A, 22P, +9, 14 PIM, 7.18 AvR



Filip Pyrochta

5'11", 171 lbs, Age: 18, From: Liberec, Czech Republic, Liberec Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: First Pairing, Second Powerplay

Stats: 15GP, 2G, 9A, 11P, +7, 10 PIM, 7.40 AvR



Tomas Andrlik

5'11", 176 lbs, Age: 19, From: Plzen, Czech Republic, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Role: Third Pairing

Drafted (CHL): Prince Albert Raiders, 1st Round (37th Overall), 2006

Stats: 25GP, 1G, 2A, 3P, +5, 6 PIM, 6.52 AvR



Radek Dlouhy

5'5", 178 lbs, Age: 18, From: Olomouc, Czech Republic, Mlada Boleslav Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Second Pairing, Second Penalty Kill

Drafted (CHL): Moncton Wildcats, 1st Round (40th Overall), 2007

Stats: 10GP, 1G, 4A, 5P, +1, 20 PIM, 6.70 AvR



Mojmir Hrach

5'9", 154 lbs, Age: 16, From: Vsetin, Czech Republic, Vsetin Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Fourth Pairing

Stats: 20GP, 7G, 9A, 16P, -5, 24 PIM, 7.20 AvR



Lubomir Kudelka

5'11", 174 lbs, Age: 16, From: Rychnov nad Kneznou, Czech Republic, Pardubice Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Third Pairing, Second Penalty Kill

Stats: 19GP, 3G, 14A, 17P, +2, 38 PIM, 7.26 AvR



Alex Rasner, Alternate Captain

5'11", 165 lbs, Age: 18, From: Olomouc, Czech Republic, Mlada Boleslav Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Fourth Pairing, First Powerplay

Drafted (CHL): London Knights, 1st Round (58th Overall), 2006

Stats: 10GP, 1G, 8A, 9P, Even, 18 PIM, 7.10 AvR



Oldrich Ulrych

6'2", 174 lbs, Age: 16, From: Brno, Czech Republic, Kometa Brno (Czech Elite League)

Role: Second Pairing, Second Powerplay, First Penalty Kill

Stats: 19GP, 2G, 4A, 6P, +1, 18 PIM, 6.32 AvR



David Nemecek

6'4", 205 lbs, Age: 19, From: Plzen, Czech Republic, Budejovice Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Extra Defenseman

Drafted (CHL): Saskatoon Blades, 1st Round (49th Overall), 2006

Stats: 17GP, 6G, 10A, 16P, +1, 34 PIM, 7.24 AvR



The Left Wingers



Kevin Fiala

5'11", 196 lbs, Age: 18, From: Switzerland, Ambri-Piotta (Swiss National League A)

Role: First Line LW, Second Powerplay

Drafted (CHL): Niagara IceDogs, 2nd Round (69th Overall), 2007

Drafted (NHL): Ottawa Senators, 2nd Round (36th Overall), 2007

Stats: 23GP, 2G, 5A, 7P, +5, 32 PIM, 5.78 AvR



Dominik Kubalik

6'1", 185 lbs, Age: 19, From: Plzen, Czech Republic, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Role: Fourth Line LW, First Powerplay

Drafted (CHL): Sudbury Wolves, 1st Round (27th Overall), 2005

Drafted (NHL): Los Angeles Kings, 7th Round (191st Overall), 2006

Stats: 31GP, 5G, 7A, 12P, -4, 24 PIM, 6.52 AvR



Jiri Kepka

6', 185 lbs, Age: 19, From: Plzen, Czech Republic, Plzen (Czech Elite League)

Role: Third Line LW

Stats: 35GP, 2G, 3A, 5P, -4, 26 PIM, 6.14 AvR



Robin Klimes

5'10", 176 lbs, Age: 16, From: Prague, Czech Republic, Sparta Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Second Line LW

Stats: 13GP, 2G, 5A, 7P, +5, 10 PIM, 6.77 AvR



Lukas Sladkovsky

5'10", 147 lbs, Age: 18, From: Melnik, Czech Republic, Litomerice (Czech First Division)

Role: Extra Winger

Drafted (CHL): Val d'Or Foreurs, 2nd Round (87th Overall), 2006

Stats: 23GP, 7G, 3A, 10P, -2, 32 PIM, 6.26 AvR



The Right Wingers



Jakub Vrana

5'11", 187 lbs, Age: 18, From: Prague, Czech Republic, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)

Role: First Line RW, First Penalty Kill

Drafted (NHL): Pittsburgh Penguins, 1st Round (24th Overall), 2007

Stats: 31GP, 4G, 1A, 5P, Even, 12 PIM, 6.13 AvR



David Pastrnak

6', 167 lbs, Age: 18, From: Havirov, Czech Republic, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

Role: Second Line RW, Second Powerplay

Drafted (NHL): Chicago Blackhawks, 1st Round (30th Overall), 2007

Stats: 28GP, 5G, 5A, 10P, -1, 16 PIM, 6.21 AvR



Vaclav Karabacek

5'11", 189 lbs, Age: 18, From: Czech Republic, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Role: Fourth Line RW, First Powerplay

Drafted (CHL): Gatineau Olympiques, 1st Round (18th Overall), 2006

Stats: 23GP, 8G, 13A, 21P, Even, 16 PIM, 6.96 AvR



Patrik Zdrahal, Alternate Captain

5'11", 174 lbs, Age: 19, From: Ostrava, Czech Republic, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Role: Third Line RW

Drafted (CHL): Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 1st Round (28th Overall), 2005

Stats: 39GP, 17G, 15A, 32P, +8, 50 PIM, 6.74 AvR



The Centers



Pavel Zacha

6'1", 165 lbs, Age: 17, From: Brno, Czech Republic, Litomerice (Czech First Division)

Role: Fourth Line Center, First Powerplay

Stats: 23GP, 4G, 2A, 6P, -9, 28 PIM, 6.04 AvR



Adam Musil

6'1", 187 lbs, Age: 17, From: Delta, British Columbia, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Role: Third Line Center, Second Penalty Kill

Stats: 30GP, 6G, 7A, 13P, +1, 42 PIM, 6.73 AvR



Lukas Vopelka, Team Captain

6'1", 174 lbs, Age: 18, From: Czech Republic, Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

Role: First Line Center, Second Powerplay, First Penalty Kill

Drafted (NHL): Nashville Predators, 7th Round (201st Overall), 2007

Stats: 29GP, 6G, 1A, 7P, -3, 30 PIM, 6.24 AvR



Matej Lev

5'10", 207 lbs, Age: 19, From: Jindrichuv Hradec, Czech Republic, Litomerice (Czech First Division)

Role: Second Line Center, Second Penalty Kill

Stats: 23GP, 4G, 5A, 9P, -6, 16 PIM, 5.70 AvR



Alex Sevcik

6'2", 211 lbs, Age: 16, From: Litvinov, Czech Republic, Litvinov Jrs (Czech Junior League)

Role: Extra Center

Stats: 12GP, 2G, 5A, 7P, -3, 30 PIM, 6.25 AvR

Late December 2007, World Junior Championship, Group Stage



December 26th

The World Junior Championship begins play today, the Czech Republic drew into Group A with Russia, USA, Slovakia, and Kazakhstan! Group B consists of Canada, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, and Latvia!



Czech Republic vs. USA

The Czech Republic play their first game of the World Junior Championship against the USA! Radek Melka stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced, and though the Czechs managed to draw first blood, the US would score three unanswered goals to take the victory!

Czech Republic 1, USA 3

Zdrahal (1) (Kudelka)

First star honours would go to American winger Adam Erne, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to American center Jack Eichel, who scored a goal! Third star would go to American goaltender Eric Comrie, who stopped 20 of 21 shots in the victory!



Kazakhstan vs. Russia

Russia defeat Kazakhstan 4-0! First star honours would go to Russian center Vladislav Boyko, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Russian goaltender Maxim Tretyak, who posted a 32 save shutout! Third star would go to Russian winger Yevgeni Svechnikov, who scored a goal, and an assist!



In Group B action, Canada defeat Sweden 5-4, and Finland defeat Latvia 4-1!



IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini played 12:10, recorded an assist, was +1, and had 1 shot on goal for Team Canada in their 5-4 victory over Sweden!



December 27th



Russia vs. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic get ready to play their second game of the World Junior Championship against Russia! Radek Melka stopped all 19 shots he faced to record his first shutout of the tournament, and it was the ultimate in defensive hockey today, as Russia netminder Maxim Tretyak stopped all 26 shots he faced to record a shutout on the other side in a 0-0 draw!

Russia 0, Czech Republic 0

First star honours would go to Russian goaltender Maxim Tretyak, who posted a 26 save shutout! Second star would go to Czech goaltender Radek Melka, who posted a 19 save shutout! Third star would go to Russian center Vladislav Boyko, who played 20:41, was Even, and had 3 hits, 2 shot blocks, and won 77% of his faceoffs!



Slovakia vs. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan defeat Slovakia 4-0! First star honours would go to Kazakh defenseman Vladimir Mezhebitsky, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Kazakh goaltender Konstantin Koreshkov, who posted a 29 save shutout! Third star would go to Kazakh winger Nikita Mikailis, who scored a goal, and two assists!



December 28th

In Group B action, Canada defeat Finland 5-1, and Switzerland defeat Latvia 4-2!



IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini played 21:08, and was +2, with 2 penalty minutes for Team Canada, as Canada defeated Finland 5-1!



December 29th

The IceDogs remain at home to play host to the Owen Sound Attack! Brent Moran stopped all 20 shots he faced in the game to record his fourth shutout of the season, and the IceDogs backed him up, scoring four goals to secure the victory!

Owen Sound 0, Niagara 4

Jarvinen (5) (Verhaeghe)
Kelly (4) (Protapovich)
Mercer (9) (Protapovich) PP
Bresden (6) (Betz, Verhaeghe)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who posted a 20 save shutout! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Broderick Kelly, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Ville Jarvinen, who scored a goal!



Czech Republic vs. Slovakia

The Czech Republic get ready to play their third game of the World Junior Championship against Slovakia! Radek Melka stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced in the game, and the Czechs got out to an early 2-0 lead, and despite a late comeback bid, managed to hold on to achieve victory!

Czech Republic 3, Slovakia 1

Karabacek (1) (Kubalik, Hrach) PP
Fiala (1) (Pastrnak, Kostalek)
Vopelka (1) (Pastrnak) EN

First star honours would go to Slovakian winger Gilbert Gabor, who scored a goal! Second star would go to Czech goaltender Radek Melka, who stopped 25 of 26 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Czech winger David Pastrnak, who recorded two assists!



USA vs. Russia

USA defeat Russia 4-1! First star honours would go to American center Jack Eichel, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to American defenseman Jacob Chychrun, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to American winger Paul Bittner, who scored a goal!



December 30th

IceDogs winger Colan Julien resumes full contact practices after recovering from his hip flexor strain!



In Group B action, Canada defeat Switzerland 5-1, and Sweden defeat Finland 5-4!



IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini played 21:13, and was Even, with a shot on goal for Team Canada as they defeated Switzerland 5-1!



North Bay Battalion winger Michael Amadio is named OHL Player of the Week! In 2 games he scored 3 goals, and 3 assists!



December 31st

The IceDogs head out on the road, travelling to play the Barrie Colts! Brent Moran stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced in the game, and the IceDogs jumped out to an early lead, and held on to it the entire game, with Barrie finally breaking the goose egg late in the third!

Niagara 3, Barrie 1

Betz (7) (Masch, Verhaeghe)
DiFruscia (6) (Haydon, Shipley)
Masch (12) (Betz)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs goaltender Brent Moran, who stopped 33 of 34 shots in the victory! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Nick Betz, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Alexcei Masch, who scored a goal, and an assist!



IceDogs winger Kegan Blasby played in his 100th OHL Game!



Kazakhstan vs. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic get ready to play their last Group Stage match-up at the World Junior Championship against Kazakhstan! Radek Melka stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced, and things were looking bad, with Kazakhstan leading 2-1 going into the third period, but the Czechs broke through, scoring three unanswered third period goals to pick up the victory!

Kazakhstan 2, Czech Republic 4

Kudelka (1) (Klimes) SH
Klimes (1) (Fiala)
Musil (1) (Zdrahal, Kepka)
Karabacek (2) (Zacha, Melka) EN

First star honours would go to Czech winger Robin Klimes, who scored a goal, and an assist! Second star would go to Czech goaltender Radek Melka, who stopped 22 of 24 shots in the victory! Third star would go to Czech winger Jiri Kepka, who recorded an assist!



Slovakia vs. USA

USA defeat Slovakia 4-1! First star honours would go to American center Jack Eichel, who scored two goals, and two assists! Second star would go to American winger Adam Erne, who scored two goals, and an assist! Third star would go to Slovakian center Martin Reway, who recorded an assist!



Peteborough Petes winger Nick Ritchie is named OHL Player of the Month! In 12 games he scored 12 goals, and 12 assists!



January 1st

The IceDogs remain on the road, travelling to play the Ottawa 67's! Back-up goaltender Pierre-Olivier Harper will get the start in goal for Niagara! Pierre-Olivier Harper stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced, and the IceDogs jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but two quick goals at the end of the second had Ottawa with a goal of tying the game, however, the IceDogs would score four unanswered third period goals to take the decisive victory!

Niagara 7, Ottawa 2

Masch (13) (Betz, DiFruscia)
Verhaeghe (3) (Masch, Betz)
Masch (14) (Betz, Haydon)
Jarvinen (6) (Protapovich) PP
Haydon (7) (Maletta, Auger)
Maletta (20) (Auger, Mercer)
Julien (7) (Todosichuk, Bresden)

First star honours would go to Niagara IceDogs winger Alexcei Masch, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to Niagara IceDogs center Jordan Maletta, who scored a goal, and an assist! Third star would go to Niagara IceDogs defenseman Aaron Haydon, who scored a goal, and an assist!



In Group B action, Canada defeat Latvia 6-2, and Sweden defeat Switzerland 5-3!



IceDogs winger Brendan Perlini played 21:57, scored a goal, was +1, with 1 shot on goal for Team Canada as they defeated Latvia 6-2!



The ISS released their Mid-Term Rankings for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and an IceDog was ranked!

G Brent Moran #105 (Up From 126 at Preliminaries)

The top-ranked player was Erie Otters center Connor McDavid (36GP, 30G, 42A, 72P, +27, 45 PIM, 9.19 AvR), followed by Seattle Thunderbirds center Matt Barzal (35GP, 26G, 44A, 70P, +18, 22 PIM, 9.14 AvR), and Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Ryan Pilon (38GP, 9G, 33A, 42P, +4, 38 PIM, 8.53 AvR).



The ISS also released Mid-Term Rankings for the 2008 OHL Priority Selection! The top-ranked player was Ottawa Sting winger Brennan Rochefort (28GP, 9G, 6A, 15P, +6, 40 PIM, 6.32 AvR), followed by Scarborough Ice Raiders defenseman Jagger Ferrante (28GP, 8G, 18A, 26P, 7.14 AvR), and Cambridge Hawks defenseman Milan Lewis (27GP, 6G, 21A, 27P, +4, 30 PIM, 8.00 AvR)!

If the IceDogs ended the season today, they would hold the 18th Overall Pick of the Draft!

Ranked #18: RW/LW Kenton Dietrich (Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings, ODMHA): 27GP, 7G, 3A, 10P, Even, 43 PIM, 6.19 AvR



The ISS also released Mid-Term Rankings for the 2008 CHL Import Draft! The top-ranked player was Latvian defenseman Zintus Boluss (HK Riga, Russian Minor Hockey League: 10GP, 2G, 5A, 7P, -1, 10 PIM, 6.90 AvR), followed by Czech winger Patrik Soudek (Brno Jrs, Czech Junior League: 21GP, 3G, 7A, 10P, -9, 34 PIM, 6.14 AvR), and Czech winger Robin Klimes (Sparta Jrs, Czech Junior League): 13GP, 2G, 5A, 7P, +5, 10 PIM, 6.77 AvR)!



January 2nd



USA vs. Kazakhstan

USA defeat Kazakhstan 4-0! First star honours would go to American center Jack Eichel, who scored two goals, and an assist! Second star would go to American goaltender Eric Comrie, who posted a 32 save shutout! Third star would go to American winger Adam Erne, who recorded three assists!



Russia vs. Slovakia

Russia defeat Slovakia 3-0! First star honours would go to Russian goaltender Maxim Tretyak, who posted a 23 save shutout! Second star would go to Russian winger Yevgeni Svechnikov, who scored a goal! Third star would go to Slovakian goaltender Radovan Fabus, who stopped 30 of 33 shots in the loss!



In Group B action, Switzerland defeat Finland 3-2, and Sweden defeat Latvia 5-3!





The third place finish earns the Czech Republic a date with Sweden in the Quarter-Finals!