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Erin Gehen Focused On Another Strong Season With Buffalo Beauts

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BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts have re-signed forward Erin Gehen, who finished tied for fourth on the team in points in her rookie season in 2019-20 with 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points in 24 games.

“Erin has speed, an amazing work ethic and an extremely positive attitude, and she is always motivated to get better,” said Buffalo associate head coach Rhea Coad. “We are very excited to have Gehen in our Beauts family for the upcoming season.”

As the season progressed, Gehen saw more ice time and her production increased. This included a stretch of 4 goals in 5 games as the Beauts beginning in late November. Gehen had another 4 points (1-3-4) in the Beauts’ final three games of the regular season. 

“I began to gain more confidence,” said Gehen. “This summer, training hard and remaining focused during our time off is key. In order to come into Season Six at my best, I have been working very hard in the offseason. My primary focus is to get stronger and to become an all-round better player.”

When she completed her collegiate hockey career at Buffalo State College in 2018, Gehen was the school’s all-time leader for goals, assists, points, shorthanded goals and games played. In 103 games, she had 54 goals, 41 assists and 95 points in 103 games.

“Getting to play professional hockey for my hometown team has been an absolute dream come true,” said Gehen. “I plan on dedicating every ounce of my energy and passion to help bring another Isobel Cup to Buffalo.”

(Photo by Janet Schultz, circa 2017)

Hasek’s Heroes Awards: Boys High School Club Hockey League

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The Haseks Award

BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

(This is the third of a four-part series listing all of the award winners. Today: The Boys WNY High School Club Hockey League winners).

The Second Annual Hasek’s Heroes Western New York High School Hockey Awards ceremony, originally scheduled to be held at the Key Bank Center in downtown Buffalo, became a live streamed event back in July.

The ceremonies were emceed by Brian Duff of the Buffalo Sabres’ television broadcast team. The awards were presented by present or former NHL players from the Western New York area.

Offensive Player of the Year honors went to Dominik Zittle of East Aurora/Holland. The presentation was made by former NHL’er Todd Marchant.

Defensive Player of the Year was presented to Jason Kuchey of Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina. The award was presented by former NHL defenseman Jack Brownschidle.

Andrew Warner of the Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina team won Goaltender of the Year. It was presented by former Sabres netminder, Marty Biron.

Coach of the Year was awarded to Michael Kuchey of Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina. Rochester, NY native Brian Gionta was the presenter.

The Unsung Hero Award was given to Katherine Ryan of the Buffalo Club Team. Sled Hockey great, Adam Page, presented the award.

Kuchey rounded out the night winning the Player of the Year Award. Chicago Blackhawks star, Patrick Kane, presented. Kuchey scored 24 goals and 42 points in just 17 games.

The WNY High School Hockey Awards was established in 2018/2019 by Hasek’s Heroes to recognize and celebrate outstanding female and male student athletes who have represented their high schools playing at the Varsity Club or Federation level throughout the season. The awards also celebrate teams and individuals who have made meaningful impact in the community, both on and off the ice.

The Mission of Hasek’s Heroes is to provide Western New York children in need the foundations of athletic, academic and character development within a fun and rewarding hockey-centered program.

In addition to fostering athletic skills and engaging youth in recreational activities throughout the hockey season, Hasek’s Heroes provides team building and leadership skills during both the on-ice and off-ice components of the program.

(Photo by Janet Schultz)

The Forgotten NHL All-Star Game of 1959 in Buffalo, NY

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THE FORGOTTEN NHL ALL STAR GAME, BUFFALO NY 1959

(Thanks to Peter B. Campbell, Paul Patskou and George Kuhn for the story and the photo)

On this day in hockey history, February 17th 1959 an NHL All-Star Game was played to benefit Bill Dobbyn, a highly-regarded 23-year-old NHL Rangers prospect defenseman who was getting experience with the Rangers farm team, the AHL Buffalo Bisons. Dobbyn had lost an eye after he was accidentally clipped by a stick during an American Hockey League game.

9,368 fans packed a sold-out Memorial Auditorium to see the NHL’s finest play their hometown Herd. Future NHL Hall-of-Famers; Johnny Bower, Glen Hall, Pierre Pilote, Bill Gadsby, Ted Lindsay, Johnny Buczyk, Bobby Hull, Donnie Marshall, Brian Cullen, Forbes Kennedy and Ian Cushenan were just some of the bright stars on the NHL squad that night.

They were coached by the unlikely duo of New York Rangers head coach Phil Watson and Black Hawks bench boss Rudy Pilous. Sworn enemies since their junior amateur coaching days, they managed to put aside their differences for this charity event.

The Bisons were managed by Fred Hunt and Frank Eddolls. Master of Ceremonies Ralph Hubbell started the night off with an emotional introduction of Bill Dobbyn. The roof was almost blown off the top of the Aud when the crowd rocked the building with a two-minute standing ovation.

“It was thrill to meet all those players.” Dobbyn said. “I remember them all shaking hands with me, telling me I had a bright future.”

Dobbyn received various cash awards and gifts from a host of different charities. The event raised more than $25,000 for Dobbyn to start his life over with, though he would eventually lace up his skates again a few years later and played with several teams in various minor leagues. He finally retired after playing with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League in 1968.

As for the game, “Terrible Ted” Lindsay scored twice to lead the All-Stars to a 6-2 win. Bill Dineen bagged the two Bisons goals during the third period to make the score a little more respectable. Dobbyn said afterward “I shall be grateful to them. Words simply cannot express my gratitude or that of my parents.”

All-Stars lineup — G: Glenn Hall (CHI), Johnny Bower (TOR), Bruce Gamble (NY).D: Pierre Pilote (CHI); Warren Godfrey (DET); Bill Gadsby, Lou Fontinato (NY); Albert Langlois, Ian Cushenan (MTL); Fern Flaman (BOS).F: Bobby Hull, Ted Lindsay, Eddie Litzenberger (CHI); Johnny Bucyk, Don McKenney, Jerry Toppazzini (BOS); Ron Stewart, Brian Cullen, Bert Olmstead (TOR); Andy Bathgate, Earl Ingarfield (NY); Forbes Kennedy (DET); Donnie Marshall (MTL).Bisons lineup — G: Marcel Paille.D: Ivan Irwin, Frank Martin, Gus Mortson, Ron Ingram, Doug Barkley.F: Larry Wilson, Dick Gamble, Wally Hergesheimer, Orland Kurtenbach, Eddie Kachur, Bill Sweeney, Billy Dea, Bruce Cline, Bill Dineen, Parker MacDonald, Gerry Foley.

First period — NHL1: Lindsay (Litzenberger) 1:11. NHL2: Bathgate (Ingarfield, Olmstead) 5:30. NHL3: Cullen (Bathgate, Olmstead) 12:28. Penalties — Buf: Wilson (tripping) 8:24. NHL: Toppazzini (tripping) and Langlois (holding) 17:46.

Second period — NHL4: Lindsay 2 (Litzenberger, Hull) 6:48. NHL5: Olmstead (Cullen) 11:51. NHL6: Langlois (Toppazzini, Cushenan) 18:01. Penalties — none.

Third period — BUF1: Dineen (Mortson, MacDonald) 4:31. BUF2: Dineen 2 (Irwin) 19:06. Penalties — none.Shots — All-Stars: 10+18+12=40. Buffalo: 8+7+10=25.Referee: Eddie Powers. Linesmen: Bob Barnes and Jack Bell.

Att.: 9,368 (sellout)

Hasek’s Heroes Awards: Boys High School Ice Hockey Federation

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BY RANDY SCHULTZ –

(This is the second of a four-part series listing all of the award winners. Today: The Boys High School Ice Hockey Federation winners).

The Second Annual Hasek’s Heroes Western New York High School Hockey Awards ceremony, originally scheduled to be held at the Key Bank Center in downtown Buffalo, became a live streamed event back in July.

The ceremonies were emceed by Brian Duff of the Buffalo Sabres’ television broadcast team. The awards were presented by present or former NHL players from the Western New York area.

Offensive Player of the Year went to Matthew Orlowski of St. Joe’s in the Boys Fed. The award was presented by Todd Marchant.

Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to Mitchell Floccare of St. Joe’s.  Floccare won the award last year. The award was presented by former NHL defenseman, Jack Brownschidle.

Alex Wagner of North Tonawanda High School won the Goaltender of the Year Award. Former NHL goaltender, Marty Biron, presented the Award.

Coach of the Year honors went to Clayton Miller of Starpoint Central High School. Rochester, NY native Brian Gionta announced the award.

The Unsung Hero Award was given to Tucker Leggett of Grand Island High School. Three-time Para-Olympic Gold Medal winner, Adam Page, was the presenter.

Peter Spameni of Lewiston-Porter High School was awarded the Player of the Year honors. As a junior, Spameni led the Section VI Federation in goals (29) and points (47). Just a year ago he had 12 goals, 12 assist for 24 points. Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane presented the award.

The WNY High School Hockey Awards was established in 2018/2019 by Hasek’s Heroes to recognize and celebrate outstanding female and male student athletes who have represented their high schools playing at the Varsity Club or Federation level throughout the season. The awards also celebrates teams and individuals who have made meaningful impact in the community, both on and off the ice.

The Mission of Hasek’s Heroes is to provide Western New York children in need the foundations of athletic, academic and character development within a fun and rewarding hockey-centered program.

In addition to fostering athletic skills and engaging youth in recreational activities throughout the hockey season, Hasek’s Heroes provides team building and leadership skills during both the on-ice and off-ice components of the program.

Five Statesmen Named AHCA All-American Scholars

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Five members of the 2019-20 Hobart College ice hockey team were named Krampade All-American Scholars by the American Hockey Coaches Association. This is the fourth year the AHCA has named All-American Scholars.

The AHCA Scholar All-American program recognizes varsity ice hockey players who had a minimum 3.75 grade point average for the fall semester and participated in at least 40 percent of their school’s games in the 2019-20 season. A total of 1,384 student-athletes received this honor across all divisions, men and women.

The following Statesmen garnered this recognition:

Schneider and Spring earned the honor for the third straight year and Martineau was named to the team for the second time.

Hobart concluded the season with a 20-5-3 overall record and a 12-4-2 mark in the NEHC. The Statesmen were ranked sixth in the final USCHO.com poll of the season. Hobart earned its sixth consecutive and 10th overall invitation to the NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. Before taking the ice against Adrian in the first round, the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic.

8 Union College Women’s Hockey Players Named All-American Scholars

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GLOUCESTER, Mass. – Eight members of the Union College women’s hockey team were recognized as Krampade All-American Scholars for the 2019-20 season, the American Hockey Coaches Association announced.
 
Seniors Amelia MurrayJordi NaidrichAva Reynolds and Haley Shugart; junior Hannah Schultz; sophomore Grace Heiting; and first-years Leah Herrfort and Emma Michalicka all earned the honor this season. The eight selections more than doubled the number of Dutchwomen to earn the honor all-time by bringing the total number of All-American Scholars to 14 during the four years of the program.
 
Due to the effects of COVID-19, the AHCA adopted revised criteria for the honor this season. To qualify, a student-athlete must have attained a 3.75 GPA or higher for the fall semester and participated in 40 percent of her team’s games, with waivers to the playing requirement granted due to injury or for back-up goaltenders.
 
The eight honorees also placed Union among the top echelon in the conference and nationally as well, as only one women’s team in ECAC Hockey and only 10 teams in all of Division I had more All-American Scholars than Union this season. A total of 571 Division I women’s and men’s student-athletes earned the national honor for the 2019-20 school year.
 

Union College Women’s Hockey Introduces Class of ’24

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College head women’s hockey coach Josh Sciba has announced the seven student-athletes who will join the Dutchwomen for the 2020-21 season, as Union welcomes Celeste Beaudoin (Stouffville, Ontario), Hope Crisafi (Bay Village, Ohio), Kaitlyn Ehmann (Bloomingdale, Ill.), Meredith Killian (St. Paul, Minn.), Josie McLeod (Okotoks, Alberta), Olivia Rinzel (Chanhassen, Minn.) and Allison Smith (Rochester, Minn.) to campus this fall.
 
Snapshots of the Class of 2024 are below:
 
Celeste Beaudoin • 5-5 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Stouffville, Ontario • Toronto Jr. Aeros (PWHL) 
Sciba on Beaudoin: “Celeste is a very grounded, passionate player and person. She has tremendous explosiveness and makes those around her better. We really like her shot and her ability to take pucks to the net. We believe she can help us in all three zones. We value her leadership skills and ability to connect with her teammates.” 
 
Why Union: “As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew that Union was the school for me. The students and faculty welcomed me with open arms, which left me with a great feeling of being at home. Having learned the excellent balance between academics & athletics, I realized that Union was where I wanted to spend four years of my life. The amazing community surrounding the school as well as the opportunities offered at Union will give me the chance to best prepare myself for the future.”
 
Prior to Union: Spent her last two years with the Toronto Jr. Aeros (PWHL) … appeared in 89 games, scoring 14 goals with 33 assists for 47 points … ranked fourth on the team in points (25) and second in assists (18) as the team captain in 2019-20 … competed at the U18 National Championship with Team Ontario Blue … valedictorian of her class at Bill Hogarth Secondary School and also played rugby, volleyball and soccer for the Hornets.
 
Hope Crisafi • 5-7 • Goalie • Catches: Left • Bay Village, Ohio • Gilmour Academy 
Sciba on Crisafi: “Hope is a competitor who will push others around her to get better. We love seeing the joy she has for the game. We like her size and her skating, and we feel that her save cycle allows her to make saves. We look forward to seeing how she grows and matures here at Union.”
 
Why Union: “I wanted to attend a college that had a tight community and where I could have friends that I consider family. I wanted a place where I could make a home away from home. When I visited Union, I knew this was the place where I could make all of that happen. I knew that the teaching style and class size at Union would be a big advantage for me, and I realized pretty quickly that Union is a good fit for me.”
 
Prior to Union: Played four years in goal for Gilmour Academy … also played three years of lacrosse and one year of field hockey for the Lancers.
 
Kaitlyn Ehmann • 5-6 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Bloomingdale, Illinois • Chicago Mission 
Sciba on Ehmann: “Kaitlyn is a tough, gritty player who knows how to finish around the net. She plays fast and we like her ability to hunt pucks. She’s someone who values being a great teammate and we know her work ethic will allow her to grow tremendously.” 
 
Why Union: “I chose Union because of its beautiful campus and tight-knit community. Union’s small class sizes and excellent academics will prepare me for the future, and it is is the perfect place for me to develop academically while playing the highest level of hockey.”
 
Prior to Union: Played three seasons with the Chicago Mission, including the last two with the U-19 team … helped the U-16 team to a 66-5-1 record and its first national title in 2017-18.
 
Meredith Killian • 5-7 • Defense • Shoots: Right • St. Paul, Minnesota • St. Paul United
Sciba on Killian: “Meredith is a very balanced player and person. We like her ability to create offense from the blueline and join the rush in transition. She possesses a great shot and sees the ice well. She’s very mature and we believe she’ll be a leader here at Union.” 
 
Why Union: “I chose Union because it will provide me with a great education while giving me the opportunity to fulfill my hopes of playing Division I hockey.”
 
Prior to Union: Played four years of varsity hockey for St. Paul United … combined for nine goals and 40 assists in 108 games on the blue line with the Blazers … a three-time All-Independent Metro Athletic Conference selection … a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and a team captain as a senior … helped the team to a Class 1A state runner-up finish in 2017 … also a team captain and a three-time All-IMAC selection on the soccer field for the Blazers … a three-time high honor roll selection in the classroom.
 
Josie McLeod • 5-9 • Forward • Shoots: Right • Okotoks, Alberta • Pursuit of Excellence 
Sciba on McLeod: “Josie is a hockey player. She’s made incredible strides as a player, specifically in her shot and her speed. Physically, she’s strong on the puck and we like that she values play at the front of the net. She’s a joy to be around, and we believe that her personality will inject more of the right energy into our locker room.” 
 
Why Union: “I liked the community aspect that the staff and students bring, as well as the beautiful campus.”
 
Prior to Union: Spent the 2019-20 season with the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy … scored 13 goals with 13 assists for 26 points in just 22 games last year … spent the previous two seasons with the Rocky Mountain Raiders (AFHL), scoring 13 goals with 13 assists in 61 games … earned AFHL Top Rookie honors in her first year and led the Raiders in scoring in her second season.
 
Olivia Rinzel • 5-10 • Goalie • Catches: Left • Chanhassen, Minnesota • Chaska-Chanhassen 
Sciba on Rinzel: “Olivia is extremely articulate and has a drive to win. She’s very focused, loves to compete, and we really like her ability to manage a game. She has a presence in the net and a sense of maturity that will help push our team culture forward.” 
 
Why Union: “I chose Union because of the high-quality academics it offers and the competitive hockey program. The members of the coaching staff are amazing and always welcoming, and I feel at home on campus.”
 
Prior to Union: Played four years of hockey with the Chaska-Chanhassen Stormhawks, including three with the varsity team … captained the squad and named Team Most Valuable Player as a senior after posting a 2.52 goals against average and .917 save percentage with two shutouts … an All-Metro West Conference selection … attended Team USA National Player Development Camp in 2017 and 2018.
 
Allison Smith • 5-6 • Defense • Shoots: Right • Rochester, Minnesota • Rochester Lourdes
Sciba on Smith: “Allison has grown tremendously throughout her high school career. She’s a very versatile defenseman who can move the puck well in transition/breakout situations and knows how to get pucks to the net. She’s a wonderful human being who has a passion for the game and a desire to get better.”
 
Why Union: “I chose Union because of how welcoming the team and coaches were. They really made me feel like I could call Union my home for the next four years. I also felt that Union would provide me with the resources and academics for a successful future.”
 
Prior to Union: Played four years of varsity hockey for Rochester Lourdes … scored 15 goals with 30 assists for 45 points from the blue line … a Rochester All-Area selection in both of her final two years … captained the team to a third straight Section 1A title and a fourth-place finish in the state as a senior … in addition to hockey, also played four years of soccer and helped the Eagles to three straight Hiawatha Valley League (HVL) championships and three Section 1A titles … also was an All-HVL selection in her one year with the track & field team … Vice President of the National Honor Society and a Student Council member.
 

Hasek Hero’s Award Winners: Girls High School Ice Hockey Federation

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The Haseks Award

BY RANDY SCHULTZ – (This is the first of a four-part series listing all of the award winners. Today: The Girls High School Ice Hockey Federation winners).

The COVID-19 Pandemic had a hand in the cancellation or postponement of many activities throughout the Western New York Region. One of its casualties was the Second Annual Hasek Hero’s Western New York High School Hockey Awards ceremony that was originally scheduled to be held at the Key Bank Center in downtown Buffalo.

But thanks to 21st Century technology, the ceremony went on with a live streamed event back in July. The ceremonies were emceed by Brian Duff of the Buffalo Sabres’ television broadcast team. The awards were presented by present or former NHL players from the Western New York area.

Offensive Player of the Year was awarded to Jersey Phillips of the Lancaster/Iroquois/Depew (LID) team. The award was presented by former NHL forward, Todd Marchant.

Brooke Becker of Frontier/Lake Shore/Orchard Park (FLOP) was presented the Defensive Player of the Year Award by former NHL defenseman, Jack Brownschidle.

Goaltender of the Year went to Mia Wendell of the Williamsville team. For Sabres goalie, Marty Biron, now a member of the Sabres’ broadcast team,  presented the Award.

The Unsung Hero Award was presented to Mara Beiter of the Niagara County Lady Warriors. The presenter was Sled Hockey Gold Medalist, Adam Page.

Coach of the Year went to Kevin Miller of LID. Former NHL forward Brian Gionta presented the award.

The Player of the Year for Girls Fed Hockey was FLOP’s Becker. She recorded 18 goals and 27 points for FLOP during the 2019-20 season. This was the second year in-a-row Becker was the award.

The WNY High School Hockey Awards was established in 2018/2019 by Hasek’s Heroes to recognize and celebrate outstanding female and male student athletes who have represented their high schools playing at the Varsity Club or Federation level throughout the season. The awards also celebrates teams and individuals who have made meaningful impact in the community, both on and off the ice.

The Mission of Hasek’s Heroes is to provide Western New York children in need the foundations of athletic, academic and character development within a fun and rewarding hockey-centered program.

In addition to fostering athletic skills and engaging youth in recreational activities throughout the hockey season, Hasek’s Heroes provides team building and leadership skills during both the on-ice and off-ice components of the program.

Seven Saints Named Krampade All-American Scholars By AHCA

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The American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) recognized seven St. Lawrence University men’s hockey players as Krampade All-American Scholars for the 2019-20 season, as announced by the association in late July.

Philip AlftbergCallum CusinatoRyan GarveyBo HansonMark MahoneyDaniel Mannella and Andrew McIntyre represented St. Lawrence on a list of 318 Division I men’s hockey student-athletes. Cusinato, Hanson and Mannella were also All-American Scholars for the Saints in 2018-19.

“These are exceptional individuals,” said AHCA executive director Joe Bertagna. “The sport demands a great deal from these athletes so it is a great statement they make, individually and collectively, with their ability to attain this level of academic achievement while contributing at the NCAA Division I level.”

Due to the effects of Covid-19 on actual grades in the spring, the AHCA adopted revised criteria for this year’s honorees. To qualify, a student-athlete must have attained a 3.75 GPA for the fall semester and participated in 40% of their school’s games.

World Championship 2021 Groups Unveiled

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Davide Tuniz»eurohockey.com —

Although there is still no confirmed calendar, the World Championship hosted by Belarus and Latvia takes first steps

Last March, in the midst of Covid-19 outbreak, IIHF President Rene Fasel, after the cancellation of 2020 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, admitted also 2021 edition was in jeopardy: “It is early to speak about the world championship which is to be hosted by Minsk and Riga. We need to track the situation. All further decisions will be taken by the IIHF Council. We have a contract with Belarus and Latvia for next year, and a contract with Finland for 2022. As for today, the next championship is to take place in Belarus and Latvia, but everything can change”

Even if there are no confirmed dates for today, the IIHF Council determined the Groups for 2021 edition based on the IIHF Sport Regulations and the 2020 IIHF Men’s World Ranking,

The Group A, will include Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Slovakia, Denmark, host Belarus and United Kingdom. Games will be held at the Minsk Arena (capacity – 15086 spectators)

The Group B will be with Canada, Finland, USA, Germany, host Latvia, Norway, Italy and Kazakhstan, with games will be held at Arena Riga (capacity – 10,300 spectators).The Minsk Arena will serve as the main venue and will host two quarter-finals, the two semi-finals and the medal games. Arena Riga will host two quarter-final matches.

NYSPHSAA Boys Ice Hockey News

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NYSPHSAA is now accepting bids to host the Boys Ice Hockey Championships 2022-2024. 
If your venue is interested in hosting this event please use this link: (deadline to submit is 9/21/20)
http://ow.ly/uzSn50AesXM

(Janet Schultz photography)

OJHL Announces League Expansion Program

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“OJHL to expand the league to 24 teams – Application process formally revealed”


Mississauga, ON – The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) announced the league is conducting an expansion program to identify & award up to 2 (two) new franchise teams.


On the announcement of the news, Commissioner Marty Savoy states: 

“The momentum & success of our league over the past few years is a direct result of the strength of our current franchise ownership group and the many key initiatives we have implemented recently to broaden the exposure, reach and success of our league. With the impressive accomplishments and efforts of our two new franchises in Milton & Collingwood building their brands and fan base in those communities, the time is now for our league to take the next step to expand its ownership group and add two additional teams to our league to continue our vision plan for ‘excellence’ in Ontario hockey at the Junior A level”


The program provides the opportunity for qualified new ownership groups to apply to the OJHL as a new expansion team(s) to operate within the geographical boundaries of the Ontario Hockey Association.
The program will include the opportunity for current Ontario Hockey Association member teams at the Junior “B” and Junior “C” categories to apply to be re-categorized at a the Junior “A” level for competition in the OJHL.


“The brand of the OJHL has evolved over the last number of years with programs such as our nationally broadcasted CHCH games of the week, our televised OJ Today magazine show, the OJHL combine and our successful OJHL Development League,” stated OJHL Chairman, Marc Mercier. “As such,the league office receives inquires on a regular basis for expansion teams or from current OHA teams to join the OJHL and we feel the time is now to expand our league into new communities who will share in the success of our league.The OJHL is excited about the process of our expansion program and welcoming new partners at our Board of Governors table.”


The OJHL has formed an Expansion Committee that will manage the expansion process, which includes members from the OJHL Board of Directors and a representative from each of the Ontario Hockey Federation and the Ontario Hockey Association.


Interested parties are asked to contact OJHL Commissioner, Marty Savoy at 905-802-1620 or msavoy@theojhl.ca for full application details.
                                                       
About the OJHL –“League of Choice”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League with 22 member clubs. A proud member of the CJHL and Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94. With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U SPORTS, the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 115 commitments in 2019-20.

On This Date August 7: Greatest Trade In Sabres History

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1992: Dominik Hasek is traded to the Buffalo Sabres by the Chicago Blackhawks for goalie Stephane Beauregard and a fourth-round pick in the 1993 NHL Draft. The trade gives the 27-year-old goalie his first chance to be an NHL starter after going 13-4 with two ties in two seasons as a backup to Ed Belfour.

Beginning in 1993-94, Hasek wins the Vezina Trophy five times in a stretch of six seasons and takes home the Hart Trophy as MVP in 1997 and 1998. He helps the Sabres advance to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999, although they lose to the Dallas Stars in six games.

Buffalo trades Hasek to the Red Wings on July 1, 2001; he wins 41 games during the 2001-02 regular season and 16 more in the playoffs to help the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup for the third time in six seasons. Hasek finishes his NHL career in 2008 with 389 wins, a 2.20 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and 81 shutouts. He is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.

(Janet Schultz Photography)

Beauts Sign Kelly O’Sullivan

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BUFFALO – The Buffalo Beauts have signed four-time AHCA/CCM First Team All-American and 2020 NHCA Player of the Year Kelly O’Sullivan, the team’s fourth round selection in the 2020 NWHL Draft. Earlier this year, Sullivan became the first four-time All-American in Adrian College history, and just the third four-time First Team All-American in Division III women’s hockey history.

The 5-foot-7 blueliner scored 29 goals and had 85 assists for 114 points in 119 games at Adrian.

“I am very excited to be signing with the Beauts and to begin my NWHL career in Buffalo,” said O’Sullivan. “I can’t wait to get out to Buffalo this fall to start training with the team. Go Beauts!”

O’Sullivan led Adrian defenders in scoring in each of her final three seasons with the program. In 2017-18, she was the Bulldogs’ leading scorer among all skaters with 30 points (7-23-30) in 29 games.

“Kelly is one of the best players to ever come through our program, and it’s very gratifying to see her achieve her goal of playing in the pros with and against some of the best players in the world,” said Adrian head coach Shawn Skelly. “She had one of the most decorated careers anyone can have in college hockey and I have no doubt she will continue that in Buffalo.”