NOJHL This Week

NOJHL COMMUNICATIONS

MEDIA RELEASE

Release Date: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012
NOJHL NOTEBOOK: Sudbury hosts the Soo tonight to highlight week 4 action 

SUDBURY -- An eight-game week in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League gets underway this evening and features a highly-anticipated contest.

McClelland Arena in Copper Cliff will be the site tonight as the league-leading Sudbury Nickel Barons put their unbeaten record on the line as they host the defending NOJHL and Dudley-Hewitt Cup champion Soo Thunderbirds at 7:30 p.m.

Sudbury enters the game winners of eight straight to begin the season while the T-Birds come in at 4-1-1-1 in what will be the first meeting of the season between the two sides.

From there league play will resume Friday with two tilts as North Bay welcomes Kirkland Lake to the Memorials Gardens at 7 p.m. while Elliot Lake entertains Abitibi at Centennial Arena at 7:30 p.m.

A trio of encounters are on the docket Saturday including Abitibi continuing their weekend road trip as they pay a visit to Blind River to take on the Beavers in a 7:30 p.m. start at the Community Centre.

Saturday’s other two games have the Soo in Elliot Lake and Sudbury travelling to Kirkland Lake in a pair of 7:30 p.m. face-offs.

Rounding out week 4 in the NOJHL will be two Sunday match-ups.

The Bobcats and Trappers square-off in North Bay in 2 p.m. matinee while the Eskimos wrap-up their three-game road swing in Sault Ste. Marie as they take on the Thunderbirds at Essar Centre. Puck drop in that one is set for 3 p.m.

GAME NOTES: Entering play this week Sudbury leads the NOJHL in goals scored with 47 while North Bay has allowed the fewest at 16.

The opening month of the season showed plenty of parity in the league when it came to playing either home or away.

Of the 26 games played in September the home team narrowly had an overall winning record.

Home sides produced 13 victories while losing 12 and had one draw.

CJHL TOP 20: Another impressive week for the NOJHL saw two member clubs to crack the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20 rankings.

The unbeaten Sudbury Nickel Barons jumped four spots from the initial rankings to fifth overall in the listings while the North Bay Trappers moved up from Honourable Mention a week ago to 12th.

This marks the first time in just over a year that two NOJHL clubs garnered Top 20 recognition.

Back in the Oct. 3, 2011 listings the Soo Eagles were tabbed ninth while the Soo Thunderbirds came in at No. 16.

The CJHL rankings, comprised in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting, are based upon a variety of factors, which includes the league in which the teams belong to and this season’s results in regular season.

CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, Oct. 1 (Last week's ranking in brackets)

1. (2) Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
2. (1) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
3. (15) Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
4. (10) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
5. (9) Sudbury Nickel Barons (NOJHL)
6. (13) Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL)
7. (17) Truro Bearcats (MHL)
8. (12) Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL)
9. (HM) OCN Blizzard (MJHL)
10. (11) Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
11. (NR) Minnesota Wilderness (SIJHL)
12. (HM) North Bay Trappers (NOJHL)
13. (NR) Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)
14. (5) Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL)
15. (20) Oakville Blades (OJHL)
16. (19) Carlton Place Canadians (CCHL)
17. (16) Saint Jerome Pantheres (LHJAAAQ)
18. (3) Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL)
19. (NR) Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
20. (NR) Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL)

Honourable Mention: Merritt Centennials (BCHL), Drayton Valley Thunder (AJHL), Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL), Granby Inouk (LHJAAAQ), Summerside Western Capitals (MHL).

The CJHL is an amalgamation of 10 Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website www.cjhlhockey.com.

2013 DUDLEY-HEWITT CUP: The North Bay Trappers will serve as the host team for the 2013 Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A championship tournament.

The five-day event will be held at North Bay Memorial Gardens April 30 through May 4. It will feature the Trappers along with the champions of the NOJHL, Ontario Junior Hockey League and Superior International Junior Hockey League taking part.

Should North Bay go on to capture the NOJHL championship, then the league finalist will round out the four-team field with a berth to the Royal Bank Cup national Jr. A championship in Summerside, P.E.I. in May on the line.

NOJHL THREE STARS: Less than a month into the 2012-13 NOJHL season and some familiar names are appearing with great regularity on scoresheets across the north.

The league’s leading scorer makes his second appearance of the season as the “NOJHL Three Stars of the Week” for the period ending on Sept. 30, which were announced by the selection committee.

CHRIS KOMMA – KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS: After struggling to hit the win column on a consistent basis last year in Kirkland Lake, the 2012-13 version of the team is proving to be a threat, night in and night out.

A big part of the reason for that has been the play of 20-year-old netminder Chris Komma. The native of Boise, Idaho turned aside 81 of the 84 shots he faced in a pair of games last week, leading the Gold Miners to victories over both Elliot Lake and Blind River.

Moving to Northern Ontario after suiting up with the Boulder Jr. Bison last year, Komma is among the league leaders in both goals-against average (2.15) and save percentage (.918) in the early going.

DARCY HAINES – SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS: Another league leader, right from the drop of the puck on opening night in Copper Cliff, has been Valley East native Darcy Haines. A late round OHL pick a few years back, Haines has been making amends so far this season, stretching his lead atop the scoring race with a nine-point week.

Somewhat lost in the shuffle of a high-octane Sudbury offense one year ago, Haines is leading the pack this time around, recording 21 points in just eight games, including a four-point performance last Wednesday against Elliot Lake.

BRANDON JANKE – NORTH BAY TRAPPERS: One of a handful of key returnees on the Trappers roster this year, North Bay sniper Brandon Janke is developing quite the knack of scoring key goals.

Last Friday, Janke scored twice in the final 3:09 of the game, including a game-tying penalty shot tally in the last minute of play, earning the Trappers a point against Sudbury.

The very next night in Iroquois Falls, the 19-year-old Huntsville native was at it again, drilling the game-winner 31 seconds into the second overtime session as North Bay edged Abitibi 2-1.

UNDEFEATED: Looking across the Canadian Junior Hockey League landscape there are only a total of six clubs among the 10 leagues that comprise the CJHL that enter play this week being undefeated in either regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Leading that group are the NOJHL’s Sudbury Nickel Barons who presently sit unbeaten at 8-0.

Right behind them are the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Jr. Hockey League at 7-0.

Both the Manitoba Jr. Hockey League’s Winnipeg Blues and the Maritime Hockey League’s Truro Bearcats come in a 5-0 while the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Jr. Hockey League and the Dryden Ice Dogs of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League have 4-0 records to start the season.

CJHL’s Undefeated teams (As of Oct. 3/12) 

TEAM                               LEAGUE RECORD
Sudbury Nickel Barons NOJHL  8-0
Brooks Bandits                 AJHL  7-0
Winnipeg Blues                MJHL  5-0
Truro Bearcats                 MHL  5-0
Dryden Ice Dogs              SIJHL  4-0
Flin Flon Bombers            SJHL  4-0

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTEBOOK

ABITIBI ESKIMOS – The Eskimos hit the road for three games in three nights this weekend with stops in Elliot Lake, Blind River and North Bay. … Richard Therrien continues to pace the club offensively with seven points. … 
Five other skaters on the club are tied for second in team scoring with three points apiece. … Abitibi enters the week sixth in the NOJHL standings at 1-4-0-1. … The Eskimos have scored the fewest goals of any team in the league at 12.

BLIND RIVER BEAVERS – Tyler Brown and Paul Muio share the team point lead with eight each. That leaves the pair tied for eighth in league offensive production. … The Beavers are sitting tied for second in the NOJHL in goals scored with 31. Their 42 against however are the second most allowed in the league to date. … Blind River’s lone game this week is at home Saturday vs. Abitibi. … Six of the club’s next 10 games will be played on the road.

ELLIOT LAKE BOBCATS – The first-year Bobcats go in search of their second win in franchise history as they host Abitibi Friday. The Bobcats play three of their next four at home on Centennial Arena ice. … Daniel Carter and Nicholas Tassone share the team scoring lead with five points apiece. Carter had a four-game point streak snapped in the club’s last outing, a 4-1 loss to Kirkland Lake on Sept. 28. … Slow starts have hampered the squad early on having given up 23 first period goals compared to just six tallies for. … Elliot Lake has allowed the most goals in the league overall so far this season at 44. … When scoring first in a game the Bobcats are 1-0, but 0-6 when the opposition strikes first.

KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS – Connor McNally and Steven Babin sit one-two on the Gold Miners in offensive production to date with nine and eight points respectively. McNally is also second in the NOJHL in goals scored with eight while Babin is right behind him with seven. They both have markers in three straight outings. … The club shares second in the league for fewest goals allowed with 22. … Chris Komma sits seconds in the league in goals-against average at 2.15 and fourth in save percentage at .918.

NORTH BAY TRAPPERS – Ranked 12th in the entire CJHL, North Bay has home games Friday and Sunday vs. Kirkland Lake and Elliot Lake respectively before playing five in succession on the road. … North Bay has allowed the fewest amount of goals in the NOJHL so far at 16. … Goalkeeper Greg Dodds is a big reason for that as the 20-year-old netminder has played every game for the Trappers so far while posting a solid 5-1-1-1 record. … Dodds is third in both goals-against average at 2.16 and save percentage at .923. … Brandon Janke is riding a seven-game point streak to start the season and leads the team offensively with 12 points, including five goals. He sits tied for third in NOJHL scoring… Corbin Bean is next on the squad with 10 points. He has a modest three-game point streak on the go.

SOO THUNDERBIRDS – Rookie netminder Joel Horodziejczyk continues to pace all NOJHL puck stoppers in both goals-against average and save percentage at 1.22 and .941 respectively. … Adam Ritchie maintains the team point lead with 11. He is fifth in the league in offensive production. … A trio of T-Birds in Darcy Casola, Anthony Miller and Greg Sartoretto are next on the club with seven points each. … After games this week in Sudbury and Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie will play nine straight at home with their next road encounter scheduled for Nov. 16 at Kirkland Lake.

SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS – The No. 5 CJHL-ranked Nickel Barons look for win number nine in a row as they host the Soo Thunderbirds tonight. They are only one of six teams across the entire Canadian Junior Hockey League who are still unbeaten … Averaging 5.88 goals-per-game the Nickel Barons pace the NOJHL and in goals scored with 47. … They have only allowed 22 against as well, which ties them for the second fewest allowed. … Offensively Sudbury continues to boast three of the NOJHL’s top four point producers early on. 18-year-old forward Darcy Haines leads the way with 21 points, including a league-best 11 goals. He has points in all eight games to date and has scored in all but one contest … Sebastien Leroux is second league scoring with 17 points. He too has recorded points in every game so far this season. … August Jarecki is knotted for third in the NOJHL with 12 points. Goaltenders Michael Muzyka and Alex Laino are both 4-0 to start the season. Muzyka is fourth in goals-against average at 2.42 while Laino is fifth at 2.89. …They are also second and fifth respectively in save percentage at .927 and .912. … Sudbury plays four of their next five at home.

CCHL This Week

By: Jeff Maguire

Teams who are not usually among the leaders in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) are impressing early in the 2012-2013 campaign.

Chief among the surprises is Ottawa Junior Senators. They had to work hard to reach the playoffs last spring and then fell in five games in the quarter finals to CCHL finalist Cornwall Colts.

With 13 newcomers in the line-up Junior Sens weren’t among the favourites in the 12 team Tier 1 Junior A league when the new campaign began in early September.

After nearly a month of play however they top the Yzerman Division standings and last week they won all three games played against tough opponents.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed!

Monday morning the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), which governs 10 Junior A loops from coast to coast including the CCHL, announced its weekly Top 20 rankings. Ottawa now sits 13th, the best standing of any club in the Eastern Ontario based league. The only other CCHL team to make the Top 20 is Carleton Place Canadians (7-3) who lead the Robinson Division. Carleton Place moved up to 16th from 19th on the CJHL weekly list.

Leading all Canadian Junior A teams in the rankings this week is Brooks (Alberta) Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League are second while Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League round out the top three.

Junior Senators head coach and general manager Rick Dorval is understandably pleased with his team’s performance to date.

“We went into the week hoping to perform well. But three wins over Pembroke, Carleton Place and Nepean shows this team has character,” Dorval said Monday morning.

“Going into the year, on paper, we thought we would be competitive.

“Now the expectations are higher. We’re going to attempt to raise the bar every week in an effort to reach team and individual expectations,” the coach states.

“This morning we’re ranked 13th nationally, the highest ranking of any team in the league. So obviously I’m pleased,” Dorval adds.

“With 13 new faces there was a natural period of adjustment involved.

“But the kids are getting to know each other and the team is starting to gel. It’s still early and we will take it a step at a time,” Dorval observes.

Also last week Smiths Falls Bears, who just snuck into the playoffs last season and were swept by eventual champions Nepean in the first round, also continued to impress. Led by Michael Buonincontri, the CCHL scoring leader, Bears won two of three contests to remain tied with Robinson rival Carleton Place. Buonincontri had a hat trick in Bears’ 6-5 road win over Pembroke Lumber Kings Sunday night. He now has nine goals and nine assists in 10 games. Teammate Chris Maniccia also has 18 points including 12 helpers.

Carleton Place, who split their games last week, is being led by centre Luke Edwards who is third in the league scoring race with 15 points from 10 contests.

Another early season surprise is the good form shown by Cumberland Grads recently. They failed to make the playoffs last season and stumbled out of the gate in September recording one win in five games. Thanks partly to the work of goalie Devan Tremblay, Cumberland has now won three in a row including back-to-back weekend triumphs. They sit fourth in the Yzerman Division with 10 points, one ahead of defending champions Nepean.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment to date in the league has been the poor form of Hawkesbury Hawks. Despite an overtime win over Pembroke at home Friday, Hawks continue to trail the league standings. But they have shown signs of life! Sunday they were stonewalled by Tremblay in Cumberland and lost despite controlling the game territorially.

Last season, after missing the playoffs for three years in a row, Hawkesbury finished fifth overall and then swept Carleton Place, the fourth place side, to reach the CCHL semi- finals.

It was another very busy week in the CCHL with some very entertaining and competitive contests played.

WEEKLY SUMMARIES

Ottawa 7 – Nepean 6 (SO): Sunday afternoon the suddenly rampant Senators recorded their second win in as many days to move atop the Yzerman Division standings. The home standing Raider made a late charge in regulation time, scoring three times in the final 10 minutes of action to knot the high scoring contest at six apiece and force overtime. It took a shootout to decide it! Ottawa connected on two of five tries during the shootout phase to improve their record to an impressive 6-2. The first period was scoreless but the final 40 minutes featured a major offensive display. Junior Sens scored four straight in the middle stanza to lead 4-1. Nepean closed the gap with a pair of strikes early in period three. Ottawa then grabbed a 6-3 advantage before Raiders’ left winger Steven Johnston connected twice in six minutes to close the gap. Then, with 2:56 left on the clock, Vincent Llorca tied it to send the contest to OT. Nothing was decided in five additional minutes opening the door to the free shots and an Ottawa triumph! Left winger Dylan Giberson led Sens’ charge with two goals while centre Eric Witzel set up three. Johnston had a hat trick for Raiders, his first goals of the campaign. Jesse Ferras netted once and set up another for Nepean who fell to fifth place in their division.

Smiths Falls 6 – Pembroke 5: The hard charging Bears moved into a tie atop the Robinson standings doubling Lumber Kings and sending Pembroke to their third loss of the week, although one of those came in overtime. With the triumph Smiths Falls shares the CCHL points lead with arch rival Carleton Place. Both clubs are 7-3 in the early going. It was a frustrating afternoon in the Rideau Canal town for the visiting Kings! They outshot Bears by a wide 43-28 margin but were stymied by the net minding work of Patrick Martin who made 38 stops. The veteran puck stopper had been between the pipes for six of Bears’ seven victories so far. Inexplicably he failed to make the three star selection at the end of the contest! Topping that short list was left winger Michael Buonincontri the CCHL scoring leader to date with 18 points. The 18-year-old Montreal native fired a hat trick and set up another. His third of the night at 11:55 of the third period was the game winner. Forward Yannick Crete scored once and assisted twice giving him 14 points. For the hard luck Lumber Kings Ben Dalpe had two goals and two assists, Jordan Larson scored once and set up three while Stephen Hrehoriak triggered his fifth and helped out on a pair.

Kemptville 5 – Gloucester 4 (SO): The improving 73’s earned their third point in as many games with a shootout victory over Rangers at home Sunday night. Two of their past three contests have been decided in the shootout phase! Forward Matt Rosebrook, who was traded to Gloucester by Kemptville as part of a four-player swap Sept. 24, nearly came back to haunt his former club. Rosebrook connected for a hat trick to pace Rangers’ offence. It was the first meeting of the clubs since the trade (the first of the campaign in fact) and left winger Brett Varrin, who went the other way in the player swap, was also hot with two goals and an assist for Kemptville. Christian Leger tied it for Gloucester with 10:31 left in the game, forcing what turned out to be a scoreless overtime. Three shooters went to the line for each team in the shootout with 73’s Blaine Byron the only successful candidate. He also had two assists in regulation when the points counted. Kemptville led the shots parade 42-33. Dylan BrindAmour made 29 saves for the goaltending triumph.

Brockville 7 – Kanata 5: Braves left it late but they scored two late markers Sunday to record their second win of the weekend on home ice. Stallions dropped both of their weekend encounters. As a result Brockville stayed fourth in the Robinson while Kanata remains in third spot in the Yzerman loop. Centre David Ferreira’s fifth of the campaign with 1:58 left broke a 5-5 deadlock and propelled Braves to the win in an entertaining, evenly played match. Brockville scoring leader Ben Blasko wrapped it up with an empty netter, his fourth. Chris Roll completed a big weekend for the winners with two goals and two assists giving him seven points in two outings. Braves appeared as if they would run away with it early leading 4-0 after one. Kanata replied with the only three goals of the second stanza. Nathan Todd made it 5-3 Brockville only to have Braeden Moffatt and Joe Breslin scored six minutes apart to tie things up. Devin Fullam unleashed two goals and assisted on another in a losing cause for Kanata.

Cumberland 5 – Hawkesbury 3: Make it three wins in a row for the suddenly hot Grads who started the season with just one victory in five appearances. This time the two points came courtesy of Hawkesbury who continue to trail the overall standings with just two wins in eight games. In actual fact it was Cumberland net minder Devan Tremblay who once again rescued his club with an incredible 42 save performance. He evidently doesn’t impress the three star selectors though! For the second straight game he failed to make the post-game list, this time at home. At the other end the usually steady Carmine Guerriero was lifted after 35 minutes. He yielded all five Grads’ markers before getting the heave-ho late in the second period. The frustrated Hawks held an impressive 45-29 shots advantage but couldn’t put enough rubber past Tremblay. Dependable Nick Martin scored twice giving him seven on the season for Cumberland while forward Matthew Moran also triggered twice, his first goals of the year. Veteran Brandon Bussey netted once and set up two for struggling Hawkesbury.

Ottawa 4 – Carleton Place 1: Junior Senators continue to play competitive hockey early in the campaign. They sent league leaders Carleton Place to just their third loss in 10 games Saturday, sending 400 Canadians’ fans home disappointed. It was an evenly played game but Ottawa goalie Charlie Millen, who had a brief stop in Carleton Place two seasons ago, outdueled Canadians’ net minder Justin Laforest stopping 21 of the 22 shots directed his way. Millen’s shutout bid was ruined by Canadians’ forward Brandon Seatter with just one second left in the game. Ottawa (5-2) won despite going one for seven on the powerplay. Hunter Racine during a first period man advantage situation, Eric Witzel, Justin Charbonneau and Steven Inman connected for Sens who led 1-0 and 3-0 at the intervals.

Hawkesbury 2 – Pembroke 1 (OT): There were five games played on a busy Friday night in the CCHL. Hawkesbury improved their lot with an overtime win over visiting Pembroke. The game marked the return of former Hawks’ star Stephen Hrehoriak to Robert Hartley Arena. He netted the game’s opening goal late in the second period. But Antonios Roumeliotis struck with just 3:55 left in regulation to tie it and force the extra period. With only 29 seconds remaining in overtime Roumeliotis set up teammate Pietro Antonelli for the game winner as Hawks improved to 2-4-1-0. The loss was the third in four outings for Pembroke who outshot the home team 32-27. A good Hawkesbury crowd of 368 took in the action.

Brockville 5 – Kemptville 2: Two teams who have struggled early this season met in the Seaway City Friday night. Braves leapfrogged 73’s in the Robinson Division standings, ringing up their third win in eight outings. The teams were tied in shots with 33 and each netted twice on the powerplay. But Matthew Jenkins made 31 saves to record his third win in five starts. Kemptville starter Billy Cooper allowed three goals on 16 shots before being relieved by veteran puck stopper Dylan BrindAmour early in period two. Rookie centre Griffen Molino took his goal count to four and eight games by striking twice. His second was into the empty Kemptville goal with 1:09 remaining. Hayden Hulton had a goal and one assist for the winners while Brockville scoring leader Ben Blasko set up two as did team captain Chris Roll. Braves Ryan Walter and Kemptville’s Ben St. Marseille were ejected for fighting at 11:22 of the third, making them ineligible for their team’s next game.

Gloucester 5 – Nepean 3: The defending champion Raiders were surprised by the Rangers in Orleans Friday and saw their record dip to 4-3 in the Yzerman Division standings. Gloucester (3-6) was led by newly acquired winger Stevie Ray Adams who scored twice. Adams was acquired by Rangers from Kemptville Sept. 24 in a four player deal. The rejuvenated Gloucester side outgunned Nepean 35-26. They led 3-0 after 20 minutes only to see Raiders strike back with two unanswered in the second and then add a tying goal at 5:11 of period three. Markers by Christian Leger and Keegan Rowe, four minutes apart, secured two important points for the home team. Alexandre Boivin improved his team leading scoring stats to four goals and 10 assists with a first period marker and three big assists. He earned first star honours. Veteran forward Kenneth Neil set up three for Raiders.

Cornwall 4 – Smiths Falls 3: The visiting Colts held off a late game comeback bid by Bears to win for the fifth time in nine outings in front of more than 600 Smiths Falls’ fans. Bears out shot Cornwall 29-24 but it was Colts who enjoyed intermission leads of 2-0 and 3-1. Michael Pontarelli unleashed two goals and assisted twice while Cornwall scoring leader Roman Ammirato also connected for a pair. Brandon Howes was a two assist man. Jeffrey Carroll and Connor McLaren each had a goal and an assist for Smiths Falls (6-3) who remained two points back of Carleton Place in the Robinson standings. Bears were a depressing 0-10 on the powerplay as Cornwall was assessed 13 of the game’s 21 infractions.

Cumberland 5 – Kanata 3: In an Yzerman Division contest in Kanata Friday night the second place Stallions were tripped up by the improving Grads. Cumberland moved to 3-2-1-1 which temporarily brought them level with Nepean in the standings. Grads’ goalie Devan Tremblay was a major factor in the game, even though he didn’t make the three star selection. Tremblay kicked out 36 shots as Kanata held a 39-28 advantage in scoring chances. The win was his fourth of the campaign against two setbacks. Centre Mark Goldberg led the offence with two goals and an assist giving him an even 10 points in eight appearances. Right winger Nick Martin chipped in with a goal and two assists for the winners. The clubs were level at two apiece after 20 minutes but first star Martin gave Grads a one goal advantage heading into the third. After the visitors went ahead 4-2, Connor Cobbold scored on a powerplay for Kanata to make it close. Golberg’s second into the empty Stallions’ cage sealed it with 17 seconds remaining. Brandon Petrie had a goal and one helper for the home team.         

Carleton Place 9 – Cornwall 4: Canadians early season run of success continued in Cornwall Thursday with a comprehensive win over last season’s CCHL runners-up. New offensive star Alex Globke continued his strong start with two goals giving him a team leading seven in nine games. Right winger Alex Frere also connected twice for the winners who solidified their hold on first place in the Robinson Division. Carleton Place (7-2) held period leads of 4-1 and 6-3 and then put it away by outscoring Colts 3-1 in the final frame. Veteran centre Luke Edwards set up four goals to lead Canadians with 13 points. He stood third in the league scoring derby after the game. Michael Pontarelli had two goals and one helper for Cornwall who fell to 4-4. Marly Quince scored once and set up a pair. Carleton Place netted twice on six powerplay chances and they were much more disciplined taking just six minor penalties on the night. Rookie goalie Matt Couvrette improved his record to 4-2.

Ottawa 5 – Pembroke 2: Four third period goals broke open a very even contest at Jim Durrell Recreation Complex Wednesday as the hometown Junior Sens upended Lumber Kings. The visitors led 30-29 in shots and after a scoreless first period they took the lead early in the middle stanza on winger Emilio Audi’s shorthanded, unassisted effort. Ottawa answered back three minutes later when Stephen Inman connected on a powerplay. Just 53 seconds into the third Ben Robillard used another man advantage situation to give Ottawa a brief lead. Pembroke’s Owen McDade quickly answered back, also during a powerplay. Just 34 seconds later Anthony Bada fired what proved to be the game winner, his second of the season. Ryan Collins, on a set-up from Bada and Robillard with his second of the night, during a last minute powerplay, gave Ottawa (4-2) the two points. Lumber Kings early season mark fell to 5-2-0-1 but they still led the Yzerman standings.

Gloucester 4 – Hawkesbury 1: Also Wednesday Rangers recorded their second win in eight games at the expense of a frustrated Hawks’ team who can’t seem to get untracked after a great finish to last season. The loss left Hawkesbury rooted to the bottom of the overall league standings with just one victory. At the final whistle a brawl erupted with four players from each side picking up game misconducts which kept them out of their next game. The ejections were the fifth of the night for each side in what turned out to be a very testy encounter! When hockey was the order of business it was second year left winger Chad Millett who led Gloucester with a goal and an assist. Keegan Rowe, Christian Leger and Jordan Gravel-Pilon also connected for the home team. Veteran forward Yanik Laliberte, with his second of the campaign midway through period two, was the only Hawk to beat winning net minder Gianmarco De Meis.

Smiths Falls 6 – Brockville 5 (SO): Bears continued their strong start to the campaign, outlasting long-time rival Brockville in a shootout at Smiths Falls Memorial Centre Tuesday night. It was the first of six meetings between the division rivals this season. Left winger Yannick Crete’s second goal of the night and fifth in eight games came during a powerplay with 6:55 left as Bears forced overtime. Five additional minutes failed to decide the outcome. In the shootout phase dependable Michael Buonincontri connected for the only goal to move Smiths Falls into a points tie with Carleton Place atop the Robinson Division. The teams were tied 3-3 following a hectic first period and the visitors outscored Bears 2-1 in the middle stanza. Jeffrey Carroll had a goal and one assist for Smiths Falls who outshot their opponents 44-31. Crete’s line mates Buonincontri and Chris Maniccia had two assists each. David Ferreira had a goal and one assist to pace Braves’ offence.

Kanata 4 – Kemptville 3 (SO): Stallions got another outstanding goaltending performance from Brandon Lane and then used the shootout to advantage to record their fifth win in eight starts Tuesday. The luckless 73’s out chanced the home team 40-31 but suffered their sixth loss in eight decisions. Two of the defeats occurred in shootouts. Veteran defenceman and team captain Curtis Watson was the regulation time hero for Kanata. He triggered the game tying marker with just 2:48 left while Stallions were killing a penalty. The shorthanded marker forced overtime which was scoreless. Both teams sent three players to the line during the shootout with Kanata netting the only goal to claim the bonus point. Devin Fullam and Brandon Petrie also had regulation time goals for the winners with Blaine Byron, Lucas Gonu and Alex Row the Kemptville scorers. There were nine minor penalties, five of which went to Stallions. 

To open a busy month of October there are 15 league games scheduled this week including a Thanksgiving Monday tilt between Ottawa and Gloucester at 2:30 p.m. at Earl Armstrong Arena in Orleans.

Jeff Maguire is a career journalist based in Carleton Place. He has covered junior hockey in Ontario for 41 years. Jeff’s report will appear on the CCHL website every Monday throughout the season. He can be reached by e-mail at: jeffrey.maguire@rogers.com

NOJHL This Week

NOJHL COMMUNICATIONS
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
MEDIA RELEASE

Release Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012

NOJHL NOTEBOOK: Nickel Barons, Trappers among CJHL elite early on 

SUDBURY -- The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League is well represented in an early look at the top clubs in all of Canadian Jr. A hockey.

With over 100 teams comprising the Canadian Junior Hockey League this season, only three of them, among those who have played five of more games to date, have yet to taste defeat in regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Two of those sides are members of the NOJHL as the Sudbury Nickel Barons and North Bay Trappers are 5-0 and 4-0-1 respectively.

Joining them are the Yarmouth Mariners of the Maritime Hockey League. They are a perfect 5-0 after five outings.

CJHL TOP 20: By virtue of their solid starts both Sudbury and North Bay have garnered recognition from the Canadian Junior Hockey League in the initial Top 20 rankings of the 2012-13 season.

The Sudbury Nickel Barons were tabbed 9th overall while the Trappers earned honourable mention accolades.

The rankings, compiled in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting, are formulated upon a variety of factors.

This which includes the league in which the teams belong to, this season’s results in regular season, last season’s playoffs, as well as initial recruiting efforts for the 2012-13 campaign.

Both clubs are unbeaten early in the season with Sudbury registering a league-best 5-0-0 record while second place North Bay is close behind at 4-0-1.

The last time two NOJHL clubs received a top 20 ranking or honourable mention status was Feb. 20 of this year when both the Soo Thunderbirds and Soo Eagles earned recognition.

The defending Royal Bank Cup champion Penticton Vees of the BCHL were the top rated CJHL side in the initial rankings.

CJHL TOP 20:

1.    Penticton Vees (BCHL) 
2.    Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
3.    Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL)
4.    Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
5.    Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL)
6.    Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
7.    Portage Terriers (MJHL)
8.    Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
9.   SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS (NOJHL)
10.  Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
11.  Coquitlam Express (BCHL)
12.  Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) 
13.  Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL)
14.  Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL)
15.  Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
16.  Truro Bearcats (MHL)
17.  College Francais de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)
18.  Carlton Place Canadians (CCHL)
19.  Oakville Blades (OJHL)
20.  N/A

Honourable mention: NORTH BAY TRAPPERS (NOJHL), Canmore Eagles (AJHL), Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL), OCN Blizzard (MJHL) and Toronto Lakeshore Patriots (OJHL).

ON THE ICE: A total of seven games comprise the NOJHL docket this week.

Action gets underway this evening in Copper Cliff as the host Sudbury Nickel Barons looks to run their record to 6-0 as they welcome the first-year Elliot Lake Bobcats to McClelland Arena in a 7:30 p.m. start.

Two more tilts go Friday, including the top two clubs in the NOJHL standings squaring off at North Bay’s Memorial Gardens with the Trappers taking on Sudbury at 7 p.m.

Friday’s other game features Elliot Lake at home to Kirkland Lake with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Arena.

Three more contests go Saturday and will all get underway at 7:30 p.m. Those match-ups see Kirkland Lake paying a visit to Sault Ste. Marie to take on the Thunderbirds at Essar Centre, North Bay heading to Iroquois Falls to meet the Abitibi Eskimos and the Nickel Barons going up against the Blind River Beavers.

Wrapping up week 4 in the NOJHL will be a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday as the Beavers entertain the Gold Miners of Kirkland Lake at the Blind River Community Centre.

2013 DUDLEY-HEWITT CUP: The North Bay Trappers will serve as the host team for the 2013 Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A championship tournament.

The five-day event will be held at North Bay Memorial Gardens April 30 through May 4. It will feature the Trappers along with the champions of the NOJHL, Ontario Junior Hockey League and Superior International Junior Hockey League taking part.

Should North Bay go on to capture the NOJHL championship, then the league finalist will round out the four-team field with a berth to the Royal Bank Cup national Jr. A championship in Summerside, P.E.I. in May on the line.

NOJHL THREE STARS: Goal scoring was down in week three of NOJHL action, but that didn’t stop a handful of players from solving a group of goaltenders who were very, very good and earning themselves the NOJHL Three Stars of the Week for the period ending Sept. 23, as chosen by the league’s selection committee.

RICHARD THERRIEN – ABITIBI ESKIMOS: With his team looking to break into the win column, the veteran scoring threat took it upon his shoulders by netting four goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Eskies surprised the Soo Thunderbirds 5-4 at the Jus Jordan Arena.

Therrien finished last year with 44 goals and 47 assists in his second season with Abitibi, making the jump from the very successful Hearst Elans Midget “AA” program. Carrying the captaincy for a second straight year with the Eskies, Therrien will be leaned upon heavily by long-time Abitibi coach Paul Gagne.

NICHOLAS TASSONE – ELLIOT LAKE BOBCATS: Really coming into his own after returning for a final year of Midget AAA hockey with the Soo Michigan Indians last season, the 18-year old Nick Tassone is making a seamless transition to the ranks of the NOJHL.

Tassone scored twice and added an assist last week as the Bobcats split a weekend home and home series with the Blind River Beavers. A native of Sault Ste Marie, Ont., He currently leads Elliot Lake in scoring, averaging a point a game in the early going.

BRENNEN DUBCHAK – NORTH BAY TRAPPERS: With the North Bay Trappers hosting the 2013 Dudley-Hewitt Cup, team management did not hesitate when the opportunity arose to acquire a talented forward already blessed with DHC experience.

Kenora native Brennen Dubchak spent the 2011-12 season with the Thunder Bay North Stars of the Superior International Junior Hockey League, who hosted the 2012 Dudley-Hewitt in the Lakehead.

The 18-year-old forward scored twice in Cup play and has continued filling the net in North Bay this year, racking up eight points in his first five games with the Trappers. 

GOAL SCORER: Sudbury Nickel Barons snipers Darcy Haines continues to score at a good clip early on.

His eight tallies in five games leads all skaters in the NOJHL while also topping the league in overall points with 12.

Looking across the entire CJHL you’ll see only eight players have scored eight or more goals so far this season.

Every one of these goal scorers plays in either Ontario or Quebec.

Haines sits tied for fifth overall in the overall goals scored department, but has also played in fewer games than the others.

The following are the CJHL goal leaders as of Sept. 26: 

PLAYER  TEAM  LEAGUE GP G 
Benjamin Laliberté  Ste-Jerome LJRAAAQ 8 11 
Joakim Arsenault  Ste-Agathe LJRAAAQ 7 10
Matt Galati  Pickering OJHL  7 9
Sebastien Bergeron Ste-Agathe LJRAAAQ 7 9
Darcy Haines  Sudbury NOJHL  5 8
Marly Quince  Cornwall  CCHL  6 8
Patrick Chore  Oakville  OJHL  7 8
Alex Gagnon  Granby  LJRAAAQ 8 8

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTEBOOK

ABITIBI ESKIMOS – After starting 0-4 to begin the season the Eskimos came up big to notch win No. 1 of the campaign Saturday as they rode the four-goal performance of Richard Therrien to upend the defending NOJHL champion Soo Thunderbirds 5-4 in overtime. … Therrien’s big night allowed him to take over the team scoring lead. He has six points, including five goals, in four games. … Abitibi only has one game scheduled this week as they welcome North Bay to Jus Jordan Arena on Saturday.

BLIND RIVER BEAVERS – Having won two of the past three the Beavers host Sudbury Saturday and Kirkland Lake on Sunday at the Community Centre. … Scoring goals has not been a problem for the club so far this season. They are currently tied for the second most markers scored in the NOJHL with 26. … Tyler Brown leads the squad offensively with eight points on three tallies and five assists. He is knotted for fifth in league scoring. … Paul Muio is next on the team in points with seven, including six helpers, while Samuel Wilbur sits third with six points. 14 different skaters have already notched markers for Blind River so far this season.

ELLIOT LAKE BOBCATS – The first-year Bobcats recorded their first NOJHL victory on Sept. 21 defeating Blind River 5-1 on home ice. … A Thomas Coty tally late in the first period stood up to be the initial game-winning goal in team history. … Cory Simic made 26 stops in his Bobcats debut to register the victory. … After Wednesday game in Sudbury Elliot Lake returns home for three straight at Centennial Arena, including Kirkland Lake paying a visit Friday. … Nicholas Tassone has goals in three straight outings. All of those markers come on the power play.

KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS – The Gold Miners will look to snap a mini two-game losing streak this weekend as they hit the road for three games with stops in Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie and Blind River Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively. …Steve Babin and Jordan Briand share the team point lead with five apiece. … The club has allowed the third fewest goals in the league to date at 15. … Chris Komma sits fifth in NOJHL goals-against average at 2.65 while also posting one shutout.

NORTH BAY TRAPPERS – The Trappers remain unbeaten at 4-0-1. … They are one of three clubs across the CJHL who have yet to lose after playing in five or more games. … North Bay has allowed the fewest goals in the NOJHL so far at 11. They are tied for second in goals scored with 26. … … Greg Dodds is fourth in the league in goals-against average at 2.13. He is also fourth in save percentage at .922 having played every minute in net for his team so far this season. … Newcomer Brennen Dubchak has taken over the team scoring lead with eight points in five games. He sits tied for fifth overall in NOJHL offensive production. … Brandon Janke is right behind with seven points on a pair of tallies and five assists. … Corbin Bean, Carter Horwitz and Trevor Hunt all have six points early on.

SOO THUNDERBIRDS – Rookie goaltender Joel Horodziejczyk leads all NOJHL netminders in both goals-against average and save percentage. He sits with a stingy 0.67 GAA along with an impressive .969 save mark. … With 11 points Adam Ritchie leads the T-Birds offensively. His numbers also rank him second overall in the league having scored six times while setting up five others. Ritchie already has three multiple-point games to his credit. … Greg Sartoretto joins Ritchie in the NOJHL top 10 in scoring with seven points. He sits second on the squad with two markers and five helpers. … Having dropped two in a row after starting the season at 3-0-1 the defending NOJHL and Dudley-Hewitt Cup champion Thunderbirds begin a stint of 10 of their next 12 at home Friday as Kirkland Lake pays a visit to Essar Centre.

SUDBURY NICKEL BARONS – Sudbury looks to extend their unbeaten run to start the 2012-13 campaign to six straight as they host Elliot Lake at McClelland Arena. They are only one of three teams in the entire Canadian Junior Hockey League who are unbeaten after five or more games. … The Nickel Barons pace the NOJHL and in goals scored with 30. … Offensively Sudbury continues to boast three of the NOJHL’s top four point producers early on. Darcy Haines leads the way with 12 points, including a league-best eight goals. … Sebastien Leroux and August Jarecki are knotted for third in league scoring with nine points apiece. Goaltender Alex Laino is 3-0 to start the season while Michael Muzyka is 2-0. Muzyka is third in goals-against average at 2.00 while Laino in sixth at 3.00. They are also second and sixth respectively in save percentage at .937 and .907. Three games in four nights see the Barons at home tonight before visiting North Bay Friday and Blind River Saturday. 
 

SIJHL This Week

By: Lucas Punkari

Lucas is the Sports Reporter for Fort Frances.

After an off-season that saw five head coaching changes, two teams change names, and the defending league champions moving to a different state, it’s been great to actually get back into the on-ice action in the SIJHL.

With a week of regular season play now officially in the record books, here’s a quick look at has transpired up to this point with all seven teams in the league.

1. Dryden Ice Dogs (3-0-0-0 - 6 Points)

With almost everyone coming back from last year’s semi-final squad, the Ice Dogs have quickly jumped out as one of the teams to beat in the SIJHL at this early stage, especially with a 5-2 win over the defending champion Minnesota Wilderness at home on Sunday.

While returning forwards Jesse Linner (2-4-6) and Chris Belhumer (3-3-6) have been key contributors for the Ice Dogs thus far, one of the top performers has been newly acquired forward Tyler Walsh. 

The 20-year-old from Mississauga, who spent time in Huntsville, Kingston, Woodstock and Truro last season, has three goals and four assists in three games this season, and was given the league’s first player of the week accolade of the campaign.

     

2. Thunder Bay North Stars (3-0-0-0 - 6 Points)

Heading into the season, no one had a clue who the North Stars’ head coach was actually going to be, as team owner Doug Gunsinger decided not to unveil the bench boss until their home opener on Tuesday night against Sioux Lookout, with Ear Falls mayor and long-time hockey man Kevin Kahoot taking the role behind the bench.

With that mystery now solved, the focus can actually turn to the play of the North Stars, who have scored the most amount of goals (20) and allowed the least amount (five) for any team that has played more than one game. 

On offence, returning forward Matt Kaarela has been a force with five goals thus far, while goaltender Jayme Brattengeier (who was acquired from Sioux Lookout in the summer) has been red-hot with a 1.67 GAA and three straight wins. 

3. Minnesota Wilderness (2-1-0-0 - 4 Points)

The winners of the last two Bill Salonen Cups, the Wilderness moved from Spooner, Wi. to Cloquet, Mn. during the off-season due to the impending sale and possible closure of their arena, leading to an obvious name change for the club.

As was the case last year, the majority of the players from the defending champions have moved on from the junior ranks (although 36-point forward Shane Topf moved on to Hawkesbury of the CCHL), leaving many holes to be filled.

But once again, the Wilderness have come out flying offensively, especially with returning 69-point man Mike Dietrich, who has seven points in three games.

4. Minnesota Iron Rangers (2-2-0-0 - 4 Points)

After struggling to just nine wins a year ago as the Iron Range Ironheads, the new look Iron Rangers seem to be much improved already, with two wins already under their belts.

With former Madison Capitols bench boss Chris Walby now leading the way in the coaching and general management department, the Iron Rangers have brought in a number of players from the Capitols system along with a few players from the Minnesota and Wisconsin high school ranks.

But at this point, former Chicago Hitmen forward Joey Haydock has been the player to watch as he’s scored three goals and picked up an assist to lead the way on offence, with former Chicago Fury forward Jonathon Losurdo potting two goals to help the squad out.

5. Duluth Clydesdales (0-2-0-1 - 1 Point)

Having lost three games already, the Clydesdales have a very tough road ahead of them over the next two weekends, as they will be taking on the Minnesota Wilderness on three straight occasions.

Although that task does look daunting, Duluth might have found a new marksman on their squad to replace Hunter Scott and Cody Stettin, who both left the team after last season.

The man is Anchorage, Ak. native Darrick Howard, who after putting up 33 points for Duluth Marshall last season, already has three goals and an assist to his name in his rookie SIJHL campaign.

6. Fort Frances Lakers (0-1-0-0 - 0 Points)

After falling a game short of winning the SIJHL crown, the Lakers lost a number of key contributors during the off-season, with the two most notable being league MVP Byron Katapaytuk (who is now playing for Nipissing University after completing his junior career) and rookie of the year Jordan Larson (who was traded to Pembroke in the CCHL).

However, the Lakers are returning some talented players from last year’s team (most notably forwards Jordan Christianson, Merritt Rysavy, Davis Smith and Colton Spicer, defender Jon Carlson, and goaltender Tanner Hamilton), in addition to a few newcomers from the Minnesota high school ranks.

One new face that you may want to keep an eye on is 18-year-old forward Kevin Kurm out of Thunder Bay. After putting up 45 points for the Fort William Hurricanes last season, Kurm impressed many with his speed and skill during the Lakers’ prospect camp in July and the main camp in August, and already has a goal to his name in their season opening loss to the Iron Rangers

7. Sioux Lookout Flyers (0-3-0-0 - 0 Points)

Even though the season is only a week old, the situation involving the Flyers right now is getting quite messy.

After dropping a 8-2 decision to the Thunder Bay North Stars on Tuesday, it was announced by the league on Wednesday that the rematch between both sides was cancelled due to the Flyers being unable to field a full squad due to a number of factors, such as injuries and player suspensions.

Then on Thursday afternoon, it was announced that a pair of games against the Minnesota Iron Rangers scheduled for this weekend had been postponed, but that the Flyers would be back in action on Friday, Oct. 12 when they host the Minnesota Wilderness.

While it remains to be seen what happens going forward, this is not a good sign for a club that nearly bit the dust in the summer of 2011 due to concerns with finances.

Big Thanks to Lucas for the Write-up!