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November 29, 2009

Improve Your Photography Skills!

Once again, Harry Nowell is offering his workshop on Pro Hockey Photography with the cooperation of the Ottawa 67s. This is a great opportunity to improve your photography. You get a session before the game, you shoot a game and, most importantly, you get the opportunity to discuss your results in a very safe environment with Harry and the other students. Harry always has something encouraging to say while dispensing valuable advice to make it even better.

Even if your ambition is simply to take pictures of your kids in their many activities, this is a worthy investment - you will be inspired by Harry's enthusiasm for the medium.

Hope to see you at the game!

November 28, 2009

Toffoli on a Tear!

Tyler Toffoli is a man on a mission since the preliminary rankings came out and the team is reaping the benefits as he scored three goals and added 2 assists in their 6-3 win over the Oshawa Generals. The win makes it 6 in a row for the 67s and 5 losses in a row for the slumping General.

Forward Combos:
Nigro, Martindale, Nesbitt
Smith, Lindsay, Toffoli (starters)
Janes, Merrett, Carnevale,
Hanes, Graovac, Stevens

D-pairs
Zanetti, Cuma
Demers, Gibbons (starters)
Hartwick, Ceci

Goal: Perugini

Scratches: Cowick, Birkhoff

It was home captain Tyler Cuma scoring his first goal of the season on a one-timer from the point that put Ottawa on the scoreboard early in the first period. Zanetti and Tyler Toffoli assisted on the PPG. If there was a third assist to award, it would go to Dalton Smith for screening Zador.

Ottawa then managed to get into a bit of penalty trouble, including two in the penalty box for 38 seconds. The 67s limited the Gens to 5 shots for the entire run of penalties in the frame including no shots allowed during 1:23 where the same killers were stuck on the ice.

But Connor Stokes evened it up with a shot off the post with less than 5 minutes left in the first.

The second period was goal-fest with 6 goals scored between the two teams. The Gens struck first to go ahead on Thomas Christian's first of two PPGs in the period almost 10 minutes apart. Right after the next faceoff, Peter Stevens dropped the gloves with Alex Dzielski. Stevens clearly had the upper hand in the tilt.

It had the desired affect for the 67s as they came back to tie the game just 35 seconds later. Jon Carnevale was unassisted in his 4th game of the year when he finally got it past Zador on his third try.

And just three minutes later, Cody Ceci roofed a loose puck to put Ottawa ahead for good. It was the result of relentless work on the powerplay, keeping the puck in play in the Oshawa zone not allowing Zador to grab it for a whistle. Tyler Toffoli and Cody Lindsay were credited with the assists. And that was it for Zador, for the moment. Kevin Bailie went into the net.

Then it became the Tyler Toffoli scoring clinic. His first goal put the 67s up by two when he tapped Cody Lindsay's rebound past Bailie. Dalton Smith got the second assist.

Thomas Christian got the Gens back within one with his second PPG of the game with Dalton Smith in the sin-bin.

Toffoli got the 2-goal lead back unassisted on yet another highlight reel goal that started when he blocked Wilson's shot from the point, picked up the puck and fought off Wilson and tucked the puck behind Bailie.

It looked like the Gens scored on the very next play when Boone Jenner put a rebound past Perugini. But on the review, it was called back as it seemed to go off his glove although the replay at home seems to show it go off the stick. That was a bad call. Ottawa got a break on that one - big time.

Toffoli scored the only goal of the third and made it a hat trick with a wrist shot that beat Bailie high blocker. Tyler Cuma and Chris Perugini assisted. Bailie was pulled and Zador was put back in the game.

Oshawa kept at it including laying out some big hits but the 67s were stronger for the decisive 6-3 despite being out-shot 39-48.

Here's the game sheet.

Three Stars as selected by the Team1200


Hardest Working 67 as selected by the Team1200: Cody Ceci


Random Thoughts:
  • Lots to like about the 67s right now. Looking forward to see how they take it on the road as both teams lost last night and Ottawa has now vaulted to 4th place in the Conference.
  • Perugini was lucky on a couple of his puck handling attempts. Miscommunications with his D created opportunities for the Gens.
  • Perugini faced 48 shots. It sure would be interesting to see how many shots were blocked. It seemed like there must have been another 20.
  • Ryan Martindale had what I think might be his first OHL fight with Andy Andreoff.
  • The Sointu trade allows Byrne to give his young guys more ice time and allow them to improve and they are taking full advantage of it now as someone will start sitting out once Corey Cowick gets back which may be around the end of January.
  • Oshawa played better than the score indicates. They are a young team that played hard right to the end. There was some good forechecking pressure, odd-man rushes and cycling.


More Pictures:
Ryan Hanes acknowledged for his scholastic success


Ryan Martindale's first OHL fight?


Ryan Martindale in a more natural role


Anthony Nigro knocking down the puck


Tyler Graovac


2-4's


Cody Ceci and Dalton Smith


Chris Perugini


November 27, 2009

Game Set Up - Oshawa

The rebuilding Oshawa Generals come to town tonight for their first game of the season at the Urbandale Centre. The 67s bring their 5-game winning streak to the party while the struggling Generals - well, they're struggling. Which makes for an interesting matchup. It certainly wouldn't be the first time that a struggling team knocks a hot team down a peg or two. Let's see if the 67s decide to bring the same intensity to the ice that they did for the Kitchener Rangers.

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadOshawa Generals
10-10-3-2 25 pointsRecord8-13-3-0 19 points
6th EasternRank - Conference
10th Eastern
89 GF78
90 GA92
7-1-1-1P101-8-1-0
(24/114) 21.1 (10th)
PP% (rank)(20/138) 14.5 (15th)
(25/115) 78.3 (16th)
PK% (rank)(23/125) 81.6 (10th)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sOshawa Generals
Martindale (11-20-31)Thomas (11-13-24)
Lindsay (10-17-27)DeHart (3-18-21)
Nesbitt (14-10-24)Hayes (10-10-20)
Toffoli (11-12-23)Jenner (10-8-18)
Nigro (4-15-19)Andreoff (7-9-16)

November 26, 2009

More News

For those of you who didn't see it on the 67s site:

Tyler Toffoli was named the CHL Player of the Week. You can see the announcement here. Congrats again Tyler!

And the Finnish import, Matias Sointu has been traded to Sudbury for goaltender Francis Dupuis who is playing in the CJHL. See the 67s announcement here. I was starting to wonder who might be out of the line up once Corey Cowick returns. Now we know.

Good luck Matias and we'll see you in March!

November 24, 2009

A Good Week For Toffoli

Tyler Toffoli has played a lot of hockey in the last week and it's all been good. It started last Wednesday when the team traveled to Belleville and won in the shoot-out. Tyler had a goal and an assist in that game. Then it was off to Barrie for game one of the OHL Subway Super Series. Tyler had a goal in the 5 - 2 win over the Russians.

He was back in Ottawa for Friday's great game against Plymouth Whalers. The 67s' comeback was sparked by Tyler's PPG early in the third period. He also had an assist in that game.

In Sunday's outstanding game against the 2nd best team in the Western Conference, the Kitchener Rangers, Tyler contributed two goals and two assists in the 6-3 win.

And to wrap up the week, Tyler was part of last night's very strong Team OHL where he put up another goal to help the OHL sweep the series.

He was the first star in both Ottawa games on the weekend, had his goal against Sarina in the OHL Plays of the Week video and, as a couple of faithful readers emailed me, he is the OHL's Player of the Week for Novermber 16 - 22.

Congratulations Tyler!

November 22, 2009

Make That a 5-Game Winning Streak!

The 67s played another solid game and took down the Kitchener Rangers 6 - 3. That's a 5-game winning streak including wins against a couple of strong Western Conference teams.

Forward Combos:
Nigro, Martindale, Nesbitt
Smith, Lindsay, Toffoli (starting forwards)
Janes, Merrett, Carnevale
Hanes, Graovac, Stevens

D-pairs
Zanetti, Cuma
Demers, Gibbons (starting D)
Hartwick, Ceci

Goal: Perugini

Scratches: Sointu, Cowick, Birkhoff

The Kitchener Rangers may have had the first shot on goal just seconds into the game but it was the Ottawa 67s who dominated the ice. The 67s were on their first PK of the game early in the first when Thomas Nesbitt got around the defender and created a two-on-one with Martindale. Instead of passing, he took the quick shot and it went under Mavrick's arm for the SHG. Tyler Cuma got the assist.

Ottawa kept building up the pressure and had the Rangers on their heels for most of the period. Near the end of the period, Ottawa had a great cycle going and also managed to carry out a line change without losing possession.

The goalie judges had to work for their lunch in the second period with 6 goals scored between the two teams. The first four by Ottawa and the last two by the Rangers. It started with Tyler Toffoli stealing the puck behind the Kitchener net, passing it to Cody Lindsaywho rung it off the post. Dalton Smith picked up the rebound and buried it for his 11th goal of the season.

This was followed by two goals within about a minute and a half of each other before the period was 6 minutes old. With the 67s on the PP, Thomas Nesbitt scored his second of the game when he came in off the boards to the slot and beat Parks 5-hole. Cuma and Nigro with the assists and Parks found himself parked on the bench.

Brandon Maxwell took over in the Ranger net and Tyler Toffoli scored on the 67s very next shot 30 seconds later when Maxwell couldn't hang on to the puck. Cody Lindsay assisted.

The second line struck gold again just over the halfway mark when Cody Lindsaypicked up the puck at his blue line, passed it up to Dalton Smith who got the puck to Tyler Toffoli as he rushed to join the play and beat Maxwell with the backhand. This one might make the OHL highlight reel too.

Kitchener looked like they might get back into the game with two very quick goals within about 40 seconds of each other from Jeremy Morin (a PPG) and rookie Gabriel Landeskog in the last 5 minutes of the game. They gave the Rangers some much needed momentum and they finished the period with the best effort they had all game.

But it wasn't enough to turn the tide.

Dalton Smith tipped Travis Gibbons' shot from the point to score his second of the game and Ottawa's second PPG. Tyler Toffoli had the second assist.

Rangers' Gabriel Landeskog got one more goal to halve the difference but the Rangers really didn't threaten in the third, getting only 6 shots on net.

And so the 67s get their 5th win in a row by soundly outplaying the second best team in the Western Conference 6 - 3 and out shooting them 37 - 24.

Here's the game sheet.

Three Stars as selected by the Team1200


Hardest Working 67 as selected by the Team1200: Thomas Nesbitt
(I didn't get a good in-game picture)


Random Thoughts:
  • The team really looks like a team now. Lots of support, people where they need to be, and scorers getting goals. Quite the turnaround for a team that was in the basement of the league a couple of weeks ago.
  • Cuma is playing like a man possessed. Despite getting hurt a couple of times, he was out there to the end. Someone get him Anton Volchenkov's phone number so that they can discuss recovery techniques.
  • Apparently Lindsay is indeed a faceoff machine - 65% wins in the game against Plymouth.
  • It was a chippy affair at times with the Rangers letting their frustration boil over on occasion. Or perhaps they've become a dirty team.
  • Before the game, the Kitchener Rangers wear t-shirts with RESPECT written across the back. I expect this is out of respect for their team mate Ben Fanelli who is still recovering from the nasty results of a hit he took.
  • I normally don't comment on the on-ice officiating because it's a hard job and for the most part, people expect an unreasonable level of perfection. I just have to say something for this game. There was only one referee for this game and he was pretty brutal. His linesmen didn't give him much help either.


More Pictures:




This one went off both posts and stayed out





November 21, 2009

Game Set Up - Kitchener

Kitchener has its sights set on the OHL Championship and more this year and are moving aggressively to create the conditions for success. Their most recent move was a trade on Friday for Belleville's Matt Tipoff who was in the line up for Kitchener's 8-1 romp over the Frontenacs on Friday. He scored Kitchener's first goal and added an assist to impress his new team and city. Their second best PP in the OHL was good on 4 of their 10 opportunities in the game. Orleans native Jason Akeson had a hat trick in the game.

Both teams rested today in preparation for Sunday's game at the Urbandale Centre. Ottawa puts their 4-game winning streak on the line.

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadKitchener Rangers
9-10-3-2 23 pointsRecord16-4-1-2 35 points
6th EasternRank-Conference2nd Western
83 GF96
87 GA68
6-2-1-1P107-3-0-0
(22/107) 20.6 (10th)
PP% (rank)(41/155) 26.5 (2nd)
(24/110) 78.2 (16th)
PK% (rank)(18/113) 84.1 (2nd)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sKitchener Rangers
Martindale (11-20-31)Skinner (17-15-32)
Lindsay (10-14-24)MacKinnon (12-20-32)
Nesbitt (12-10-22)Morin (18-13-31)
Toffoli (9-10-19)Tipoff (11-20-31)
Nigro (4-14-18)Akeson (10-20-30)


Kitchener tidbits:
  • #19 Jason Akeson Forward is an Orleans native and is related to former 67s Jeremy Akeson (cousins I believe)
  • #34 Mavric Parks Goalie, former Frontenac is an Eganville native
  • #30 Brandon Maxwell Goalie selected by Colorado Avalanche round 6 #154 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft
  • #7 John Moore Defense selected by Columbus Blue Jackets round 1 #21 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft
  • #61 Jeremy Morin Forward selected by Atlanta Thrashers round 2 #45 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft
  • #11 Tyler Randell Forward selected by Boston Bruins round 6 #176 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft
  • #72 Matthew Tipoff Forward was traded on Friday to Kitchener from Belleville for Alex Aleardi and a 5th round pick in 2011. Belleville also threw in their first round pick from the import draft in 2010.
  • Their first round 2009 OHL Priority Draft Pick Ryan Murphy (D) has 2 goals and 10 assists in the 23 games he has played this year.

OHL Plays of the Week - November 15, 2009

As predicted by your faithful blogger, Tyler Toffoli's PPG goal against Sarnia made the cut for the OHL plays of the week. It was the number 1 play of the week. Well done Tyler!

Check it out here.

November 20, 2009

A Whale of a Game!

In their best game this season, the Ottawa 67s come back from a 2-goal deficit with 3 unanswered goals to harpoon the Whalers 4 - 3 (in regulation for a change).

Forward Combos:
Nigro, Martindale, Nesbitt (starting forwards)
Smith, Lindsay, Toffoli
Sointu, Merrett, Carnevale
Graovac, Janes, Peters

D-pairs
Zanetti, Cuma (starting D)
Demers, Gibbons
Hartwick, Ceci

Goal: Perugini

Scratches: Cowick, Birkhoff, Hanes

This was a fast, fast game. The first period went by quickly as I think there were only 5 whistles for the entire 20 minutes. There were a couple of times where it seemed like play went on for a few minutes before getting a whistle.

There was lots of end to end action with each team doing a good job of preventing the other one capitalizing on their rushes.

Both teams had their chances but it was the Whalers who got on the board first when Panthers prospect A.J. Jenks found the rebound at the top of the crease and just lobbed it over a sprawled Perguini. Shots were 9 - 6 at this point in favour of Plymouth.

Ottawa got that back with just 51 seconds left in the period when Dalton Smith capitalized on a misplayed puck by Jordon in neurtal zone creating a two-on-one with Smith and Lindsay. Dalton put it over the shoulder of Hackett to tie it up. Tyler Toffoli and Mark Anthony Zanetti assisted.

The second period didn't start so well for Ottawa as the Whalers scored on their first two shots on goal. The first was a tic-tac-toe play among Brittain, Seguin and McCauley who put it past Perugini. The Whalers' next, and eventually final, goal came on the powerplay just over two minutes later. Schmitz's shot from the point got past a screened Perugini.

A two-goal deficit did not phase the 67s and they came right back with a couple of good attacks. They kept the Whalers off the scoresheet for the rest of the period.

The came the third period. Whatever was said in the locker room, it worked. Not only did the 67s score 3 unanswered goals, they completely shut down the Whalers, limiting them to just 3 shots on goal for the entire period - including the final minute when Hackett was pulled for the extra attacker.

The comeback started with Tyler Toffoli's PPG with a shot from the slot that beat Hackett blocker side. Anthony Nigro and Julien Demers with the assists.

Then, just past the halfway mark of the period, hard work along the boards by Ryan Martindale and Travis Gibbons sprung the puck to Thomas Nesbitt who beat Hackett short side, possibly off a Whaler stick, to tie up the game.

And the game winning goal was a fast one off the faceoff when Andrew Merrett drew the puck back to Mark Anthony Zanetti who's shot ricocheted off a couple a players and beat Hackett.

The 67s kept driving for the next goal and completely smothering Plymouth's chances. And the take the game with a score of 4 - 3 and final shots 33-20.

Three Stars as selected by the Team1200 (third star Jenks did not take a turn)



Hardest Working 67 as selected by the Team1200: Tyler Cuma


Click here for the game sheet.

Random Thoughts:
  • This was one of the best team games I've seen from the 67s in a long time. It seens like things are solidifying for these guys.
  • Cody Linsday was a face-off-winning machine! Would be interesting to see the stats but it seemed he won way more than he lost (if any).
  • Top prospect, Tyler Seguin, was limited to one point. It was his first game after missing 4 due to an injury. Up to this point he was averaging 2 points per game.
  • That missed hit from behind on Smith will likely result in a conversation with the referees. Fortunately Smith was not seriously injured (that we can tell). But it did fire up the team.
  • There was some pain in the win: Toffoli was hit in the foot by a hard shot from Demers and he took a stick in the face right in front of a ref (no call) and Lindsay took a nasty hit on the knee from Brittain. Both returned to the ice.
  • Cody Ceci has been named to Ontario's U-17 team. The tournament takes place in Timmons in December.
  • Dylan Anderson has been assigned to the Gloucester Rangers of the CJHL.

More Pictures:
Dalton Smith catches Meurs in the neutral zone



Matias Sointu gets airborne



Peter Stevens



Tyler Graovac and Joe Gaynor



Cody Lindsay



Anthony Nigro



These guys have a nose for good hockey

Game Set Up - Plymouth

The Plymouth Rangers start their weekend road trip with a game against the Ottawa 67s who are enjoying their first 3-game winning streak of the year after a couple of shoot out wins (Niagara on Sunday and Belleville on Wednesday). In both games, the deciding goal came off the stick of Tyler Cuma.

Tylers Cuma and Toffoli will be playing their third game in three days having played on Team Ontario last night in the Canada - Russia SUBWAY Super Series. Here's the article from the Ontario Hockey League site. Tyler Toffoli was among the Team Ontario scorers. A quick scan of the roster doesn't indicate that there were any Plymouth players on this team. There may be for the second Ontario game.

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadPlymouth Whalers
8-10-3-2 21 pointsRecord13-9-0-0 26 points
6th EasternConference - Rank5th Western
79 GF81
84 GA66
5-3-1-1P106-4-0-0
(21/102) 20.6 (11th)
PP% (rank)(27/119) 22.7 (6th)
(23/107) 78.5 (14th)
PK% (rank)(22/133) 83.5 (3rd)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sPlymouth Whalers
Martindale (11-19-30)Seguin (19-17-36)
Lindsay (10-14-24)McCauley (14-11-25)
Nesbitt (11-10-21)Jenks (8-11-19)
Toffoli (8-9-17)Meurs (6-10-16)
Nigro (4-13-17)Brittain (7-7-14)

Some Plymouth players to watch:
  • #9 Tyler Seguin recently annointed the number one spot in the preliminary NHL Draft rankings
  • #32 Josh Brittain selected by Anaheim Ducks round 3 #71 overall 2008 NHL Entry Draft
  • #23 Jamie Devaine selected by Toronto Maple Leafs round 3 #68 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft
  • #31 Matt Hackett Goalie selected by Minnesota Wild round 3 #77 overall 2009 NHL Entry Draft
  • #22 A.J. Jenks selected by Florida Panthers round 4 #100 overall 2008 NHL Entry Draft
  • #32 Michal Jordan selected by Carolina Hurricanes round 4 #105 overall 2008 NHL Entry Draft

November 18, 2009

Game Set Up - Belleville

Ottawa heads down the highway to take on divisional rivals Belleville Bulls. Neither team is exactly tearing up the league this year - they are neck and neck in the conference at the edge of the playoff cut line. This is an important game for both teams. Belleville's Stephen Silas, their only player to make the recently published NHL Draft rankings will be sitting out this game while he serves the first of a two-game suspension.

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadBelleville Bulls
7-10-3-2 19 pointsRecord8-13-1-2 19 points
7th EasternConference - Rank8th Eastern
76 GF62
82 GA95
5-3-1-1P104-4-0-2
(20/99) 20.2 (11th)
PP% (rank)(24/140) 17.1 (13th)
(23/103) 77.7 (16th)
PK% (rank)(23/105) 78.1 (14th)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sBelleville Bulls
Martindale (10-19-29)Tipoff (10-19-29)
Lindsay (10-14-24)Bathgate (6-11-17)
Nesbitt (11-10-21)Silas (4-13-17)
Nigro (4-13-17)Lalonde (5-11-16)
Toffoli (7-8-15)Payerl (6-9-15)

November 17, 2009

NHL Preliminary Draft Rankings

The preliminary NHL Rankings of players eligible for the 2010 draft have been issued and Ryan Martindale (7th), Tyler Toffoli (14th) and Dalton Smith (20th) are among the top 25 skaters from the OHL.

Check it out here (go to the PDF file for North America).

Without a doubt, Ryan's long point streak contributed to him vaulting up into the rankings. Tyler Toffoli may still be riding the success from the Ivan Hlinka tournament and Dalton Smith is likely attracting attention due to his consistent, hard work.

Congratulations gentlemen. With consistent, hard work - it can only get better.

November 15, 2009

It's a Two-Game Winning Streak!

It's the first two-game winning streak of the year and the first shoot-out win! Tyler Cuma, the 6th Ottawa player (and final shooter) put it past Visentine for the 2-1 win.

Forward Combos:
Nigro, Martindale, Nesbitt
Smith, Lindsay, Toffoli
Graovac, Merrett, Sointu (starting forwards)
Janes, - , Stevens

D-pairs
Zanette, Cuma
Demers, Gibbons
Hartwick, Ceci (starters)
Hanes

Goal: Perugini

Scratches: Carnevale (back), Cowick (shoulder), Birkhoff (hip), Anderson (?)

The Ottawa 67s were looking to continue the strong play from Friday and avenge the home opening loss at the hands of the Niagara IceDogs. And at just 5:12 into the game, Thomas Nesbitt scored his 50th OHL goal by picking up his own rebound, threw it back to the net and beat Visintine. Nigro and Martindale with the assists.

Nothing much happened for the rest of the period. Ottawa had some good chances and made some good moves to keep control of the puck but they were unable to bend the twine. Niagara outshot Ottawa 13-8 and Chris stopped them all.

The second period wasn't so great and the 67s were lucky to come out of that period still holding the one-goal lead. Neither team threatened in the early going - the first shot on goal of the period didn't happen until 5 minutes into the frame. Chris Perugini stood tall and kept his team in the game. But the momentum seemed to be going to Niagara.

Ottawa's relatively lackluster play (as compared to Friday) continued in the third and you could just sense that the IceDogs were about to tie it up. And with their 4th powerplay of the game, Reggie Traccitto fired one from the point that beat Perugini top shelf.

And that's how regulation ended. Ottawa got some jump in the last few minutes and played strong in OT but it was one to the shoot out to determine the winner.

Niagara went first. You can see the order on the game sheet. Here's what the sheet doesn't tell you...
  • Hamilton's shot was deflected over the net
  • Nigro hit the post
  • Shaw got in too deep
  • Nesbitt tried 5-hole but it was an easy stop for Visnetine
  • Perugini had a nice poke check on Agozzino
  • Toffoli's shot was and easy save
  • De Sousa's shot was also an easy save
  • Lindsay missed the net entirely on the backhand
  • Insam's deke didn't fool Chris at all
  • Martindale tried 5-hole but no-go,
  • Moes' backhand was stopped
  • Ottawa captain Tyler Cuma made the nice move to put it past Visentine to win the game.


Here's the game sheet.

Random Thoughts:
  • Well, it certainly wasn't the same level of intensity as Friday's game. Gary Roberts addressed the team before the Friday game. It would appear that they forgot the key messages he gave them. Ottawa barely beat a team that played the night before.
  • Powerplay still needs work. They had a total of one shot on net in their two power plays.
  • Dalton Smith is sure one tough cookie. He takes the hits and gives the hits, will drop the gloves and stand his ground in front of the net.
  • It is good to see Cuma back on his game. Watching the game from ice level gives you a better perspective of his speed and strength.
  • The 67s had more icing and turn-overs than a pastry shop. I was getting hungry.
  • Listening to the Team1200 at the end of the game, while the in-arena announcement and the game sheet shows Dalton Smith as the third star, given his game winning shoot out goal, they announced Tyler Cuma as their third star and Dalton Smith as their Hardest Working 67s (for the second game in a row). When something like this happens late in the game, it's hard to get the information to everyone in time to catch the players as they leave the ice.
  • As a result of this weekend's wins, the 67s are no longer in the basement of the conference and the league.
  • A few players appear to be growing mustaches in support of Movember, an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men's health issues - specifically prostate cancer. At this age, the mustache playing field is definitely not even. But it's good to see the attempts.


The TSN Summary is here.
Click here to see pictures from the game.

November 14, 2009

Game Set Up - Niagara

Niagara rolls into town coming off a 5-3 loss in Belleville that, according to the game sheet, involved some very late game chippyness resulting in 5 players from the two teams getting assessed a number of infractions including 4 unsportsmanship misconduct calls.

It would be safe to presume that they will be a tad testy and perhaps chippy for the game against Ottawa on Sunday.

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadNiagara IceDogs
6-10-3-2 17 pointsRecord8-12-2-1 19 points
10th EasternConference - Rank6th Eastern
74 GF70
81 GA92
4-4-1-1P103-7-0-0
(20/97) 20.6 (11th)
PP% (rank)(12/115) 10.4 (20th)
(22/99) 77.8 (15th)
PK% (rank)(31/133) 76.7 (18th)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sNiagara IceDogs
Martindale (10-18-28)Agozzino (14-12-26)
Lindsay (10-14-24)DeSousa (10-16-26)
Nesbitt (10-10-20)Friesen (12-12-24)
Nigro (4-12-16)Hamilton (10-7-17)
Toffoli (7-8-15)Traccitto (4-9-13)

Strong Ottawa Game Seriously Stings Sarnia

It wasn't the homecoming that Adam Courchaine expected or dreamed of as he got the hook after two periods (it may have been a merciful act by his coach) and 5 goals against. The Ottawa 67s went on to blow out the Sarnia Sting 7 - 0 and seriously avenge last Sunday's OT loss.

Here's how the two teams stacked up going into the game:

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadSarnia Sting
5-10-3-2 15 pointsRecord10-10-1-0 21 points
10th EasternConference - Rank7th Western
67 GF67
81 GA83
3-5-1-1P104-6-0-0
(19/91) 20.9PP% (rank)(24/128) 18.8
(22/96) 77.1PK% (rank)(29/111) 73.9


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sSarnia Sting
Martindale (10-18-28)Kerbashian (6-15-21)
Lindsay (9-13-22)O'Quinn (7-9-16)
Nesbitt (10-9-19)Rogalski (1-13-14)
Nigro (4-11-15)Hill (3-8-11)
Toffoli (6-6-12)Stoughton (3-7-10)


Forward Combos:
Nigro, Martindale, Nesbitt (starting forwards)
Smith, Lindsay, Toffoli
Graovac, Merrett, Sointu
Janes, - , Stevens

D-pairs
Zanetti, Cuma (starting D)
Demers, Gibbons
Hartwick, Ceci
Hanes

Goal: Perugini

Scratches: Carnevale (back), Cowick (shoulder), Birkhoff (hip), Anderson (?)

It was all Ottawa, all the time. For the whole game. Not sure if the Sting had even left Peterborough after their 7 - 3 loss the night before. It was not good.

The GWG came just 1:18 into the game when Cody Lindsay scored his 10th goal of the season putting the rebound over Courchaine's pads. Dalton Smith and Tyler Toffoli got the assists.

Ottawa came back right at Courchaine and had a goal waved off from the very next shot on goal. And they just kept coming. Sarnia didn't get their first SOG until over 13 minutes into the game. Ottawa had already hit Courchaine 12 times with the puck by then. By the end of the first period, Ottawa had out shot the Sting 18 - 3 but the score was still just 1 - 0 for Ottawa.

The real damage was done in the second period with Ottawa's D-corps getting three goals (Hartwick, Demers and Ceci) and Tyler Toffoli's PPG as he skated through two Sarnia players inside the blue line, maintained control of the puck, drove the net and slide it under the outstretched leg of Courchaine. That goal should be on the OHL highlight reel next week. Assists that period went to: Toffoli, Nigro, Nesbitt, Demers, and Lindsay.

Ottawa dominated in all aspects: getting to the puck first, winning battles along the boards, and simply playing smartly. By the end of two periods, Courchaine had seen 34 shots and Perugini just 9.

With a 5-goal lead, going into the third, I wondered if the team would come out with enough intensity to give Perugini his first shutout of the year. On the Sarnia side of the rink, backup goalie Shayne Campbell was in net and coach McQueen wasn't on the bench. Perhaps McQueen just couldn't take it anymore.

Well, the team did back off a bit, allowing Sarnia to get 10 shots on goal (which doubled their total output for the two previous periods). But Ottawa got to Campbell with 13 shots, 2 of which resulted in goals - both by Dalton Smith.

He tucked the first goal on the short side as he was left all alone at the side of the net. Graovac and Sointu assisted on the goal. The second one was the result of a head's up effort by Matias Sointu as he broke up a Sarnia breakout and created a three-on-one with Smith and Graovac. The give-and-go, Smith buried the puck with 49 seconds left in the game.

And that's all she wrote. Final damage: 7 - 0 for Ottawa, SOGs: a whole bunch against not alot (51 - 20).

Here's the game sheet.

Random Thoughts:
  • First shutout for Chris Perugini in two years. While he didn't see a lot of shots (and it's tough to stay sharp when that happens) he did pay a bit for the shut out. He was run hard by Preisinger in the second period and cross-checked in the face by Kyle Neuber in the final four minutes of blowout. Also in the category of head-games, after Ottawa scored their 4th goal, Adam Courchaine shot the puck all the way down the ice on the Ottawa net while Chris was stretching his legs with a little skate about. Perugini got back in time to prevent the puck from going in the net. Apparently goalies hate it when players try to put the puck in their net when the play is dead. (Well, they hate it when ANY pucks go in but you get the picture.)
  • There were some really good second efforts out there by several 67s - keeping the puck in the Saria zone, blocking shots, back checking, forechecking, taking hits to make the play. It was a good effort all around.
  • However, the PP still needs work. They only scored one PPG out of 6 opportunities.
  • I'm noticing Graovac more and more - in a good way. It seems that he is having a good rookie season. Not a scoring machine but hard working.
  • In Sarnia's last two games (including this one) they had 3GF and a whopping 14GA! Courchaine gave his teammates an earful after Ceci's goal. Too many guys standing around and worse, standing in his way, so that he was fully screened on the goal.
  • It was Gary Roberts Appreciation Night and the former 67s and NHL star was on hand to sign autographs and drop the puck. I had the great pleasure of interviewing Gary for the Ottawa 67s Newsletter (if you are a subscriber, you should have received it by now). It was a great chat (from my perspective anyway) on a wide-range of hockey topics, only a few of which made it into the newsletter. I didn't get a chance to meet him at the rink but I did get some good pictures.
Click here to see pictures from the game.

November 07, 2009

Plays of the Week and other OHL Videos

The OHL has been posting videos of various things, most notable is the "Plays of the Week" feature. I noticed it a few weeks back but failed to monitor it regularly. The latest update includes Thomas Nesbitt's goal against Brampton.

Other videos:

Ottawa 67s in the community and on the ice.

Chris Byrne behind the bench.

Goals from Cody Lindsay were featured in weeks 3 and 4.

Game Set Up - London

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadLondon Knights
5-9-2-2 14 pointsRecord12-4-0-1 25 points
9th EasternConference - Rank4th Western
63 GF62
74 GA51
3-6-0-1P107-2-0-1
(17/86) 19.8 (11th)
PP% (rank)(14/89) 15.7 (15th)
(20/86) 76.7 (16th)
PK% (rank)(18/108) 83.3 (3rd)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sLondon Knights
Martindale (10-17-27)Kadri (10-6-16)
Lindsay (9-12-21)McRae (5-10-15)
Nesbitt (9-9-18)Erlich (5-10-15)
Nigro (3-11-14)Varone (3-11-14)
Toffoli (6-6-12)Knight (7-5-12)


London tidbits:
  • #12 former 67s Pieter Schinkelshoek's stats in the 6 games he has played since joining the Knights after Thanksgiving: 1G, 1A and 9PIMs
  • #6 Scott Harrington (D) is London's 2009 first round pick (19th overall) and is London's highest performing rookie this year so far with 4 assists, a +10 with 0 PIMs in the 8 games he has played
  • #41 Michael Hutchinson (G) is the 2008 third round pick (77th overall) of Boston
  • #71 Philip Varone (F) is the 2009 fifth round pick (147th overall) of San Jose
  • #77 Zac Rinaldo (F) is the 2008 sixth round pick (178th overall) of Philadelphia
  • #91 Nazim Kadri (F) is the 2009 first round pick (7th overall) of Toronto
  • #93 Justin Taylor is the 2007 sixth round pick (180th overall) of Washington
  • I have read many comments regarding Killer's apparent penchant for acquiring local players, often couched as a criticism. A quick look at the London roster shows 9 players who's hometown is listed as London. There are no players on the roster from Ottawa.

I haven't had a chance to watch last night's game against Guelph (PVR'd it) but caught the last two minutes on the radio on my way home from my evening's outing. Sounds like the team (and it's finally a full team) played a strong game. If you missed the Team1200 call, Jon Abbott and Kenny Walls of the Team 1200 made it a 67s sweep for the three stars: 1st - Gibbons (2 goals against his former team); 2nd - Thomas Nesbitt (1G, 2A); 3rd - Julien Demers (2A); Hardest Working 67s: Tyler Cuma. Here's the game sheet.

With his goal and assist, Ryan Martindale has increased his league-leading game streak to 16 games and is now in 9th place in the league in scoring with 27 points. He's the second best scorer in the Eastern Conference, only behind Barrie's Luke Pither who also has 27 points but has two more goals than Ryan.

November 06, 2009

Logan Couture Scores First NHL Goal!

Logan Couture's first NHL point came in San Jose's win against the Carolina Hurricane last Sunday. He assisted on former 67s Brad Staubitz's goal (which stood up as the GWG).

And then scored the only San Jose goal and the first of his career last night. Unfortunately, his team lost 2 - 1 to Detroit.

UpdateThanks Frank for the link to Logan's goal. What's even more impressive is who Logan was playing with - he was on the same line as Joe Thornton and Dany (selfish) Heatley. Well done Logan!!

Again, there were 3 former 67s in the line up as Derek Joslin has been called up as Rlob Blake has been placed on IR.

November 02, 2009

Game Set Up - Peterborough

The Peterborough Petes come to the Urbandale Centre for a new event: School Day. Kids from across the region will watch the game and participate in learning events. I hear the place will be full so it should be noisy!

I won't be at the game but here's the set-up.

Ottawa 67'sHead to HeadPeterborough Petes
4-9-2-1 11 pointsRecord8-9-0-0 16 points
10th EasternConference - Rank4th Eastern
53 GF57
66 GA65
2-6-1-1P104-6-0-0
(14/75) 18.7(13th)PP% (rank)(16/66) 24.2 (6th)
(18/75) 76.0 (17th)
PK% (rank)(17/83) 79.5 (11th)


Top Guns
Ottawa 67'sPeterborough Petes
Martindale (8-15-23)Spooner (9-13-22)
Lindsay (9-11-20)Daley (7-13-20)
Nesbitt (7-7-14)Doornbosch (2-17-19)
Nigro (3-8-11)Theberge (8-3-11)
Toffoli (5-4-9)Puempel (7-2-9)


  • Local connections: Coach Ken McRae is a native of Winchester, #23 Ryan Spooner is a Kanata native and #19 Joey West hails from Orleans
  • #18 Matthew Puempel was their 2009 first round pick 6th overall.
  • #9 Zach Kassian is a Buffalo Sabres 2009 1st round pick (13th overall)
  • #10 OA Pat Daley is a former 67s where he played 69 games over two seasons and scored 10 goals and 6 assists
  • #55 Barron Smith is a Toronto Maple Leaf 2009 pick (7th round 188th overall)
  • #27 Mike Lomas was traded from OS on October 29


Enjoy the game everyone and let's hope that the 67s have turned it around.