London, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that goaltender Michael Houser of the London Knights is the 2011-12 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the league.

Houser played an incredible 62 games between the pipes for the first place Knights backstopping the club to their fifth Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the OHL’s top regular season team. Also named the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year, Houser posted a record of 46-15-0-1 tying the OHL single season record for most wins by a goaltender set by Andrew Engelage of the OHL Champion Windsor Spitfires in 2009.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Houser. “There are a lot of great players in the league, especially this year, and it is nice to be recognized. It’s an award that I couldn’t have won without the teammates in front of me. They play hard every night and they make my job a lot easier. A lot of thanks go out to them.”

Houser is just the fifth goaltender to receive the prestigious Red Tilson Trophy following Andrew Raycroft (Kingston 2000), Bill Harrington (Kitchener 1952), Glenn Hall (Windsor 1951), and Gil Mayer (Barrie 1949). He is also the fifth member of the Knights to win the award following Corey Perry in 2005, Jason Allison in 1994, Dave Simpson in 1982, and Dennis Maruk in 1975. The 19-year-old native of Wexford, PA, is also just the third American-born player to win the award following David Legwand (Plymouth 1998), and Pat Peake (Detroit 1993).

“We’re honoured to have had Michael on our team once again this season,” said Knights General Manager and Head Coach Mark Hunter. “He’s a leader both on and off the ice and is definitely one of our hardest workers setting an example for the rest of the team. Houser is one of the biggest reasons we finished first overall and have made it all the way to the Rogers OHL Championship Series and we’re pleased to see him receive the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year.”

Undrafted into the OHL, Houser joined the Knights prior to the 2009-10 season and has already played in 141 regular season contests. His 62 games played led all OHL goaltenders this season while his 1862 saves was also the league’s top mark. He finished second with six shutout victories while his goals-against-average of 2.47 was third-best in the league, and his save percentage of .925 ranked fourth overall.

In this year’s Western Conference Coaches Poll, he appeared in three categories and was considered the Best Shootout Goalie, the second Hardest Worker, and the third Best Puckhandling goalie. This season Houser stopped at least 30 shots in 36 different games including six games with 40 or more saves.

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League. Accredited media were asked to select their top three choices from the 20 nominees representing all 20 member clubs. Players received five points for a first place selection, three points for second place and one point for a third place selection.

In the 80 ballots collected, Houser received 182 points in the voting process and was listed as the number one selection on 30 of the submitted ballots. OHL Top Scorer Michael Sgarbossa of the Sudbury Wolves finished in second place with 164 voting points, ahead of Tyler Toffoli of the Ottawa 67’s who received 106 voting points, and Mark Visentin of the Niagara IceDogs who received 104 voting points.

The trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Other winners of the Red Tilson Trophy include Frank Mahovlich (Toronto 1957), Mike Foligno (Sudbury, 1979), Doug Gilmour (Cornwall 1983), Eric Lindros (Oshawa 1991), Brian Campbell (Ottawa 1999), Brad Boyes (Erie 2001 & 2002), Corey Locke (Ottawa 2003 & 2004), John Tavares (Oshawa 2007), Cody Hodgson (Brampton 2009), Tyler Seguin (Plymouth 2010), and Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2011).

Houser will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year Award presented at the CHL Awards Ceremony during the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Shawinigan.

- From OHL news release

Victor Fernandes unveils his predictions for the 2011-12 OHL season:

REGULAR SEASON

Eastern Conference

East Division

1. Oshawa

2. Ottawa

3. Peterborough

4. Kingston

5. Belleville

Central Division

1. Niagara

2. Mississauga

3. Sudbury

4. Brampton

5. Barrie

Western Conference

Midwest Division

1. London

2. Kitchener

3. Erie

4. Owen Sound

5. Guelph

West Division

1. Plymouth

2. Saginaw

3. Sarnia

4. Windsor

5. Sault Ste. Marie

PLAYOFFS

Eastern Conference

Quarterfinals

No. 1 Niagara def. No. 8 Kingston, 4-0

No. 2 Oshawa def. No. 7 Sudbury, 4-2

No. 3 Mississauga def. No. 6 Brampton, 4-1

No. 4 Ottawa def. No. 5 Peterborough, 4-1

Semifinals

No. 1 Niagara def. No. 4 Ottawa, 4-0

No. 3 Mississauga def. No. 2 Oshawa, 4-2

Finals

No. 1 Niagara def. No. 3 Mississauga, 4-2

Western Conference

Quarterfinals

No. 1 Plymouth def. No. 8 Owen Sound, 4-2

No. 2 London def. No. 7 Erie, 4-2

No. 6 Windsor def. No. 3 Saginaw, 4-3

No. 5 Sarnia def. No. 4 Kitchener, 4-2

Semifinals

No. 1 Plymouth def. No. 6 Windsor, 4-2

No. 2 London def. No. 5 Sarnia, 4-3

Finals

No. 1 Plymouth def. No. 2 London, 4-2

League finals

No. 1E Niagara def. No. 1W Plymouth, 4-2

Sherry Bassin (Contributed/Erie Otters)

Coach Robbie Ftorek has an out clause in his three-year contract with the Erie Otters, which allows him to accept a professional coaching position before an August deadline each offseason. But Sherry Bassin expects Ftorek to return for the final season of his deal.

Oh yeah,” Bassin said when asked if Ftorek, who signed his current deal in June 2008, will return.

“I think he enjoys it,” Bassin said. “I sure hope he is (returning). He’s one of the best I’ve ever known.”

However, Bassin said left wing Stephen Genua likely won’t rejoin the Otters for the 2010-11 OHL season. “I don’t expect him back,” Bassin said. Genua, 19, earned a roster spot this season as a free-agent invite at training camp in August. He had four goals, 11 points and 25 penalty minutes in 48 regular-season games. But he was sent home to Toronto late in the season for disciplinary reasons.

In other Otters’ news, Bassin said he will undergo shoulder replacement surgery in the next month.

He appears to have a positive attitude heading into the procedure. During a recent meeting with his surgeon, Bassin asked him, “What about my golf game after (surgery)? I don’t have anything to blame it on right now. Even if I’m in good shape, but I’m not hitting the ball well, can I blame it on my surgeon?” The surgeon’s response – “Go ahead,” Bassin said.

- Victor Fernandes

BOBRUISK, Belarus – Erie Otters forward Greg McKegg and Canada defeated Latvia 5-1 on Wednesday in the opening relegation-round game at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships. McKegg had no points and one shot on goal in the game.

Canada built a 3-0 second-period lead before Latvia scored its lone goal with 18 seconds left in the period. Canada capped the win with two goals in the third, one by Sudbury center John McFarland. Saginaw center Michael Sgarbossa had a goal and assist for Canada, which faces Slovakia on Thursday in their final relegation-round game at 8:30 a.m. ET in Bobruisk.

Meanwhile, the United States secured a gold-medal matchup against Sweden with a 5-0 semifinal win against Finland on Wednesday. The U.S. and Sweden meet Friday at 2 p.m. ET in Minsk. Sweden won their preliminary-round matchup 4-2n on April 13.

Toronto – The Ontario Hockey League announced that Erik Gudbranson of the Kingston Frontenacs is the winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL’s scholastic player of the year for the 2009-10 season.

Gudbranson, an 18-year-old student from Orleans, Ontario, attends Ecole Secondaire Milles-Iles maintaining a six course schedule at the Grade 12 level.  He carries an overall average of 80%, including a top-mark of 87% in Math, with an 83% grade in Advanced Functions, 83% in Change and Social Challenges, 80% in History, 75% in French, and 72% in English.

“Erik has shown this year what hard work gets you on and off the ice,” said Larry Mavety, Director of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Frontenacs. “He is proof as well that it is possible to excel not only on the ice, but in the classroom.”

On the ice, Gudbranson is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and is the top-rated defenceman ranked 4^th overall among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.  He completed his second OHL season with 23 points in 41 games played for the Frontenacs scoring two goals and 21 assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-11, with 68 penalty minutes.

Gudbranson was named captain of Team Canada’s Under-18 team currently competing at the 2010 World Under-18 Championships in Belarus.  He also represented Team OHL at the 2009 SUBWAY Super Series and was named to the Team Cherry roster for the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.  He was named the East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence.  The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, former Ottawa 67′s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas.  Since the award was first presented in 1979-80, Gudbranson becomes the second member of the Frontenacs organization to win, following Chris Clifford in 1985-86.

Jeff Skinner of the Kitchener Rangers is the runner-up for the award carrying an 80% academic average while scoring 50 goals and 40 assists for 90 points in just his second OHL season.  Freddie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs finished third for this award with a 98% academic average while recoding 55 points in 64 games in his second OHL season and is also a member of Canada’s Under-18 team.  Both Skinner and Hamilton are eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Matt Duchene won the award last season as a member of the Brampton Battalion before being selected third overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires captured the award in his rookie season in 2007-08, with current Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos winning the award following his 2006-07 season with the Sarnia Sting.

Gudbranson will be formally presented with the Bobby Smith Trophy at the OHL Awards Ceremony taking place June 9 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.  He is also the OHL’s nominee for the CHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year.

All 20 of the OHL’s member clubs provide nominees for this award which represent the 2009-10 OHL Scholastic Team.

2009-10 Bobby Smith Trophy Nominees:

Barrie – Stephen Gaskin

Belleville – Luke Judson

Brampton – Cameron Wind

Erie – Greg McKegg

Guelph – Zack Mitchell

Kingston – Erik Gudbranson

Kitchener – Jeff Skinner*

London – Michael Houser

Mississauga – Joseph Cramarossa

Niagara – Freddie Hamilton

Oshawa – Christian Thomas

Ottawa – Tyler Toffoli

Owen Sound – Steven Shipley

Peterborough –Matt Puempel

Plymouth – Josh Bemis

Saginaw – Joe Underwood

Sarnia – Nathan Chiarlitti*

Sudbury – John McFarland

Sault Ste. Marie – Brock Beukeboom*

Windsor – Craig Duininck

*repeat All-Scholastic Team member

OHL Academic Highlights:

• OHL players successfully completed 97% of high school courses during the 2008-09 season.
• This season the OHL awarded a record 355 Academic Scholarships including 164 to current players and 191 graduated players.
• Of the 54 overage players that competed in the league during the 2008-09 season, 24 have signed professional hockey contracts while 30 have accessed their academic scholarships in 2009-10 at various institutions across North America.
• OHL teams contributed just under $2 million in 2008-09 towards scholarships for current and graduate players.

- From OHL news release

BOBRUISK, Belarus – Erie Otters forward Greg McKegg and Canada failed to qualify for the quarterfinals in the IIHF World Under-18 Championships following a 5-4 loss to Sweden on Sunday.

Canada trailed 4-0 entering the third period. McKegg assisted on two straight goals to move Canada within 4-2 in the opening five minutes of the period. But Sweden, which won Group A, regained a three-goal lead less than two minutes later. Canada rallied to within 5-4 but couldn’t score the tying goal.

Canada (1-3) finished preliminary-round play fourth in the five-team Group A. Canada will face Latvia on Wednesday at noon ET in the relegation round. The United States (3-1) clinched a spot in Tuesday’s 8:30 a.m. ET quarterfinal against Czech Republic with a 7-1 win against Belarus Sunday.

Windsor, Ontario – The Ontario Hockey League in association with the Windsor Spitfires hockey club held a media conference Sunday to announce John Kurtz of the Sudbury Wolves as the second ever recipient of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy.

Kurtz, a 20-year-old from Oakville, Ontario, played four OHL seasons beginning in 2006-07 as a member of the Windsor Spitfires, where he was teammates with Renaud.  He played his final three seasons with the Wolves and served as team captain the last two years.  Kurtz continued to wear Renaud’s No. 18 sticker on his own helmet throughout his OHL career.

Kurtz was unanimously chosen by a selection committee as the OHL team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, with a passion and dedication to the game of hockey and his community that Mickey demonstrated.  The selection committee consisted of a media panel of four, representing each of the four OHL divisions.

“When I came into the OHL in Windsor, Mickey was the first guy to make me feel comfortable,” said Kurtz. “As a younger guy I really looked up to him and wanted to pattern my game after him.  I was really happy when I saw this award presented last year, and am really honoured to win it this year.”

Kurtz was also the Wolves’ nominee for the Dan Snyder Memorial Award as OHL humanitarian of the year.  He attended many fundraising events on behalf of the Wolves’ organization and volunteered at community schools and at a local home for the developmentally challenged.  He has won numerous team awards including the Wolves Most Popular Player Award, Most Improved Player Award and was the Scholastic Player of the Month twice this season.

“John learned from Mickey’s leadership and always tried to exemplify his qualities to the younger players on the Sudbury Wolves hockey team,” said Wolves general manager Mike Foligno in his award nomination form. “His calming qualities and his confidence are attributes that other players respect.  He has been an excellent role model for many hockey players on our team and in the community.  We are truly thankful for having the opportunity to have known and worked with John.”

On the ice, Kurtz finished this season with a career-high 30 goals, including a team-high 10 goals scored on the power play.  He also added 16 assists for 46 points in 62 games.  He scored his first career hat trick November 20, as first star of a 3-0 win over the Saginaw Spirit.

The selection committee reviewed nomination forms submitted by OHL general managers on behalf of their individual team captains.  Nomination forms listed the characteristics of each captain both on and off the ice which demonstrate his strengths and commitment as a leader.  Dedication to work in the community, as well as special team and league achievements and awards received through hockey, education, and community service were also considered.

Kurtz will be formally presented with the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy at the OHL Awards Ceremony June 9 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

2009-10 Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy Nominees

Barrie – Stefan Della Rovere

Belleville – Luke Judson

Brampton – Cody Hodgson

Erie – Zack Torquato

Guelph – Corey Syvret

Kingston – Brian Lashoff

Kitchener – Dan Kelly

London – Justin Taylor

Mississauga – Cameron Gaunce

Niagara – Andrew Agozzino

Oshawa – Jeff Hayes

Ottawa – Julien Demers

Owen Sound – Marcus Carroll

Plymouth – AJ Jenks

Saginaw – Tyler Murovich

Sarnia – Nathan Chiarlitti

Sault Ste. Marie – Jacob Muzzin

Sudbury – John Kurtz

Windsor – Harry Young

BOBRUISK, Belarus – Erie Otters forward Greg McKegg and Canada fell 5-0 to the United States in a preliminary-round game of the IIHF World Under-18 Championships on Friday. McKegg recorded two shots and a two-minute penalty for delay of game, which led to Team USA’s second goal in a decisive three-goal first period.

Canada (1-2) completes the preliminary round on Sunday against Sweden at 8:30 a.m. ET. Canada needs a win to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Otherwise, Canada moves to the relegation round. The U.S. (2-1) faces host Belarus at noon ET.

Toronto – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that a media conference is scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, to announce the winner of the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy for the 2009-10 season.

Former Erie Otters captain Zack Torquato is nominated for the honor, which is awarded to the OHL member team captain that best exemplifies leadership on or off the ice, as well as hard work, passion and a dedication to the game of hockey and their community that Mickey demonstrated.

The formation of the award was announced last February at the 2009 Subway OHL All-Star Classic in Windsor.  Renaud, who passed away in February 2008, was named the Spitfires’ captain at the start of the 2007-08 season. The winner was determined by a panel of four media members representing each of the four OHL divisions.

2009-10 Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy Nominees

Barrie – Stefan Della Rovere

Belleville – Luke Judson

Brampton – Cody Hodgson

Erie – Zack Torquato

Guelph – Corey Syvret

Kingston – Brian Lashoff

Kitchener – Dan Kelly

London – Justin Taylor

Mississauga – Cameron Gaunce

Niagara – Andrew Agozzino

Oshawa – Jeff Hayes

Ottawa – Julien Demers

Owen Sound – Marcus Carroll

Plymouth – AJ Jenks

Saginaw – Tyler Murovich

Sarnia – Nathan Chiarlitti

Sault Ste. Marie – Jacob Muzzin

Sudbury – John Kurtz

Windsor – Harry Young

From OHL news release

Toronto – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs and Derek Lanoue of the Windsor Spitfires are Scholastic Award winners for the 2009-10 season.

Hamilton is the recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as the OHL’s top academic player attending high school, finishing ahead of Erie Otters center Jeremy Gottzmann. Lanoue claims the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the OHL’s top academic player attending college or university.  Both awards were first introduced in March 2005 to recognize the accomplishments of the top student athletes that compete in the OHL.

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