Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Brandon Saad of the Saginaw Spirit is the 2011-12 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

Saad, a 19-year-old from Gibsonia, PA, scored 34 goals and 42 assists for 76 points in just 44 games while recording just 38 penalty minutes in his second OHL season with the Spirit. He becomes the second member of the Spirit to win the award following current Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tom Pyatt who received the honour in 2006-07.

“It’s an honor to win any award and be recognized by the league,” commented Saad. “I’m excited about the news and happy to win the award and accept this award on behalf of the Saginaw Spirit and my teammates.”

The Spirit captain led all OHL players with 1.73 points-per-game after beginning the season with the Chicago Blackhawks who selected him in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Upon his return to Saginaw he immediately produced an eight-game point-streak and received OHL Player of the Week honours following his second week in action ending October 23. That week included his first career five-point game where he scored a career-high four goals October 20 as first star of a 5-2 win over the Brampton Battalion.

A member of the U.S National Junior Team at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, Saad recorded 21 multi-point games this season and had the fourth longest point-streak in the league at 16 games between January 15 and February 24. He also finished with the sixth-best plus-minus rating in the OHL with a mark of plus-35.

“Brandon has been an outstanding player for the Spirit organization,” said Head Coach Greg Gilbert. “His commitment both on and off the ice exemplifies the type of player and person he is. His passion for the game and his leadership for our club have been second to none. He plays each game with determination and respect, not only for the game itself, but for his team and opponents. He is a true leader.”

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League. Teams are not permitted to vote for their own candidate with players receiving five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

“Since his first day in Saginaw, Brandon Saad has displayed an extraordinary commitment to doing things right, both on and off the ice,” said Craig Goslin, Spirit Managing Partner, President and Governor. “Whether communicating with his teammates or visiting sick kids in a local hospital or doing a community appearance, his approach is consistently conducted with class and respect for others. Our franchise has certainly been the recipient of an outstanding future NHL hockey player and an outstanding person as well.”

Saad received 45 points in the voting process ahead of Tobias Rieder of the Kitchener Rangers who received 38 voting points, and Freddie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs who finished in third place with 31 voting points.

Former winners of the William Hanley Trophy include Wayne Gretzky (Sault Ste. Marie 1977-78), Brian Campbell (Ottawa 1998-99), Brad Boyes (Erie 2000-01 and 2001-02), Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie 2004-05), Wojtek Wolski (Brampton 2005-06), and Cody Hodgson (Brampton 2008-09). Last season OHL top scorer Jason Akeson of the Kitchener Rangers claimed the award, while Ryan Spooner won the award in 2009-10 as a member of the Peterborough Petes.

Saad will be presented with the William Hanley Trophy at the 2011-12 OHL Awards Ceremony set for Tuesday June 5 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. He will also be the OHL’s nominee for Sportsman of the Year at the Annual CHL Awards.

- From OHL news release

NEW YORK — The Edmonton Oilers won the 2012 Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery today and gained the first drafting position for the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft.

The Oilers own the first overall selection for the third consecutive year. This is the second time the Oilers have won the lottery. In 2010, Edmonton won the lottery, retaining the top pick in the Draft, which they used to select Taylor Hall. Last year, the Oilers again retained the first pick, which they used to select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, when the New Jersey Devils won the lottery and moved from 8th position to 4th.

The Oilers had the second-greatest percentage likelihood, 18.8%, that one of the numbered sequences assigned to them would be the winning combination. Under the system, only the five teams with the fewest points had the chance to win the first overall selection; no team could move up more than four spots and no team could move backward more than one.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs own the second, third, fourth and fifth drafting positions, respectively, in the first round.

The order of selection for the first 14 drafting positions in the first round, only, of the 2012 NHL Draft is as follows:

1. Edmonton Oilers
2. Columbus Blue Jackets
3. Montreal Canadiens
4. New York Islanders
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
6. Anaheim Ducks
7. Minnesota Wild
8. Carolina Hurricanes
9. Winnipeg Jets
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
11. Washington Capitals (from Colorado)
12. Buffalo Sabres
13. Dallas Stars
14. Calgary Flames

The remaining positions are determined by the results of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The drawing was conducted at the NHL’s New York office and the results were televised live on the 2012 Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery on TSN in Canada and NBC Sports Network in the U.S. The program aired live on TSN Mobile TV and can also be viewed on demand on TSN.ca.

Fourteen balls, numbered 1 to 14, were placed in a lottery machine. The machine expelled four balls, forming a series of numbers. The four-digit series resulting from the expulsion of the balls was matched against a probability chart that divided the possible combinations among the 14 participating clubs. The chart showed that the Oilers had been assigned the numbers (2-10-11-13) that were expelled.

The 2012 Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery is a weighted system to give the teams that finished with the fewest points during the regular season the greatest chance of having their combination selected. The Columbus Blue Jackets finished the regular season with the fewest points in the League (65) and were assigned the greatest number of combinations, representing a 25% likelihood that their combination would emerge. Oilers were assigned 18.8% of the combinations, followed by Montreal (14.2%), the Islanders (10.7%) and Toronto (8.1%). The remaining teams had the following chances: 6.2%, 4.7%, 3.6%, 2.7%, 2.1%, 1.5%, 1.1%, 0.8% and 0.5%.

The 2012 NHL Draft will take place at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The first round is on Friday, June 22 and the subsequent rounds take place Saturday, June 23.

Results of Previous Draft Drawings

Year Selected Effect On Draft Order Player Selected
1995 Los Angeles Moved from 7th to 3rd D Aki Berg
1996 Ottawa Retained 1st selection D Chris Phillips
1997 Boston Retained 1st selection C Joe Thornton
1998 Tampa Bay Moved from 3rd to 1st via trades C Vincent Lecavalier
1999 Chicago Moved from 8th to 4th RW Pavel Brendl *
2000 NY Islanders Moved from 5th to 1st G Rick DiPietro
2001 Atlanta Moved from 3rd to 1st LW Ilya Kovalchuk
2002 Florida Moved from 3rd to 1st LW Rick Nash **
2003 Florida Moved from 4th to 1st G Marc-Andre Fleury ***
2004 Washington Moved from 3rd to 1st LW Alex Ovechkin
2005 Pittsburgh n/a C Sidney Crosby
2006 St. Louis Retained 1st selection D Erik Johnson
2007 Chicago Moved from 5th to 1st RW Patrick Kane
2008 Tampa Bay Retained 1st selection C Steven Stamkos
2009 NY Islanders Retained 1st selection C John Tavares
2010 Edmonton Retained 1st selection LW Taylor Hall
2011 New Jersey Moved from 8th to 4th D Adam Larsson
2012 Edmonton Moved from 2nd to 1st

* NY Rangers obtained Chicago’s pick in a trade (via Vancouver and Tampa Bay). The Rangers selected RW Pavel Brendl fourth overall.

** Columbus obtained Florida’s pick in a trade. The Blue Jackets selected LW Rick Nash first overall.

*** Pittsburgh obtained Florida’s pick in a trade. The Penguins selected G Marc-Andre Fleury first overall.

- From NHL news release

Tampa Bay Lighting F Ryan Malone, a former Pittsburgh Penguin, has received no suspension for his hit to the head of Montreal Canadiens D Chris Campoli, a former Erie Otter. Check out the video and the explanation regarding no suspension by clicking the links.

ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced today that goaltender Jaroslav Janus has been recalled and assigned to the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Janus returns to Norfolk for his third stint, although has not appeared in any games with the Admirals this season.  The 21-year-old has seen action in 20 games with the Everblades this season, posting an 8-10-0 record with a 2.98 goals against average.

Janus, a 6^th round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009, began the 2009-10 campaign by seeing action in 13 games with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League where he posted a record of 7-4-2 with a 2.81 goals against average and a .918 save percentage.  The Presov, Slovakia native finished out the year playing in 13 games with the Admirals where he was 7-6-0 with a 2.07 GAA and a .922 save percentage.

- From Florida Everblades news release

ESTERO, FL –  Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced Monday that goaltender Jaroslav Janus, a former Erie Otter, and forward Alex Hutchings have been assigned to the club from the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Janus joins the Everblades after opening the 2010-11 season with the Admirals although did not appear in any games.  The 21-year-old made his professional debut with Norfolk last season after wrapping up a three-year junior career.

Janus, a 6^th round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009, began the 2009-10 campaign by seeing action in 13 games with the Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, where he posted a record of 7-4-2 with a 2.81 goals against average and a .918 save percentage.  The Presov, Slovakia native finished out the year playing in 13 games with the Admirals where he was 7-6-0 with a 2.07 GAA and a .922 save percentage.

Hutchings joins the Everblades after making his pro debut on October 9 with the Admirals at Binghamton.  The 19-year-old joined the pro ranks this season after finishing up a four-year junior career with the Barrie Colts of the OHL.  Last season the Burlington, Ontario, native posted 81 points (47g, 34a) and 58 penalty minutes in 68 games with the Colts. Hutchings, a 4^th round draft pick by the Lightning in 2009, notched 208 points (111g, 97a) and 190 PIM in 229 career games with Barrie.

- From Florida Everblades news release

Former Erie Otters goaltender Jaroslav Janus stopped stopped 54-of-59 shots – 40-of-43 in regulation and 14-of-16 in a marathon shootout – to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 4-3 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday in the NHL Prospects Tournament at Center Ice Arena in Traverse City, Mich. The Lightning face the Dallas Stars on Tuesday at 3 p.m.

In other news from the NHL Prospects Tournament, Otters forward Andrew Yogan had no points but played a solid game in the New York Rangers‘ 1-0 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. The Rangers face the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Defenseman David Shields had no points in the St. Louis Blues‘ 4-1 loss to the Stars. The Blues, which had no points from former Otters winger Luke Gazdic, face the Red Wings on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

At the Maple Leafs Rookie Tournament at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario, Otters forward Greg McKegg was scoreless in the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. But check out this photo of former Otters winger Michael Liambas‘ fight in the game. Forward Shawn Szydlowski and the Ottawa Senators beat the Chicago Blackhawks 7-3 on Sunday.

Szydlowski and McKegg face off on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

- Victor Fernandes

Greg McKegg (Contributed/Toronto Maple Leafs)

Erie Otters forward Greg McKegg had a goal and assist in his Toronto Maple Leafs‘ debut, a 6-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night in the Maple Leafs Rookie Tournament at John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.

Read more by clicking the link and check out video of McKegg’s goal. McKegg and the Leafs face the Pittsburgh Penguins today at 7 p.m. Forward Shawn Szydlowski and the Ottawa Senators lost 5-3 to the Penguins. Ottawa and Chicago meet today at 2 p.m.

At the NHL Prospects Tournament at Center Ice Arena in Traverse City, Mich., Otters defenseman David Shields had two assists in the St. Louis Blues‘ 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. Shields and the Blues face the Dallas Stars today at 1:30 p.m.

Former Otters goaltender Jaroslav Janus was backup to Dustin Tokarski for the Lightning, which face the Detroit Red Wings today at 6 p.m. Former Otters winger Luke Gazdic had no points and a minus-1 rating in the Stars’ 6-1 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday.

Forward Andrew Yogan had no points and a minus-1 rating in the New York Rangers‘ 5-4 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Yogan and the Rangers face the Carolina Hurricanes today at 5:30 p.m.

- Victor Fernandes

The Erie Otters drafted Brady Austin in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection as a defenseman.

But he finished the 2009-10 season at forward.

Austin’s versatility led to increased ice time. Yet, defense remained his first choice. “I talked to the coaches and said that’s what I want to play this year,” Austin said before Thursday’s scrimmage at Tullio Arena. “That’s what I focused on all summer with my skating coach.”

Now he will get his wish. Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner and general manager, said Austin will return to defense for the 2010-11 season. He has defense this week at training camp.

Austin joins five defensemen in the rotation – Brett Cook, Mitch Gaulton, Derek Holden, Tyler Hostetter and David Shields – who have at least two full seasons of OHL experience. Bassin said the team will carry eight defensemen to start of the regular season. That leaves two open spots for players such as Adam Pelech, a 2010 second-round pick, and Evan Accettura.

* Looking sharp: The Otters have formed an expanded partnership with United Way, headlined by United Way Night on Oct. 16 at Tullio Arena, club officials announced at a news conference on Wednesday. The Otters will face the Ottawa 67′s wearing special gray sweaters, pants and socks with red, white and blue trim. The words “LIVE UNITED” appear on the lower back of the sweater.

Proceeds from ticket and jersey sales will benefit the United Way’s 2010 Campaign.

“Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow,” R.J. Zonna, United Way of Erie County’s senior vice president, said in a prepared statement.

The Otters will have a second specialty jersey night on Feb. 5 against the Windsor Spitfires to celebrate the 15-year-old franchise’s 1,000th game. The design will be unveiled at a later date, along with the list of Otters’ alumni attending the game.

* A different Gazdic: Mark Gazdic has worn his older brother Luke‘s Texas Stars helmet during training camp this week. “It feels cool,” said the younger Gazdic, who was able to wear it since Luke, who’s in the Dallas Stars‘ organization, will attend NHL training camp later this month.

But don’t expect him to play like his brother, the Otters’ former physical winger. There are few similarities between their styles. Mark, a defenseman and the Otters’ 10th-round pick in the 2009 OHL draft, prefers a finesse approach, since he’s smaller (6 feet, 170 pounds) than Luke, who’s listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 228 pounds.

“I’m more agile and I make good plays,” he said. Mark will play a physical game, as he proved in separate fights against fellow 2009 pick Johnny McGuire on Wednesday and veteran Brett Appio on Thursday. In contrast, Luke was one of the OHL’s most feared fighters.

“It’s not my style of game,” Mark said.

* Memorable experience: Goaltender Adam Wood experienced it all in his two-game trial by fire with the Otters last season.

On New Year’s Eve in St. Catharines, Ontario, the night then-No. 1 goaltender Jaroslav Janus signed with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, Wood learned he would start in his first OHL game 20 minutes before facing the Niagara IceDogs. He stopped 33-of-40 shots in an 8-7 win. Two nights later, he allowed five goals on 24 shots in his home debut against the Guelph Storm. Yet he still earned a 7-5 win. In all, Wood, a 2009 eighth-round pick, had a 2-0-0-0, record 6.00 goals-against average and .813 save percentage.

Now he’s ready for more. “I feel like I’m ready for more experience this year, more confidence,” Wood said. “I feel I can do it.”

Wood joins veteran Ramis Sadikov and 2009 fifth-round choice Chris Festarini as the remaining goaltenders in camp.

* News and notes: Bassin made no cuts following Thursday’s workouts, leaving the roster at 40 players. More cuts will be made on Friday. … Accettura left the ice during Thursday’s scrimmage with an apparent injury, but it wasn’t considered serious.

- Victor Fernandes

LAS VEGAS (June 23) — Washington Capitals left wing Alex
Ovechkin, who becomes the first player in National Hockey League history
voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons, highlights
the players named to the league’s First and Second All-Star Teams for
2009-10.

Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame
goaltender Bill Durnan, named in his first four seasons from 1943-44
through 1946-47. Joining Ovechkin on the First Team is Capitals teammate
Mike Green, who earned his second consecutive berth on defense.

Each of the remaining First Team players is a first-time
selection, including two Chicago Blackhawks — defenseman Duncan Keith and
right wing Patrick Kane. The last time the Blackhawks boasted as many was
in 1992-93 (goaltender Ed Belfour, defenseman Chris Chelios). Other First
Team honorees are goaltender Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres and center
Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks.

Among those named to the Second Team is Canucks left wing Daniel
Sedin, marking the first time in 36 years that brothers had earned berths
on post-season All-Star Teams in the same year. In 1973-74, Boston center
Phil Esposito earned First Team honors and Chicago goaltender Tony
Esposito was voted to the Second Team.

Joining Daniel Sedin on the Second Team: goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov
of the Phoenix Coyotes, defensemen Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings
and Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings, center Sidney Crosby of the
Pittsburgh Penguins and right wing Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay
Lightning.

Voting for the All-Star Team is conducted among representatives of
the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular
season.

2009-2010 NHL First All-Star Team
GP      W       L       OT      GAA     SO
G       Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres     69      41      18      8 2.22  5

GP      Mins.   G       A       Pts     +/-
D       Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks        82      26:35   14      55
69      +21
D       Mike Green, Washington Capitals 75      25:28   19      57      76
+39
C       Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks 82      19:41   29      83 112 +35
RW      Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks        82      19:11   30      58
88      +16
LW      Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals      72      21:47   50      59
109     +45

2009-2010 NHL Second All-Star Team
GP      W       L       OT      GAA     SO
G       Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes 69      42      20      6 2.29  8

GP      Mins.   G       A       Pts     +/-
D       Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings 82      24:58   16      43      59
+20
D       Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings     82      25:25   9       40
49      +22
C       Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins      81      21:57   51      58
109     +15
RW      Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning   82      21:48   29      65
94      -8
LW      Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks 63      19:08   29      56      85
+36

2009-2010 NHL ALL-STAR TEAM VOTING RESULTS

CENTER

Pts.    (1st-2nd-3rd)   Career All-Star Selections
1.      HENRIK SEDIN, VAN       536     (77-49-4)       1 First
Team, 0 Second Team
2.      Sidney Crosby, PIT      500     (55-74-3)       1 First
Team, 1 Second Team
3.      Steven Stamkos, T.B.    73      (0-6-55)
4.      Nicklas Backstrom, WSH  66      (0-3-57)
5.      Joe Thornton, S.J.      5       (0-0-5)
6.      Anze Kopitar, L.A.      3       (0-0-3)
7.      Pavel Datsyuk, DET      2       (0-0-2)
8.      Mike Richards, PHI      1       (0-0-1)
Eric Staal, CAR 1       (0-0-1)
Jonathan Toews, CHI     1       (0-0-1)

LEFT WING

Pts.    (1st-2nd-3rd)   Career All-Star Selections
1.      ALEX OVECHKIN, WSH      644     (127-3-0)       5 First
Team, 0 Second Team
2.      Daniel Sedin, VAN       153     (1-40-28)       0 First
Team, 1 Second Team
3.      Patrick Marleau, S.J.   151     (1-39-29)
4.      Zach Parise, N.J.       101     (1-21-33)
5.      Ilya Kovalchuk, N.J.    84      (0-22-18)
6.      Alexander Semin, WSH    16      (0-1-13)
7.      Martin St. Louis, T.B.  7       (1-0-2)
8.      Dany Heatley, S.J.      6       (0-2-0)
9.      Patrick Kane, CHI       4       (0-1-1)
Rick Nash, CBJ  4       (0-1-1)
11.     Henrik Zetterberg, DET  4       (0-0-4)
12.     Jarome Iginla, CGY      3       (0-1-0)
13.     Evgeni Malkin, PIT      1       (0-0-1)
Patrick Sharp, CHI      1       (0-0-1)

RIGHT WING

Pts.    (1st-2nd-3rd)   Career All-Star Selections

1.      PATRICK KANE, CHI       397     (49-41-29)      1 First
Team, 0 Second Team
2.      Martin St. Louis, T.B.  348     (49-29-16)      1 First
Team, 2 Second Team
3.      Marian Gaborik, NYR     289     (20-50-39)
4.      Dany Heatley, S.J.      82      (7-5-32)
5.      Jarome Iginla, CGY      13      (2-0-3)
6.      Daniel Alfredsson, OTT  13      (1-2-2)
7.      Steven Stamkos, T.B.    10      (2-0-0)
8.      Corey Perry, ANA        9       (0-2-3)
9.      Alex Ovechkin, WSH      5       (1-0-0)
10.     Alexander Semin, WSH    5       (0-1-2)
11.     Patrick Marleau, S.J.   3       (0-1-0)
12.     Ilya Kovalchuk, N.J.    2       (0-0-2)
Bobby Ryan, ANA 2       (0-0-2)
14.     Rick Nash, CBJ  1       (0-0-1)

DEFENSE

Pts.    (1st-2nd-3rd)   Career All-Star Selections

1.      DUNCAN KEITH, CHI       604     (112-14-2)      1 First
Team, 0 Second Team
2.      MIKE GREEN, WSH 524     (80-38-10)      2 First Team, 0
Second Team
3.      Drew Doughty, L.A.      433     (39-75-13)      0 First
Team, 1 Second Team
4.      Nicklas Lidstrom, DET   242     (12-44-50)      9 First
Team, 2 Second Team
5.      Chris Pronger, PHI      155     (5-30-40)
6.      Dan Boyle, S.J. 149     (5-23-55)
7.      Shea Weber, NSH 83      (3-15-23)
8.      Zdeno Chara, BOS        70      (3-13-16)
9.      Tyler Myers, BUF        18      (0-0-18)
10.     Brent Seabrook, CHI     12      (1-1-4)
11.     Christian Ehrhoff, VAN  10      (0-1-7)
12.     Jeff Schultz, WSH       8       (1-1-0)
13.     Mark Streit, NYI        8       (1-0-3)
14.     Brian Rafalski, DET     8       (0-1-5)
15.     Ryan Suter, NSH 7       (0-2-1)
16.     Ed Jovanovski, PHX      3       (0-1-0)
17.     Sergei Gonchar, PIT     2       (0-0-2)
Scott Niedermayer, ANA  2       (0-0-2)
19.     Brian Campbell, CHI     1       (0-0-1)
Tobias Enstrom, ATL     1       (0-0-1)
Andy Greene, N.J.       1       (0-0-1)
Chris Phillips, OTT     1       (0-0-1)
Keith Yandle, PHX       1       (0-0-1)

GOALTENDER

Pts.    (1st-2nd-3rd)   Career All-Star Selections

1.      RYAN MILLER, BUF        598     (105-24-1)      1 First
Team, 0 Second Team
2.      Ilya Bryzgalov, PHX     371     (20-85-16)      0 First
Team, 1 Second Team
3.      Martin Brodeur, N.J.    136     (6-16-58)
4.      Evgeni Nabokov, S.J.    13      (0-2-7)
5.      Miikka Kiprusoff, CGY   12      (0-0-12)
Tuukka Rask, BOS        12      (0-0-12)
7.      Jimmy Howard, DET       11      (0-0-11)
8.      Tomas Vokoun, FLA       8       (0-2-2)
9.      Henrik Lundqvist, NYR   4       (0-1-1)
10.     Craig Anderson, COL     4       (0-0-4)
11.     Jonathan Quick, L.A.    2       (0-0-2)
Pekka Rinne, NSH        2       (0-0-2)
13.     Jaroslav Halak, MTL     1       (0-0-1)

Toronto – The 2010 Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit Steering Committee today announced the four individuals who will serve as the Summit Leadership Team for the four-day event to be held in Toronto from August 23-26.

Daniel Alfredsson (Gothenburg, Sweden), a 14-year member of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, an Olympic gold medalist and longtime member of Sweden’s national team; Brian Burke (Providence, Rhode Island), General Manager of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, who also served in the same capacity with the 2010 United States Olympic silver medal-winning team in Vancouver; Hayley Wickenheiser (Shaunavon, Saskatchewan), a member of Canada‘s National Women’s Team since 1993-94 and four-time Olympic medalist; and Steve Yzerman (Cranbrook, British Columbia), General Manager of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and a four-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist with Canada have been named to the Summit Leadership Team.

The Summit’s core theme, Global Teamwork Promoting the Growth of the Game, will be brought to life through interactive seminars, presentations and discussions – led by a who’s who of the global hockey world from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, the National Hockey League (NHL), National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).

The inaugural Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit will open on the evening of August 23 with a series of round-table discussions on the issues confronting the hockey world, including the challenges facing transfers and contractual status throughout the hockey world. Beginning on Aug. 24, the following six themes will be addressed:

·        Player Skill Development - Understanding the need for and establishing a long term plan for player development will assist player recruitment and retention and provide opportunities for a safe, positive and enjoyable experience in youth hockey and foster long term participation in the sport at all levels of play.

·        Junior Development in the World - Assessing the results and figures from the IIHF World Juniors, the Olympics and the NHL Entry Draft; the North American vs. the European approach in developing players.

·        Vancouver 2010 Evaluation - Evaluating the 2010 Olympic Men’s tournament, helping hockey to benefit from the unprecedented success by sustaining the positives while developing other areas.

·        Establishing a Long-Term Global Event Agenda - Exploring the possibilities to provide hockey with a long-term international event agenda for both national team and club events, further enhancing the IIHF-NHL cooperation for the growth of the game.

·        Women’s Hockey After 2010 - In light of IOC President Jacques Rogge‘s comments with respect to female hockey worldwide – what steps need to be taken to close the gap and to insure women’s hockey remains an Olympic sport.

·        Growing Participation in Hockey - Growing hockey means both recruiting new players and retaining our current ones.  It is important to promote positive messaging about our game and share best practices from around the world.

This year’s event is open to the public to attend and participate in the sessions. Registration information can be obtained at www.worldhockeysummit.com.  There are 500 spaces available for the event, with tickets priced at $450.00 CDN. The events and sessions will be split between two venues in downtown Toronto: The Sheraton Centre and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

- From Hockey Canada/CHL news release