The Owen Sound Attack (CHL Ranking #9) won the J. Ross Robertson Cup this past Sunday against the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup hosts the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors to be crowned the champions of the OHL.

Battling from a 2-0 deficit to win the series in seven games, the Attack will be looking to carry the momentum forward into the Memorial Cup championship.

The Attack finished the regular season as the top seed in the Western Conference (46-17-1) with 97 points.  Their playoff record, just as impressive finished 16-6.

The high octane offence that powers the Owen Sound Attack is led by forward Robby Mignardi, winner of the Wayne Gretzky 99 award for Most Valuable Player in the playoffs, and Joey Hishon.

Both players finished tied for the most points over the playoffs with 24 each.

The Attack lead the playoffs with 84 goals for, having 11 players contribute with 10 points or more.  Five of which are defenseman.

Jesse Blacker, led the offensive production for the Attack D-men, finishing 19^th with 16 points (5 G, 11 A).

Blacker, who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009, has been to the Memorial Cup before as a member of the 2009 champions Windsor Spitfires.

The following season, after diminished ice time, Blacker privately requested a trade and was moved to Owen Sound.  The six-foot-two Toronto native has found himself back at the Memorial Cup looking to capture his second title in four years.

The depth of the Attack organization has played a crucial role in their success, one of the many factors helping contribute to their first OHL title in franchise history this year.

Honorable mentions are made to the fans and supporters of the Owen Sound Attack who have defined the term “seventh man” these playoffs.

From Attack themed doughnuts at the local Tim Horton’s on game day that feature sprinkles of colors used in the Owen Sound uniforms, to the five-year old who gets their first Attack jersey.  The civic pride and admiration for the hockey players and the organization bursts at the seam with every goal scored at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

If you had the privilege of being one of the 5,517 in attendance on Sunday for game seven, you also learned that wherever the Attack go, fans will follow.  With arguably 2,500 plus Attack fan’s who made the two hour trip on Sunday it was hard to tell who had the home ice advantage.  Plan to see the same atmosphere for the duration of the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

Scott Stajcer originally the holder of the starting goaltender position was sidelined with a hip injury that limited him to only 14 regular season games of play, yet still posted a record of 8-4 in the playoffs.

When called upon by Head Coach Mark Reeds, both Jordan Binnington (4-2) and Michael Zador (4-0) were capable and willing to contribute over the course of the playoffs.

Zador was acquired from the Oshawa Generals in December to help share duties with Binnington while Stacjer was out with injury.

The round robin schedule for the Owen Sound Attack:

Saturday May 21, 2011 at 7:00 pm – vs. Kootenay Ice

Monday May 23, 2011 at 7:00 pm – vs. Saint John Sea Dogs

Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 7:00 pm – vs. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors

This is the first time in the 22 year franchise history the Attack have been OHL Champions.

“We have a great group of guys and we deserved it,” said Jarrod Maidens who had two goals in the game including the overtime winner.  “It feels amazing.”

Owen Sound opened the scoring in the first period as Mike Halmo got his stick on a shot from the point redirecting the puck past Majors net minder JP Anderson.

Stuart Percy tied it up for the Majors at 12:34 of the first period.  Percy stepped in from the point, walked around a sprawling Attack player and fired a wrist shot, beating Attack goalie Jordan Binnington short side under the blocker.

Maidens, who is in his rookie season in the OHL scored his first of the night with 7:26 remaining in the first period to give the Attack the lead.

The lead didn’t last long, as the Majors found them selves on the power play.  Jordan Mayer scored his ninth of the playoffs with assists coming from Michael D’Arazio, and Brett Flemming.

The second and third period was scoreless, with both goalies standing their grounds for the rest of regulation.  JP Anderson faced 26 shots, and Jordan Binnington faced 25 shots.

The Sunday matinee game seven was a sell out at the Hershey Centre.  No one was disappointed as for the third time in the series the game was going to overtime.

It took only 3:27 of overtime for Maidens to end the game.  In a scramble in front of JP Anderson, Maidens found the puck after Cameron Brace put it on net, and slammed it into the goal.

As the Western Conference’s number one ranked team, the Attack came back from being down 2-0 in the series to force a game seven.

Owen Sound forward Robby Mignardi was awarded the Wayne Gretzky 99 award as the Most Valuable Player in the 2011 playoffs.  Mignardi finished the playoffs with 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points in 22 games played.

Both teams have earned births into the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup which begins play Friday May 20.  With the host team Mississauga beginning round robin play against the QMJHL champion Saint John Sea Dogs.

The OHL champions Owen Sound Attack will begin play Saturday against the WHL champions Kootenay Ice.

The Canadian National Men’s Under-18 team defeated the Czech Republic 5-0 today in their first game of action at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Dresden, Germany.

The Czech Republic, coming off an opening day upset over Sweden on Thursday, was looking to carry some strong momentum into today’s game.

Canada had different plans in mind however with Eric Locke (Barrie, OHL) scoring just 1:10 into the game. Morgan Rielly (Moose Jaw, WHL) and Mark Scheifele (Barrie, OHL) both tallied before the end of the first period.

After no scoring in the second period, Scheifele got his second of the game followed by their final goal netted by Ryan Murphy (Kitchener, OHL).

Making his debut for the national team in net was Malcolm Subban (Belleville, OHL), brother of Montreal Canadians defenseman P.K. Subban. He stood tall stopping all 26 shots faced in the team’s first game of the tournament.

With eight different Canadians contributing on the scoresheet today, they will surely look to build off this win tomorrow when they play Finland.

Ok, I realize that this is my first piece, and that my only fans are probably my Mom and Dad, but I like to think that someone is actually going to read my writing and enjoy it, hopefully turning you all into fans of mine in the near future!

Now I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work and dedication, but I promise you this.  If you have ANY and I mean ANY problems with anything that I write, feel free to contact me and express your opinions about my work, and I will gladly respond to you and try to step to your side.  Isn’t that why we’re in the business anyways?  To put ideas out there for debate?

Anyways, as the preview says on the homepage, my name is Vaughn Sydney and I am the new college hockey writer for OpenIceHockey.  This first piece is just a warm up to what’s in store for the rest of my time with OIH.

Presenting the top-10 overall rankings, and a few that didn’t make the cut, for Men’s Division 1 hockey in the United States.

*Please note, rankings are based on the overall win percentage in the entire NCAA, not in a specific conference.

Yale

Yes, even though Yale has played the least amount of games of anyone in the top-ten, they have the second most amount of wins, and the least amount of losses.  The other shocker?  They don’t even have a player in the top-45 in scoring in the entire D1 ranks.  Their top three scorers – Andrew Miller, Brian O’Neill, and Broc Little – are ranked 46,47, and 48 respectively and each have 27 points.  The latter of the three, Little, leads the team in goals with 13.

Boston College

A perennial powerhouse in the D1 rankings, it’s no surprise that BC is near the top of the rankings.  Along with Union, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, BC has the most amount of wins in the country at 19.   BC has two players in the top-25 in scoring in the country.  Cam Atkinson, a junior forward, sits at 12 with 25 goals and 35 points.  Senior forward Brian Gibbons is ranked in a tie for 21st with 11 goals and 32 points.

Minnesota-Duluth

The Bulldogs round out the top three with deserved recognition.  They have the second best record in the WCHA conference behind North Dakota, and sport three players in the top-30 in scoring.  Junior forward Jack Connolly, who’s in the running for the Hobey Baker award, is tied for tenth in scoring with New Hampshire forward Mike Sislo tallying 12 goals and 36 points in 25 games.

As for the three teams left out of the top-ten, but will look to burst their way onto the scene next week…

‘Dorts’, as his teammates call him, is one of the tallest players in the Ontario Hockey League, good for 6′8 without skates. After been drafted 57^th Overall in 2009, Doherty has continued on his upward journey towards the National Hockey League stage with poise and patience.

With the success of other tall lanky defensemen, Tyler Myers and Zdeno Chara, many teams have begun a pattern of taking chances on others of the same ilk, Doherty included. However, in Taylor’s case, he’s already begun the climb before leaving junior, as he has bulked up from just over 210 in his draft year, to a large 230 lbs.

Like all players drafted, there is always room to improve. The knock on Doherty was simple; he was considered a one dimensional blue liner with some skating issues. In his draft year, his footwork was suspect, and he had yet to show any offensive flair. A season later and the towering rear guard is sitting sixth in OHL defenseman scoring.

When asked about being drafted to the San Jose Sharks organization, a team still considered among the top in the NHL, Taylor said, “It’s a great honor to be a part of the Sharks organization. Being signed with them now, for almost a year, has been great for me and a huge confidence booster.”

Taylor specifically mentioned Bryan Marchment, a scout and head of player development for the Sharks, for his constant communication. 

“They [Sharks] continue to stress working on foot speed and just little things that will hopefully make me a pro next year,” Doherty said. 

He also cites former Shark, Rob Blake, and current Flyers Defenseman, Chris Pronger, as the players he molds his game after.

With big defensemen in high demand in today’s NHL, Doherty has continued his rise through the Sharks depth chart as he waits for his opportunity to make a splash. Still likely a few years away in his development, Doherty will be given every opportunity with the big club.

When asked about his goals for the future, Taylor was honest, but humble.

“Just to have the best season possible and develop one more year,” he said.  “That will, hopefully, make me able to play for the Sharks next year.”

For OpenIceHockey.com, I’m Brian Huddle

Toffoli led the 67’s to three straight wins highlighted by a four-point game on Sunday in a 6-4 win over the Owen Sound Attack.  He was named the game’s first star scoring his third hat-trick of the season while adding an assist in the win.  Earlier in the week he recorded three assists as part of a 4-3 road win over the Peterborough Petes on Thursday, before scoring a goal and an assist in a 6-0 win Friday against the Petes at Rona Centre in Ottawa.

Toffoli, an 18-year-old from Scarborough, ON, is playing in his third OHL season with the 67’s.  He currently leads the OHL in scoring with 38 goals and 37 assists for 75 points in 41 games and is currently on a 23-game point streak which includes six-straight multi-point games.  Toffoli was selected 47^th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Also considered for the award was a pair of Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors and 2011 World Junior Hockey Championship participants including Casey Cizikas and Maxim Kitsyn.  Cizikas scored four goals and two assists for six points in two games, while Kitsyn scored three goals and two assists for five points in his first two career OHL games.  In goal, 2011 NHL Entry Draft prospect Mike Morrison of the Kitchener Rangers won two games and posted a 1.50 goals-against-average with a save percentage of .954.

2010-11 OHL Players of the Week:

Jan. 3 – Jan. 9: Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s

Dec. 27 – Jan. 2: Joey Hishon, Owen Sound Attack

Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Colin Behenna, Barrie Colts

Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Nick Ebert, Windsor Spitfires

Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Ryan Strome, Niagara IceDogs

Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Greg McKegg, Erie Otters

Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Christian Thomas, Oshawa Generals

Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s

Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Jason Akeson, Kitchener Rangers

Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Justin Shugg, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors

Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Joey Hishon, Owen Sound Attack

Oct. 11 – 17: Garrett Wilson, Owen Sound Attack

Oct. 4 – 10: Nathan Moon, Kingston Frontenacs

Sept. 27 – Oct. 3: Greg McKegg, Erie Otters

Sept. 23 – Sept. 26: Alex Aleardi, Plymouth Whalers

Their wish has been granted.

For Canada, the semifinal match up means one thing: redemption. Almost one year after the upsetting loss to the Americans, a victory tonight couldn’t be more sweet; the loser playing for bronze, rather than the coveted gold medal.

Twelve players that hit the ice tonight have been here before, all having played for their respective clubs a year prior in the gold medal game. Eight of those coming from below the border.

Forwards Chris Kreider and Nick Palmieri have anchored the US squad to a perfect 4 and 0 record, maintaining a point per game average. The US have relied on their speed and skill to blow open the doors on their opponents.

The American’s also have returning Leafs prospect Jerry D’Amigo, who dominated the tournament last year with 12 points in 7 games played, yet has been held to only one goal so far this year. Bob McKenzie of TSN said it best when mentioning D’Amigo as a player who could and will need to take his game to the next level if the US is going to win.

The American’s biggest asset has been made pretty clear throughout this tournament and last. Returning goaltender, and Dallas Stars first round pick, Jack Campbell has been lights out. With a .957% Save Percentage, and a 1.03 GAA, it’s quite clear that the Canucks have their work cut out for them to break through this armor.

And while Canada should have had reliable goaltending coming in, neither Roy nor Visentin came out as the clear cut number one, both allowing soft goals. I felt Visentin would eventually take the mantle from Roy, which he did by starting yesterday’s quarterfinal against the Swiss.

Tonight’s battle royale could come down to the US’s speed versus Canada’s size and physical play. The American’s have the experience, and a goaltender capable of shutting Canada right down. With elimination on the line, expect Canada to come out hard from puck drop.

The Canadians have their bulletin board material. When interviewed after their come-from-behind win, Russian Forward and Washington 2010 First Round Pick, Evgeni Kuznetsov, had this to say: “I hope to see a better comeback in the final against the United States.”

With so few predicting a Canadian win, it could just be the spark needed for victory. The aforementioned D’Amigo put it this way: “It’s going to be a battle.”

For OpenIceHockey, I’m Brian Huddle.

Gabriel Girard is the TELUS first star of the week. The Shawinigan Cataractes backstop collected two wins in two games with stellar performances against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and the Montreal Juniors. He finished the week with a 1,92 goals-against-average and .945 save percentage by stopping 69 of the 73 shots he faced. Girard earned a star in the two games he played.

Baie-Comeau Drakkar winger Lukas Cingel is the second star of the week. The forward registered three goals and added three helpers for a total of six points while posting a +2 rating in three games. His efforts helped the Drakkar collect two wins against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens with their only loss coming at the hands of the Quebec Remparts.

Quebec Remparts defenseman Martin Lefebvre is the third star of the week. The defenseman was certainly impressive, recording one goal and five assists for a total of six points in only three games. Lefebvre also managed to register a +2 rating as the Remparts won two out of three contests.

Behenna led the Colts to two wins this week sparked by his best two offensive games of the season.  He scored twice including the game-winner and added an assist Thursday night as first star of a 4-3 win over the Plymouth Whalers.  On Saturday night he produced his first career hat-trick and was named second star of a 7-5 win over the Oshawa Generals.  He was held scoreless Friday night in a road loss to the Niagara IceDogs.

Behenna, a 19-year-old from Waterloo, ON, is playing in his third OHL season with the Colts and leads the club in scoring with 42 points in 33 games.

Past winners Jason Akeson of the Kitchener Rangers and Justin Shugg of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors were considered again for the award.  Akeson had eight points in three games scoring twice and adding six assists, while Shugg also scored twice but added four assists for six points in two Majors’ wins.  In goal, Philipp Grubauer backstopped the Kingston Frontenacs to a 4-0 shutout win Friday night over the Belleville Bulls with 32 saves as first star of the game.

2010-11 OHL Players of the Week:

Dec. 13 – Dec. 19: Colin Behenna, Barrie Colts

Dec. 6 – Dec. 12: Nick Ebert, Windsor Spitfires

Nov. 29 – Dec. 5: Ryan Strome, Niagara IceDogs

Nov. 22 – Nov. 28: Greg McKegg, Erie Otters

Nov. 15 – Nov. 21: Christian Thomas, Oshawa Generals

Nov. 8 – Nov. 14: Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s

Nov. 1 – Nov. 7: Jason Akeson, Kitchener Rangers

Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Justin Shugg, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors

Oct. 18 – Oct. 24: Joey Hishon, Owen Sound Attack

Oct. 11 – 17: Garrett Wilson, Owen Sound Attack

Oct. 4 – 10: Nathan Moon, Kingston Frontenacs

Sept. 27 – Oct. 3: Greg McKegg, Erie Otters

Sept. 23 – Sept. 26: Alex Aleardi, Plymouth Whalers

Having produced the likes of Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Patrick Kane, and 2010’s first overall pick, Taylor Hall, the OHL once again looks to produce some of the top talent to be drafted into the NHL.

When the names have been called, which OHL stars will find their way into the top 10? Here’s a look at the top five draft-eligible OHL Players.

Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener Rangers)

After a successful rookie season with Kitchener, this Swedish forward was handed the Captaincy of the storied franchise without hesitation. Showing tremendous amounts of skill, Landeskog has deceptive speed and gets into scoring lanes with quick footwork. With a ‘never quit’ attitude, Landeskog has found an even balance between scoring and passing. He draws many comparisons to fellow countryman, Daniel Alfredsson, for his strong work ethic, and play in all zones. Look for this Swede to go in the Top 5.

Ryan Murphy (Kitchener Rangers)

Kitchener looks to produce two top 10 picks this year, with highly touted defenseman, Ryan Murphy also slated for the first round. The Aurora, ON native is currently over a PPG player for the Rangers. Murphy uses his incredibly quick skating in the straightaway to pull away from the opposing players. Known for always wanting the puck, Murphy is one of a few defensemen who join the rush with such regularity he could be confused as a fourth forward, often coming down below the hash marks. His play draws comparisons to former first round pick of the Nashville Predators, Ryan Ellis. After being predicted to go first overall by TV icon, Don Cherry, Ryan looks to improve on the advice of his coaches and critics alike. His defensive play can be considered lack luster, and his lack of size has raised concerns with scouts. Because of his small frame (5’10, 165 lbs), he was thrown around at the NHL’s Research and Development Camp this past summer by the top 2011 NHL Draft eligibles.  Some worry about whether he can make an impact at the next level. His Orr-like end-to-end rushes though, are a thing of beauty.

Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit)

With the size that most NHL Scouts drool over, Brandon Saad has made his career on using it to his advantage. Listed at 6’2, 200 lbs, Saad has the tools to be an NHL player in a multitude of roles. Saad is at his best below the goal line. When he gets into a game, he uses his frame to get a cycle game going. A relatively good skater for a big man, Saad thinks the game well, even at high speeds. His 20 goals so far this season suggest more of a goal scorer, while many consider his playmaking abilities just as good. He has a knack for reading the play as it happens, and will play all ends of the rink.

Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs)

There are some great hockey names out there, and many will concede that this young blueliner’s name is the next addition to the list. Listed at 6’4, 193 lbs, Hamilton model’s his game after current Flames Defenseman, Jay Bouwmeester. Both are tall lanky two-way defenders, with great vision and playmaking abilities. With his size though, many feel Hamilton needs to continue to work on and improve his game in his own end. While not detrimental to his team, he hasn’t shown the kind of dominance that many around him would like. While he won’t jump into the play as often as Ryan Murphy, Hamilton has the speed to do so when needed.

Ryan Strome (Niagara IceDogs)

Niagara is also producing two high picks with forward, Ryan Strome, making the cut. Sitting in the top 10 of OHL scoring, Strome began a thing of legends when his infamous goal against Plymouth hit Youtube. The 6’1, 183 lb, center is making a name for himself as one of the top players in this upcoming draft. His plays such as the above are not out of the ordinary either. Strome can deke the pants off a defender with alarming regularity. His puck control is second to none, and he does with such ease at the highest of speeds. As Strome continues to get stronger, and faster, he could become a real offensive force at the NHL level. While he lacks a mature two-way game, Strome’s offensive awareness more than makes up for his defensive deficiencies.

Having produced the number one pick four years in a row beginning with Patrick Kane in 2007, and ending with Taylor Hall this past year, the OHL is void of a top three rated talent this year with the QMJHL, Swedish Elite League and the WHL all taking the prize there. However, as the year continues on, there are some interesting story lines to watch as scouts continue to tweak their lists up until the June 24 NHL Draft.

For Open Ice Hockey, I’m Brian Huddle