Otters Tales

Dukes on a Roll

2011-04-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Wellington remains unbeaten at the 2011 Dudley Hewitt Cup routing Soo 7-1

Otters defeat Soo Eagles 6-4

2011-04-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Veterans led the way as the hosts opened the 2011 Dudley Hewitt Cup with a victory

Wellington 7 Wisconsin 2

2011-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

A recap of today's opening game between the OJAHL champ Wellington Dukes and the SIJHL winners Wisconsin Wilderness

Wellington Dukes preview

2011-04-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Wellington Dukes didn't score the most goals in the OJAHL regular season, but their stingy defense shone during the 50 game schedule and when it counted the most, in post season, en route to a Buckland Cup title.

Wilderness preview

2011-04-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Wisconsin Wilderness may be new to the SIJHL, but their play as veterans solidified their trip to Huntsville.

Dudley Hewitt Cup Preview - Soo Eagles

2011-04-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today, we continue our preview of the four teams vying for the Dudley Hewitt Cup next week in Huntsville. The Soo Eagles have proven that with all the right parts, you can build a potential Central Canadian champion

Dudley Hewitt Cup Preview

2011-04-13T18:19:00.001-07:00

I'll have a preview of all four teams competing in this year's Central Canadian championship. Click below for my first installment, the host Huntsville Otters.

Huntsville wins first on Summit Centre ice 3-2 over Oakville

2010-09-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

The Otters counted on a second period shot barrage to pace them to a 3-2 win Friday night at the Summit Centre over Oakville.

After falling behind 1-0, Bronson Kovacs scored his first of the season just after the three minute mark of the second period to tie the game at 1. It wasnt til the 17:32 mark of the second that Kovacs defensive partner, Dean Wilmott put one by Blades starter Daniel Savelli to give the Otters the lead for good.

Daniel Clairmont scored a great goal at 2:23 of the 3rd when he intercepted the puck at his own blueline, split through two Oakville defenders and tucked the puck in behind Savelli for a 3-1 lead.

Braden Russell notched the Blades second of the night at 7:38 of the final frame but Thomas Shelley shut the door the rest of the way, along with solid defensive play. Huntsville travels to Burlington to face the Cougars Saturday night with next home action Friday September 24 hosting the Newmarket Hurricanes with a 7:30 puck drop.

NEW AUDIO! Interview with Beau Orser

2010-09-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

Beau Orser talks about his style of play and how the Huntsville organization is adapting to their new home, the Canada Summit Centre.

NEW VIDEO! John recaps the Otters first weekend of play

2010-09-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

John chats with TV Cogeco's Scott Acton about the Otters first weekend of the regular season:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYMSKZ_oW2c

NEW AUDIO! Listen to recap to today's win over Milton

2010-09-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Five different scorers led the Otters to their first win of the regular season this afternoon 5-1 over Milton.

Otters take Spirit to a shootout on opening night

2010-09-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

More than 600 fans ushered in a new era of Huntsville Otters hockey Friday night as the Otters and the Stoufville Spirit opened the new Canada Summit Centre. The Spirit took it by a final of 6-5 in a shootout.

The lead changed hands several times. The Otters had a 2-1 lead after the first, but allowed the Spirit to score four unanswered goals in the second to give the visitors a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes.

The Otters erased that defecit in the third tying the game at 5, before overtime solved nothing, requiring the showdown round.

Phil Moreau had a a pair of goals and an assist, while Beau Orser had a two goals.

Next action for the Otters is Sunday afternoon in Milton for a 3:30 faceoff. The next home action for the Otters is next Friday September 17 when they play host to the Oakville Blades beginning at 7:30.

Link to tonight's season opener vs Stoufv9lle

2010-09-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

Go to the link below to hear tonight's season opener between the Otters and the Stoufville Spirit with pre game show at 7:20pm

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/otters-spirit-september-10

Interview with Brian O'Leary

2010-09-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

We spoke with Otters Head Coach and GM Brian O'Leary prior to the start of the regular season this Friday. He says discipline will be the key to Huntsville's success this season, despite being assured of a spot in this year's Dudley Hewitt Cup.

Otters video now available online

2010-09-02T03:31:00.000-07:00

Cut and paste the link below to go to Wednesday's story on the Otters at TV Cogeco's website:

http://www.tvcogeco.com/huntsville-gravenhurst/gallerie/tvcogeco-news/255-local-news

New Otter player interviews!

2010-08-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

Listen to two new interviews! First new Otters defenceman Bronson Kovacs talks about why he came to play in Huntsville after playing all of his minor and Junior A hockey in the Soo:

the second with Otters captain Dane Horvat and a preview of the upcoming season:

Otters win 2010 Cottage Cup

2010-08-31T11:40:00.001-07:00

Huntsville finished up the 2010 Cottage Cup by winning the championship game 6-3 over the Hamilton Red Wings.

Mark Scheifele and Daniel Clairmont had a pair of goals to lead the Otters, who finished the tournament undefeated.

Trailing 3-2 late in the second, Scheifele scored his second of the game on a nice outlet pass from defenceman Andrew Cooke. Scheifele split the Red Wing defence and tucked the puck in behind netminder Dan Fieldings to tie the game at 3. But the backbreaker for Hamilton came on a buzzer beater goal from Bronson Kovacs. With six seconds remaining in the period, the Otters rushed up the ice, gained the Red Wing zone and fired a shot which was saved by Fieldings. But he gave up a long rebound, which Kovacs pounced on and one timed from the high slot and into the back of the net for a 4-3 lead.

Thomas Shelley played the entire game in goal and got the win. The win comes after losing the cup to the Couchching Terriers last August.

The Otters punched their ticket to the final game after winning round robin contests against Georgetown (2-0), Stoufville (5-3) and Hamilton (7-2).

A reminder the Otters kick off the regular season at the Canada Summit Centre hosting the Stoufville Spirit Friday September 10 beginning at 7:30.

Huntsville will also host the Dudley-Hewitt Cup at the Canada Summit Centre from April 18-22.

FORMER TERRIER CLAIRMONT SIGNS WITH OTTERS

2010-07-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Huntsville Otters Head Coach and General Manager Brian O’Leary has announced the signing of former Couchiching Terrier forward DANIEL CLAIRMONT for the upcoming season.

“Daniel’s proven himself to be a solid playmaker in his two years in the league,” said O’Leary. “His point production doubled from his rookie to sophomore season, and he’s got great vision for the entire ice.”
In 49 regular season games last year, the Bracebridge native tallied 28 points (10g 18a).

“It’s very gratifying to be able to continue my junior career so close to home,” said Clairmont, who picked up a goal and assist in four playoff games last spring.
Clairmont became available after the Terriers franchise was decommissioned following the 2009/10 OJAHL season.

The Huntsville Otters play host to the Dudley Hewitt Cup, taking place from April 18-23, 2011 at the new Canada Summit Centre.

MOREAU RE-SIGNS WITH OTTERS

2010-06-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Huntsville Otters Head Coach and General Manager Brian O’Leary has announced the re-signing of forward PHIL MOREAU for the upcoming 2010/11 OJAHL season.
“Phil has always been counted on to provide that big goal or play when we need it,” said O’Leary. “His leadership skills will also help the younger players in both the dressing room and on the ice.”
The Barrie, Ont. native was a point a game player for the Otters last season, tallying 44 points (17g, 27a) in 44 games.
“We have an opportunity to do something in a special season,” added Moreau, referring to the Otters hosting of the Dudley Hewitt Cup next April. “In my overage year, I know that not only will our coaches and fans expect more out of players such as myself, but us veterans know we have to step up our game, and lead by example.”
In three seasons, Moreau has played 138 games as an Otter, and has tallied 101 points, including 46 goals and 55 assists.
The Huntsville Otters play host to the Dudley Hewitt Cup, taking place from April 18-23, 2011 at the new Canada Summit Centre.

CAPTAIN RE-SIGNS WITH OTTERS

2010-06-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

Huntsville Otters Head Coach and General Manager Brian O’Leary has announced the signing of DANE HORVAT for the 2010-11 OJAHL season.
The Milton native returns to the Otters in his overage year and will captain the team for the second straight season.
“Dane’s a leader and competitor in every sense of the word,” said O’Leary. “It’s those two qualities we are going to be relying on to help lead the way during the regular season and definitely in our preparations as we host the Dudley Hewitt Cup next April.”
Horvat was the team’s leading scorer in the 2009-10 season, tallying 66 points (29G 37 A) in 55 games. Horvat is also recognized for bringing his teammates together for many community events, including visits to schools and hospitals.
“Coming back to Huntsville to finish my junior hockey career is special for two reasons. Playing in the new Summit Centre means playing in the best junior A facility in Ontario, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to play with a special group of guys who have the talent to take the Otters all the way,” added Horvat.
In 90 career regular season games with the Otters, Horvat has averaged just under a point a game pace, tallying 35 goals and 54 assists for 89 points.
The Huntsville Otters will host the 2011 Dudley Hewitt Cup at the new Summit Centre from April 18-23, 2011.

OTTERS SIGN ALL STAR DEFENCMAN KOVACS

2010-06-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Huntsville Otters Head Coach and GM Brian O’Leary has announced the acquisition of all star defenceman BRONSON KOVACS from the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for cash considerations.

The 20-year old Kovacs had 44 points and 84 penalty minutes in 49 regular season games with the Thunderbirds last season. Kovacs was also named the NOJHL’s best defenceman, its Scholastic Player of the Year, as well as making second team all star.

“Bronson’s hard-hitting style of play, combined with just the right amount of offensive output, is the type of blueliner needed not only for the upcoming season, but as we build to host the Dudley Hewitt Cup,” said O’Leary. “He’s going to be an anchor on defense for us, there’s no question.”

Kovacs’ experience will be valuable, as the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario native will make his second straight appearance in the Dudley Hewitt Cup in as many seasons. He was part of the Thunderbirds team that hosted this past year’s tournament.

The Otters are gearing up to host the 2011 Dudley Hewitt Cup beginning April 18 culminating with the championship game April 23.

Otters get the Dudley Hewitt Cup!

2010-06-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Dudley Hewitt Cup has been awarded to the Huntsville Otters.

The announcement was made Monday at centre ice at the new Canada
Summit Centre by Mayor Claude Doughty.

Along with host Otters, the champions from the Ontario Junior Hockey
League, the Superior International Junior Hockey League and the
Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League will all take part in the
weeklong tournmanet beginning Tuesday April 19. Semi finals will be
played Friday April 22 with the championship game Saturday April 23.

In making the winning bid, the selection commitee panel, made up of
representatives from the Canadian Junior Hockey Leauge the Ontario
Hockey Federation, the Ontario Hockey Association and the Ontario
Junior Hockey League, concluded Huntsville had everything a host
community required, including accommodation, facilities and volunteer
base.

All games will be played on the new olympic sized Summit Centre ice surface.

Otters Perfect in Shutout over Buffalo

2010-02-20T06:46:00.001-08:00

It couldnt have been scripted better. The last game ever for the Huntsville Otters in the Jack Bionda Arena saw Phil Moreau score a natural hat trick and Thomas Shelley earn the shutout, as the Otters blanked the Buffalo Jr. Sabres 6-0.

Graham Yeo and Dylan Sneath gave the Otters a 2-0 lead, before the game was two and a half minutes old. The goals, scored 12 seconds apart, foreshadowed the type of offensive night it would be for the home side.

Dane Horvat then scored a powerplay marker to make it 3-0, followed up by Moreau's first of three just 2:06 later to give Huntsville a 4-0 after 1.

The rest of the offence belonged to Moreau. He notched his second of the game just 20 seconds into the second period to make it 5-0 then wrapped up his natural hat trick at 12:55, tipping a Kylian Kirkwood point shot past netminder Paul Berafato for a 6-0 lead.

A number of Otters tallied two point nights in the win: Braiden Burnett, Adam Ritchie, Kylian Kirkwood, Jordan Forfar, and Graham Yeo, while Horvat ended the night with three assists.

Shelley made 26 saves in the Otters net for the shutout.

Huntsville wraps up the regular season Sunday in Aurora, with the face off set for 2:30pm.

Otters Blades game live tonight from Oakville

2010-02-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ok - so you're going to get your fill of Olympics over the next two weeks - but if you need that hockey fix, join us tonight from Oakville as we broadcast the Otters in Oakville to take on the Blades.

The pregame show beings at 7:20 at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/oters-blades-february-13

Otters host Vaughan Tonight

2010-02-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

Huntsville looks to make it two wins in a row in a rescheduled match with the Vaughan Vipers. Listen to tonight's game here:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/otters-vipers-february-9

Otters take out Collingwood 8-2

2010-02-08T04:20:00.001-08:00

Adam Ritchie's natural hat trick in the second period helped propel the Otters past the Collingwood Blues 8-2 at the Jack Bionda.

Huntsville took a commanding 3-0 lead after one on goals by Zach Robinson, Dane Horvat and Brad Langford.

Ritchie's three straight markers came after Collingwood cut the lead to 3-1 early in the second. His two even strength and one powerplay goal made it 6-1, before Jordan Forfar added one at the end of the second to make it 7-1 Otters after two periods.

Dane Horvat put an easy tap in by Blues starter Colin Elder at the 32 second mark of the third to round out the Hunstville scoring.

Charlie Millen got the start and went all the way, playing a strong game and making 20 saves for the win.

The Otters host Vaughan in a makeup game Tuesday night at the Jack. Faceoff is 7:30.

Cameron Brace Watch

2010-02-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

Time to update the Cameron Brace watch...after registering two assists in his first game Friday with the Owen Sound Attack, to help them to a come from behind 5-3 victory over Sarnia, Brace was held off the scoresheet in Plymouth last night, as the Attack fell 5-1....The Otters host Tyler Crawford and the Collingwood Blues this afternoon at the Jack Bionda at 3pm...the pregame show begins at 2:45 at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/collingwood-vs-otters-february-7

Otters lose OT Thriller to Georgetown

2010-02-06T05:40:00.001-08:00

The Otters battled and stayed with the Raiders all game long, but in the end an overtime goal by Evan Rodriguez was the difference to give Georgetown the 3-2 victory.
Rodriguez picked up a loose puck at centre, stickhandled his way around two Otter defenders, then deked Thomas Shelley to put home the winning goal.
All this after Dane Horvat tied the game send it to OT and thrilling the fans at the Jack Bionda by tucking a goalmouth shot past Raiders starter Tony Copobianco. With 24 seconds left in regulation, Tyler McGee won the draw cleanly, getting it back to the point. Kylian Kirkwood’s slapshot was stopped by Copobianco, but Horvat was there to put it home.
Adam Ritchie scored the other Huntsville goal.
The Otters next game is at home to Collingwood Sunday for a 3pm faceoff.

Brace to get taste of OHL

2010-02-05T05:03:00.000-08:00

Cameron Brace will suceed in all facets of life, let alone hockey. This wonderfully talented young man, who has turned heads all around the OJAHL with his speed and nose for the net all season long, was called up to the OHL's Owen Sound Attack yesterday, and signed to a 10 game tryout.

Surely the connection former Attack coach and current Otters bench boss Brian O'Leary has with Owen Sound couldnt have hurt. But those connections didnt pave the way in which the youngster's talents already have for him.

With the playoff race close to being finalized in 2009/2010, and the Otters all but not going to post season, this is the right move for Brace.

It allows him to be exposed to a level of competition just a step up from this one. And while Brace's main challenge may be how his smallish frame handles the wear and tear of an Ontario Hockey League contest, it's something he will more than make up for in talent, speed, and his ability to communicate with his new teammates.

Good luck Cameronm and congratulations.

Could the Third Time Be the Charm?

2010-01-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

In two previous meetings with the Kingston Voyageurs, tonight's opponents for the Otters at the Jack Bionda Arena, Huntsville has certainly made a game of it.

Losses are losses, but defeats by scores of 5-2 here in October and 6-4 at the Invista Centre November 19 certainly aren't the types of shellackings like the one Bramalea suffered at the hands of the Voyageurs last Friday by a 13-1 count.

So how do you stop a team with so much offensive firepower from winnig their seventh straight? Simple. You beat them at thier own game.

Take a look at the top three teams in this league - what do Kingston, Oakville and Georgetown all have in common?

Quick puck movement which usually leads to longer puck possession, which usually leads to greater QUALITY scoring chances.

Kingston has the best shots per game ratio in the league (total of 1,932 which averages out to 44 per game) BUT theyve also given up the second most shots against (total of 1,329 or just under 29 shots per game.) The Otters are fourth in both categories.

The Otters have been guity at times this season of either playing down to the level of their opponent, but on the positive side, they've also at times played up to the level of their opponent.

Case and point less than 24 hours ago...staying with the Terriers for two periods before deciding they were in charge in the 3rd, putting the 4th place overall team away 4-2.

if brian o'leary has video of last night's win, he should show it to his troops about 90 minutes prior to the opening faceoff.

Positive reinforcement - it's what makes winning contagious. Otters fans hope the players catch it.

Huntsville doubles Couchching 4-2

2010-01-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

Jordan Forfar had two goals and an assist , while Cameron Brace potted a marker and had two helpers as the Huntsville Otters beat the Couchching Terriers 4-2 tonight at the Rama MASK.

The Otters. who led 2-1 after one and were tied at 2 after 40 minutes of play, scored two unanswered goals in the final frame to seal the victory.

Dan Barnett also scored for Huntsville - his team leading 25th of the season.

Thomas Shelley turned aside just 17 Terrier shots in getting his 7th win since joining the Otters in a trade with the Brampton Capitals.

Huntsville returns home to host the league leading Kingston Voyageurs at the Jack Bionda tomorrow night at 7:30.

Matt Symth could join the century club tonight - at the expense of the Otters

2010-01-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

When Couchching hosts Huntsville at the RAMA Mask tonight, Matt Smyth, arguably one of the most talented players to play Junior A hockey in several years, has the opportunity to break the 100 point plateau. He sits at 99 (50g, 49a) and could place tonights game on his resume - at the expense of the Otters.

Entering his 45th game of the season, Smyth, the former first round pick of the Brampton Batallion, has only been held off the scoresheet five times. The Otters know this stat very well.

You see they are one of the five teams (Villanova twice, Buffalo and Vaughan the others) who have held Smyth off the scoresheet. Huntsville performed that feat at home November 29th in a 6-2 win.

In a season that has had its share of ups and downs for the Otters, a win over the Terriers, plus blanking Mr. Smyth, would be a great morale booster heading back home to face the OJAHL's version of the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens, otherwise known as the Kingston Voyageurs tomorrow night.

Otters vs. Blades audiocast

2010-01-23T07:44:00.001-08:00

Pregame show begins at 2:30

Hard One To Figure Out

2010-01-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

Strange game. Couldnt make it out tonight, but judging by first hand accounts and from what I can glean on PS, the homeside kept themselves in this one for pretty much half the game -its the second half that it seemed to fall apart.

After the big 9-5 win over Aurora last Sunday, and holding the Golden Hawks scoreless tonight after 1, you would think the Otters would be able to take full advantage of another team ahead of them in the standings. After all, anyone can win on any given night.

Dane Horvats marker on the PP seemed to be the start and the spark they were looking for, taking the 1-0 lead.

But from there it went downhill.

Another game where Huntsville outshot their opponents. Has to be frustrating as much for the players as much if not more than the fans to get so many rubber at the opposition netminder, only to be thwarted time and time again.

The salt in the old wound came courtesy of the PP. Otters had 11 - count em 11 - other chances with the man advantage, but couldnt capitalize.

Next up, Oakville. Mother said there would be days, or times in the schedule, like this.

No broadcast tonight

2010-01-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks - competing schedules results in no broadcast tonight vs. Trenton. Will be back Sunday afternoon when the Otters play host to Oakville. Pre-game begins at 2:30. Watch for game link tomorrow.

Just Win Baby - regardless of who you're playing

2010-01-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

It's pretty much down to the short strokes for your hometown heroes. 12 games left in the regular season, and 12 points back of the final playoff spot heading into Friday's tilt with Trenton at the Jack.

Being told to get out there and support your Otters is a bit like reminding you to take your significant other out on your anniversary - you gotta do it.

The mandatory stuff out of the way, the trick for Huntsville the next four games is to not only win, but do it all against top five teams in the Division of 15: Trenton Friday, Oakville Sunday, Couchching next Thursday at Rama then back home next Friday night against (cue horror movie music) Kingston!

Now before you cringe, consider the following two very important points:
-three of those four tilts take place at home. This is where fan supoort is key folks. Get out there, holler, scream, and "Let's Go Otters" til you have not a whisper left in your vocal chords. Nothing like a raucous Jack Bionda to get the Otters pumped (remember last year's semi final vs Kingston?)
-the "taking them too lightly" factor. Theres a VERY real possibility that four teams who pretty much have made the playoffs could take the Otters lightly - and don't think Brian O'Leary and gang don't think this. Reverse psychology is a powerful thing.

Tommorrow, we post some numbers for you to break down the matchups. No broadcast tomorrow night vs. Trenton, but we're back on the air Sunday afternoon when the Blades come to visit. Watch for the link on huntsvilleotters.com and via Twitter, (www.twitter.com/Mediaman2010)

Big win a big step in the right direction

2010-01-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

All Brian O'Leary has wanted this 09/10 season has been to have his team play an entire 60 minutes.

Play an entire 60 minutes in order to produce a win, that is.

The Otters were headed in that direction Friday night at home to Villanova. They got the early 2-0 lead, but then tightened up, eventually losing a close battle 4-3.

So you wouldnt be the only person (I put myself in that category) who thought playing a team higher in the standings Sunday in the form of the Aurora Tigers would produce the same result.

After Tyler McGee showed his leadership with two first period goals, Huntsville showed grit and determiniation to make sure what happened 48 hours earlier, didnt happen Sunday afternoon.

Even though it was tight until early in the 3rd, credit your hometown heroes. They reached down and kicked it into another gear. And they got to that other gear, thanks to even, balanced scoring. Cameron Brace showed his nose for the net and dazzling speed in chipping in with a pair.

But the grinders - James Oliver and Zach Robinson in particular - demonstrated that as mainly fourth liners this year, they have the potential to become very solid, two way players at the OJAHL level, or beyond.

The playoffs are quite a way down the highway right now, and with 13 games remaining, the gravel road is quickly approaching. It may take a mammoth feat for the Otters to make post season, but with efforts like the 9-5 win over the Tigers Sunday, it could be a heck of a final month of the regular season, especially with 7 of the next 9 Otter games at the Jack Bionda.

Buckle up, and enjoy.

Another close one

2010-01-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Tough loss tonight. Otters doing a good job of jumping out to the early lead, but a sub 500 team cant have momentary lapses - a full 60 minutes is what will always get you the win.

On the visitors side, Chris Lochner did his part - and then some. Not only scored the game winning goal, but blocked one of three Phil Moreau shots from the point when the Otters had the extra attacker on with under a minute to play.

Cameron Brace scored in a losing cause - pretty down low tic tac toe play to tie the game late in the second. Charlie Millen was strong and kept his rebounds to a minimum - the second goal he probably wished to have back was a weak backhander.

24 hours to rest for the home side...Aurora here Sunday afternoon. If Steve Mitchell comes, itll be another video game, regardless we'll have the pregame show beginning at 2:50. Check back for the link to the game either late Saturday or early Sunday morning,

Otters host Villanova Knights tonight

2010-01-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hey folks, it's the M man back after a, uh, somewhat extended holiday break. :)

We'll have tonight's Otters/Knights game from the Jack Bionda beginning with the pre-game show at 7:20.

Our good friend Joe Montesano from the Knights play by play crew will call the first and third, while I provide colour, and Ill call the game in the second.

Otters looking to rebound after two losses this week, including a heartbreaker in OT last night in Brampton to the Capitals.

The link to tonights game is:www.ustream.tv/villanova-hockey

The Knights are hot, currently on a three game winning streak, and led by their leding scorer Chris Lochner, with 65 points.

Huntsville captain Dane Horvat has been no slouch either, posting 10 points (5G 5A) in his last five games.

Ill be back for a post game summary after the final buzzer.

Otters Blues audio cast today

2010-01-03T06:28:00.001-08:00

Hey fans.

Hope everyone had a great holiday and all the best in 2010!

Here's the link to today's game at the Jack beginning with the pregame show at 2:50

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/blues-vs-otters-january-3

Huntsville wins second straight 6-2 over Milton

2009-12-21T05:08:00.000-08:00

The final year of Dan Barnett's junior career is turning out to be one of the most personally satisfying.

The hometown product led the way with a five point afternoon, as the Otters scored six unanswered goals to defeat Milton 6-2. It marked the final game for Huntsville prior to the Christmas break.

After falling behind 2-0 after one, and despite firing 20 pucks in the first period against IceHawks starter Ryan Kelly, who was making his OJAHL debut, the Otters regrouped to start the second to solve the young netminder.

Barnett scored his first of the game, his 19th of the season on the powerplay to cut the lead to 2-1. Then just over a minute later, Adam Ritchie notched his 17th of the campaign shorthanded to tie the game at 2. Tyler McGee rounded out the comeback and the second period scoring by tapping home the puck on the doorstep of the Milton goal, one of three power play goals the Otters had on the day, to take a 3-2 lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes.

The third period was opposite to the first, where Milton took the game to Huntsville in the opening 20 minutes. The final frame saw the Otters completely dominate. Phil Moreau made it 4-2 just over three minutes into the 3rd. McGee then scored his second of the day to make it 5-2, with Barnett rounding out the scoring, getting his second of the game to make it a 6-2 final.

Barnett's five point game was a personal best for him. Back on November 6, he had three goals and an assist in a win over Vaughan 7-5.

The Otters go into the break with 29 points, two points up on Mississauga. First action for Huntsville following the holidays will be at home to the Bramalea Blues at the Jack Bionda, Sunday January 3 beginning at 3pm.

OTTERS TALES: Cameron Brace sat out yesterday's game nursing an upper body injury. He says he'll take the break to allow it to heal and expects to be back in the lineup in time for the January 3 game vs. the Blues.

Otters snap two game losing streak, defeat Villanova 6-2

2009-12-19T16:47:00.001-08:00

Huntsville snapped a two game mini losing streak by getting all their scoring from three different marksmen en route to a 6-2 victory over Villanova in Toronto today. Dane Horvat did all the scoring in the first period. The captain noched his 15th and 16th goals of the season to make it 2-0 Otters after 20 minutes. The team's traded goals in the second. Adam Ritchie notched his first of two on the day, His 15th gave the Otters a 3-0 lead. The Knights cut the lead to two with less than four minutes left in the middle frame on a goal by Chris Lochner. The third was pretty much all Huntsville. Ritchie scored his second of the game, and his 16th of the season, then James Olivier scored two straight goals to give the Otters a 6-1 lead. Villanova added a single with less than six minutes remaining to round out the scoring.

The Otters had 61 shots fired on starting netminder Brandon Polo - 31 in the final period alone.

Huntsville wraps up the pre-Christmas portion of their sechedule tomorrow hosting Milton at the Jack Bionda at 3pm. Well have the pre game show beginning at 2:50pm at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/otters-icehawks-december-20

Otters Fall 5-2 to Chargers

2009-12-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

The Mississauga Chargers put two goals behind Charlie Millen before the game was three minutes old, and that paced the visitors to a 5-2 win Friday night at the Jack, ending their three game losing streak.

Mike Santini and Jinmin Kim made it 2-0 before Braiden Burnett tallied his 7th of the season from Sean Poitras and Adam Ritchie to make it a 2-1 game after 20 minutes of play.

That goal seemed to spark the Otters, as Dan Barnett notched his team leading 18th of the season, from Tyler McGee and Brad Langford, to tie the game at 2.

But before the second period was out, Mike Santini notched an even strength marker with 23 second left to send Mississauga to the dressing room with a 3-2 lead.

Two unanswered Charger goals in the third rounded out the scoring.

The three games in three days schedule continues today for the Otters, as they travel to Toronto to take on the Villanova Knights for a 2:30 faceoff. Huntsville rounds out the weekend, and the portion of their schedule prior to the Christmas break, by hosting the Milton Icehawks at the Jack Bionda Sunday at 3pm.

OTTERS TALES...Barnett now has seven points in his last five games...this was the first time in four games this season that Mississauga had beaten the Otters....with an assist in this game, Tyler McGee now has seven points in four games played against the Chargers this season...Huntsville has now been outscored by their opponents in the third period 52-37 in 2009/10.

3 game winning streak comes to an end in a close one

2009-12-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

It was one of these battles that could have gone either way. In the end, the Vipers eeked out a 4-3 win over the Otters Monday night in Woodbridge.

Sean Poitras gave Huntsville a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. It was tied 1 apiece heading into the third when Dan Barnett scored his 17th goal of the season to give the Otters a 2-1 lead. Back to back goals by the Vipers put them up 3-2 before Tyler McGee responded to knot the game up with a little less than half the period to play.

But a Viper even strength marker with just under eight minutes to play put Vaughan up for good. Thomas Shelley made 24 stops in the Otters net. The next action for Huntsville is back at the Jack Bionda Friday night to start a busy three games in three days just prior to the Christmas break. They host Mississauga at 7:30pm.

Otters Win 3rd straight 5-3 over Mississauga

2009-12-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

Tyler McGee had a three point night and Dan Barnett had a pair of goals as the Otters scored four goals in the third period en route to a 5-3 victory over Mississauga Saturday night at the Port Credit Arena.

The Otters led 1-0 after the first period on a goal by Cameron Brace. Jordan Forfar, the former Peterborough Liftlock Star, tallied an assist and his first point as an Otter on Brace's marker.

Mississauga took a 2-1 lead into the dressing room at the second intermission, but the third period belonged to the Otters. Phil Moreau and goals back to back by Barnett made it 4-2. The Chargers cut the lead to 4-3 until McGee scored an unassisted marker to put the game out of reach.

Thomas Shelley made 24 stops for his second win in a Huntsville uniform since being acquired from Brampton 10 days ago.

Huntsville travels to Woodbridge Monday night to take on the Vaughan Vipers who have lost eight straight.

Check back to Otters Tales regularly. We'll have an update of when the Friday game, that was snowed out at the Jack Bionda, will be rescheduled.

THANK YOU!

2009-12-06T08:17:00.001-08:00

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to help the team help those less fortunate this holiday season.

The team helped the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign bring in a lot of donations from shoppers at Robinson's Independent Grocers. A special thank you to Randy Robinson for supplying the space to play ball hockey in the parking lot and for the donation of hot dogs and sausages, all toward a worthwhile cause.

A reminder of the Otter's annual Teddy Bear Toss, in conjuction with Hailey's Wish Teddy Bear Drive at the Otters home game Friday December 18.

Fans are asked to bring a new bear or stuffed toy to the game for a charity bear toss. Bears will also be available for sale at the game.

Otters win 2nd straight 6-2 over Milton

2009-12-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Otters peppered 57 shots at the Milton goal, and Thomas Shelley picked up his first win as a Huntsville Otter as the club downed the Milton Icehawks 6-2 Friday night.

After a scoreless first, Huntsville scored all four goals in the second to take a 4-0 lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes. They made it 5-0 to open the third before Milton replied with a pair of markers. Kylian Kirkwood, Sean Poirtras and Phil Moreau tallied a goal and an assist each to lead the way. Zach Robinson, Cameron Brace and Tyler McGee tallied singles. Moreau's goal with about three and a half minutes left completed the scoring on the night.

The Otters fired 30 shots alone in the second period against the Icehawks goaltending tandem of Brian Betts and Marco Tomei.

The win puts the Otters four points back of the Brampton Capitals in the overall standings. The next game for Huntsville is next Friday December 11 when the Vaughan Vipers visit the Jack Bionda for a 7:30pm face off. The pregame show begins at 7:20 by finding the link at huntsvilleotters.com

Otters vs. Icehawks fast facts

2009-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

A few facts ahead of tonight's tilt in Milton:

The Otters know all too well that of the 2 wins posted by the Icehawks, one came against them. It was a 1-0 victory September 20 at the Mould Master Sportsplex.
The Icehawks leading scorer, James Woodcroft, is on a tear. He has 14 points (7g, 7a) in his last five games
The Otters hottest hand the last five games has been Tyler McGee, putting up 7 points (1G, 6A)
Three Otters head into tonight's road game tied for the team lead in points away from the Jack Bionda. Adam Ritchie, Cameron Brace and Dane Horvat all have 17
Milton's Andrew Oreskovic heads into tonight's game second in the league in total penalty minutes (114)
Huntsville goes into tonights game with the 4th best road penalty killing record in the league at 84.5%

Otters To Support Local Salvation Army Kettle Campaign December 5

2009-12-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

Make sure you drop by Robinson's Indpendent Grocer on Howland Drive this Saturday, December 5 between 11am and 3pm for two great reasons. Not only do you get a chance to see your favourite Huntsville Otter, but you get to give to a worthwhile cause too!

Members of the Otters will be taking turns stationed at the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle, asking for your donation toward helping those less fortunate this holiday season. But that's not all! You'll also get a chance to see your favourite Otters play a game of ball hockey and sign autographs.

Come out and support your local Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign while meeting some of your favourite Huntsville Otters, this Saturday December 5 between 11 and 3.

Lepara Released, George Traded to Muskies

2009-12-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Joseph Lepara was released by the team yesterday to make room for the acquisition of Thomas Shelley from the Brampton Capitals.

In a separate deal, the Otters acquired defenceman Kenny Carpenter from the Lindsay Muskies in exchange for fan favourite Ron George. Carpenter is the second former Muskie to be picked up in as many months to suit up on the Otter blueline.

Making Hay While the Sun Shines

2009-12-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

Some midweek musings before the Otters play a solo affair this Friday against the team that occupies the bottom of the Division of 15 standings...hey, not to pick on Milton, but its the Icehawks turn to have a complete rebuilding season.

The farmers used to have a saying - they probably still do - to "make hay while the sun still shines". Thats exactly what the Otters will need to do if you take a look at the schedule over the next two weeks. Between now and December 18, three of Huntsville's next five games come against opponents either below them currently in the standings, or against the team occupying the 8th and final playoff spot.

After Milton, its Mississauga and Vaughan twice. These next five games will be an indication of how well this team appears to be gelling. Using a huge win against Couchching as a springboard can't hurt. Can they make up 10 points in the standings, leapfrog over four teams to capture a playoff spot? Well, first off, lets not get carried away. But in the same breath, let's not sell them short either.

If Brian O'Leary can somehow electronically plant a DVD of the Couchching game into each players head, to reinforce just how defensively sound they can play when they want to, while getting Charlie Millen and Thomas Shelley to steal a game here and there, this could be an interesting last half of the 09/10 season.

Let's compare notes in two weeks, shall we?

Mixed results...but a step in the right direction

2009-11-29T19:19:00.001-08:00

Well, a split of back to back games, after having almost a week off, is not a bad result -especially if you came into a contest riding a four game losing streak.

But for the Huntsville Otters, you're happy with .500 after a loss Saturday to Buffalo and a huge win today over the Terriers.

After Huntsville's defensive "Waterloo" - or lack of defense is more appropriate - one week ago today in a 10-4 shelling at the hands of the Aurora Tigers, the week off allowed Brian O'Leary and staff to refocus on their priority - get their blueline to remember how to play the game when their own end is 150 feet behind them.

Even though the Junior Sabres used two powerplay goals to score a 4-2 victory, there were some very positive signs: Joseph Lepara had a solid game in goal, making several big stops. The Otters D refused to be beaten by those long two line home run type passes that have been embarassing to watch the past several weeks. A solid effort - but too many trips to the penalty box did the home side in.

You would be excused if, as an Otters fan, you thought Sunday's contest against Couchching would turn into a rout in favour of the visitors. After all, Randy Salmon has his team playing very solid hockey in the last couple of weeks, entering todays game just two points back of the Blades for 3rd in the Division of 15.

What the home fans got was a very nice surprise: from the opening faceoff, the Otters took the game, on both sides of the puck - to the Terriers. Now Im not going to make excuses for Couchching, but perhaps their "hold on for dear life" shootout win Saturday night in Georgetown didnt leave much in the tank for Sunday's tilt. Besides, how many times can a team claim, at least in this season when Matt Smyth will win the scoring title, and likely the individual goals and assists crown, that number 29 was held off the scoring sheet as the former first round pick of the Battalion was today?

3-0 Otters after 1 period....

5-0 Huntsville and in complete control after 40 minutes...

What are those red spots and blotches on the skin of Otters fans? Ah, its people walking around pinching themselves!

"Is this our team," they ask one another, "or just a bunch of imposters?"

Guess time will tell...

Welcome to Huntsville Otters and Junior A hockey coverage!

2009-11-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hey folks,

Look here in the future for previews, postgame comment and audio features and interviews with those in and around the OJAHL. Feel free to write me anytime on matters pertaining to the OJAHL, and some suggestions you may have about who you would like to hear interviewed (both written and audio) from now through the rest of the Provincial Junior A season.

Here in Huntsville, with the Otters in a rebuilding season, alot of the excitement is focused off the ice - as the final few bricks and mortar are put in place for the opening of the new G8 Centre, slated for sometime in early 2010.

The seating capacity of approximately 1,500 with standing room for a few more, not to mention the Olympic size ice surface and state of the art players dressing and workout rooms, will make this a stop on any Junior A fan's list for 10-11.

Reminder the Otters host the Buffalo Junior Sabres in a rare Saturday night contest tomorrow night at the Jack Bionda. Game time is 7:30, and I'll have our pregame show, that can be found by going to huntsvilleotters.com, and clicking on the live audiocast link, beginning at 7:20.

The Otters have had a week off to regroup, following losses to Kingston, Bramelea and Aurora. The Otters host their second home game of the weekend in less than 24 hours as the Couchching Terriers come to call for a Sunday 3pm puck drop. The Terriers will be with their new netminder Dylan Ellis, acquired earlier today from Markham in exchange for Brennan Knoblock.