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The Ontario Hockey League season is in full swing, and sportswriter Ryan Pyette is taking questions from fans and colleagues about what’s happening on the ice, in the general managers’ suites and in the league office. Have a question? Put it in the comment section below or email us at lfpnewsletters@postmedia.com
Q: TSN is reporting a woman has gone to police about an alleged sexual assault involving then-OHL players. What can you tell me about that?
A: I just know what I read. The league put out a statement that they’ve been made aware of it. They say they’re taking it seriously. But I don’t know at this stage where it’s going to go. It’s a privilege to play hockey – and these guys are well aware now of what they can and can’t do. Don’t do stupid things.
Q: The Ottawa 67’s honoured Brian Kilrea as he turned 90. Can you tell me any memories you have of him?
A: Actually, he drafted to the 67’s in 1991. He was like the GM and the coach and he would drive around and visit all his draft picks, which was a nice thing to do. Ottawa is a long way from the Soo but he came, parked his car with the 67’s logo in front of our house and all the neighbours were very interested. He was a very nice man. I ended up not going to Ottawa but as a reporter I got to speak to him near the end of his career. He was from the old school – a cigar and a beer on the bus after a win. Obviously he was an amazing coach and has the career wins record that Dale Hunter is chasing.
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Q: In the spring of 2023, the Peterborough Petes were OHL champions. In the fall of 2024, they’re 0-8-1. Is that just a perfect example of the boom-and-bust junior hockey cycle?
A: Yes, but the bust should have come last year, when they weren’t very good, and they should be improving this year. I didn’t expect this. That’s a terrible start. There should be some signs of improvement. I don’t know when they’re going to be a contender now. It looks like they’re going to bottom out this year.
Q: Saginaw rolled through Ontario this weekend and beat London and Brampton. How good do they look to you?
A: They’re the real deal. They’ve got star players and added some nice pieces like Kristian Epperson, who was with the U.S. national program last season. He’s got a ton of skill. Michael Misa and Zayne Parekh are top of the line and Andrew Oke is a great over-age goalie. It was a wakeup call to teams like Brampton and London, they need to make some moves here to compete with Saginaw.
Q: Easton Cowan didn’t get the captain’s C for the London Knights. What do you think went into that decision?
A: I don’t think it’s a big deal at all. He’s wearing an A. He and Denver Barkey, they called them the Twins – and he was more jacked up for Barkey to get the C. Sometimes it’s the guy who speaks up in the room who gets it. Easton strikes me more as a guy who leads by example on the ice.
rpyette@postmedia.com
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