San Jose Sharks 2011 Young Stars Tournament Roster

Photo courtesy of Sharks.nhl.com

On Sept. 6, the San Jose Sharks revealed their roster that will participate in the organization’s second consecutive Young Stars Tournament.

Featuring prospect teams from the Sharks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets, the tournament will be held in Penticton, B.C. from Sept. 11 -15. 

At last year’s tournament, the Sharks finished with a 2-1 record in three games.  Forward Michael Sgarbossa finished as the tournament’s second leading scorer with four points {hat trick against the Oilers and one assist} in two games and forward Benn Ferriero finish tied for third among all scorers by registering three assists in two games.

The Sharks will be in action on Sept. 11 against the Flames at 7:30 p.m.;  Sept. 12 against the Jets at 4:00 p.m.;  Sept. 14 against the Canucks at 4:00 p.m.

{** Denotes prospect played for the Sharks in last year’s tournament}

FORWARDS

#90  Joe Antilla
{6-1, 220, L, 1/17/91}

2010-11 season:  Registered 40 points on 21 goals and 19 assists in 72 games played with the Kootenay Ice of the WHL to go along with 59 penalty minutes

#89  Trevor Cheek
{6-2, 210, L, 12/29/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 25 points on 10 goals and 15 assists in 57 games played with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL to go along with 37 penalty minutes.

#48  Mike Connolly
{5-9, 180, L, 7/3/89}

2010-11 season:  Registered 54 points on 28 goals and 26 assists in 42 games played with the Minnesota-Deluth Bulldogs of the WCHA to go along with 59 penalty minutes.

#85  Curt Gogol** 
{6-0, 185, L, 9/21/91}

2010-11 season:  Registered 12 points on 4 goals and 8 assists in 47 games played with the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL to go along with 142 penalty minutes.  Registered 2 points on one goal and one assist in 15 games played with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL to go along with 59 penalty minutes.

#75  Freddie Hamilton** 
{6-1, 190, R, 1/1/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 83 points on 38 goals and 45 assists in 68 games played with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL to go along with 20 penalty minutes.

#87  Charles Inglis
{5-11, 180, L, 5/7/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 60 points on 32 goals and 28 assists in 69 games played with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL to go along with 141 penalty minutes.

#63  James Livingston
{6-1, 210, R, 3/8/90}

2010-11 season:  Registered 50 points on 22 goals and 28 assists in 62 games played with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL to go along with 52 penalty minutes.

#38  Tony Lucia** 
{6-0, 190, L, 8/23/87}

2010-11 season:  Registered zero points in two games played with the Worcester Sharks of the AHL.  Missed final 78 games of the season with concussion symptoms.

#45 – James Marcou** 
{5-8, 165, R, 2/19/88}

2010-11 season:  Registered 19 points on 4 goals and 15 assists in 41 games played with the Worcester Sharks of the AHL to go along with 18 penalty minutes.

#84  Nathan Moon
{5-11, 200, R, 1/4/90}

2010-11 season:  Registered 74 points on 32 goals and 42 assists in 65 games played with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL to go along with 89 penalty minutes.

#56  Brodie Reid
{6-1, 195, R, 9/25/89}

2010-11 season:  Registered 28 points on 11 goals and 17 assists in 37 games played with the Northeastern Huskies of the Hockey East College Conference to go along with 18 penalty minutes.

#76  Michael Sgarbossa** 
{5-11, 170, L, 7/25/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 62 points on 29 goals and 33 assists in 37 games played with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL to go along with 53 penalty minutes.  Registered 20 points on 7 goals and 13 assists in 26 games played with the Saginaw Spirit to go along with 24 penalty minutes.

#82  Ben Thomson
{6-4, 205, L, 1/16/93}

2010-11 season:  Registered 19 points on 6 goals and 13 assists in 68 games played with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL to go along with 107 penalty minutes.

#70  Scooter Vaughan
{6-0, 195, R, 4/8/89}

2010-11 season:  Registered 24 points on 14 goals and 10 assists in 44 games played with the Michigan Wolverines of the CCHA to go along with 45 penalty minutes.

#58  Marek Viedensky** 
{6-4, 210, R, 8/18/90}

2010-11 season:  Registered 88 points on 36 goals and 52 assists in 63 games played with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL to go along with 52 penalty minutes.

#50  Dylan Wruck
{5-8, 165, L, 9/23/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 78 points on 38 goals and 40 assists in 71 games played with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL to go along with 44 penalty minutes.

DEFENSE

#51  Konrad Abeltshauser** 
{6-5, 215, L, 9/2/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 27 points on 8 goals and 19 assists in 58 games played with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL to go along with 47 penalty minutes.

#62  Sena Acolatse
{5-11, 205, R, 11/28/90}

2010-11 season:  Registered 63 points on 15 goals and 48 assists in 66 games played with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL to go along with 128 penalty minutes.  Appeared in one game for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL.

#46  Zach Bell
{6-1, 215, R, 2/13/93}

2010-11 season:  Registered 12 points on 3 goals and 9 assists in 63 games played with the Brampton Battalion of the OHL to go along with 86 penalty minutes.

#79  Antoine Corbin
{6-2, 195, R, 6/18/92}

2010-11 season:  Registered 25 points on 6 goals and 19 assists in 45 games played with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL to go along with 81 penalty minutes.  Registered 4 points on 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 games played with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL to go along with 23 penalty minutes.

#74  Dylan DeMelo
{6-0, 195, R, 5/1/93}

2010-11 season:  Registered 27 points on 3 goals and 24 assists in 67 games played with the Mississauga St. Michael’s  Majors of the OHL to go along with 70 penalty minutes.

#77  Taylor Doherty** 
{6-7, 230, R, 3/2/91}

2010-11 season:  Registered 53 points on 14 goals and 39 assists in 68 games played with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL to go along with 86 penalty minutes.  Appeared in three games for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL.

#59  Justin Sefton
{6-3, 215, R, 4/14/93}

2010-11 season:  Registered 11 points on 5 goals and 6 assists in 66 games played with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL to go along with 124 penalty minutes.

#49  William Wrenn
{6-1, 205, R, 3/16/91}

2010-11 season:  Registered 13 points on 2 goals and 11 assists in 29 games played with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL to go along with 17 penalty minutes.  Registered 1 assist in 18 games played at the University of Denver to go along with 2 penalty minutes.

GOALIES

#36  J.P. Anderson** 
{5-11, 190, R, 4/27/92}

2010-11 season:  Posted a 38-10-1 record with a 2.36 goals-against-average in 51 games played for the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors of the OHL to go along with 6 shutouts.

#33  Thomas Heemskerk** 
{6-0, 195, R, 4/11/90}

2010-11 season:  Posted a 36-21-6 record with a 2.94 goals-against-average in 65 games played for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL to go along with 2 shutouts.

#35  Harri Sateri
{6-1, 210, L, 12/29/89}

2010-11 season:  Posted a 9-19-8 record with a 2.96 goals-against-average in 37 games played for Taparra Jr in Finland to go along with 2 shutouts.  Posted a 1-3-1 record with a 2.56 goals-against average in 7 games played played for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL.

*Photos and information courtesy of www.sharksahl.com, sharks.nhl.com, www.denverpioneers.com, www.hockeysfuture.com, www.londonjuniorknights.com, www.whl.ca, www.tri-cityherald.com, jets.nhl.com, penguins.nhl.com, theswhl.com, mgoblue.com, hockeyeastonline.com, whl.simhl.net, islanders.nhl.com, fox21online.com, hfboards.com for this post entry.*

“Fearsome Young Sharks” Prospect Profile – J.P. Anderson

Photo courtesy of Alex Zimmermann {@Alex_Z_Sharkie}

On Sept. 21, 2010, San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced the Sharks had signed unrestricted free agent goalie J.P. Anderson to an entry-level contract.

“We really like what J.P. has shown us and think he has tremendous upside,” said Wilson in a press release on the Sharks website.  “We like that he will continue to develop under Mississauga General Manager/Head Coach Dave Cameron and we will be monitoring his progress.”

Born in Toronto, Ont., Anderson was selected by the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors in the second round {30th overall} of the 2008 Ontario Hockey League {OHL} Priority Selection after having a solid season with the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League {GTHL}.  In 19 games played with the Marlboros, Anderson allowed only 23 goals for a 1.21 goals-against average and recorded seven shutouts.

“I had a good idea that I’d probably make the team if I worked hard,” said Anderson in an interview with Gary McCarthy for an Oct. 2008 mississauga.com article.  “They {majors} told me there was a position open and they didn’t have a lot in their system.  They told me to come to camp ready to play.”

Only 16-years old at the start of the 2008-09 OHL season, Anderson was expected to backup and take the load off of starting goaltender Chris Carrozzi, who appeared in 47 of the Majors’ 68 games in 2007-08.  What Anderson didn’t expect was that he would be playing in the Majors’ first three games.

“I guess starting the first game was a given because Chris was still at the NHL Training Camp,” said Anderson in the McCarthy article.

Anderson made his OHL debut on Sept 18, 2008, in a 3-1 loss to the Barrie Colts.  Carrozzi, back from NHL Training Camp, was in net for the Majors’ second game against the Peterborough Petes and was pulled after allowing three first period goals.  Anderson took over in net at the start of the second period and allowed one goal as the Majors fought back for a 7-4 win.  The next night, Anderson was back in net and went the distance in a 6-4 win over the Kingston Frontenacs in Kingston.

“I think it’s what I expected it to be,” said Anderson, referring to the jump from minor midget to major junior hockey, in the McCarthy article.  “The game is faster, the players are bigger and stronger and they seem to see things better.”

Appearing in 26 games as a rookie, Anderson posted a 12-12 record with a 2.94 goals-against average.  In 1409 minutes played, Anderson allowed 69 goals on 720 shots for a .904 save percentage.  Anderson’s 2.94 goals-against average was the best amongst OHL rookies, earning him the OHL “Dinty Moore Trophy” and OHL All-Rookie First Team selection honors.  In addition, Anderson helped lead Team Ontario to its second consecutive gold medal at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and was named the game’s most valuable player.

For the 2009-10 season, Anderson continued to split time with Carrozzi, appearing in 36 games and registering a 23-10-1 record with a 2.60 goals-against average.  In 2028 minutes played, Anderson allowed 88 goals on 875 shots for a .899 save percentage.  When combined with Carrozzi’s stats, the duo had the lowest team goals-against average in club history and were named the “Dave Pinkney Trophy” winners for allowing the fewest goals {175} in the OHL during the regular season.  In the playoffs, Anderson, registered a 4-5-1 record with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

With two solid OHL seasons under his belt, Anderson set his sights on the 2010 National Hockey League {NHL} Entry Draft.  Unfortunately for Anderson, he was bypassed to the bewilderment of NHL Central Scouting’s goaltending scout Al Jensen.

“I’m not really sure on that at all,” said Jensen, referring to how Anderson went undrafted, in an interview for a May 2011 foxnews.com article.  “I know watching J.P. for three years what type of goalie he is.  Even from his underage year he was a guy I was going to keep an eye on.  Last year {2010} we had him ranked as a possible prospect to watch for the Draft.  I thought at times he was inconsistent, but overall I still liked the way he played.  I just like the way he covered the net.”

So did the Sharks as within an hour of the NHL Draft concluding, the Sharks contacted Anderson’s agent.

“I though they {Sharks} might take me in the draft,” said Anderson in an interview for an April 2011 Canadian Press article.  “They interviewed me before the draft.  They were interested but I guess they wanted to save their pick from someone else.”

The Sharks invited Anderson to their prospect camp in Penticton, B.C., and told Anderson he was there to earn a contract and he would play in two of the Sharks’ three games at the 2010 Young Stars Tournament. 

“I didn’t expect a whole lot because 90 percent of the guys get sent back empty-handed,” said Anderson in the Canadian Press article.  “But I went into it open-minded and with a view to next year.”

Playing in the first game against Anaheim and the third game against Edmonton, Anderson won both games, posting a 2.00 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.  As a result of his performance, Anderson earned his entry-level contract with the Sharks.

At the conclusion of Sharks prospect camp, Anderson returned to Mississauga for the 2010-11 season with a new found confidence and was named the No. 1 goalie due to Carrozzi graduating to professional hockey.

“I didn’t have to worry about coming into this year about getting drafted or trying to impress scouts or things of that nature,” said Anderson in the foxsnews.com article.  “I just wanted to come into games and focus on my game.”

Focus is exactly what Anderson did as he had 16 wins in his first 18 starts by the end of Nov., was named the Canadian Hockey League’s {CHL} “Goaltender of the Week” for the week of Nov. 1-7 and was one of four goalies invited to Team Canada’s evaluation camp for the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships in Buffalo, N.Y.

Despite then Majors head coach Dave Cameron being the head coach of Team Canada, Anderson got an early morning phone call informing him that he had been cut from the roster and was returned to the Majors, while Niagara IceDogs goalie Mark Visentin got the nod over Anderson.

“His play got him there and his play took him out of there,” said coach Cameron of Anderson in an interview with Terry Koshan for a May torontosun.com article.  “He’s a mature kid.  His play talks for him.”

Anderson held no hard feelings towards his coach as he agreed he didn’t deserve to make the Canadian world junior team.  “It was a fair opportunity between four guys, and I was just not good enough,” said Anderson in the Koshan article.

On the weekend Visentin and the IceDogs were to play Anderson and the Majors in a showdown between the two goalies, Anderson wasn’t available as he had been called up by the Sharks on an emergency basis for a Jan. 22 game in Minnesota against the Minnesota Wild.

“It was just one of those things that happens,” said coach Cameron in an interview with Roger Lajoie for a Jan. 25 torontosun.com article.  “I watched the Sharks game and saw they had a young call-up and didn’t think anything of it really.  The next day, I get a call and it’s the Sharks telling me they wanted J.P.  What a great opportunity it was for him, although it was really unexpected.”

“I got a text from the coach {Cameron} to call him as soon as possible,” said Anderson in the Canadian Press article.  “I thought ‘I hope I’m not in trouble.’  He explained the situation to me.  I called my mom a couple of hours later, I was on a plane to Minneapolis.”

Once back from his stint with the Sharks, which lasted five days, Anderson won his second CHL “Goaltender of the Week” honor of the season for the week of Jan. 24-30 and was named OHL “Goalie of the Month” for the month of Jan. as he registered a 6-1 record with a goals-against average of 1.30 and a save percentage of .941, both league bests.

As the season wore on, Anderson, who was named to the OHL All-Star Second Team, continued to get stronger as he was named OHL “Player of the Week” for the week ending March 6 as the result of winning all three of his games that weekend, two by shutout. 

In addition, Anderson, along with backup goalie Mikael Audette, helped the Majors secure their second consecutive “Dave Pinkney Trophy” award as the tandem allowed only 170 goals, the league’s fewest since the London Knights allowed 125 in the 2004-05 season.

Anderson finished the regular season with a 38-10-1 record in 51 games played.  Anderson’s goals-against average of 2.36 and six shutouts were league bests while his .911 save percentage was fifth best.

Playing the Belleville Bulls in the first round of the OHL Playoffs, Anderson set two OHL modern-era records when he shutout the Bulls in three consecutive games and established a league playoff mark by going 249 minutes, 11 seconds without allowing a goal {Austen Brassard scored the only Belleville goal in the series on Anderson in Game 1 at 4:13 of the first period}.  Ray Emery held the previous record of 155 minutes, 21 seconds without giving up a goal when he played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 2000.

“A lot of credit has to go to the guys in front of me,” said Anderson, who stopped 77-of-78 Bulls shots in the Majors four-game sweep of the Bulls, in an interview with Torstar Network for an April mississauga.com article.  “They’re doing a really good job….doing the dirty work, blocking shots, winning battles.  As long as they continue to do that they make my job easier and gives us a better chance to win as a team.”

Anderson was recognized for his hard work when he won his third CHL “Goaltender of the Week” honor of the season for the week ending March 27 after posting a 3-0 record with two shutous, a .033 goals-against average and a .983 save percentage.  In addition, Anderson was named OHL “Goaltender of the Month” for March after posting a 10-0-0-0 record with five shutouts, a .090 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage. 

“I can’t tell you how many times he’s saved my butt when I make a mistake,” said Majors defenseman Brett Flemming of Anderson in the Torstar Network article.  “To know that he’s back there gives you confidence and all the guys on the team will tell you the same thing.”

“He’s very competitive obviously, but he’s always 100 percent focused and he always keeps his emotions under control,” said Majors’ goaltending coach Jon Elkin of Anderson in the Canadian Press article.  “There are times when the importance of a situation brings out the most in someone but he’s pretty steady.”

Sweeping the Sudbury Wolves in the semi-finals and defeating the IceDogs in five games in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Majors reached the OHL Championship Finals, where they met the Owen Sound Attack.  Despite having a 3-2 series lead, the Majors were defeated by the Attack in a thrilling seven game series.  Anderson finished the OHL Playoffs with a 15-5 record with four shutouts to go along with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.

With an automatic entry into the 2011 Memorial Cup as the tournament host, the Majors faced off with the Attack, the Kootenay Ice {Western Hockey League champions} and the Saint John Sea Dogs {Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions} in the round-robin tournament to determine the champion of the CHL.

After losing their first game to the Sea Dogs, 4-3, the Majors won their next three game to reach the Memorial Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the Sea Dogs again, this time by the score of 3-1.  For the tournament, Anderson registered a 3-2 record with a 2.02 goals-against average with a .929 save percentage.

To add insult to injury, Anderson, for all he accomplished during the 2010-11 season, was not voted the top goaltender in the OHL as he finished second in the balloting to Visentin.

At the Majors’ season ending banquet on June 18, Anderson was the recipient of the Father Daniel Zorzi Award, which according to the Majors’ website, is the most prestigious award someone can achieve.

Named after Father Zorzi {1960-2009}, who was President of St. Michael’s College School, the award is presented to the Majors player who “best displays goodness, discipline and knowledge on and off the ice; gives back to his team and will do anything for his teammates; works hard both on and off the ice and contributes to the Mississauga community.”

Expected to return to the Majors for the 2011-12 season, Anderson will continue to show that he thrives under pressure

“I don’t try to change anything,” said Anderson in the Canadian Press article.  “I try to keep everything the same and not over-react.  But I think some excitement naturally takes over and it elevates you.  Anyone who competes in sports wants to play in the big game, the big moment, whether it’s a goal medal game, the playoffs or Game 7 of the final.  You want that opportunity.”

HIGHLIGHTS

J.P Anderson 2010-11 home opener  {Courtesy of YouTube user “chadh999”}
Highlights of the Majors’ 2010-11 home opener against the Windsor Spitfires

J.P. Anderson vs. Brandon Foote  {Courtesy of YouTube user “JimKorn20”}
In this video clip, Anderson drops the gloves for a goalie fight against Foote Guelph Storm on Dec. 5, 2010.

*Videos and information were used from sharks.nhl.com, www.cbc.ca, www.mississauga.com, www.hockeydb.com, www.hockeysfuture.com, www.torontosun.com, www.ontariohockeyleague.com, www.foxnews.com, www.stmichaelsmajors.com, www.eliteprospects.com, www.insidetoronto.com and www.youtube.com for this post entry.*

“One-on-One” with San Jose Sharks prospect Freddie Hamilton

Photo courtesy of http://www.niagaraicedogs.net

Before I begin, I would like to thank Freddie Hamilton for answering all these questions via his official Facebook page.  Be sure to check out his “Fearsome Young Sharks” Prospect Profile post by clicking HERE.

Jeremy Roenick said when Gordie Howe dumped snow over his head as a kid, he knew that’s when he wanted to be a pro hockey player.  What was your moment when you knew you wanted to be a pro hockey player?
“I played a lot of sports when I was younger but I always loved to play hockey the most.  I think I always knew I wanted to play in the NHL, but if I was to name a moment it would be getting the chance to skate with the Maple Leafs at their skills competition when I was very young.  I always looked up to Mats Sundin so it was cool to skate alongside him.”

What was it like growing up with your parents being Olympians?
“Growing up with my parents being Olympians was very cool.  Me and my brother were always around the Canadian flag and were able to go to many different sporting events.  Having our parents as our role models really motivates us to achieve our dreams in sport to be like them.  They were also able to help us do well by teaching us many things they learned, not about hockey, but about sports in general.”

How were you able to maintain an academic average of 99% during the 2008-09 season?
“I think I just take pride in doing everything well.  If I do something, I want to do it the best I can.  Again, my parents are a big influence on me and always wanted me to do well in school as well.”

You led the Niagara IceDogs in community appearances and were named the IceDogs 2011 Humanitarian of the Year.  What do you enjoy the most when making community appearances?
“I find spending time with the kids very fun.  Some of the kids ask some pretty funny questions and most are in good moods.  But the best part is definitely playing ball hockey against them.”

You missed only seven games in three seasons with the IceDogs.  What do you attribute to your durability?
“I think its because I just don’t enjoy missing games and I take a lot of time to take care of my body.  It  stinks sitting in the stands.  Everyone wants to be on the ice with your teammates, having fun.”

What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“I know it sounds cliche, but ‘to have fun.’  If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you should do something else.  If you’re not having fun, you won’t work as hard and get as much out of something as you can.”

What was it like to play for the IceDogs with your brother Dougie?
“It has been really fun to play with Dougie.  Just being able to go through the day and spend more time with him has been nice because we have always been best friends.  On the ice is fun too as we are able to know where each other are and set each other up for some nice goals.”

What have you enjoyed the most about playing in Niagara?
“Niagara is a great place to play.  The most fun has been getting the chance to play alongside my brother and to have our family watch us every game.”

What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?
“I feel that I am a smart, all-around player.  I can score goals, set people up, play on both the power play and penalty kill, play defensively and play center or wing.  I think I need to work on a lot to make the NHL, especially my strength and speed.”

Were you a Sharks fan growing up and if so, who was your favorite Shark?
“Growing up, I was always a fan of Joe Thornton and liked watching him play.  So when he got traded to the Sharks, I started following the team more.”

Did being drafted in the fifth round by the Sharks motivate you to make the rest of the NHL regret their decision to pass you over?
“Yes, being drafted in the fifth round was extra motivation for me.  It motivates me to prove all the teams that passed on me that they were wrong.  The Sharks are known to draft a lot of good players in the late rounds.  I am motivated to become one of those players.”

When you got the news the Sharks were signing you to an entry-level contract, what went through your mind and who was the first person you informed?
“I was obviously excited to be signed.  It has always been my dream to make the NHL and this is a big step.  Although I understand there is a long way to go, it shows the organization is happy with how I have played and is interested in me.  I first told my family the news.  They have been a huge influence on me and without them, I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have today.”

Xbox360, Playstation 3 or Wii?
“Xbox360 with Kinect.”

What can Sharks fans expect when you take the ice?
“Sharks fans will be able to expect a good team player who will work hard to win games.”

“Fearsome Young Sharks” Prospect Profile – Freddie Hamilton

Photo courtesy of Alexander Mario Zimmerma {@Alex_Z_Sharkie}

On May 27, San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced that Freddie Hamilton, the Sharks’ fifth round pick {129th overall} in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, had been signed to an entry-level contract.

Hamilton recently completed his third season with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League {OHL}, setting career highs in goals {38}, assists {45}, points {83) and penalty minutes {20} while playing in all 68 games and averaged a point per game in the 2011 OHL Playoffs with 14 points {4 goals, 10 assists} in 14 games.

One of the most popular players on the IceDogs, Hamilton led the IceDogs in community appearances as he frequently visited schools, events and fundraisers all season throughout the Niagara region and as a result of his involvement in the community, Hamilton was named the IceDogs 2011 Humanitarian of the Year at a team luncheon on April 27.

The first ever draft pick in Niagara IceDogs history at the 2008 OHL Priority Selection, Hamilton has missed only seven games in his three seasons with the IceDogs and has registered 73 goals, 93 assists and 166 points with 40 penalty minutes. 

“Freddie is one of our key contributors who is called upon to play in vital minutes in all situations,” said then Niagara IceDogs head coach Michael McCourt in an interview with nhl.com shortly before the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.  “He is a complete player who is very smart and is extremely responsible without the puck and has developed into one of the premier face-off men in the league.  He prides himself on being a perfectionist and is continually looking to improve his game.”

In addition to his high hockey IQ, Hamilton is just as smart away from the ice as he maintained an academic average of 99% during the 2008-09 season, making him the top Grade 11 student in the entire District School Board of Niagara and won the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as the OHL’s Top Academic Player Attending High School.

Lastly, Hamilton comes from an athletic family as his father, Doug, was an Olympic rower for Canada and won a bronze medal in 1988 while also competing in 1984;  his mother, Lynn, competed on Canada’s basketball team at the 1984 Olympics and won both gold and bronze at the World Championships;  his brother and teammate, Dougie, plays defense and is a contender to be the first defenseman drafted at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

HIGHLIGHTS

Freddie Hamilton Highlight Goals vs. Brampton {Courtesy of YouTube user “IceDogsBelieve”}
In this clip, Hamilton scores a shorthanded goal, another goal and the game winner in the shoot-out against the Brampton Battalion but no game date is given.

Freddie Hamilton Snipe {Courtesy of YouTube user “IceDogsBelieve”}
In this clip, Hamilton scores a short-handed goal but no game date is given.

Freddie Hamilton Hat Trick {Courtesy of YouTube user “dogsfan99”}
In this clip, Hamilton records a Hat Trick against the Sudbury Wolves but no game date is given.

Freddie Hamilton First OHL Hat Trick {Courtesy of YouTube user “IceDogsBelieve} 
In this clip, Hamilton records his first career OHL Hat Trick in a 5-3 win over the Erie Otters on January 28, 2010.  Sorry but there is no sound in the clip.

Freddie Hamilton vs. Chris DeSousa {Courtesy of YouTube user “alphadog1x”}
In this clip, Hamilton drops the gloves with former teammate DeSousa on Febuary 4, 2010.

Freddie Hamilton Interview {Courtesy of YouTube user “alphadog1x”}
In this clip, Hamilton is interviewed post game about his fight with DeSousa.

*Information and videos were used from www.niagaraicedogs.net, sharks.nhl.com, www.nhl.com and www.youtube.com for this post entry.*