Machala selected for tournament
The Niagara IceDogs will be without import forward Ondrej Machala next week when he joins the Czech Republic to play at the 2016 under-18 Five Nations Tournament in Plymouth, MI.
The event will run from Nov. 1-5 at USA Hockey Arena and includes the U.S. National under-18 team, as well as teams from the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. Each team will compete in four games, with points awarded for wins (3), overtime wins (2) and overtime losses (1). The first-place team will be determined based on final point standings.
“We don’t have to let him go, but it’s great exposure for him and for our organization that he’s a product of our organization,” IceDogs coach Dave Bell said. “We’re supposed to be a development league so why would we hold a guy back that has an opportunity to showcase himself weather it’s the Subway Series or Five Nations Cup or under-17? That’s what our job is.”
Machala, who has been sidelined recently with a concussion, has played well with two goals and five points in six games. He is slated to leave Sunday.
Thomas, MacPherson gone
Forward Akil Thomas and defenceman Justin MacPherson have left for the World under-17 Hockey Challenge which begins this week in Sault Ste. Marie.
We don’t have to let him go, but it’s great exposure for him and for our organization that he’s a product of our organization.” IceDogs coach Dave Bell
Thomas and MacPherson are among the 66 Canadian players chosen to play for Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red and Team Canada White and against the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States.
Thomas and MacPherson are expected to miss five games (three this week and two next week) and return Nov. 6.
Johnson signs
The IceDogs have signed forward Bradley Johnson. Johnson was selected in the 13th round of the 2015 OHL Priority Draft and is currently playing for the RaysideBalfour Canadians of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. In 15 games, he has 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists).
“We are thrilled to add Bradley to our extremely talented young group,” IceDogs director of player personnel Joey Burke said. “He is a player who has thrived everywhere he has played, and keeps getting better year by year. He does not shy away from challenges and will be a great addition to our group, and will play a big role for this team in the future”
Haydon suspended
Overage forward Aaron Haydon has been suspended six games.
Haydon was originally given a two-minute boarding penalty in a game last week versus Erie but after the league reviewed the play, handed out the suspension.
“It was his first suspension in the league. A two-minute penalty turns into a six-game suspension,” Bell said.
Haydon is eligible to return Nov. 8 at Peterborough.