Sept 30th vs Ottawa 67's: Game Day Playbook

It’s that time of year again! I’m excited once again to welcome everyone back for another season of Generals Hockey.

Each year, my goal is to uphold the legacy this organization has built throughout its long history. As always, we want to add another OHL and Memorial Cup title to our already league best totals, for not only the organization, but for you the fans.

On behalf of our entire Generals family, I want to thank our sponsors, billets, new and returning season ticket holders, and each and every one of our loyal fans for their neverending support.

ROCCO TULLIO PRESIDENT

I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the 2022-23 season of the Oshawa Generals and the Ontario Hockey League. This welcome back certainly goes to our legion of loyal supporters but also welcome back to the players, players families, billets and staff. It should also be noted that we cant wait to return to a normal schedule where we all get to see the stars of tomorrow from across the whole OHL.

Every season takes on its own theme and feel. Every season takes on a life of its own. This year’s season will be the most competitive we have had in a few years. One factor is that we will again be returning to a full OHL schedule and with the Eastern Conference shaping up to be the most competitive it has been in years, every point and game will be a must for top rated performances. The addition of new Head Coach, Derek Laxdal and his winning pedigree is exactly what the doctor ordered, and the timing couldn’t be better. Along with new Associate Coach, Steve O’Rourke and Mike Hedden returning for his second season, this staff could go up against any in the CHL. You will continue to see a long line of future Generals stars on the ice again this season and I cant thank the scouts enough for all the hard work they do. The returning players have positioned us to be fighting for hardware again soon and the new players will have to get on board quickly. That being said, we are on a collision course with a couple of other teams in the Eastern Conference. If we have any desire to get another Bobby Orr trophy and then battle for the J. Ross Robertson trophy, business will need to be taken care of each and every night. Nothing is given and everything will be earned.

Our past is certainly something that everyone in our region, city and organization are very proud of. During this season our entire focus right now is on the present. We want to have the best team possible to challenge for silverware again.

Lets get behind the team from the start and cheer them onto victory.

Go Gens Go!!!!!!

ROGER HUNT VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

HOCKEY OPERATIONS

ROGER HUNT VICE PRESIDENT/GM MIKE KELLY DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS

DEREK LAXDAL HEAD COACH & ASSISTANT GM STEVE O’ROURKE ASSOCIATE COACH

MIKE HEDDEN ASSISTANT COACH

AUSTIN WASHKURAK VIDEO COACH

PAUL GIBSON GOALTENDING COACH

DAN NOBLE DIRECTOR OF PERFORMANCE

NICK QUINN SKILLS COACH (PEP)

ANTHONY CORNACCHIA SKILLS COACH TRACY TUTTON SKATING COACH

ASHLEA JONES POWER SKATING COACH

TRAINING AND MEDICAL STAFF

BRYAN BOYES

HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER & EQUIPMENT MANAGER

SHAWN WINTERS HEAD ATHLETIC THERAPIST KEVIN HAYES ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER THOM RENNIE ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER MIKE HUGHES ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER

ERIC VIENA STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH ANDREW LATIN ASSISTANT TRAINER

SCOUTING STAFF

DAN CURRIE DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING/PLAYER PERSONNEL JOE BELESKEY NORTHERN ONTARIO/ETA SCOUT MIKE CRAIG OTTAWA ONTARIO SCOUT/DIRECTOR OF U-18 MADDUX RYCHEL GTA SCOUT

DANNY O’BRIEN U.S SCOUT

SEAN PATRICK RYAN ALLIANCE SCOUT

ANTHONY HERRINGTON SCTA/ALLIANCE SCOUT/HEAD OF ANALYTICS

JOE WASHKURAK ADVANCED SCOUT/HEAD OF OJHL SCOUTING TONY CIAMPA WESTERN ONTARIO SCOUT

KEVIN BLOCH MID-WESTERN SCOUT/PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

ADDITIONAL STAFF

KEITH LINDLEY POLICE LIASON OFFICER

ED DOWNEY POLICE LIASON OFFICER

GARY MINACS TEAM TRAVEL COORDINATOR

JACK HANNAH TEAM CHAPLAIN

RYAN JOHNSTON MAXWELL HEIGHTS SECONDARY SCHOOL GUIDANCE TEAM

TOM BUCHANAN ACADEMIC ADVISOR

CLUB PHYSICIANS

DR. MARTIN TEAM ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

DR. PRESVELOS TEAM PHYSICIAN

DR. ZAKAROW TEAM DENTIST

DR. COULBY TEAM DOCTOR

DR. ARMSTRONG TEAM CHIROPRACTOR

OFFICE OPERATIONS

ROCCO TULLIO PRESIDENT & GOVERNOR

JOHN MCMAHON ALTERNATE GOVERNOR ANDY LEE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

JASON HICKMAN DIRECTOR, TICKET SALES & SERVICES

ANDREW RICHARD ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

MATT BEACHIN DIRECTOR, CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

BRIAN PARK MANAGER, SPONSORSHIP SALES

BRANDON WRIGHT MANAGER, SOCIAL MEDIA, GAME DAY, MEDIA RELATIONS

ALEXANDRIA COTTERILL MULTIMEDIA DESIGN COORDINATOR

CHRISTIAN GONTIER MANAGERS OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS & MERCHANDISING

OFF-ICE OFFICIALS

NEIL LUXTON CREW CHIEF & ONLINE SCORER

GARY MINACS OFFICIAL SCORER

MIKE CHAMPION ALTERNATE SCORER

BILL FERGUSON TIMEKEEPER

WAYNE WHITE PENALTY TIMEKEEPER

KEVIN TINK ONLINE SCORER

DEREK LAMONT ONLINE SCORER

TIM SKAM VIDEO REPLAY SUPPORT

PAUL WADE ALTERNATE TIMEKEEPER

GAME DAY STAFF

TERRY JOHNSTON ANNOUNCER

NICOLE GRELLA IN-ARENA HOST

IAN GOODALL TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER

CATHY COXHEAD NHL MEDIA ROOM HOST

COLLEEN CORNER NHL MEDIA ROOM HOST

JAMIE CARWELL VIDEOBOARD DIRECTOR

NOEL PITNEY REPLAY TECHNICIAN

PAUL CARTMILL GRAPHIC TECHNICIAN EJ ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC COORDINATOR

TRISH KIDD IN-HOUSE CAMERA DALLAS EGGLETON IN-HOUSE CAMERA

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY

VIDEOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY

THE GAME DAY GAZETTE

Tonight, the Oshawa Generals are set to start the home schedule of their 20222023 season against their east division rival, Ottawa 67’s. Last night, the Generals started their season in the best way possible, edging out the Barrie Colts by a score of 2-1, spoiling the Colts home opener at Sadlon Arena. The Gens opened the scoring after 8th overall selection in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Beckett Sennecke scored his first ever OHL goal just minutes into his first game. The Gens would add another thanks to the hot hands of Dylan Roobroeck. Patrick Leaver stopped 24/25 on route to his first win of the season.

Tonight, the Generals will look to match their play from most of last night’s game. The Gens were able to hem the Colts into their zone for much of the game and will look to do the same tonight against the 67’s. This will be Ottawa’s first game of the season, one where they’re looked to be strong contenders once again in the Eastern Conference. All the action in this highly-anticipated showdown gets underway tonight, with puck drop scheduled for 7:35 pm at the Tribute Communities Centre.

Last Meeting:

The last time these two teams met was of course during the 2021-2022 season, and both teams will be looking much different in their first meeting this year. Back on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022, the Ottawa 67’s came to town and defeated the Gens 4-3 via the shootout. Two of the three goals corers for the Gens in that game will not be in the lineup in this game, with Ty Tullio graduating to the pro ranks and Brett Harrison still recovering from an injury. If the Gens are going to take this first tout with the 67’s they’ll need to rely on some of their younger firepower to push them to victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BECKETT SENNECKE THOMAS JOHNSTON

It took the 16-year-old just 14 minutes into his OHL career to find the back of the net, and the Generals are hoping this is just the beginning for the Toronto, Ont., native this season. The highly touted rookie will be a key part of a young Generals offence this year, and there’s no better hometown welcome then scoring during the team’s home opener. Look for him on the ice tonight in critical moments.

PATRICK LEAVER

The Generals star netminder hasn’t missed a beat so far this season, standing tall in the 2-1 victory against the Colts last night. Finishing amongst the league leaders in goaltending categories last season, and finishing high on NHL Central Scouting lists despite not getting selected at last summer’s NHL draft, Leaver will once again be a major factor in all Oshawa Generals games this season. The first one is already out of the way, look for Leaver’s confidence to only rise.

The 2003 born forward led the 67’s in scoring following their 2022 pre season schedule and will definitlely be looking to continue his hot play in regular season game number one. In just five exhibition games, Johnston scored three goals and added one assist. Last season, the Oshawa native put up career highs in every offensive category. Playing infront of his hometown crowd, look for Johnston to keep most of the Oshawa faithful in their seat with a few goals of his own.

Goalies

TONIGHT’S LINE UP

FRIDAY. SEPT 30TH. 2022

ROSTERS

OSHAWA GENERALS (1-0-0-0)

NameName

OTTAWA 67'S (0-0-0-0)

Goalies

Patrick Leaver

Carter Bickle

Skaters

Name

Thomas Stewart

Blake Smith

David Bedkowski

Jordyn Ertel

Matthew Buckley Lleyton Moore

Ryan O'Dell

Luke Torrance

Cooper Way

Luca Marrelli

Nikita Parfenyuk

Calum Ritchie

GP

Colin Mackenzie

Max Donoso

Skaters

Name Derek Smyth Teddy Sawyer Ranvir Gill-Shane

GP

Frankie Marrelli

Chris Barlas

Thomas Sirman Cameron Tolnai

Henry Mews Anthony Costantini

Thomas Johnston Tyler Boucher

Kimo Gruber Brady Stonehouse

Dylan Roobroeck

Lucas Rodriguez

Tyler Graham

Jack Dever

Jack Beck

Andrew Whitton Luca Pinelli

Ethan Quick

Matthew MayichCameron Butler

Brett Harrison Will Gerrior

Beckett Sennecke

Ryan Gagnier

Stuart Rolofs Ben Danford

23

# GP W SO GAA SV% YOB NHL # Vinzenz Rohrer

24

Ethan Toms Brad Gardiner

25

26

VS. Jack Matier

27

28

Team Staff 29

Head Coach Derek Laxdal

General Manager Roger Hunt

Gavin Ewles

0

06

MTL

NSH

W SO GAA SV% YOB NHL 1 1 1 0 1.00 0.960 03 33 0 0 0 0 0 04 31 0 0 0 0 0 04 35 0 0 0 0 0 03 # GP G A PTS PIM YOB NHL 3 1 0 1 1 0 03 # Caden Kelly Cooper Foster

0

Team Staff Head Coach Dave Cameron

General Manager James Boyd

Up Close With the Home Team

We’ve got the close-ups, replays and in-game analysis you need to get that front-row centre feeling as you cheer on your Oshawa Generals. Watch home and away games on Rogers t vTM , cable 10, HD 510.

Let’s Go Gens!

Photo by: Ian Gooda

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Tom Morgan Courtice

Nina Romano Oshawa

Gayle Andrews Whitby

Penny Masters Oshawa

Jon Humphrey Whitby

Tammy Lee Hanlon Oshawa & Peterborough

Stephanie Gordon Whitby

Greg Lewis Newcastle & Courtice

Dean Yorke Oshawa

Mike Trevett Bowmanville

Karen Low Oshawa

Laura Carey Whitby

Tammy Segriff Oshawa

Carolyn Maugeri Ajax

CST-0753 Get Lisa Pearson Oshawa

BEHIND THE “MIKE”

Lucky’s Broadcast Journey

Every Canadian hockey fan remembers their first time in front of the T.V. while Hockey Night in Canada introduces the Toronto Maples Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens game. Some sat on the couch dreaming of lacing up their own skates to one day be featured on the broadcast.

For others, it was dreaming of hearing yourself on the broadcast.

This was the case for Oshawa’s own play-by-play man AND 94.9 the Rock radio host Mike “Lucky” Luck. Growing up, like many Canadians he played the sport, but knew that where he wanted to be was in the booth.

Luck caught on at an early age, while there were obvious differences between a player and broadcaster, they have more in common than people realize.

“I’ve always loved sports, and hockey was on of the first for me,” said Luck. “I was a goalie growing up, but never at a high level. It’s kind of when I realized that like playing the game, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into broadcasting.

Players don’t just step onto the ice on game day and perform, ad neither do we. That’s what I love.”

It’s through this preparation and commitment that Luck says keeps him connected to the game from his very first call in the booth to today.

“For me, the feeling of putting on a suit and coming to the rink on gameday is the closest thing I get to playing at the highest level,” he said. “Of course there are nerves, jitters and anticipation, but I never get tired of getting pumped for gameday and walking across the catwalk to the booth. It’s a thrill.”

Luck’s journey started at Queen’s University, where he found himself living with a few members of the Queen’s Gaels Men’s Hockey Team. Being around the rink as much as he did was his foot into the door of working in the sport.

“It eventually led me to exploring a career in broadcasting,” said Luck. “I took a college radio program, ended up with a job in my hometown of Oshawa and the rest as they say, is history.”

And history has he made. Before the beginning of the 2022-2023 season, Luck has called more than 500 hockey games across his career with the Oshawa Generals. Luck says despite the countless memories throughout his career, there are two major sticking points – his first career game and the championship season.

“You always remember your first, and I remember my first was at the old Civic Auditorium,” he said.

“I didn’t know anything about live sports prep, I really just though I had to show up and talk hockey between whistles, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. Above all, I of course have to go back to the playoff run in 201. The momentum of that year was amazing.”

His experience at the Ontario Hockey League level earned him the reputation as one of the best across league. Broadcast colleague Adam Dunfee says Luck has that unique touch that separates him from the rest.

“He can just read the moment so well,” Dunfee said. “He knows when to dial it up and knows when to let

the game breathe, partner this with his second to none voice and no one can touch him.”

Dunfee joins Luck on Rogers TV for Oshawa Generals home game broadcasts and works alongside him for game prep, but also during intermission interviews from ice level.

Much like the players Luck and Dunfee spend so many hours studying and calling, the goal is to make it to the next level – and for Luck, that next level was the National Hockey League.

On Saturday, February 12th, Luck made his NHL debut calling an NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.

“Making the NHL for me has always been more of a dream than a goal,” said Luck. “Opportunities are so rare to get to ‘The Show’ that it can be really touch to reach that benchmark. When the call did come, it was more than surreal.

Just hearing the words ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ brought chills,” he said. “My boys Evan and Christian

went NUTS when they found out. At the end of the day, having Hockey Night in Canada is such an institution in this country and having my name associated with it is an extreme honour.”

It isn’t just Luck who took career leaps in the 20212022 season either. Someone had to fill in for Luck when he was up in the NHL, and this gave Dunfee a chance to enter the booth on a more regular basis.

“I always enjoy the opportunity to fill in in the booth when Mike or Shane are away,” said Dunfee. “There’s

“When I think back to that call from Hockey Night in Canada, I really had to take a second and reflect,” Luck said. “Like I said, it was never necessarily my goal to call an NHL game, but after almost 15 years with the Gens, countless nights at the rink, training camps, exhibition games, bus rides, late nights and the sacrifices from my family to allow me to do it, hearing the Hockey Night in Canada theme song and a shoutout from Ron MacLean was icing on the cake.”

At the end of it all, Luck knows that he has been

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

SUN

JANUARY SUN TUES

MISSISSAUGA WINDSOR NORTH

2:05

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Pos: Catches: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2003-09-04

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Wolf - They are tough and they have a pack mentality

IF YOU AREN’T AT THE RINK, WHERE ELSE ARE YOU LIKELY TO BE? Outside hunting or fishing

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? Push people to be better, friendly, and I like to have fun

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2003-01-06

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Meeting Willie O’Ree

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? 500$ coin from my Grandma

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Tiger - I’ve always loved tigers

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? A dog named Daisy

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? Always talking on the ice

ASIDE FROM PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY, WHAT PROFESSION DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PURSUING? Firefighting

2023

WHAT IS IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

A shark because they are big and can swim fast

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? I take accountability and don’t point fingers

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION OFF THE ICE? My Grandma

2024

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt:

Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht:

Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2005-05-16

2023

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? First goal puck

DESCRIBE WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE. I work hard and i’m competitive

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Ertzy

BUCKLEY

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Spending Christmas with family

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Buck, Bucks, Bucky

2005-03-21

2023

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Taping my sticks

MOORE

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? My phone and dog, Llucy

Pos: Shoots:

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Moorezy, Ley Ley, Tubby

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Nap, bagel and ice coffee, left to right equipment

Hometown: NHL Status:

Shoots:

Dob: Hometown:

Status:

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? My dog, Toby

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? A fish so I could breathe underwater

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Odes

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2004-03-30

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? My first goal puck

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? Someone you can connect and have fun with

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? LT, T, Torr, Tornado

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2003-06-11

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Riding ATV’s at the family cottage

IF YOU AREN’T AT THE RINK, WHERE ELSE ARE YOU LIKELY TO BE?

At the gym or golf course

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Wearing the same suit after a win or change after a loss. Same timing for eating, taping stick & warm up

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Draft jersey

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Dog - my favourite animal

IF YOU AREN’T AT THE RINK, WHERE ELSE ARE YOU LIKELY TO BE? In my bed

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? The birth of my sister

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Eagle - they are calm but aggressive with hunting

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? Never yell at my teammates

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2005-01-24

ON Eligible 2023

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Winning the gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? I’m competitive and dedicated

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Cal or Ritch

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2005-04-11 Lufingen, CH Eligible 2023

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Go to New York and Washington with my family

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? My wooden dice - I always carry it with me

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Bear - they are strong and have lots of confidence

2003-10-25

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Catching sharks with my brother and dad

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? My cat, Boots

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Lucky dress socks

2004-07-27

Pos:

Hometown:

Catches:

Hometown:

Status:

Hometown:

Hometown:

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Winning a championship with Team Ontario lacrosse

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Grahamer

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Wear the same socks in my skates

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Playing fortnite with Mitch Marner and winning the game

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Having a LA Kings jersey signed by the entire 2012, 2013, & 2014 team

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Silverback Gorilla - they’re confident and strong

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

Owl - to be able to fly and see everything

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? Leader, competitive, strong work ethic & positive

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Butsy, Buts

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Hockey stick

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Harry

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Nap & warm-up the exact same way every time

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status: Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

SENNECKE

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Trip to Africa

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOCKEY NICKNAMES? Becks, Senner

2006-01-28

2024

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAME DAY SUPERSTITIONS? Taping my stick the same way every time

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

2002-07-16 Tecumseh,

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Spending my last summer at my house before moving to the place we are building

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Paw print photo of my dog we put down this summer

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEAMMATE? Leadership & being someone guys can approach

Pos: Shoots: Ht: Wt: Dob: Hometown: NHL Status:

BEN DANFORD STUART ROLOFS

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? Draft jersey

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION OFF THE ICE? My dad

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAMEDAY SUPERSTITIONS? I eat the same kind of protien bar

2024

2003-03-28

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE NON-HOCKEY MEMORY? Going to Mexico with my family

IF YOU AREN’T AT THE RINK, WHERE ELSE ARE YOU LIKELY TO BE? On the golf course or at home relaxing

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GAMEDAY SUPERSTITIONS? Same pre-game meal and I put my equipment on a specific way

RYAN GAGNIER

BECKETT’S BEGINNING

Each and every year, 20 Ontario Hockey League teams gather once a year to take a stab at adding a generational talent to their rosters. Whether you select first overall or you’re the last pick on the board, OHL General Managers and scouts look at each pick like an opportunity to make their team better.

Beckett Sennecke was that choice for Roger Hunt and his scouts.

Sennecke was selected eighth overall at the 2022 OHL Priority Selection on April 29th and since then has looked at Oshawa as his new home.

“Joining the Generals meant the world to me,” said Sennecke. “This organization has such a great fan base and rich team history. I feel like I can contribute to further its success in the future.”

The 6’0, 161-pound winger is no stranger to on-ice success either. During his 2021-2022 season with the Toronto Marlboros, Sennecke played 45 games, scored 35 goals, and added 45 assists for 80 points. His totals were good for 1.7 points per game.

The Toronto, Ont., native continued his hot scoring touch into the 2022 OHL Cup, scoring five goals in five games, and adding three helpers for eight points. His Toronto Malboros would finish round robin play atop the Subban Division and then find themselves advancing all the way to the quarterfinals. Sennecke would score their only goal in that game, losing 2-1 to the Quinte Red Devils.

Even though his numbers speak for themselves, it didn’t take away from any of his draft day nerves.

“[Being taken in the first round] it’s such a weight off your shoulders,” said Sennecke. “You finish your last game with your midget club and all you do is think about the draft every day and to hear your name finally called is such a big relief”

Right away, Sennecke was visiting the Tribute Communities Centre, meeting with coaches, staff and his new GensNation community.

He continued to prove the right decision was made to draft him when he was invited to participate in Team Canadas Development Camp for the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, alongside some of his new teammates.

With a more normal OHL schedule underway this year, fans have been able to see Sennecke in action on multiple occasions throughout the 2022 exhibition schedule and he has not disappointed.

In six pre-season games, Sennecke led the entire team with six points by way of one goal and five assists. To make matters even better, he finished third in all-OHL rookie scoring throughout the exhibition schedule.

While the fans are excited to welcome Sennecke, he is as equally excited to continue playing in front of them.

“Our fans are such a dedicated group,” said Sennecke. “They’re just so dedicated and passionate about the team and playing in front of them every night really is going to be a treat.”

A “DANDY” AT 14TH OVERALL

In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, it’s no longer an oddity when one team is making multiple selections in the first round of their Priority Selection. In the Ontario Hockey League, first round picks are not allowed to be included in trades – something you see a lot in the QMJHL.

Typically, this means in the OHL we’ll see 20 teams each make one selection in the first round. Typically.

For the Oshawa Generals, this wasn’t the case for the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Due to a compensatory selection awarded to the franchise, the Generals were primed to make two picks in the opening round.

Enter Ben Danford.

The Madoc, Ont., native was selected 14th overall for the Generals, six picks after his now teammate Beckett Sennecke. Danford says being drafted by the Oshawa Generals was a best-case scenario.

“It has all been really exciting,” said Danford. “Being an Oshawa General already means so much to me because it is a hockey club very rich in tradition and history.”

“I am so thankful and proud to be a part of it.”

Before officially joining the Generals, Danford spent his 2021-2022 season with the Quinte Red Devils, appearing in 26 games. In those games, Danford scored seven goals and added 22 assists for 29 points from the blue line.

The only Quinte Red Devil to be selected in the opening round is said to be one of the best skating defenceman among his age group. His elusiveness

and edgework are exceptional, his mobility and lateral movement make the game seem so easy for him.

The 6’0 tall defenceman has already turned the heads of some of hockeys top decision makers, earning an invite to Team Canadas Development Camp for the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey alongside 8th overall pick Beckett Sennecke and 2nd round selection David Bedkowski.

Danford is seen by many as a dependable offensive defenceman, taking enough of a risk to create scoring chances, but not jeopardizing his own zone to make the play. He joins a young back-end with the Oshawa Generals but is sure to create stability and dependability.

After he was drafted, Danford knew right then and there is when the hard work, and the fun, would start.

“I plan to work hard, get stronger and develop all aspects of my game throughout the entire season, as much as I can, in order to perform to my very best,” said Danford. “Now that I am an Oshawa General, my message to all of GensNation is that I am committed to this team, to this community and I can’t wait to get my rookie season officially underway.”

Danford knows he can have a good first year with the team, because of the people he is surrounded by. He credits the organization for always putting the best interest of its players at the forefront. He says this is what every player dreams of.

“I really couldn’t ask for a more supportive organization,” said Danford.

THE OSHAWA GENERALS HOCKEY CLUB, PRESENTED BY OSHAWA POWER AND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Arnts, Blue Bird Storage, Canadian Tire, Coca-Cola, Desjardins, Dodd and Soutor, Giant Creative, Oshawa Power, Pizza Pizza, Planet Fitness, Professional Dry Cleaners, Rodman’s Heating & Air Conditioning and Staffing Connections have teamed up for the Adopt-A-School program!

This program gives local businesses the chance to give back to the community by purchasing Generals season tickets and donating them to elementary schools throughout Durham Region. The tickets are intended to reward students that excel in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

MATT BEACHIN

Call 905-433-0900 Ext. 2233 or Email mbeachin@oshawagenerals.com