67’s’ MARCO ROSSI VOTED OHL’S MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Rossi, Marco 2

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that 2020 NHL Draft prospect Marco Rossi of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year as voted by the writers and broadcasters that cover the League.

Rossi becomes the eighth different 67’s player to win the award and first since Corey Locke’s second of back-to-back honours in 2003-04. He follows reigning Red Tilson Trophy recipient Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Sudbury Wolves as the second European import player to ever be recognized.

“Thank you to all of the accredited OHL media writers for awarding me the prestigious Red Tilson Trophy,” said Rossi of the honour. “I would like to acknowledge the great Mr. Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II, a true hero. In these COVID-19 unprecedented times, I honor the men and women, doctors and nurses and all of those putting their lives on the line for all of us across the globe, true heroes that follow in Mr. Tilson’s footsteps.”

Rossi finished atop the CHL scoring charts with 120 points including 39 goals, 81 assists and an impressive plus/minus rating of plus-69 over just 53 games. His 2.14 point-per-game pace led the OHL and is the highest such figure by a Red Tilson Trophy recipient since Erie’s Connor McDavid (2.55) in 2014-15. He was recently recognized as the first Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient of European descent since Stan Mikita of the St. Catharines Teepees claimed the honour in 1958-59.

“I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition,” Rossi continued. “This is truly a team award, and I want to thank the entire first-class 67’s organization for their support over the 2019-20 season. From the ownership group, to the management staff, to the coaching staff, to the training staff, to my teammates, to my billeting family, to my immediate family, to the fans and to everyone who provided a helping hand during this last season and the time leading up to it: thank you! I am honored and forever grateful to receive this prestigious award.”

The 18-year-old from Feldkirch, Austria helped power the first place 67’s with the League’s top power play, rounding out the campaign with a total of 34 multi-point performances, 23 of which included three points or more. He earned three star of the game recognition a total of 23 different times, a figure that includes eight first star selections. The 5-foot-9, 187Ib. centreman finished the schedule with an impressive 58.5% success rate in the faceoff circle and was held off the scoresheet just four times.

Rossi’s 120 points are the most by a 67’s player in a single season since Locke (151) in 2002-03. His plus-69 rating is the fifth-highest by any player since the League began tracking plus/minus in 1996-97, trailing fellow 67’s Nick Boynton (plus 81, 1996-97) and Sean Blanchard (plus-74, 1996-97) as well as London’s Danny Syvret (plus-70, 2004-05) and Sault Ste. Marie’s Morgan Frost (plus-70, 2017-18).

“Marco brought fans out of their seats on numerous occasions this season, consistently showcasing his skill and smarts,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd. “Marco played with a commitment to the team concept and attention to detail defensively and on many nights dominated the game with his play at both ends of the ice. Marco is an outstanding player and it is fitting that he be awarded the Red Tilson Trophy for his contributions to our team this season.”

The sixth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings competed in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this past January in Hamilton. Rossi, who was named to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2018-19, has accumulated 185 points (68-117–185) over just 109 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the 18th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft. He was widely recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll, appearing in six different categories as he earned recognition as the Eastern Conference’s smartest player, best playmaker and best shootout shooter.

The Red Tilson Trophy is the most prestigious individual award presented by the Ontario Hockey League.  First presented in 1945, the trophy is named in honour of Albert “Red” Tilson, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. Tilson was the OHA scoring champion for the 1942-43 season after scoring 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 22 games with the Oshawa Generals.

Accredited media were asked to select their top choice from the 20 nominees submitted by all 20 member clubs. Rossi led the way, receiving 62% of the overall vote followed by the League’s second-highest point producer in Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit with 13% of the vote and OHL goal-scoring leader Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes with his share of 12%.

This marks the 10th time a 67’s player has earned the award as Rossi follows the aforementioned Corey Locke (2002-03, 2003-04), defenceman Brian Campbell (1998-99), two-time winner Alyn McCauley (1995-96, 1996-97), Andrew Cassels (1987-88), Jim Fox (1979-80), Bobby Smith (1977-78) and Peter Lee (1975-76) in having his name engraved on the trophy. In addition to Luukkonen, other recent winners include Sarnia’s Jordan Kyrou (2018), Erie’s Alex DeBrincat (2017) and London’s Mitch Marner (2016). Rossi joins Connor McDavid (Erie 2015), Tyler Seguin (Plymouth 2010), John Tavares (Oshawa 2007), David Legwand (Plymouth 1998), Eric Lindros (Oshawa 1991) and Jack Valiquette (Sault Ste. Marie 1974) as the seventh player to claim the honour prior to his NHL Draft selection.

The Red Tilson Trophy winner is the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Friday when the OHL recognizes the 2019-20 recipient of the Ken Bodendistel Character Award for Officials.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

67’s’ NOEL HOEFENMAYER NAMED OHL DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Hoefenmayer, Noel (2)

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that overage veteran Noel Hoefenmayer of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman of the Year presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

Hoefenmayer led OHL rearguards with 82 points including 26 goals and 56 assists over 82 games along with a plus-52 rating, spearheading the League’s top-ranked power play from the blue line. He became the first 67’s defender to lead his position in OHL scoring since Brian Campbell in 1998-99 while racking up the most goals by a Barber Poles blueliner since Bruce Cassidy in 1983-84. His eight game winning goals led the League’s defenders, the highest single season total at the position since London’s Danny Syvret in 2004-05. Hoefenmayer earned OHL Defenceman of the Month honours in October, December and January, rounding out his season with a total of 24 multi-point performances. He received three star of the game recognition 12 different times, including six instances where he was recognized as the game’s first star.

“It’s truly an honour to be able to represent the Ottawa 67’s and win such a prestigious award like the Max Kaminsky Trophy,” said Hoefenmayer. “I would like to thank the entire 67’s organization as well as the city of Ottawa for the tremendous support that myself and my teammates have gotten over my five year tenure with the team.  This award represents a lot of people that have helped me to get to where I am today, including the coaching staff, the training staff, Sean Young of Canadian Strength, Derek Miller of Next Gen Hockey, my billet families as well as my immediate family. Thank you!”

A 21-year-old native of North York, Ont., Hoefenmayer wraps up his accomplished five-year 67’s career sixth in all-time points by an Ottawa defenceman with 222 (65-157–222) accumulated over 298 regular season contests, the highest figure by a blueliner in club history. His 65 career goals are tied for third among franchise blueliners, trailing greats Denis Potvin and Doug Wilson. A former fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Draft, Hoefenmayer signed a two-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies last month. He was originally Ottawa’s second round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Don Mills Flyers minor midgets.

“Through hard work and perseverance Noel has showed continuous improvement throughout his junior career,” commented 67’s general manager James Boyd. “In addition to this season’s league leading offensive production, Noel has been a steady defensive presence on our blue line and is a key part of our team’s leadership group. Noel is a deserving recipient of this season’s Max Kaminsky Trophy.”

The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the Most Outstanding Defenceman as selected by OHL General Managers.  All 20 clubs submitted a nominee but were not permitted to vote for their own player.

The award is named in recognition of Max Kaminsky, who enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career that included four years in the NHL with Ottawa, Boston, and Montreal.  After he retired from playing, Kaminsky enjoyed a 15-year coaching career that was capped by winning the Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960.

Hoefenmayer becomes the eighth different 67’s defenceman to earn the distinction and first since Brendan Bell in 2002-03. Other franchise names engraved on the Max Kaminsky Trophy include Brian Campbell (1998-99), Sean Blanchard (1996-97), Chris Snell (1990-91), Brad Shaw (1983-84), Randy Boyd (1980-81) and two-time recipient Denis Potvin (1972-73, 1971-72). Past winners of the award also include current NHL talents in Andrej Sekera (Owen Sound 2006), Marc Staal (Sudbury 2007), Drew Doughty (Guelph 2008), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2009 and 2011), Jacob Muzzin (Sault Ste. Marie 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2012), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie 2014), Anthony DeAngelo (Sault Ste. Marie 2015), and Mikhail Sergachev (Windsor 2016).

Hoefenmayer will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Defenceman of the Year to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Thursday when the OHL recognizes its Red Tilson Trophy recipient as the League’s Most Outstanding Player.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

STORM’S NICO DAWS NAMED INAUGURAL RECIPIENT OF JIM RUTHERFORD TROPHY AS OHL GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Daws, Nico 2

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Nico Daws of the Guelph Storm is the inaugural recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Goaltender of the Year.

The top-ranked North American goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings, Daws led the League with a .924 save percentage and five shutouts, posting a 2.48 goals-against average and 23-8-3-3 record over 38 games for the defending OHL champions. He was named the OHL’s Goaltender of the Month for November as part of a span that included nine consecutive wins. The third-year netminder was recognized with three star of the game honours on 15 different occasions, including a total of eight first star distinctions. His impressive numbers as a 19-year-old came as he stepped into the Storm’s starting role after getting into just 20 games during the 2018-19 season. Daws was a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning National Junior Team that claimed world supremacy at the 2020 IIHF World Juniors in Ostrava and Trinec, Czech Republic.

Announced last August, the Jim Rutherford Trophy is presented by the League in honour of former OHL goaltender, General Manager, Chairman of the Board and two-time Executive of the Year Jim Rutherford. The current General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Rutherford played 13 seasons as an NHL netminder and was the architect behind Stanley Cup championships for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2019.

“I’m honoured to be the first recipient of the Jim Rutherford Trophy and am truly humbled to have my name associated with not only a world class goaltender, but an influential builder of the game,” said Daws. “I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me and also my billet family for giving me a home away from home. Lastly, thank you to my coaches and teammates. I wouldn’t be able to achieve this without their help.”

A 19-year-old product of Burlington, Ont., Daws’ .924 save percentage is the highest in Storm history by goaltenders having spent a full season with the club. His 2.48 goals-against average is the lowest by a qualified goaltender since Tom McCollum’s 2.39 mark in 2006-07. The 6-foot-4, 202Ib. Daws rounded out his third OHL season with a record of 34-20-5-6, a 2.94 goals-against average, .909 save percentage and six shutouts over 72 career regular season games. He was recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll as the Western Conference’s Most Improved Player, Best Puckhandling Goaltender and second-best Shootout Goaltender. Daws was Guelph’s seventh round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection from the Burlington Eagles minor midgets.

“Following our playoff run last spring Nico recognized the potential for opportunity and went to work,” said Storm head coach and general manager George Burnett. “His decision to make substantial adjustments with his nutrition, overall fitness and daily routine both on and off the ice was life changing. His total recommitment and outstanding work in all areas has led to this very special story he is currently writing and the opportunities which will result. Nico deserves all of the credit and we could not be more proud of him.”

The Jim Rutherford Trophy is awarded to the league’s most outstanding goaltender as selected by OHL General Managers.  Teams were not permitted to vote for a goaltender from their own hockey club.

While becoming the first to formally receive the Jim Rutherford Trophy, Daws follows Craig Anderson (2001) as the second goaltender in Storm history to win OHL Goaltender of the Year honours. The award was first presented in 1987-88 to Rick Tabaracci (Cornwall) with other notable winners including Manny Legace (Niagara Falls 1993), Steve Mason (London 2007), the league’s only back-to-back winner Mike Murphy (Belleville 2008 and 2009), Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound 2013), Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth 2014), Lucas Peressini (Kingston 2015), Mackenzie Blackwood (Barrie 2016), Michael McNiven (Owen Sound 2017), Michael DiPietro (Windsor 2018) and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sudbury 2019).

Daws is also the OHL’s nominee for CHL Goaltender of the Year to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Wednesday when the OHL recognizes its Max Kaminsky Trophy recipient as the League’s Defenceman of the Year presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

FRONTENACS’ SHANE WRIGHT NAMED OHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY WAWANESA INSURANCE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Shane Wright

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs is the 2019-20 recipient of the Emms Family Award handed out annually to the OHL’s Rookie of the Year presented by Wawanesa Insurance.

“Wawanesa Insurance is proud to present the OHL Rookie of the Year award to Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs,” said Selena Hinds, Vice President of Brand, Community and Communications for Wawanesa Insurance. “Although the season was abbreviated, fans still had the opportunity to see some terrific hockey, with Shane Wright’s skill really standing out. We are excited to see what the future holds for you, Shane – way to go!”

Wright joined the League as the first overall pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection after he was granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada as a 2004-born player. Wright had a remarkable first season, setting a new Frontenacs franchise rookie record with 39 goals while leading all OHL newcomers with 66 points (39-27–66) over 58 games. His rate of 1.14 points-per-game is the second-highest by an exceptional status rookie trailing John Tavares (1.18) in 2005-06.

“It’s a huge honour to win the Emms Family Award as the Rookie of the Year,” said Wright. “This was one of my goals coming into the season and I’m very honoured.

“My family has sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today and I’m so thankful for that,” he continued. “My coaches this year were amazing and I learned so much from them. My billets, Andrea Cartile and Nelson Martins were amazing and made my transition to Kingston smooth and easy. Finally, I’d like to thank my teammates for always having my back and pushing me to be the best player I can be.”

The Burlington, Ont. native and graduate of the OHL Cup champion Don Mills Flyers Minor Midget program scored his first OHL goal on September 29 in Oshawa, the first of what would become 39 markers to eventually break Bernie Nicholls’ franchise rookie mark of 36 that dated back to 1979-80. Wright would put together 17 multi-point games and receive three star recognition 15 different times, being recognized as first star of the game on six occasions. Notable moments included his league-leading three overtime game winners scored on October 11 against Niagara, January 20 against Hamilton and February 21 against Oshawa. He scored his first OHL hat-trick as part of a season-high four-point performance on February 29 in Flint. Despite his underage status, Wright was recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll as the second-smartest player in the Eastern Conference trailing Ottawa’s Marco Rossi. He became the youngest assistant captain in CHL history when the Frontenacs assigned him an ‘A’ in December.

“The Kingston Frontenacs organization would like to congratulate Shane on winning the Ontario Hockey League’s Emms Family Award,” said Frontenacs general manager Darren Keily. “It is an incredible honour for any player, but to claim the award as an exceptional status player makes it that much more special for Shane, his family, friends, billets, and teammates.

“Shane has just basically scratched the surface of what his potential is,” Keily added. “That’s what makes his and our future so exciting. We are blessed to have the opportunity to watch him grow as a player.”

Wright follows Chris Gratton (1991-92) as just the second player in Frontenacs all-time franchise history to win Rookie of the Year honours. He is also the tenth player to win after also earning the Jack Ferguson Award as the League’s first overall pick following Jeff O’Neill (Guelph 1992-93), Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga 2001-02), Rob Schremp (Mississauga 2002-03), John Tavares (Oshawa 2005-06), Aaron Ekblad (Barrie 2011-12), Connor McDavid (Erie 2012-13), Travis Konecny (Ottawa 2013-14), Ryan Merkley (Guelph 2016-17) and Quinton Byfield (Sudbury 2018-19).

The Emms Family Award was donated by Leighton “Hap” Emms, former owner of the Barrie, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines OHL franchises.  The award is selected by all 20 member club General Managers.  Teams were asked to submit only one nominee from their own club for consideration on the ballot and were not permitted to vote for the player from their own hockey club.

Wright will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Rookie of the Year Award to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Tuesday when the OHL recognizes its Jim Rutherford Goaltender of the Year Award recipient.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

PETES’ NICK ROBERTSON NAMED OHL’S MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER PRESENTED BY ASHLEY HOMESTORE

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Nick Robertson

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes is the 2019-20 recipient of the William Hanley Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player presented by Ashley HomeStore.

Three-time winner Nick Suzuki passes the torch to Robertson, who led the OHL with 55 goals in just 46 games while adding 31 assists for a total of 86 points. The 5-foot-9, 164Ib. left winger registered a plus-29 rating along with 40 penalty minutes in his third OHL season and went on a 14-game goal-scoring streak from January 9 to February 8. Robertson was held without a goal just nine times over the course of the season, scoring a pair of hat-tricks while recording two different five-point performances along the way. His 1.20 goals-per-game pace is the seventh-highest single season figure since 1980-81, third among players under the age of 19 trailing Oshawa’s Eric Lindros (1.25, 1990-91) and Tony Tanti (1.21, 1980-81). Nick follows in the footsteps of older brother Jason, who led the Canadian Hockey League in scoring with 117 points as a member of the Niagara IceDogs during the 2018-19 season.

“I really appreciate being recognized as the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year,” says Robertson. “I’d like to thank my general manager Mike Oke, head coach Rob Wilson, the Petes staff, and my teammates.

“I’d also like to thank Petes fans – you all made the PMC an electrifying building, got us excited and motivated to win and, win or loss, you were always there to support us.”

An 18-year-old product of Northville, Mich., Robertson was within striking distance of a Petes franchise single season goal-scoring record of 63 held by Scott Tottle (1983-84) when the season came to a premature end. He ended the year three goals shy of 100 on his OHL career, owning 174 points (97-77–174) over 162 career regular season games in a Petes uniform after being the club’s first round (16th overall) pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection. Robertson was widely recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll, finishing in six different categories including the Eastern Conference’s Most Dangerous in the Goal Area along with Best Shot. He represented the United States in the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and was a second round (53rd overall) pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019.

“This is a proud moment for Nick and the Peterborough Petes,” said general manager Mike Oke. “He is one of the top players in the OHL and plays within the rules. Leading not only the OHL, but the CHL in goals is a special accomplishment.  From the moment he joined the Petes, Nick has approached and played the game the right way and is more than deserving of this award.”

The William Hanley Trophy is awarded each year based on a selection by the 20 General Managers of the Ontario Hockey League.  All 20 teams submit a nominee but are not permitted to vote for their own candidate. The trophy is presented by the OHL to commemorate William Hanley, former Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Hockey Association for over 25 years.

Robertson joins a host of former Petes to have won the award including Ryan Spooner (2009-10), Mike Ricci (1989-90), Scott Tottle (1984-85), Doug Jarvis (1974-75), Mickey Redmond (1966-67) and Andre Lacroix (1965-66). Joining Suzuki as current NHL players to have been awarded the William Hanley Trophy include Mike Amadio (North Bay 2016), Dylan Strome (Erie 2015), Connor McDavid (Erie 2014), Brandon Saad (Saginaw 2012) and Jeff Carter (Sault Ste. Marie 2005).

Robertson will be the OHL’s nominee for CHL Sportsman of the Year, an award that will be announced in the coming weeks.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

OHL ANNOUNCES 2019-20 ACADEMIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Press Release

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the recipients of the League’s three Academic Player of the Year awards for the 2019-20 season.

Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit is the winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy as Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC, with Jacob Golden of the Erie Otters earning the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Top Post-Secondary School Student and Owen Sound Attack forward Logan LeSage being honoured as the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award recipient as the Top High School Student.

Perfetti will serve as the OHL’s nomination for the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bobby Smith Trophy (CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year) – Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit):

The Ontario Hockey League is proud to announce that draft eligible forward Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit is the 2019-20 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy awarded to the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year presented by CIBC.

“CIBC proudly congratulates Saginaw Spirit forward Cole Perfetti on receiving the Bobby Smith Trophy as CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year. Cole’s demonstrated excellence both on the ice in hockey and off the ice in academics has set a positive example for his fellow teammates and those in the community, and we look forward to seeing him continue to flourish back on the ice in the near future.”

Perfetti becomes the first Spirit player to win the award, earning the honour for his academic achievements in the classroom combined with his on-ice excellence this season. He has been enrolled in an impressive seven University level courses between Heritage High School in Saginaw and All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, carrying an overall average of 93%. His courses of study include Algebra,  World Religions, Organizational Studies in Behaviour and Human Resources, Analyzing Current Economic Issues, Elite Athletics, Healthy & Active Living and Leadership. On the ice, the top NHL Draft prospect finished second in OHL scoring, setting a new Spirit single season record with 111 points including 37 goals, 74 assists and a plus-49 rating over 61 games.

“It is a great honour to be awarded the Bobby Smith Trophy.  Mr. Smith was an amazing OHL player who was named CHL Player of the Year and was selected first overall in the NHL Draft,” said Perfetti. “In addition, he was a very conscientious and successful student.  Combining excellence on and off the ice has been something I have always strived for and the long list of distinguished winners, including Barrett Hayton, Connor McDavid, Matt Duchene and Steven Stamkos makes it extra special. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Saginaw Spirit ownership, management, coaching staff and my teammates.  Thanks to my mom, dad, sister and the Bordeaux’s for their unconditional support.  Thank you also to Mrs. Moretuzzo from Heritage High and Ms. Quinn from All Saints for all of their guidance over the last two years.”

The 18-year-old left-winger from Whitby, Ont. is the fifth-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings released on April 8. The Spirit’s fist round (fifth overall) pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection increased his output from 74 points including a Spirit rookie record of 37 goals in 2018-19 to 111 points in his sophomore campaign, finishing second in League assists with 74. Perfetti was widely recognized in the 2019-20 Coaches Poll, leading all OHL players with first place finishes in four different categories as he was named the Western Conference’s Smartest Player, Best Playmaker, Best Stickhandler and Best Shootout Shooter. He led all OHL players, receiving three star of the game recognition a total of 22 times including a league-best 14 first star performances. Perfetti has also had past success on the world stage, representing Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in addition to winning silver at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“As an organization we could not be more proud of Cole for winning this prestigious award,” said Spirit general manager Dave Drinkill. “When Cole came into this season one of his personal goals was to win the Bobby Smith Trophy and it’s great to see him achieve what he set out to do. This is a very tough trophy to win and I think it speaks to Cole’s character and makeup as a person that he is the 2019-20 recipient. It takes incredible discipline, time management, skill, and drive to be the best on the ice and in the classroom to win this award and no one is more deserving than Cole.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence.  The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, a former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas.  Past recipients since the award was first presented in 1980 include three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001-03), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2007), Ryan Ellis (Windsor 2008), Matt Duchene (Brampton 2009), Erik Gudbranson (Kingston 2010), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2011), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie 2013), back-to-back winner Connor McDavid (Erie 2014-15), Sasha Chmelevski (Ottawa 2017), Barrett Hayton (Sault Ste. Marie 2018) and Thomas Harley (Mississauga 2019).

Next in line for the award were a pair of other draft eligibles in blueliner Jamie Drysdale of the Erie Otters and forward Ethan Cardwell of the Barrie Colts.

Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Post-Secondary Student) – Jacob Golden (Erie Otters):

The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Erie Otters overage defenceman Jacob Golden is the 2019-20 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.

Golden achieved a 95% average in his studies at Mercyhurst University, excelling in Intro to Psychology, Principles of Management, Intro to Sport Industry and Sport Governance programs. He achieved grades of at least 94% in all four areas of study.

“Excelling academically has always been important to me,” said Golden. “I accelerated the completion of my high school education to graduate a year early and began taking university courses in my rookie OHL season. Attending classes at the Western University when I was in London, and Mercyhurst University when in was in Erie, were memorable parts of my OHL career, and working towards a university degree while playing in the OHL was a great opportunity. I would like to thank the Otters for their support and commitment on the ice as well as in the classroom.  It is an honour to represent the organization with this award.”

A 21-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., Golden recorded 27 points including four goals and 23 assists over 48 games in his fourth OHL season. The 5-foot-11, 180Ib. blueliner split his OHL tenure between the Otters and London Knights, posting 60 points (9-51–60) over 212 regular season contests. Golden was a fifth round (147th overall) pick of the Minnesota Wild in the 2017 NHL Draft and was originally London’s 15th round (295th overall) pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection from the Mississauga Rebels Minor Midgets.

“Jacob joins a prestigious group of young men that have won an award named after the great Roger Nielson, an innovator of our great game and someone who placed a great deal of importance on academics,” said Otters general manager Dave Brown. “We are so proud and thankful for Jacob’s accomplishments academically and appreciative of the legacy and standards he has set for the future Otters moving forward.  We wish Jacob the utmost success in his academic endeavors, career aspirations and are thankful to have him as a member of our alumni.”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. The award was first presented to Ottawa 67’s goaltender Danny Battochio in 2004-05. Golden becomes the first Otters player to win the award since Derrick Bagshaw claimed the honour in 2006-07.

Finalists for the Roger Neilson Memorial Award include William Ennis of the Oshawa Generals, Eric Uba of the Guelph Storm and Billy Moskal of the London Knights.

Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student) – Logan LeSage (Owen Sound Attack):

The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Owen Sound Attack forward Logan LeSage is the 2019-20 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the League’s Top Academic High School Student.

WATCH: Logan LeSage Ivan Tennant Memorial Award Video

LeSage put together an impressive 98% average in his Grade 12 studies at Owen Sound District Secondary School with a course load that included University-level English, International Business, Organizational Business Management, Leadership, Social Science, as well as a Business Leadership Co-op program. He received a perfect 100% grade in his International Business studies.

“I feel very privileged to earn the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award this year from the Ontario Hockey League,” said LeSage. “I’m grateful for all the support I received from the Owen Sound Attack organization, ownership, coaching staff, teachers and teammates. A special shout-out to our Educational Advisor, Sarah Rowe. Sarah’s encouragement and support went a long way in helping me reach my academic goals. It takes hard work to balance academics and a busy hockey schedule, and I am appreciative of the OHL for giving me the tools and resources needed to succeed.”

An 18-year-old native of Nepean, Ont., LeSage appeared in 21 games with the Attack during his rookie season, recording a goal and three assists. He scored his first career OHL goal on February 1 against Windsor. He was the club’s second round (29th overall) pick in the 2019 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection from the Carleton Place Canadians U18 program.

“Logan did an incredible job this year from start to finish,” said Attack general manager Dale DeGray. “Between hockey and school, Logan committed fully to the team and his education. To be able to achieve marks that high while putting his work in every day is fantastic. Logan did this himself, but for Attack educational supervisor Sarah Rowe to have her students win this three years in a row is an accomplishment we want recognized as well.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee. LeSage follows back-to-back winner Mack Guzda (2018 & 2019) along with Andrew Shorkey (2007) as the third different player in Attack history to win the award. Other past recipients include Kyle Keyser (Flint 2016), Adam Pelech (Erie 2012), Dougie Hamilton (Niagara 2010) and Freddie Hamilton (Niagara 2009).

Finalists for the award included goaltender Aidan Campbell of the Erie Otters and 2019 co-recipient Zack Terry of the Guelph Storm.

All 20 of the OHL’s member clubs provide nominees for each award with the Bobby Smith Trophy nominees representing the 2019-20 OHL Scholastic Team:

2019-20 OHL Scholastic Team:
Barrie Colts – Ethan Cardwell
Erie Otters – Jamie Drysdale*
Flint Firebirds – Braeden Kressler
Guelph Storm – Owen Bennett
Hamilton Bulldogs – Gavin White
Kingston Frontenacs – Jakob Brahaney
Kitchener Rangers – Michael Vukojevic*
London Knights – Brett Brochu
Mississauga Steelheads – Ethan Del Mastro
Niagara IceDogs – Elijah Roberts
North Bay Battalion – Pacey Schlueting
Oshawa Generals – Lleyton Moore
Ottawa 67’s – Will Cranley
Owen Sound Attack – Ethan Burroughs
Peterborough Petes – Tye Austin*
Saginaw Spirit – Cole Perfetti*
Sarnia Sting – Benjamin Gaudreau
Soo Greyhounds – Rory Kerins
Sudbury Wolves – Jack Thompson
Windsor Spitfires – Jean-Luc Foudy*

*-two-time member of OHL Scholastic Team

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Thursday when the OHL recognizes its William Hanley Memorial Trophy recipient as Most Sportsmanlike Player in the morning before unveiling its Emms Family Award recipient as Rookie of the Year in the afternoon.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

RANGERS’ JACOB INGHAM NAMED OHL HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KIA

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Jacob Ingham

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Los Angeles Kings prospect Jacob Ingham of the Kitchener Rangers is the 2019-20 recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy awarded to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year presented by Kia.

Ingham joins Ben Fanelli (2012-13) as the second player in Rangers franchise history to be recognized with the award, spearheading a movement that has inspired the hockey community to become more involved in donating blood and stem cells in support of Canadian Blood Services. Inspired by his grandparents’ need for blood donations following a car accident in August 2018, Ingham became the first-ever Player Ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood and subsequently received the inaugural Dayna Brons Honorary Award as a result of his charitable efforts. He raised upwards of $26,000 for Canadian Blood Services through a combination of his ‘Jake Saves’ campaign in addition to extensive work in the community. Ingham, who wears the number 68 (6-Give, 8-Blood), organized a 68 Day Blood Drive that resulted in 40 blood donations between January 24 and March 31. Through Jacob’s influence both in the community and over social media, 14 Canadian Hockey League players followed in becoming Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassadors throughout the course of the season.

“The Kia Humanitarian of the Year award is a recognition of players who have devoted their time to the communities they represent,” said Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing at Kia Canada. “We would like to congratulate Jacob Ingham for winning the OHL Kia Humanitarian of the Year award. Kia Canada is committed to Powering the Future of Hockey and is honoured to acknowledge and reward players like Jacob who display their commitment to community.”

Ingham’s charitable spirit was also evident in his regular provision of signed memorabilia for community fundraising events, his frequent presence at Rangers community appearances and autograph sessions as well as school and hospital visits. Even in his spare time, Ingham was in constant contact with the Rangers front office, actively pitching new ideas to shed further light on the importance of blood and stem cell donation.

“I want to express my gratitude for the honour of being named the OHL’s Humanitarian of the Year,” said Ingham. “I am proud to play a small part in the incredible community response to supporting the need for blood in Ontario and throughout Canada.

Thank you to the Kitchener Rangers organization and the greatest fans in the OHL for all their support,” he added. “I also want to send a sincere thank you to Hockey Gives Blood, Canadian Blood Services, and the Brons family for all their inspiration over the last two years. As a hockey community, we can make a difference.”

The 19-year-old from Barrie, Ont. was the team’s backbone on the ice, leading the OHL in wins (33) and saves (1,501) while posting a 2.96 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and two shutouts over 46 games. Ingham earned the Rangers’ Jim Malleck Memorial Trophy as the club’s Most Valuable Player and signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 198Ib. goaltender owns a career OHL record of 93-61-9-8 with a 3.23 goals-against average, .899 save percentage and five shutouts over 177 regular season games spent between Kitchener and Mississauga. He was originally the Steelheads’ second round pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection from the Barrie Colts minor midgets.

“Jacob is an extremely deserving recipient of this award and we are very proud of him,” said Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie. “It was impressive to see him have such an impact off the ice and in the community. He put in a lot of time and effort throughout the year and it’s great to see him get recognized and rewarded for it.”

Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy.  The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be renamed in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.

Past recipients include Chris Terry and Ryan Hayes who represented the Plymouth Whalers with back-to-back awards in 2009 and 2010 respectively, before Jack Walchessen and Andrew D’Agostini of the Peterborough Petes won in 2011 and 2012.  Ben Fanelli (Kitchener 2013), Scott Simmonds (Belleville 2014), Nick Paul (North Bay 2015), and Will Petschenig (Saginaw 2016) are also among recent award recipients before Garrett McFadden of the Guelph Storm became the first player to be recognized twice in 2017 and 2018. Nicholas Canade of the Mississauga Steelheads was the 2019 award recipient.

Ingham will be the OHL’s nominee for the Canadian Hockey League Humanitarian of the Year Award to be announced in the coming weeks.

From Canadian Blood Services CEO Dr. Graham Shier:
“The difference that Jacob has helped make in the lives of patients across the country since joining the Hockey Gives Blood movement and Canada’s Lifeline has quite literally been game-changing. His significant fundraising achievements and efforts to mobilize the hockey community to donate blood and stem cells will have a huge and lasting impact for patients who rely on these life essentials.

“Jacob’s commitment to patients has made him an inspiring role model within the Canadian Hockey League and we are so grateful to see how his efforts have started a lifesaving domino effect among his fellow players and hockey community. Congratulations on this very well-deserved honour, Jacob – keep making saves and saving lives!”

From Hockey Gives Blood President Stu Middleton:
“We appreciate the OHL taking the time to recognize Jacob Ingham for the work he has done this past season. The acknowledgement of peer influencers and community advocates like Jacob is essential to the sustainability of volunteerism nationwide.

Jacob has far exceeded the basic responsibility we all share and has inspired both young and old to be better people and better citizens. We continue to wish Jacob the best of luck in the next chapter of his career and congratulate him on winning the Ontario Hockey League Humanitarian of the Year.”

2019-20 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Nominees:
Barrie Colts – Aidan Brown
Erie Otters – Jack Duff
Flint Firebirds – Jack Phibbs*
Guelph Storm – Cam Hillis
Hamilton Bulldogs – Kade Landry
Kingston Frontenacs – Braden Haché
Kitchener Rangers – Jacob Ingham
London Knights – Hunter Skinner
Mississauga Steelheads – Nicholas Canade*^
Niagara IceDogs – Ivan Lodnia
North Bay Battalion – Nick Grima
Oshawa Generals – Mitchell Brewer
Ottawa 67’s – Noel Hoefenmayer
Owen Sound Attack – Mark Woolley
Peterborough Petes – Hunter Jones*
Saginaw Spirit – Blade Jenkins
Sarnia Sting – Sam Bitten
Soo Greyhounds – Cole MacKay
Sudbury – Quinton Byfield
Windsor – Connor Corcoran

^- 2018-19 award winner
*- repeat nominee

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Wednesday when the OHL recognizes its academic award winners.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

67’s’ ANDRE TOURIGNY NAMED OHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Andre Tourigny

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that, for the second straight season, Andre Tourigny of the Ottawa 67’s is the recipient of the Matt Leyden Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year.

Tourigny, who was a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning National Junior Team coaching staff, steered the 67’s to a second straight Hamilton Spectator Trophy atop the OHL regular season standings with a record of 50-11-0-1. Just as they did in 2018-19, the 67’s equalled their franchise record-tying mark of 50 wins, doing so in six-fewer games as a result of the abbreviated schedule. The Barber Poles led the League in goals for (296), surrendered the fewest against (164), owned the OHL’s top power play (29.8%) and third-ranked penalty kill (82.1%). They led all clubs in both home (26) and road (24) wins and strung together a franchise record 17-game winning streak that spanned from November 16 to January 10.

“It’s a tremendous honour and a great feeling to be chosen by my peers. Even though my name is on this award, it is truly a team effort,” said Tourigny. “This recognition is a testimony of the quality of our program and of the quality of the people I’m working with. Our coaching staff, support staff, development staff and our strength and conditioning staff are a fantastic group and it truly is a blessing to work with them every day. Our management creates a professional and dynamic environment and is always there to support us. The commitment of our owners and OSEG management is unparalleled and is a source of energy on a daily basis in our office. They provide the ideal environment to succeed every day for all of us. Finally, I want to thank our players for their sacrifice and their relentlessness every single day.”

Tourigny joined the 67’s as head coach and vice president of hockey operations prior to the franchise’s 50th anniversary season in 2017-18. The 45-year-old Nicolet, Quebec native became the ninth coach in 67’s history with an impressive track record behind the bench primarily in the QMJHL where his career began as an assistant coach with the Shawinigan Cataractes in 1998.  He joined the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies as head coach and general manager in 2002 where he spent 11 seasons and set a QMJHL record for most games coached with one franchise at 693 and earned Coach of the Year honours in 2005-06.  He moved up to the NHL ranks and spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche from 2013-15, then one season with the Ottawa Senators in 2015-16.  He returned to the QMJHL for one season as head coach of the Halifax Mooseheads in 2016-17 before returning to the nation’s capital. He owns an overall OHL head coaching record of 130-52-10-6 over three seasons with the 67’s.

“Andre has been the driving force behind the continuous improvement of our hockey club with his nurturing style, relentless attention to detail and ability to marshal players and staff throughout the season,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd. “It is fitting that Andre be recognized with this prestigious award for the second consecutive season.”

The Matt Leyden Trophy has been awarded annually to the OHL’s Coach of the Year as selected by his peers since 1972.  The award is in recognition of the contributions of Matt Leyden, past president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1965-67, and former manager of the Oshawa Generals who spent more than 50 years with the team.

Tourigny becomes the first back-to-back recipient of the award since Windsor’s Bob Boughner in 2008 and 2009. The list of back-to-back winners also includes 67’s coaching legend Brian Kilrea (1981 and 1982, 1996 and 1997) who accomplished the feat twice along with Dale Hunter (London, 2004 and 2005), Peter DeBoer (Plymouth, 1999 and 2000) and George Burnett (Niagara Falls, 1991 and 1992). Kilrea holds the League record with five Coach of the Year honours while others to win the award multiple times include the aforementioned Boughner, Hunter, DeBoer and Burnett along with Bert Templeton, Terry Crisp, Craig Hartsburg, Gary Agnew and Mike Vellucci. Joining Tourigny as other recent recipients include Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie, 2018), Ryan McGill (Owen Sound, 2017), Kris Knoblauch (Erie, 2016), Sheldon Keefe (Sault Ste. Marie, 2015) and D.J. Smith (Oshawa, 2014).

Tourigny will be the OHL’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year Award to be announced in the coming weeks.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Tuesday when the OHL recognizes its Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy recipient as the League’s Humanitarian of the Year presented by Kia.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

67’s’ MARCO ROSSI RECOGNIZED AS EDDIE POWERS MEMORIAL TROPHY RECIPIENT AS TOP SCORER PRESENTED BY KUBOTA CANADA

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Marco Rossi

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to recognize Ottawa 67’s forward Marco Rossi who claims the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the League’s Top Scorer presented by Kubota Canada.

The draft eligible centreman finished atop the CHL scoring charts with 120 points including 39 goals, 81 assists and an impressive plus/minus rating of plus-69 over just 53 games. His 2.14 point-per-game pace led the OHL and is the highest such figure by an OHL scoring champion since London’s Patrick Kane (2.50) in 2006-07. He becomes the first Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient of European descent since Stan Mikita of the St. Catharines Teepees claimed the honour in 1958-59.

“Kubota Canada is thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for the OHL 2019-20 Top Scorer award. Even though the season was abbreviated, we saw some great performances this season and it gives me great pleasure on behalf of Kubota’s employees and the Kubota dealers across Canada to congratulate Marco Rossi as this year’s OHL Top Scorer!,” said Rob Allison, Director of Brand & Corporate Partnerships for Kubota Canada Ltd. “Well done, Marco!”

The 18-year-old from Feldkirch, Austria helped power the first place 67’s with the League’s top power play, rounding out the campaign with a total of 34 multi-point performances, 23 of which included three points or more. His top performances included a five assist showing on October 20th against Hamilton, another five point outing on November 17th in Sarnia and a career-high six point output on November 27th in Kingston. The 5-foot-9, 187Ib. centreman finished the schedule with an impressive 58.5% success rate in the faceoff circle and was held off the scoresheet just four times.

“Thank you to the Ontario Hockey League for awarding me the Eddie Powers Trophy,” said Rossi. “I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition. This award is truly a team award, and I want to thank the entire first-class 67’s organization for their support over the 2019-20 season.  From the ownership group, to the management staff, to the coaching staff, to the training staff, to my teammates, to my billeting family, to my immediate family, to the fans and to everyone who had a helping hand for me during this last season and the time leading up to it: Thank you! I am honored and forever grateful to receive this prestigious award.”

Rossi’s 120 points are the most by a 67’s player in a single season since Corey Locke (151) in 2002-03. His plus-69 rating is the fifth-highest by any player since the League began tracking plus/minus in 1996-97, trailing fellow 67’s Nick Boynton (plus 81, 1996-97) and Sean Blanchard (plus-74, 1996-97) as well as London’s Danny Syvret (plus-70, 2004-05) and Sault Ste. Marie’s Morgan Frost (plus-70, 2017-18).

“Marco plays a team game and the way that he shares the puck with his teammates was a pleasure to watch this season,” commented 67’s general manager James Boyd. “The fact that Marco was able to lead such a talented group of peers in league scoring, while maintaining the highest standard of defensive play, makes this achievement even more remarkable.”

The sixth-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings competed in the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this past January in Hamilton. Rossi, who was named to the OHL’s second all-rookie team in 2018-19, has accumulated 185 points (68-117–185) over just 109 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the 18th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft. He was widely recognized in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll, appearing in six different categories as he earned recognition as the Eastern Conference’s smartest player, best playmaker and best shootout shooter.

Rossi becomes the seventh player in 67’s franchise history to earn the award, following Tyler Toffoli (2011), two-time winner Corey Locke (2003, 2004), Andrew Cassels (1988), Jim Fox (1980), Bobby Smith (1978) and Blake Dunlop (1973). He follows other recent OHL standouts who won the award in their draft eligible seasons including Erie’s Dylan Strome (2015), Windsor’s Taylor Hall (2010), Plymouth’s Tyler Seguin (2010), London’s John Tavares (2009) and London’s Patrick Kane (2007).

The Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy was donated by the Toronto Marlboro Athletic Club in memory of Eddie Powers and was first awarded in 1945-46 to Tod Sloan of St. Michael’s who scored 79 points in 25 games.  Jason Robertson of the Niagara IceDogs was last year’s recipient with 117 points in 62 games including 48 goals and 69 assists.  Other recent winners include Barrie’s Aaron Luchuk (2018), Erie’s Alex DeBrincat (2017) and Barrie’s Kevin Labanc (2016).

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Monday when the League announces its Matt Leyden Trophy recipient as OHL Coach of the Year.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.

67’s’ AUSTEN KEATING NAMED OHL’S OVERAGE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Posted on by Dominic Tiano

Keating, Austen (3)

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Austen Keating of the Ottawa 67’s is the 2019-20 recipient of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the OHL’s Overage Player of the Year.

Keating recorded 89 points including 32 goals and 57 assists over 58 games to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-58. He finished tied for third in 67’s team scoring and second among OHL overage skaters, one point back of teammate Joseph Garreffa. His season included 28 different multi-point performances headlined by a career-high seven point effort that yielded three goals and four assists on Nov. 27 at Kingston.

“It’s a great honour to be named the OHL’s Overage Player of the Year, but I never would’ve been able to do it without the great help of many people,” stated Keating. “First off, I’d like to thank all of the Ottawa 67’s coaching staff, as well as my teammates and the Ottawa 67’s fans, who were amazing to me from my very first day with the organization until my last.  I’d also like to thank my family, who have always been by my side through the good and the bad times and who were a huge reason why I was able to succeed this year.”

A 21-year-old native of Guelph, Ont., Keating was originally a first round (16th overall) pick by Ottawa in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. He wraps up his OHL career as the only player in 67’s franchise history to play in over 300 career regular season games while racking up over 300 points in the process. His 309 career games rank third in franchise history while his 325 points (113-212–325) place him 12th, a figure that marks the highest career total of any active OHL player. Keating finished tied for third as the most underrated player in the Eastern Conference in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll. Upon season’s end, he made a commitment to attend the University of New Brunswick for the 2020-21 season, preparing to suit up for the defending AUS champion Reds men’s hockey program.

“During his time with the 67’s, Austen has been the consummate team player and his effort and dedication to improve on a day-to-day basis embodies all of the core values of our organization,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd. “Austen developed into a true leader and driving force within our group with his play this season and is most deserving of this prestigious award.”

The Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the Top Overage Player of the Year as selected by OHL General Managers. Teams were asked to submit a nominee for the award and were not permitted to vote for players from their own hockey club.

First presented in 1984, the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was donated by the trainers of the Ontario Hockey League, in memory of the late Leo Lalonde, former Chief Scout of OHL Central Scouting. Leo Lalonde was also formerly the Chief Scout for the Belleville Bulls as well as a scout for the Peterborough Petes.

Keating becomes the third player in 67’s franchise history to win the award, following Dan Tessier in 1999-2000 and Don McLaren, who was the inaugural recipient back in 1983-84.

2020 OHL Awards announcements continue on Thursday when the OHL recognizes its Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy recipient as the League’s leading scorer.

For full coverage of the 2020 OHL Awards, be sure to visit ontariohockeyleague.com or follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league. For more information visit http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/.