09-10 POM AWARDS

2009-2010 – GOJHL PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

 

 

FEBRUARY

 

Golden Horseshoe Conference (Player) – Stephen Ceccanese

 

 

Scoring 18 points in just eight games during the month of February makes the St. Catharines Falcons forward Stephen Ceccanese the perfect choice for the OHA Bauer Player of the Month in the Golden Horeshoe Conference. His seven goals and 11 assists made him a force that the opposition took note of but could not stop. The 21-year-old Woodbridge native is currently enjoying his 3rd season with the Falcons and hopes to lead them to a Golden Horseshoe Conference Championship. The 5’10, 175 lbs forward managed to produce back to back four point nights in February

 

Golden Horseshoe Conference (Goalie) – Matt Milne

 

 

Winning six of his seven starts in February has made opposing coaches take not of this net minder from Newmarket. Matt Milne has been a solid goalie for his St. Catharines Falcons in his first season with the club. The 21-year-old managed to make 141 saves on 156 shots this month and shows no signs of slowing up in the post season. standing at 5’10 and weighing 170 lbs, Milne has tremendous speed and hockey sense when playing in a game. His best performance this month came on the 19th against Stoney Creek, Milne stopped 28 of 30 shots on route to a big 5-2 win for his club.

 

Mid Western Conference (Player) – Josh McQuade

 

 

Every so often a player emerges from the rest of the pack to become a stand out, elite athlete in the game of hockey. For the Brantford Golden Eagles, that player is 21-year-old Josh McQuade. The speedy forward was able to produce all season long and in the month of February he continued his amazing run. Scoring 15 goals and 14 assists in just eight games helped solidify his GOJHL top scorers award this season. The 5’11, 195 lbs Grimsby Native is currently in the process of helping his club win their second streight Sutherland Cup. McQuade managed two back to back six point nights in February, something not many players could accomplish.

 

Mid Western Conference (Goalie) – Evan Groenestege

 

 

Helping to keep his team in some of the most important games of the regular season in February was Stratford Cullitons goalie Evan Groenestege. The Wartburg native is enjoying his third full season in the GOJHL and is making the most of his time in Stratford. Winning four of his six games in February Groenestege made the opposing teams take notice of his quick reflexes and ability to control rebounds. His 209 saves out of 222 shots in February made him a hands down favourite for Goalie of the Month. The 6’0, 160 lbs net minders best game came on the 26th against the Kitchener Dutchmen where he made 23 saves on route to a 6-1 win for his club.

 

Western Conference (Player) – Chris Bodo

 

 

The Strathroy Rockets have found themselves a fantastic hockey tallent in 18-year-old Chris Bodo. In  February Bodo was able to register 10 goals and 10 assists in just eight games. The St. Thomas native is currently enjoying his second season with the Rockets and is looking forward to starting his playoff run with the club. Standing 5’9 and weighing 185 lbs, Bodo uses his speed and hockey smarts to out play the opposition. Bodo’s highlight game in February came on the 5th against the St. Marys Lincolns when he managed to score two goals and four assists, helping to lead his club to a 7-2 win.

 

Western Conference (Goalie) – Connor Lyons

 

 

The LaSalle Vipers can look forward to a strong post season with their goaltender Connor Lyons in the net. The 20-year-old from London was nothing short of spectacular in his four games in February. Winning three of four games, Lyons becomes Februarys Bauer Western Conference Goalie of the Month. The 5’8, 155 lbs Lyons has a fantastic ability to react to the play, make timely saves and keep his club in the game. Stopping 96 of the 105 shots he faced in four games the opposition must take note that this young man can play the game like the best of them. Lyons highlight game in February came on the 24th against the London Nationals where he stopped 27 of 29 shots on route to a big 5-2 win for his club.

 

 

JANUARY

 

Golden Horseshoe (Player) – Matt Abercrombie

 

 

In his first season with the Thorold Blackhawks, Matt Abercrombie has made his presence felt in the dressing room and on the ice. Scoring 8 goals and 13 assists in 10 games has made Abercrombie the January OHA Golden Horseshoe Bauer Player of the Month. The Sarnia Native is enjoying his new team this season and is looking forward to a chance to shine in the playoffs. The 6’1. 184 lbs forward not only has great size but fantastic speed and puck control, a deadly combination to face. The soon to be 20-year-old had his most productive game on January 16th in Stoney Creek where he scored two goals and added three assists on route to a 6-1 for his Blackhawks over the Warriors.

Golden Horseshoe (Goalie) – Joe Glandnick

 

 

The Port Colborne Pirates have a goalie, and they’re not affraid to use him. Joe Gladnick, a 19-year-old netminder from Warminister, PA, has played with his heart on his sleave this season. Taking to the blue ice for 8 games in January, Gladnick won four games. The 6’1, 155 lbs goalie was able to stop 294 of the 323 shots he faced in January. His reflexes are excellent and his ability to anticipate the play has made him a tough opponent for any team to face. In just his first season in the GOJHL, Gladnick has left his mark and scared many opposing coaches in the process. His highlight game in January came on the 17th against the Niagara Falls Canucks where he made 39 saves on route to a 4-3 win for his Pirates in overtime.

Mid-Western (Player) – Brad McClure

 

 

Scoring 11 goals and adding three assists in 11 games makes Stratford Cullitons forward Brad McClure the Mid Western Conference Bauer Player of the Month for January. The Stratford native helped his Cullitons win five big games in January, with playoffs drawing closer every day, winning has become very important. The 5’10, 155 lbs speedy forward has a great ability to find the back of the net and the proof is in his season stats. Opposing coaches take note of this speedy forward, he is a game changer and when given the chance will shine.

Mid-Western (Goalie) – Brandon Gorecki

 

 

Going 4-2-1 throughout the month of January has made Brandon Gorecki the perfect choice for the Mid-Western Bauer Goalie of the Month award. The 5’8, 161 lbs keeper has had a fantastic first season with Elmira and will no doubt be a big part of their future. Stopping 235 of 252 shots he faced this month was no easy task. Consider the competition he played against and you will see why this Guelph native is such an important peice of the puzzel for the Kings. Gorecki’s highlight game in January came on the 16th against Guelph where he won the game for the Kings saving 42 of 43 shots he faced in a 2-1 win.

Western Conference (Player) – DJ Turner

 

 

Scoring an outstanding 15 goals and 14 assists in just nine games, DJ Turner becomes the January OHA Western Conference Bauer Player of the Month. This smooth skating forward has a natural ability to contribute points on any given night. Opposing coaches take note, this 20-year-old is coming on strong heading into the playoffs. Standing just 5’8 and weighing 165 lbs Turner has become a solid contributer on the LaSalle Vipers this season. The Windsor Natives highlight game came at the end of the month when he managed to score three goals and three assists on the 30th against the Lambton Shores Predators on route to a big 15-0 win.

Western Conference (Goalie) – Kyle Washer

 

 

Winning an incredible 5 of 6 games he started in January, Sarnia Legionnaires goaltender Kyle Washer is the perfect choice to be the Western Conference Bauer Goaltender of the Month. The 19-year-old from Leonard MI, made 123 saves on 136 shots and managed to produce back to back shut outs at the end of January. The 5’11, 160 lbs Washer has been nothing short of fantastic for his club in January. His highlight game came on the 30th against St. Thomas where he stopped all 28 shots he faced on route to a big 4-0 win for the Legionnaires. With Washer in net, you better believe the opposition isn’t looking forward to a first round match up against Sarnia.

 

 

DECEMBER

 

Golden Horseshoe (Player) – Kevin Rebelo

 

 

Kevin Rebelo has made his presence felt this season playing for the Stoney Creek Warriors. Leading his team on and off the ice, Rebelo had an awesome December. Scoring eight goals and 10 assists in just eight games makes him a great pic for the Golden Horseshoe Conference Bauer Player of the Month. This 5’10, 180 lbs shifty forward has an ability to be a playmaker when he hits the ice, finding the open man and finishing around the net. The Hamilton natives highlight game in December came on the 17th against the Leamington Flyers where he scored one goal and three assists on route to a 7-4 win for his Warriors.

Golden Horseshoe (Goalie) – Kari Rikkonen

 

 

Helping his team win big in big games, Kari Rikkonen becomes the Golden Horseshoe Bauer Goalie of the Month. In December the Thunder Bay native turned away 238 of the 260 shots he faced in seven games. Standing 6’1, and weighing 160lbs Rikkonen takes up space in the net and give the opposition very little to shoot at. His four wins, one loss and two over time losses maked him a noticable asset to his Welland Canadiens. Rikkonens highlight game in December came on the fifth against the Fort Erie Meteors when he turned away all 30 shots he faced on route to a big 6-0 win for the Canadiens.

Mid-Western (Player) – Tony Blyde

 

 

In seven games, Tony Blyde managed to notch five goals and nine assists to become the OHA Mid Western Conference Bauer Player of the Month. Blyde has come nothing short of fantastic this year playing for the Waterloo Siskins. The Cambridge native is enjoying his third season in the OHA and his first playing for the historic Siskin franchise. Standing 6’3 and weighing 230lbs its no wonder why Blyde is such a presence when he hits the ice. This big power forward has an awesome release and the ability to find his open man with a great pass.

Mid-Western (Goalie) – Colin Breen

 

 

Colin Breen has enjoyed much personal success in between the pipes this season for the Waterloo Siskins. In his six starts throughout December he managed to win all six games, thus Breen becomes the perfect choice for the Mid-Western Goaltender of the Month. A native of Waterloo Breens ability to move side-to-side with ease has helped him in shutting down the opposition this season. Standing at 5’11 and weighing just over 170lbs, Breen has learned to anticipate the play. In those six games, Breen faced 149 shots and saved 140 of them. His best game of the month came on the 20th against the Thorold Blackhawks when he turned in his only shut out performance of the month in a 6-0 win.

Western Conference (Player) – Adam McKee

 

 

Scoring seven goals and 11 assists in just nine games has made Adam McKee the easy choice for the Western Conference OHA Bauer Player of the Month. The London Nationals forward has enjoyed plenty of personal as well as team success this year. Leading his team mates in scoring and currently sitting second in the GOJHL scoring race, McKee has made his presence felt. Opposing teams take note of this offensive tallent, he is always deadly when he hits the ice. The 6’0, 175lbs pound London native’s highlight game in December came on the 10th against Sarnia where he scored two goals and three assists.

Western Conference (Goalie) – Stephen Heming

 

 

Winning four of the five games he played in has made Stephen Heming of the St. Marys Lincolns the perfect choice for the OHA Western Conference Bauer Player of the Month. The soon to be 20-year-old has found his groove in his second season with the Lincolns and shows many signs of a promissing career in between the pipes. The 6’6, 220lbs net minder uses his massive size and speed to turn away anything thrown his way. A native of Newmarket, Heming’s solid performances in December have sparked new hope for his club who is currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference. Hemings highlight game in December came on the 13th in St. Thomas where he turned away 35 of the 37 shots he faced on route to a 5-2 win for his Lincolns

 

 

 

NOVEMBER

 

Golden Horseshoe (Player) – Brett Chandler

 

 

Helping his St. Catharines Falcons to a current first place standing in the Golden Horseshoe Conference makes Brett Chandler the perfect pick for this months Bauer Player of the Month. In nine games Chandler managed to net eight goals and seven assists. The Oakville native has enjoyed a very successful season so far and is looking to help his team well into the post season. The 5’10, 180lbs forward is tough to stop when he gets going. A speedy forward, Chandler’s ability to beet the oppostition has created havoc for opposing teams bench staff.

Golden Horseshoe (Goalie) – Mike Morrison

 

 

For the second month in a row the Golden Horseshoe Goaltender of the Month for November is Mike Morrison from the Stoney Creek Warriors. Morrison’s ability to make timely saves in key situations has made him the total package for the Warriors. Helping his team win five of the six games he played in, Morrison is a presence in between the pipes. Saving 141 of the 155 shots he faced in November Morrison has created a positive environment for his defence, allowing them a great deal of confidence when he is in net. His highlight game in November came on the 7th when he shut out the Niagara Falls Canucks, the Warriors took the game by the score of 8-0

Mid-Western (Player) – Cody Hall

 

 

A leader both on and off the ice, Cody Hall has exhibited a great deal of skill, patience and ability to take charge in situations when most players would not. The Cambridge Winter Hawks forward was named this years team captain and the choice could not have been better. Throughout November Hall scored eight goals and eight assists in just eight games making him the hands down choice for the Bauer Mid-Western Conference Player of the Month. The 5’11, 188lbs speedy forward uses his hockey smarts and skill to take controll of the game. His highlight game in November came on the 14th against Stratford where he scored two goals and two assists on route to a 4-1 win for his Winter Hawks.

Mid-Western (Goalie) – Colin Breen

 

 

Helping his Waterloo Siskins to a current second place standing in the Mid-Western Conference, Colin Breen has proven himself the perfect goalie to receive the goaltending OHA Bauer Conference Player of the Month Award for November. The 5’11, 170lbs Breen has been a cornerstone for the Siskins this season. Winning four of five games in November Breen managed to post an impressive .935 save per-centage turning away 151 of 161 shots on net. The Waterloo native has enjoyed success in his third season with the Siskins and no doubt hopes for a shot at the Southerland Cup this post season. Out of his five games in November, his best came on the 20th verses Guelph when he turned away all 16 shots he faced for his first shut-out of the season.

Western Conference (Goalie) – Mike Ostropolic

 

 

Helping to keep his Chatham Maroons in the mix this season, Mike Ostropolic becomes the OHA Bauer Western Conference Player of the Month. Ostropolic has been a staple for the Maroons who are currently enjoying being the third place team in the Western Conference. Stoping 325 of the 343 shots he faced in November and helping his team to win 6 of 8 games, Ostropolic has made his presence felt in the competative league. A native of Chatham, standing 6’1 and weighing 190lbs, Ostropolic has created a name for himself when he is put in between the pipes. Out of his eight games he played in November, his highlight game came on the 14th against the Strathroy Rockets where he turned away 49 of 51 shots on net.

Western Conference (Player) – Alex Avery

 

 

With 19 points in 10 games Alex Avery is the perfect choice for the Bauer Western Conference November Player of the Month. Avery has helped his Strathroy Rockets to second place in the Western Conference and shows no signs of slowing down. The 6’2, 190lbs forward has been able to make the most of his size and speed when on the ice this season. The Ailsa Craig ON. native is making the most of his first season with the Rockets. On two seperate occassions in November Avery was able to have a four point night, making the games on the 12th and the 21st against Lambton Shores and Leamington his most productive of the month. He scored two goals and two assists in both games.

 

 

 

OCTOBER

 

Golden Horseshoe (Player) – Kevin Caister

 

 

Scoring 11 goals and three assists in just 10 games makes Kevin Caisters of the St. Catharines Falcons the GOJHL Bauer Golden Horseshoe Conference Player of the Month. Caister was able to put up big numbers throughout October due in large part to the fantastic play of his team mates, the Falcons have enjoyed scoring from everyone this season and show no signs of slowing down. The 6’2, 195 pound forward has a quick release with the ability to find the back of the opposing teams net. Caisters highlight game came on the 20th against Niagara Falls where he notched 4 goals on route to a 8-2 win.

Golden Horseshoe (Goalie) – Mike Morrison

 

 

Since Mike Morrison joined the Stoney Creek Warriors the team has never looked stronger. In between the pipes Morrison turns away shots and makes timely saves when it matters. I staple on the team, Morrison was the best choice for the Golden Horseshoe Conference Goalie of the Month. In five games Morrison allowed only five goals and turned away an outstanding 129 shots he faced. The 6’0, 175 pound net minder has an outstanding reflex ability that allows him to cover the net better then most other goalies. The Hamilton natives best game in October came on the 18th against the Welland Canadians, he turned away all 35 shots he faced on route to a 3-0 win for his Warriors.

Mid-Western (Player) – Josh McQuade

Every now and again a player will come along who will change the dynamics of a hockey club. This player usually puts up very big numbers and can literally produce points at will. The Brantford Golden Eagles have that player in Josh McQuade. The 5’11, 195 pound forward is the GOJHL Mid Western Conference Bauer Player of the Month. His 10 goals and 20 assists in just nine games is well beond good, it’s great. Leading the entire league in points McQuade has found his spot in the Golden Eagles line up, with hopes of helping the club to their second Sutherland Cup Championship in as many years.

Mid Western (Goalie) – Daryl Borden

Winning all but one of his nine games throughout the month of October has made Daryl Borden the best choice for the Mid Western Conference Goalie of the Month. In nine games Borden was able to post a .935 save percentage including two shut outs, while allowing only 19 of the 296 shots he faced to get passed him. Borden’s quick reflexes and his ability to see the puck has helped his Brantford Golden Eagles get to first place in the Mid Western Conference in just under one month. the 6’3, 218 pound net minder uses his size and speed to his advantage while keeping rebounds far and few. Bordens highlight game in October came on the 17th against Stratford where he turned away all 26 shots he faced for his second shut out of the month.

Western Conference (Player) – Walter Easter

 

 

Scoring 11 goals and 17 assists in just 11 games is an impressive feat for any player, doing it while your team is winning is another story. Netting 28 points (Most in October by a Western Conference player) has made Walter Easter the hands down favorite for the GOJHL Western Conference Player of the Month Award. Standing 6’0 and weighing in at just under a 180 pounds, Easter has made his presence felt in the GOJHL. The London native is currently enjoying his third season with the Rockets who are bidding for their shot at making it to the Sutherland Cup this season. The physical and speedy right winger has proven that he’ll do what it takes to help his team win. Scoring multiple three point games in October, Easter’s highlight game had to have come on October 22nd in Leamington when he notched four assists on route to a 14-1 slaughter against the Flyers.

Western (Goaltender) – Mike Coulter

 

 

Having allowed just five goals in his six complete games throughout the month of October. Mike Coulter is hands down the best choice for the GOJHL Western Conference Goaltender of the Month. Coulter helped to lead his London Nationals to a 6-0-0 record when he was put in between the pipes. Coulters 0.83 goals against average and his .971 save per-centage led all GOJHL goaltenders in the month of October. Standing 6’3 and weighing in at 185 pounds this 19-year-old uses his size and spead to turn away most of the shots he faces. Coulter’s help in the net has helped his Nationals to 35 points, currently tops in the entire GOJHL this season. He shows no signs of slowing down either. In his six starts in October, Coulter’s best games came on October 7th and the 15th where he managed to shut out the Chatham Maroons and the Sarnia Legionnaires in both game.

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER

 

Mid-West Conference – Kyle Wilhelm

 

 

Opposing coaches beware, Kyle Wilhelm has made his presence felt. The 6’0, 210 pound power forward can not only score goals but he can put the puck on his line mates stick. Scoring eight goals and eight assists in eight games has made this Stratford Culliton player one of the elite in the league. The Cullitons performance thus far has created buzz around the league and no doubt Wilhelm is eating it up. The Tavistock Ontario native, like the rest of his team, has high hopes for a very successful season on the ice. Opposing coaches beware, Wilhelm is here to stay.

Western Conference – Stephen Sanza

 

 

Stephen Sanza, a speedy right winger from the London Nationals is the GOJHL Western Conference Player of the Month for September. Scoring an outstanding nine goals and six assists made him a great choice. His 15 points contributed to the Nationals 5-1-1 record. The 5’9, 175 pound speedy forward from London has made his presence felt on the Ice this season and it is because of his hard work that he has made himself become noticed by opposing teams. Sanza’s highlight game came in his first regular season game againts the Lambton Shores Predators when he notched three goals and two assists on route to a 7-2 win.

Golden Horseshoe Conference – Mike Baxter

 

 

With only two wins in the month of September it becomes tough to find a bright spot within a struggling organization. Mike Baxter has become that bright spot for the Fort Erie Meteors. In just seven games he has notched nine goals and six assists. This shifty forward from Bracebridge Ontario stands at 5’10 but plays like hes 6’4. Weighing just 160 pounds Baxter’s hockey sense has helped propell him above the rest. Opposing teams will be quick to take note when this young man takes to the ice. Baxter’s highlight game in September came on the 19th when his team lost in over time to the Wheatfield Blades, his four goals kept his team in the hunt for a win.