FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 27, 2020
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey Association is pleased to announce that Sean Kawalec (Kitchener, Ont.) of the Kitchener Dutchmen has been named Junior B Player of the Year, as selected in partnership by the Ontario Hockey Association and Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).
JUNIOR B PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Sean Kawalec, Kitchener Dutchmen
Kawalec played four seasons in the GOJHL and amassed 213 points in 147 games, all with the
Dutchmen. In 2019-20, the 20-year-old forward set career highs in points (97) and goals (47). His offensive output helped him lead the Dutchmen in goals, assists and overall points. Kawalec also led his hometown Dutchmen in points in 2018-19 and was second in scoring on the team in 2017-18.
The Kitchener native had an impressive 16 points (10 G, 6 A) in six playoff games before the GOJHL postseason came to a halt this season and he has 35 points in 25 playoff games in his Junior B career.
The 5’8” 155 pound left winger/centre accomplished a lot in this season as he was named the CKCO Midwestern Conference Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer (Midwestern Conference), First Team All-Star and was selected as the Midwestern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Month in September, October, December and January.
Kawalec did not only lead the Dutchmen offensively in 2019-20 but he also wore the ‘C’ as team captain. Asked about what makes Kawalec a great candidate for the Junior B Player of the Year award, GOJHL representatives said, “Sean has proven to be an elite player in our League; growing and dedicating himself to be a solid contributor both on, and off the ice. His growth as a player, leader and role model to his teammates, opponents and kids in the community is bar none. We can’t say enough about his character and he is the epitome of what you look for in a student athlete to help grow and showcase a program around.”
The 20-year-old Dutchmen captain is also described as having great leadership abilities, is driven and committed to the game of hockey and is a player of honesty and integrity.
Kawalec’s 2018-19 accomplishments saw him finish the season with 70 points and he was named a GOJHL Second Team All-Star and he participated in the league’s Top Prospects Game.
Prior to joining the Dutchmen in the GOJHL, Kawalec played his minor hockey in the Alliance Hockey Midget Pavillion League with the Kitchener Jr. Rangers Midget AAA and Minor Midget AAA teams from 2015-2017.
Off the ice, Kawalec is studying in Conestoga College’s HVAC Apprenticeship Program and boasts an academic average of 80 per cent. He has also volunteered with Kitchener Minor Hockey, at the Kitchener-Waterloo Toy Drive and with the Kitchener-Waterloo Cancer Society.
Congratulations to Sean Kawalec on being named the 2019-20 OHA Junior B Player of the Year.
Recent Winners – OHA Junior B Player of the Year
2014-15 Chris Scott, Leamington Flyers
2015-16 Carson Brookshaw, St. Thomas Stars
2016-17 Jonathan Reinhart, Elmira Sugar Kings
2017-18 Jack Scanlan, Stratford Warriors
2018-19 Holdyn Lansink, Listowel Cyclones
Photo credit: Tanya Taylor/Censational Photography