Saturday, November 6, 2010

OHL Announces Academic Players of the Month for October

Press Release

West Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for October in the West Division is right winger Tom Wilson of the Plymouth Whalers. Wilson, 16, a native of Toronto, Ontario, currently is a Grade 11 student at Plymouth High School. “Tom is a full time student and achieving straight A’s. He has made a seamless transition into his first season in the OHL,” commented Whalers Assistant Coach Joe Stefan.

Midwest Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for October in the Midwest Division is defenseman Adam Pelech of the Erie Otters. Pelech, 16, a native of Toronto, Ontario, currently is a Grade 11 student at McDowell Senior High School in Erie. “Adam has excelled in his transition in the OHL. His intense drive for success is evident in both the classroom and on the ice as he manages a full course load,” commented Jaime Cieszynski, Academic Advisor for the Otters.

Central Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for October in the Central Division is centre Mark Scheifele of the Barrie Colts. Scheifele, 17, a native of Kitchener, Ontario, is a Grade 12 student at Innisdale Secondary School in Barrie. Colts Academic Advisor Randy McIntyre had this to say about Mark, “Mark has shown a very mature approach to life in the OHL, balancing his academics with his hockey commitments.”

East Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for October in the East Division is right winger Jan Kaminsky of the Belleville Bulls Hockey Club. Kaminsky, 18, a native of Kennesaw, Georgia, is currently attending Quinte Secondary School in Belleville. “Jan is an outstanding student, who is very focused and an excellent role model. He currently has the top average of all players which includes 100% in Advanced Functions,” commented Peggy Burris, Academic Advisor for the Bulls.

OHL Academic Highlights:

• OHL players successfully completed 97% of high school courses during the 2009-10 season.

• Of the 57 overage players that competed in the league during the 2009-10 season, 31 have signed professional hockey contracts while 26 have accessed their academic scholarships in 2010-11 at various institutions across North America.

• OHL teams contributed just under $2 million in 2009-10 towards scholarships for current and graduate players.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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