Sunday, January 9, 2011

OHL Academic Players of the Month for December

Press Release

Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for December.

West Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for December in the West Division is defenseman Nathan Chiarlitti of the Sarnia Sting. Chiarlitti, 18, a native of Maple, Ontario is currently a first year Bachelor of Science student through the University of Guelph. “Nathan consistently and independently balances a demanding hockey schedule with post-secondary level academic responsibilities in order to realize a high level of success in both. He has achieved an A average in both his courses. As a past recipient of team and league academic awards, Nathan continues to be an excellent example of an OHL player who balances playing hockey with success in school,” commented Sting Academic Advisor Caroline White.

Midwest Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for December in the Midwest Division is centre Andrew Crescenzi of the Kitchener Rangers. Crescenzi, 18, a native of Thornhill, Ontario is currently is a first year student at Wilfrid Laurier University. “In spite of missing the first three weeks of school due to attending his first NHL training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and an injury in the month of December, Andrew has managed to maintain his excellent marks throughout the semester. His ability to focus on the task at hand, whether it be on the ice or in the classroom, is a true testament to his desire to succeed at everything he does,” commented Dave Tennant, Academic Advisor for the Rangers.

Central Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for December in the Central Division is defenseman Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs. Hamilton, 17, a native of Toronto, Ontario is a Grade 12 student at Governor Simcoe Secondary School in St. Catharines. IceDogs Academic Advisor Tim Tope had this to say about Dougie, “Dougie continues to not only be an emerging star on the ice but also one of the top grade 12 students in the entire school board. He maintains a 94% average.” Eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Hamilton will be competing in the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at Air Canada Centre January 18-19.

East Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month for December in the East Division is left winger Lucas Lessio of the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club. Lessio, 17, a native of Maple, Ontario, is currently in grade 12 attending Henry Street High School in Whitby. “He is taking a full academic work load including three grade 12 university credits and is achieving an 83% average. Lucas has shown a great work ethic both on and off the ice,” commented Tom Buchanan, Academic Advisor for the Generals. Lessio will also be participating in the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

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.


• 363 OHL graduates and current players are on scholarship from OHL Member Teams at 66 different institutions across North America.

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

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