Wednesday, March 23, 2011

OJHL ANNOUNCES BEST DEFENCEMAN

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced that Anthony Mastrodicasa (photo credit - Izak Westgate/HHOF) of the Vaughan Vipers has been named the 2010-11 winner of the Best Defenceman Award.

Playing in his hometown of Vaughan, Ontario, Mastrodicasa had a career-best year during his third season in the OJHL, leading all defencemen in the league with 17 goals and 53 points, while having the third best assist total among defencemen with 36 assists.

The 19-year old rearguard was a pillar on the backend for the Vipers, finishing third overall on the club in scoring, while leading the charge on the power play. His 12 power play goals was not only the best total on the Vipers and among all OJHL defencemen, but was tied for the fourth best total in the entire OJHL. Mastrodicasa was also a key member of the Vipers penalty kill, recording four shorthanded assists; another statistic that led both the Vipers and all OJHL defencemen.

Mastrodicasa’s career season started with a bang as he recorded nine points in his first four games as a Viper after joining the club following two seasons with the Bramalea Blues. Thirteen times over the course of the season, he would record multi-point games, including two, four point outings and five, three-point outings; helping lead the Vipers to the South Division regular season title.

Along with being named Best Defenceman, Mastrodicasa was also named a South-East Conference 1st Team All-Star.


Luke Juha of the Burlington Cougars was runner-up in the OJHL award balloting to Mastrodicasa. The native of Mississauga, Ontario, who recently turned 18, finished second in scoring among defencemen with 48 points and was a member of Team Canada East, capturing a silver medal at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. He was also named a member of both the North-West Conference 1st All-Star Team and 1st All-Prospect Team.

Next week, the 2010-11 OJHL Most Valuable Player will be announced.

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

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