Thursday, April 14, 2011

IceDogs' Dougie Hamilton named OHL Scholastic Player of the Year

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that top 2011 NHL Entry Draft prospect Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs is the Bobby Smith Trophy winner presented to the OHL's Scholastic Player of the Year.

Hamilton, a 17-year-old from Toronto, ON, attends Governor Simcoe Secondary School in St. Catharines where he maintains an overall academic average of 94% in six Grade 12 level courses including marks of 97% in Calculus, 95% in Physics, 95% in Personal and Fitness, 92% in English, 92% in Biology, and 91% in Chemistry. This is Hamilton’s second straight Academic Award after winning the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award in his rookie season. Hamilton becomes the first member of the IceDogs to be named Scholastic Player of the Year in this the fourth straight year where a member of the organization has been recognized for their achievements in the classroom. Dougie’s older brother Freddie and teammate Alex Friesen earned top Academic High School honours for the 2008-09 and 2007-08 seasons.

"On behalf of the entire Niagara IceDogs organization, we couldn't be more proud of Dougie Hamilton for winning the Bobby Smith Award for the 2010-11 season,” said IceDogs President Denise Burke. “Dougie's hard work and dedication both on and off the ice has helped develop him into an outstanding young man. His commitment to academics which allows him to achieve scholastic excellence year after year is simply amazing and just another reason why he is such a great role model for the youth of Niagara."

On the ice, Hamilton is the top ranked defenceman for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft rated fourth overall among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He finished fourth in scoring among OHL defencemen with 58 points in 67 games scoring 12 goals and 46 assists with an additional 77 minutes in penalties and a team-high plus-minus rating of plus-35. This season he competed in the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game scoring a goal for Team Orr, and was a member of Team OHL in the 2010 SUBWAY Super Series. Hamilton was also named the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for December.

“Dougie’s excellent academic standing, his sound character, and strong leadership capabilities both inside and outside the classroom are what set him apart from other student-athletes,” said IceDogs Academic Advisor Tim Tope. “While his numerous activities are impressive, he has made a strong commitment to his studies. His ability to lead his fellow peers through example and stay ‘grounded’ has been most impressive.”

Each year the Bobby Smith Trophy is presented to the OHL Scholastic Player of the year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, former Ottawa 67's star who exhibited a standard of excellence in both of these areas.

Former winners include NHL stars Brad Boyes (Erie 1999-2000), three-time winner Dustin Brown (Guelph 2001 to 2003), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia 2006-07), and Matt Duchene (Brampton 2008-09). Last season Erik Gudbranson of the Kingston Frontenacs earned the award before being selected third overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Rookie Eric Locke of the Barrie Colts is the runner-up for the award while fellow rookie and 2011 NHL Entry Draft prospect Lucas Lessio of the Oshawa Generals finished in third.

Hamilton will be the OHL’s nominee for the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award and will be formally presented with the Bobby Smith Trophy at the annual OHL Awards Ceremony June 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

All 20 of the OHL’s member clubs provide nominees for this award which represent the 2010-11 OHL Scholastic Team.

2010-11 Bobby Smith Trophy Nominees:

Barrie – Eric Locke

Belleville – Brendan Gaunce

Brampton – Barclay Goodrow

Erie – Adam Pelech

Guelph – Garret Sparks

Kingston – Ethan Werek

Kitchener – Ben Thomson

London – Tommy Hughes

Mississauga – Dylan DeMelo

Niagara – Dougie Hamilton

Oshawa – Lucas Lessio

Ottawa – Cody Ceci

Owen Sound – Robby Mignardi

Peterborough –Andrew D’Agostini

Plymouth – Tom Wilson

Saginaw – Brandon Saad

Sarnia – Brett Ritchie

Sudbury – Gregory Jambrosich

Sault Ste. Marie – Matt Murray

Windsor – Craig Duininck*

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

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