GALATI NAMED NE PLAYER-OF-THE-MONTH

Press Release

The OJHL announced today that Pickering Panthers forward Matt Galati (photo credit - Gary Keys/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear North-East Conference Player-of-the-Month for September after a high-scoring month that saw him record nine goals and 15 points in nine games played.
The four year OJHL veteran has made an immediate impact during his return to the Panthers, sitting tied for the team lead in scoring, as well as tied for third overall in the OJHL with his 15 points during September.  Galati paced the impressive Panthers start to the season by recording nine goals, of which seven came in back-to-back games, scoring all four goals during a 5-4 loss to Whitby and following that up with a hat trick, four point performance, in an 8-6 win over Stouffville.  One of the big reasons for Pickering’s early season success was their power play, led by Galati, who notched five of his nine goals with the man advantage to take the early lead among OJHL players.

“It is an honour to be recognized as Player-of-the-Month for September,” said the Panthers star winger.  “Looking back on some of the great players that have won the award over the years, it feels awesome to be recognized on the same level as some those guys.  I want to thank the OJHL for their selection, my linemates Andrew McCann and Aiden Wallace, all my teammates, as well as the Pickering Panthers organization, as they've been a huge part of my success this month.  I'm looking forward to a successful season with this group of guys.”

Panthers General Manager & Head Coach Mike Galati discussed his organization’s pride in the selection, “Matt has been huge for us.  He has been a big part of any success we've had thus far, scoring big goals, as well as being a leader on and off the ice.  He has had a great start to the season and we look forward to many more successful months.  The Pickering Panthers are proud to have September's Player-of-the-Month.”

Felix Chamberland of the Lindsay Muskies was runner-up to Galati as the OJHL North-East Conference Player-of-the-Month.  Chamberland recorded 10 points in six games played to lead his club in scoring, including five power play points.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)