Tuesday, January 8, 2013

FRANCISCO NAMED NE PLAYER-OF-MONTH

Press Release

  The OJHL announced today that Newmarket Hurricanes forward Brandon Francisco (photo credit - Graeme Reid/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear North-East Conference Player-of-the-Month for December after leading the Conference with 18 points in 10 games played during the month.

Playing in his first OJHL season, the 19-year old forward recorded eight goals and ten points throughout December, including five multiple point games. Francisco notched points in nine of the ten games he played, including two, four point outings versus division-rivals Lindsay and Stouffville, and three game-winning goals to help the Hurricanes finish the month with an 8-2-0 record to continue their hold on first place in the North Division standings. Francisco currently leads Newmarket with both 22 goals and 51 points on the season, also ranked tenth overall in the entire OJHL. He was selected as a member of the OJHL North Division All-Star Team, playing two games at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge held in Wellington, Ontario.

“I would like to thank the OJHL for selecting me as Player-of-the-Month,” said Francisco upon learning of the award. “Winning this award is a great honour for me and a true reflection of my great teammates, coaches and management for giving me the opportunity. I came to Newmarket this season with intentions of bringing leadership to the team, especially for our younger players. Everything has gone great thus far for me personally and also for my team, but my ultimate goal is bringing an RBC Cup Championship to Newmarket!”

Hurricanes’ Vice President of Hockey Operations Maurice Catenacci congratulated his star pivot, “The Newmarket Hurricanes would like to thank the OJHL and congratulate Brandon on his selection as Player-of-the-Month. Brandon is a gifted, highly skilled forward who's been the offensive catalyst for the Hurricanes this season. Brandon has also committed himself to the defensive side of his game to compliment his elite offensive abilities. This, along with his leadership has contributed to the success of Hurricanes thus far this season. We are extremely proud of Brandon and wish him all the best for the rest of the season in attaining his goals.”

“Brandon has had a different approach the last 2 months with how he channels his energy,” said the Hurricanes Head Coach Justin Peca. “He has taken more pride in his defensive game, to compliment his offensive abilities, which has contributed to Hurricanes season thus far. Brandon is learning how positive thinking has helped him achieve not only team goals, but small personal ones as well.”

Justin Danforth of the Cobourg Cougars was named runner-up to Francisco as the OJHL North-East Conference Player-of-the-Month. Danforth recorded nine points in eight games played during December and was named the Most Valuable Player in leading the OJHL East Division All-Stars to victory at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge.


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

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