Thursday, March 28, 2013

DUNIN NAMED SCHOLASTIC PLAYER OF YEAR

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced that Jordan Dunin (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) of the Newmarket Hurricanes has been named the recipient of the OJHL Scholastic Player-of-the-Year Award and has been selected as the league’s nominee for the annual RBC Junior ‘A’ Scholarship awarded by RBC in conjunction with Hockey Canada.

Along with receiving the OJHL Award, Dunin will receive a $1,000 scholarship from RBC and will be one of 10 finalists (one from each member of the CJHL) in the running for an additional $5,000 national scholarship award that will be presented during the 2013 RBC Cup, National Junior 'A' Championship being held in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

Remarkably, Jordan Dunin played the majority of his minor hockey career as a ‘AAA’ goaltender, from 2004-07, with the York-Simcoe Express program.  Entering his peewee season in 2007-08, the Aurora, Ontario native joined the Aurora Tigers ‘AA’ organization and made the transition to a skater, initially as a defenceman.  By 2008-09, Dunin was a forward and had already returned to the Express to close out his minor hockey career.  Despite a shoulder injury that would limit him to just 11 games during his minor midget season, recording nine points, the up-and-coming forward would be selected by the Erie Otters in the 7th round, 134th overall, of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.

Converted to a forward just three seasons earlier, Dunin was drafted into the OHL and made his junior hockey debut in 2011-12 with the nearby Newmarket Hurricanes.  With a December birthday, the 15-year old started the season with promise, notching two goals and two assists in eight games played before a concussion would sideline him in early November, forcing the youngster to miss the remainder of the season, as well as three months of school, due to the severity of the injury.  Exhibiting extraordinary perseverance in overcoming the adversity, Dunin returned this season after missing all of September and would play in 44 of the Hurricanes 55 games while chipping-in offensively with 10 goals, fifth best on the club, and 16 points.

Despite his time spent dedicated to the game of hockey, even more impressive is Dunin's list of accomplishments in the classroom.  Attending the prestigious St. Andrew's College in Aurora, the 17-year old is poised to graduate this year as an Ontario Scholar, currently maintaining a 92% average.  Not only is he a member of the Honour Roll for his academic achievements, but he is also on the Headmaster's Honour Roll for having 85% or higher in all courses being taken, and has been such recognized for the past two years.

Dunin continues to accomplish all of this while recovering from the extreme effects of post-concussion syndrome.  After missing three months of school, he would return more determined than ever and was able to finish grade 11 with his classmates, excelling at summer courses to keep pace.  Although undecided, Dunin has already been offered early admission to the Queen's University Commerce program with an academic scholarship.

If not busy enough between his academic and hockey careers, Dunin has spent countless hours volunteering his services in the community.  Currently the Director of Sponsorship for the St. Andrew's College SpringSmash, he has helped raise thousands of dollars for the local Children's Aid Society and last year he was one of the school's top fundraisers for the event.  Along with assisting his former Express organization with peewee practices for the past three years, Dunin also spends time working with a family foundation that supports the Children's Aid Society, Salvation Army, Kerry's Place and Yellow Brick House with the Holiday Hero Program.

The OJHL Scholastic Player-of-the-Year Award is awarded annually to the player adjudged to best combine success on the ice with his club, along with success in school

Evan Jasper of the Cobourg Cougars is the runner-up in the OJHL award selection to Dunin.

The now 21-year old native of Whitby, Ontario was the captain of the Cougars this past year, completing his fourth season in the OJHL.  Taking on numerous volunteer initiatives throughout the season, both for the team and within the community, Jasper previously graduated high school on the Honour Roll and attended Trent University this season.  He will be attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut beginning in the fall.

The OJHL Rookie-of-the-Year Award recipient will be announced later this week.

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

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