FINN NAMED GOALTENDER-OF-THE-YEAR

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced that Charlie Finn (photo credit - Robert John Boucher/OJHL Images) of the Kingston Voyageurs has been named the inaugural recipient of the OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Year Award, as voted on by the OJHL Award Committee (Top Goaltender is for the goaltender with the lowest goals against average in the regular season).

During his three seasons in the OJHL, Charlie Finn has been; perhaps, the most consistent goaltender from year-to-year.  The North Vancouver, B.C. native once again dominated the league statistically, topping many of the goaltending categories, including his 2.15 goals against average, .941 save percentage and eight shutouts.

Recently awarded his second OJHL Top Goaltender Award for leading the league in goals against average, as well as being named the 1st Team All-Star, Finn was instrumental in the club's second half surge this season that saw them break into the CJHL's Top 20 rankings after going 17-2 from mid-December until the end of the year.  His final record on the season was 25-10-4, the OJHL's fourth best win total, compiled in 39 games played, while his 1,348 saves was also fourth most and he played the seventh most minutes at 2,374:04.

Finn's efforts this season backstopped the Vees to the fifth best penalty-killing unit, allowing just 33 goals while shorthanded for an 85.53% efficiency.  The club would post a league-high 10 game winning streak on the season, as well as a nine game winning streak on the road, helping them finish second in the East Division to the regular season champion Trenton Golden Hawks.

Previously named a 1st Team All-Prospect for the South-East Conference in 2010-11, Finn would be named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month for January, as well as the runner-up in November and February, and was the starting goalie for Team Canada East at the 2012 World Junior 'A' Challenge held in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.  He would also be selected to play for the OJHL East Division All-Stars at the 2012 Central Canada Cup, but would miss the event, and is committed to join the Colgate University Raiders beginning next season.

The OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Year Award is awarded to the goaltender adjudged to have demonstrated the greatest all-round ability at his position throughout the regular season.

Parker Gahagen of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres is runner-up in the OJHL Award balloting to Finn.

Gahagen helped lead the Jr. Sabres to their first regular season Conference title in franchise history, finishing second among all netminders with 29 wins and seven shutouts, while also posting the league's fifth best save percentage at .924%.

The OJHL Baycon Construction Top Defenceman recipient will be announced later this week.

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