MHL Announces 2012-2013 Scholastic Player of the Year, CJHL RBC Player of the Year Nominee

Press Release

 The Maritime Junior Hockey League and Premier sponsor Kent released the recipient of the 2012-2013 Scholastic Player of the Year (RBC Scholarship) on Wednesday as well as its nominee for the 2013 RBC National Junior A Player of the Year Award.

The recipient of the RBC Scholarship is forward Zack Cahill of the Dieppe Commandos. Cahill, a 20 year-old native of Halifax, Nova Scotia was not only a solid scoring asset for Dieppe, finishing third overall with 73 points in 51 games, but also proved to be an exceptional student. Cahill also shared the most goals on the year with Rankyn Campbell at 37. 

The RBC Scholarship program is designed to provide an opportunity for Junior A players to apply for a scholarship based on their academic accomplishments and community service.

“Zack has shown exceptional commitment towards our hockey program over the past 3 seasons”, commented Commandos General Manager Jean-François Damphousse. “Being a top goal scorer in the Maritime Junior Hockey League is a great accomplishment but doing so while studying full time at university and maintaining such great marks is remarkable”.

The MHL nominee for the National Award is Mitch Maynard of the Summerside Western Capitals. The CJHL Player of the Year is selected by Life Members of Hockey Canada from nominations submitted by each of the 10 CJHL member leagues. It is awarded based on the player’s hockey playing ability, combined with academic achievement and off-ice community involvement. 

Maynard, who was also the recipient of the MHL’s Player of the Year award, was outstanding for the Capitals on the ice as he turned in 70 points in 52 games (tied for 4th overall).

“Mitch is of tremendous character and maturity”, said Capitals Head Coach Billy McGuigan. “The way he has carried himself this season while managing his time with hockey and a course load at UPEI has been excellent. He is a great player”.

“On behalf of the MHL, I would like to congratulate both of these fine young players on their accomplishments this season”, said John Lynn, Chairman of the MHL Board of Governors. “Zack and Mitch exemplify success on and off the ice in admirable fashion. They are exactly the type of quality individuals we want to see enjoy their time in the MHL and then move on to greater things”. 

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