OHL Soo Greyhounds

Hounds Hand out Annual Awards

Published on March 15, 2013 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Soo Greyhounds News Release


The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club held their 2013 Annual Awards Banquet earlier this evening at the Marconi Club here in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

Team representatives joined players, billets, families, friends and special guests in awarding eleven individual team awards along with service recognition awards (Nick Cousins, David Broll, Michael Schumacher and Ryan Sproul) and paid tribute to the team's three overage players (Chris Buonomo, Brandon Alderson and Colin Miller).

RYAN SPROUL, DARNELL NURSE, BRANDON ALDERSON and NICK COUSINS walked away with multiple pieces of hardware on the night.

Award winner's were as follows:

Rookie of the Year Award presented by Assistant Coach Seamus Kotyk.

This award will see co-recipients for the 2012-13 season.

These players both took different routes to becoming a Greyhound - one via the OHL Priority Selection and the other by way of the CHL Import Draft.

Both players have reached the 20-goal plateau this year already and have come in providing excitement to the present, and the future of this organization.

SERGEY TOLCHINSKY / JARED MCCANN

Dr. Bill Kelly Award for the Most Gentlemanly Player presented by Staff Sergeant Chris Kelly

In his 4th season in the OHL, and second with the Hounds this player has the second highest goals for the club. A point shy of 50 on the year, he has averaged well over a point per game down the stretch.

Impressively he has a mere 10 penalty minutes in 54 games played.

ANDREW FRITSCH

Mike Desjardins Memorial Trophy for Best Defenseman presented by Greyhounds Assistant Coach Joe Cirella.

Despite missing 16 games early in the year with a major injury, this player has returned to the Hounds line-up to make his mark here, and in the OHL.

After recording his 100th career point in November, he was later invited to the Team Canada WJHC selection camp, named OHL Player of the Week in February, OHL player of the month and to-date leads the Hounds offensively and is vying for the OHL Defenceman scoring title.

In his third year with the club, he is the recipient of this award for the second consecutive season.

RYAN SPROUL

Rome's / Campbell's Scholastic Player of the Year Award presented by Educational Co-Ordinator Jerry Bumbacco..

The Soo Greyhounds have stressed a program that combines athletics and academics at a superior level. And while there are many who have followed through with the commitment required, this player has with honours.

He is a player who is driven for success in the classroom while maintaining an average above 87% in courses including Math Functions, Leadership, World Issues, Religion and Economics.

DARNELL NURSE

Red Star Three Star Award given annually to the player with the highest number of 3 stars and 3 star aggregate point totals presented by Hounds Governor Dr. George Shunock.

Through 66 games this season, this award will see three players become recipient for this season. Named a game star 12-14 occasions each, these players have tallied 26 points towards this award.

NICK COUSINS, RYAN SPROUL and BRANDON ALDERSON

Sault Star Trophy for Unsung Hero presented by Sault Star Sports reporter Peter Ruicci

Every team has an unsung hero. An individual who puts the hard-hat on, goes to battle and gives their utmost for individual success that leads to team success.

This player was off-season acquisition of the club and since wearing the Red & White has put together a year of personal bests in many areas.

ALEX GUDBRANSON

Humanitarian Award for outstanding contribution in our community presented by Hounds Head Coach Sheldon Keefe.

This is an award that holds special meaning to me. In the inaugural presentation of this award, we will present the recipients who went above and beyond in our local community.

And while the team has raised the bar on it's community involvement this season - these two players have contributed over 50 hours each in various events. Primarily, they have been instrumental in the club's Kewadin Cares hospital visits that see's visits put smiles on the faces of patients young, old and in varying stages of illness.

BRANDON ALDERSON AND RYAN SPROUL

Esposito Trophy for the team's Top Scorer presented by Hounds Director Angelo Bumbacco.

After signing an entry-level deal in the summer of 2012, this player has achieved many new levels statistically in 2012-13.

He played in his 250th game back on February 1st, has scored his 1st career hat-trick, and with over 100 pts presently is the first player to do so in a Hounds uniform since 1996-97.

With 26 goals and 75 assists, his 101 points will see him recipient of this award for the 2nd year in a row.

NICK COUSINS

Pino's Award for the Most Improved Player presented by Greyhounds Director Ben Pino.

In his 4th season in the OHL, and second with the Hounds, this player has made many take notice in all aspects of his game - including an NHL club with whom he recently signed with as a free agent.

A season including his 100th career point in October, 50th career goal, 1st career hat-trick and best-ever +/- rating has been a large part of the Hounds season to-date.

BRANDON ALDERSON

Pete Taylor Memorial Trophy awarded to the Player's Player as voted on by the players presented by Assistant Coach Mike Oliverio.

In his second season with the Hounds, this player has became what was anticipated he would be - a leader both on and off the ice. He is highly respected among the Soo Greyhounds organization and most importantly among his teammates.

He has served as an Alternate Captain with Team Cherry at the Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, and serves as an alternate here with the Hounds.

DARNELL NURSE

Rock 101 Trophy for MVP of the Regular Season presented by Sovereign Communication's Operation's Manager Mark SanAngelo.

Along with team honours, this player has garnered recognition as an OHL Player of the Week and Player of the Month.

He speaks for himself, and more importantly so do his stats.

Originally drafted by the Hounds in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection he has made himself among the elite of the OHL.

He'll be recognized for the third time here this evening - and takes this honour in back-to-back seasons.

NICK COUSINS

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