OHL Ontario Hockey League

OHL Announces December Academic Players of the Month

January 15, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release


Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for December, 2014, including forward Blake Speers of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, rookie forwards Drake Rymsha of the London Knights and Travis Barron of the Ottawa 67's, and defenceman Trenton Bourque of the Sudbury Wolves.

West Division: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward Blake Speers is the West Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The sophomore from Sault Ste. Marie holds a 96% average in his studies at St. Mary's College entering first semester exams. "Blake has proven to be a positive role model and exemplifies the OHL policy of providing 'the best of both worlds' with regards to academics and hockey," said Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis. The draft eligible forward has 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points in 38 games this season.

Midwest Division: London Knights rookie forward Drake Rymsha is the Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 16 year-old native of Huntington Woods, Michigan is maintaining an 85% average as a grade 11 student at Blyth Academy. "Drake's success can be credited to his positive attitude, hard work ethic, and dedication both on and off the ice," said Knights Academic Advisor Shalen Hunter. "We look forward to seeing more wonderful things from Drake in the future!" A graduate of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens Minor Midget program, Rymsha has three goals and four assists in 39 games this season.

Central Division: Sudbury Wolves defenceman Trenton Bourque is the Central Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The 16 year-old rookie blueliner was Sudbury's third round pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection and played in 31 games this season. The Burlington, ON, native holds a 90% average across three grade 11 University level courses at Lasalle Secondary School. "Trenton is a leader in the classroom and a pleasure to teach," said Wolves Academic Advisor Gordon Ewin. Bourque is currently taking a heavy courseload that includes Math, Biology and Physics.

East Division: Ottawa 67's rookie forward Travis Barron is the East Division Academic Player of the Month for December. The third overall pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection has an 80% average as a grade 11 student at Blyth Academy in Ottawa. "Travis is a respectful, engaged and determined student who always puts forth a consistent effort in his attempts to balance playing hockey for the 67's and being a successful student," said 67's Academic Advisor Eileen Duffin. "Travis has worked very hard upon his return from the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge to catch up on his English and Math courses, completing both successfully." The native of Belfountain, ON, has 11 goals and six assists in 36 games this season.

2014-15 OHL Academic Players of the Month:

West Division:

December - Blake Speers (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds)

November - Jakob Chychrun (Sarnia Sting)

October - Ryan Orban (Saginaw Spirit)

Midwest Division:

December - Drake Rymsha (London Knights)

November - Mason Kohn (Kitchener Rangers)

October - Matthew Hotchkiss (Guelph Storm)

Central Division:

December - Trenton Bourque (Sudbury Wolves)

November - Stephen Dhillon (Niagara IceDogs)

October - Mark Shoemaker (North Bay Battalion)

East Division:

December - Travis Barron (Ottawa 67's)

November - Sam Harding (Oshawa Generals)

October - Lawson Crouse (Kingston Frontenacs)

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