OHL Ontario Hockey League

OHL Announces October Academic Players of the Month

November 7, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release


Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hockey League today announced the OHL Academic Players of the Month for October 2014, including defenceman Ryan Orban of the Saginaw Spirit, rookie forward Matthew Hotchkiss of the Guelph Storm, blueliner Mark Shoemaker of the North Bay Battalion and sophomore winger Lawson Crouse of the Kingston Frontenacs.

West Division: The West Division Academic Player of the Month for October is Saginaw Spirit defenceman Ryan Orban. A native of Stittsville, ON, and Saginaw's second round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection, Orban is currently a grade twelve student at Heritage High School. The sophomore rearguard is seen as a positive influence who is dedicated to his current studies in Psychology and Marketing. Orban's teachers describe him as "a true student athlete and role model for current and future OHL players. Ryan is appreciated for his work ethic and polite and friendly personality." The 6'3", 215Ib 17 year-old has played in 15 games with the Spirit so far this season, notching two assists. The Saginaw Spirit would like to congratulate Ryan on receiving this hard earned recognition.

Midwest Division: The Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October is Guelph Storm rookie forward Matthew Hotchkiss. The Whitby native is currently taking University level courses in English, Functions & Relations, Physics and Environmental Science at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School in Guelph. In addition to scoring his first OHL goal this season with the Storm and participating in the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia and Lambton Shores, Hotchkiss is also maintaining an 88% average in his studies. Guelph's first round (20th overall) pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, Hotchkiss is described by his teachers as a "focused and determined young man who is a model student." The Guelph Storm would like to commend Matthew on his hard work on and off the ice so far this season.

Central Division: The Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October is North Bay Battalion defenceman Mark Shoemaker. A 17 year-old native of Mississauga, Shoemaker spent last season with the Brampton Bombers Jr. A club before making the jump to joining the Battalion this season. The grade twelve student at Chippewa Secondary School is currently excelling in his schoolwork, being described as "a focused student who applies himself in all subjects and is a competitor in the classroom. He always works hard to do his best." Shoemaker was North Bay's 11th round (210th overall) pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection and has two assists in seven games with the Troops this season. The North Bay Battalion are pleased to congratulate Mark on his both his athletic and scholarly endeavours so far this season.

East Division: The OHL's East Division Academic Player of the Month for October is Kingston Frontenacs winger Lawson Crouse who is currently a grade twelve student at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School. Crouse, a 17 year-old from Mt. Brydges, ON, was a first round (5th overall) pick by the Frontenacs in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection and comes off a solid summer showing at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial U18 Tournament. Crouse is currently enrolled in University level law, math and religion courses, maintaining honour roll status for the past two years. The 6'3", 200Ib winger will represent Team OHL in the SUBWAY Super Series November 17 and has seven goals and three assists in his first 14 games this season. His teachers describe him as a student who demonstrates "an exemplary work ethic and commitment to his studies." The Kingston Frontenacs are pleased to recognize Lawson with this award.

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