Toronto, ON - The
Ontario Hockey League announced the OHL Academic
Players of the Month for December.
West Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month
for December in the West Division is defenseman
Nathan Chiarlitti of the Sarnia Sting. Chiarlitti,
18, a native of Maple, Ontario is currently a first
year Bachelor of Science student through the
University of Guelph. Nathan consistently and
independently balances a demanding hockey schedule
with post-secondary level academic responsibilities
in order to realize a high level of success in both.
He has achieved an A average in both his courses. As
a past recipient of team and league academic awards,
Nathan continues to be an excellent example of an
OHL player who balances playing hockey with success
in school, commented Sting Academic Advisor
Caroline White.
Midwest Division - The OHL Academic Player of the
Month for December in the Midwest Division is centre
Andrew Crescenzi of the Kitchener Rangers. Crescenzi,
18, a native of Thornhill, Ontario is currently is a
first year student at Wilfrid Laurier University.
In spite of missing the first three weeks of school
due to attending his first NHL training camp with
the Toronto Maple Leafs, and an injury in the month
of December, Andrew has managed to maintain his
excellent marks throughout the semester. His ability
to focus on the task at hand, whether it be on the
ice or in the classroom, is a true testament to his
desire to succeed at everything he does, commented
Dave Tennant, Academic Advisor for the Rangers.
Central Division - The OHL Academic Player of the
Month for December in the Central Division is
defenseman Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs.
Hamilton, 17, a native of Toronto, Ontario is a
Grade 12 student at Governor Simcoe Secondary School
in St. Catharines. IceDogs Academic Advisor Tim Tope
had this to say about Dougie, Dougie continues to
not only be an emerging star on the ice but also one
of the top grade 12 students in the entire school
board. He maintains a 94% average. Eligible for the
2011 NHL Entry Draft, Hamilton will be competing in
the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at
Air Canada Centre January 18-19.
East Division - The OHL Academic Player of the Month
for December in the East Division is left winger
Lucas Lessio of the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club.
Lessio, 17, a native of Maple, Ontario, is currently
in grade 12 attending Henry Street High School in
Whitby. He is taking a full academic work load
including three grade 12 university credits and is
achieving an 83% average. Lucas has shown a great
work ethic both on and off the ice, commented Tom
Buchanan, Academic Advisor for the Generals. Lessio
will also be participating in the 2011 Home Hardware
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
OHL Academic Highlights:
OHL players successfully completed 97% of high
school courses during the 2009-10 season.
Of the 57 overage players that competed in the
league during the 2009-10 season, 31 have signed
professional hockey contracts while 26 have accessed
their academic scholarships in 2010-11 at various
institutions across North America.
363 OHL graduates and current players are on
scholarship from OHL Member Teams at 66 different
institutions across North America.
2010-11 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
West Division:
December Nathan Chiarlitti, Sarnia Sting
November Brandon Saad, Saginaw Spirit
October Tom Wilson, Plymouth Whalers
Midwest Division:
December Andrew Crescenzi, Kitchener Rangers
November Garret Sparks, Guelph Storm
October Adam Pelech, Erie Otters
Central Division:
December Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs
November Jordan Auld, Brampton Battalion
October Mark Scheifele, Barrie Colts
East Division:
December Lucas Lessio, Oshawa Generals
November Franky Palazzese, Kingston Frontenacs
October Jan Kaminsky, Belleville Bulls |