Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for February, proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.
East Division – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
Kingston Frontenacs goaltender Mason Vaccari is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Vaccari recently completed his final semester of high school with an 89 percent average at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, and is currently achieving high grades in University Economics and Human Development courses.
“Mason’s dedication to his studies is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Holy Cross Teacher, Mrs. Shannon Perugino. “Not only does he give everything to his assignments and daily work, but he also approaches each lesson with curiosity and empathy. Mason is constantly asking questions, engaging in conversation, and motivating classmates to share their ideas when working in groups. Despite demands from the OHL, he approaches his academics with the same level of determination and focus, setting a shining example for his peers.”
“Mason is an exemplary example of what it means to be a student athlete, and it has been a privilege to work with him at Holy Cross,” said Frontenacs Academic Advisor, Kristi LeSarge.
Selected in the fourth round (61st overall) by Kingston in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Vaughan Kings U16 program, the Mississauga, Ont. native has played to a 23-24-2-0 record this season, along with an .879 save percentage and 3.69 goals-against average. Playing in his second season with the Frontenacs, Vaccari has played to a career mark of 34-38-2-0, with a .887 save percentage and 3.63 goals-against average.
Central Division – Nolan Laird (North Bay Battalion)
North Bay Battalion rookie forward Nolan Laird is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Laird achieved an “A” average in his first semester of grade 12 studies, including an 86 percent average in Business Fundamentals, 86 percent average in World Issues, 98 percent average in Healthy and Active Living, and an 86 percent average in Career Studies. Laird is currently holding high marks in Data Management, Kinesiology, and Co-Op Education at Chippewa Secondary School.
“Nolan is an exemplary student-athlete whose drive and commitment enable him to excel both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Battalion Academic Advisor, Stephanie Silverthorn.
The 18-year-old Port Perry, Ont. product has played 24 games this season, recording a goal and an assist for the Battalion. The 6-foot-1, 180Ib. centreman was originally selected in the eighth round (145th overall) by North Bay in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Clarington Toros U16 program.
Midwest Division – Rowan Topp (Guelph Storm)
Guelph Storm defenceman Rowan Topp is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Topp achieved excellent grades in two grade 12 university-level courses last semester, including an overall 93 percent average in Biology and Advanced Functions at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School.
“Rowan is the consummate student-athlete,” said Storm Academic Advisor, Colleen Driscoll. “His teachers consistently note his exceptional work habits, his conscientious approach to his studies, and his aptitude for their subject matter. Rowan’s outstanding academic achievement reflects his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.”
Selected in the third round (59th overall) by Guelph in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the North York Rangers U16 program, the 6-foot-2, 195lb. St. Anns, Ont. native has registered four assists over 52 games played in Guelph this season.
West Division – Josh Glavin (Saginaw Spirit)
Saginaw Spirit defenceman Josh Glavin is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for February.
Glavin achieved outstanding grades in his first semester of grade 12 studies, including an 80 percent average in English, 82 percent average in Advanced Functions, 77 percent average in Biology, and a 99 percent average in Team Sports. Glavin is currently holding high marks in Kinesiology, Chemistry and Astronomy at Heritage High School and Northern Collegiate.
“Josh is an assiduous student with an outstanding work ethic,” said Spirit Academic Advisor, Pamela Moretuzzo. “He is scholastically gifted and very dedicated to his studies. Josh is a strong willed and driven individual which is evident in his 84% average while also attending many scholastic, athletic, and community service commitments. Josh dedicates a great deal of time in and out of school to be successful in his academics, as he has been enrolled in university level courses. He often attends additional study sessions outside of his class hours to improve his understanding of the course material. He is a well-rounded and conscientious student and individual.
“Josh is also committed to improving his hockey skills as a member of the Saginaw Spirit team,” Moretuzzo added. “He welcomes hockey, academic, and personal challenges and works diligently to accomplish his goals. He has outstanding sportsmanship and a positive attitude both on and off of the ice. Josh is an exceptional young man and a pleasure to know. He is polite, responsible, honest, and hard-working. Due to his superior work ethic and perseverance, Josh will surely succeed at any goal he sets for himself,” she added.
The 17-year-old Sarnia, Ont. product has played 31 games this season, recording four assists for the Spirit. The 6-foot-2, 190Ib. blueliner was originally selected in the third round (54th overall) by Saginaw in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Lambton Jr. Sting U16 program.
2023-24 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
East Division:
February – Mason Vaccari (Kingston Frontenacs)
January – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)
December – Carson Cameron (Peterborough Petes)
November – Charlie Hilton (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Noah Bender (Oshawa Generals)
Central Division:
February – Nolan Laird (North Bay Battalion)
January – Jaiden Newton (Barrie Colts)
December – Parker Von Richter (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Chase Coughlan (Sudbury Wolves)
October – Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)
Midwest Division:
February – Rowan Topp (Guelph Storm)
January – Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters)
December – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
November – Henry Brzustewicz (London Knights)
October – Matheas Stark (Kitchener Rangers)
West Division:
February – Josh Glavin (Saginaw Spirit)
January – Jacob Brown (Flint Firebirds)
December – Cole Davis (Windsor Spitfires)
November – Tate Vader (Soo Greyhounds)
October – Lukas Fischer (Sarnia Sting)
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The OHL continues to produce student-athletes that move on to both professional and U SPORTS men’s hockey endeavours.
A total of 333 graduates utilized their OHL Scholarship at post-secondary institutions across North America during the 2022-23 academic year, with a total contribution by teams of over $3.6 million. Over the past 10 seasons, OHL Scholarship payments have totalled more than $25 million.
A total of 228 OHL Alumni were included on U SPORTS men’s hockey rosters to open the 2023-24 season.
About Hockley Valley Resort
Hockley Valley Resort is a premier year-round destination, nestled in the heart of Ontario’s scenic countryside just 45 minutes from Toronto. Offering 108 guest rooms, extensive meeting facilities, full-service spa, championship golf course, ski runs and terrain park, and 10 kilometres of mountain biking trails, the resort caters to the diverse needs of both leisure and corporate guests. With a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and creating unforgettable memories, Hockley Valley Resort offers its guests a welcoming, natural setting, ensuring a memorable stay.
Adamo Estate Winery, sister property to Hockley Valley Resort offers a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts, featuring exceptional wines crafted with attention to detail and a picturesque vineyard setting. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, guided tours, and special events, immersing themselves in the artistry of winemaking in this emerging wine region of Mono, Ontario.
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