Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Academic Players of the Month for January, proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.
East Division – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)
Brantford Bulldogs rookie forward Jake O’Brien is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for January.
O’Brien is currently holding outstanding grades in three grade 11 courses, including an overall average of 92.3 percent across Marketing, Designing Your Future, and Health at Ancaster High School.
“Jake has demonstrated impressive academic achievement across a breadth of courses,” said Bulldogs Academic Advisor Sean Nicholson. “His teachers regularly note the diligent attention he pays to his studies, and how he’s always on time with his assignments, even after a long road trip. Jake is a role model for other e-learning students and has managed to achieve the perfect balance between academics and his on-ice commitments”.
The 16-year-old from Toronto, Ont. has played 38 games this season, recording seven goals and 34 assists for the Bulldogs. O’Brien’s 43 points make him the only OHL rookie with than a point-per-game so far this season. Winning the 2023 OHL Cup to be crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, the 6-foot, 165Ib. forward was Brantford’s first round (8th overall) pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 program. O’Brien was selected to represent Canada Red at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last November.
Central Division – Jaiden Newton (Barrie Colts)
Barrie Colts rookie forward Jaiden Newton is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for January.
Newton is currently holding an “A” average in two grade 11 courses, including an 85 percent average in Transportation Technology, an 82 percent average in High Performance Athlete Co-op, as well as a 78 percent average in grade 12 Business Leadership at Innisdale Secondary School.
“J.D.’s teachers have remarked that he is a hard working student who attends his classes regularly and always submits his work on time,” said Colts Academic Advisor Chris Cudmore.
The 16-year-old Whitby, Ont. product has played 26 games this season, recording a goal and four assists for the Colts. The 5-foot-11, 167Ib. centreman was originally selected in the second round (26th overall) by Barrie in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Whitby Wildcats U16 program.
Midwest Division – Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters)
Erie Otters rookie defenceman Matthew Schaefer is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for January.
Schaefer is currently holding excellent grades in four grade 11 university-level courses, including a 97 percent average in Speech, a 91.36 percent average in Visual Arts Exploration, a 98 percent average in Public Speaking, and a 93 percent average in Innovation at Fairview High School, as well as a 95 percent average in online grade 11 English at Blyth Academy.
“Matthew has excelled in the classroom throughout this season, maintaining an average of 95% through five academic courses so far this school year,” said Otters Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Grieve. “Matthew is an extremely mature, responsible young man, and he has transitioned into the OHL very well. He is a pleasure to work with both on and off the ice, and is very deserving of this recognition.”
Selected first overall by the Otters in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Halton Hurricanes U16 program, the Stoney Creek, Ont. native has registered two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points over 38 games played in Erie this season. The 6-foot-1, 162lb. blueliner was selected to represent Canada White at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last November, captaining his team to a gold medal.
West Division – Jacob Brown (Flint Firebirds)
Flint Firebirds goaltender Jacob Brown is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for January.
Brown is currently achieving a high average across five grade 12 university-level courses, with a 95 percent average in Career Management, a 95 percent average in Physical Fitness, a 95 percent average in Personal Finance, a 92 percent average in Psychology, and a 95 percent average in Co-op at Linden High School.
Brown has played to a 2-4-2-0 record with the Firebirds this season, recording a 4.82 goals-against average and an .836 save percentage in 10 appearances. The 6-foot-2, 176lb. Yarker, Ont. native was the Firebirds’ fourth round (80th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection from the Greater Kingston Gaels U16 program. Brown made 23 appearances with the Timmins Rock of the NOJHL last season, playing to an 18-1-3 record, along with a 1.49 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.
2023-24 OHL Academic Players of the Month:
East Division:
January – Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs)
December – Carson Cameron (Peterborough Petes)
November – Charlie Hilton (Ottawa 67’s)
October – Noah Bender (Oshawa Generals)
Central Division:
January – Jaiden Newton (Barrie Colts)
December – Parker Von Richter (Mississauga Steelheads)
November – Chase Coughlan (Sudbury Wolves)
October – Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)
Midwest Division:
January – Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters)
December – Carter George (Owen Sound Attack)
November – Henry Brzustewicz (London Knights)
October – Matheas Stark (Kitchener Rangers)
West Division:
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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