Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Matheas Stark of the Kitchener Rangers, Noah Bender of the Oshawa Generals, Ethan Czata of the Niagara IceDogs and Lukas Fischer of the Sarnia Sting have been named Academic Players of the Month for October proudly presented by Hockley Valley Resort.
East Division – Noah Bender (Oshawa Generals)
Oshawa Generals rookie netminder Noah Bender is the OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Bender is currently achieving an overall average of 92 percent across three university-level courses, with a 92 percent average in Advanced Functions, an 86 percent average in Canadian and International Law, and a 98 percent average in High Performance studies at Maxwell Heights Secondary School.
“Noah is described as a hard working, conscientious, and personable individual by his teachers, coaches, and teammates,” said Generals academic advisor Tom Buchanan.
The 17-year-old from Waterloo, Ont. has made two appearances for the Generals this season, making his OHL debut on Oct. 14th in Barrie. Bender was Oshawa’s 12th round (231st overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection before backstopping the PJHL’s Wellesley AppleJacks to a Schmalz Cup title last season as Ontario’s Junior C champions.
Central Division – Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs)
Niagara IceDogs rookie forward Ethan Czata is the OHL Central Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Czata is currently holding an “A” average in three grade 11 university-level courses, including American History, Superfit, and Chemistry at Governor Simcoe Secondary School.
“Ethan is an excellent student. He is well respected by both staff and students and is sure to lead to IceDogs for years to come!”, said IceDogs academic advisor, Tim Tope.
The 16-year-old from Brampton, Ont. has played 11 games this season, recording two assists for Niagara. The 6-foot, 160Ib. centreman was selected fifth overall by the IceDogs in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He’ll be competing for Team Canada White in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, starting this week on Prince Edward Island.
Midwest Division – Matheas Stark (Kitchener Rangers)
Kitchener Rangers rookie forward Matheas Stark is the OHL Midwest Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Stark is currently achieving outstanding grades in four university-level courses, including grade 11 English, American History, Chemistry, and Sport Analytics and Management at TPH Academy in partnership with Blyth Academy.
“In his first year with the Kitchener Rangers, Matheas has seamlessly transitioned into the team, making an impact both on and off the ice. His commitment to excel is undeniable, and it is this very trait that makes him the perfect candidate for Academic Player of the Month,” said Rangers academic advisor Dave Tennant.
“Academically, Matheas has exhibited dedication and discipline. Maintaining an impressive “A” average while juggling a demanding academic load is no small feat. With a schedule that includes four challenging University-level courses, Matheas not only meets the academic bar but raises it,” Tennant added. “His work in the classroom is a testament to his focus and commitment to academic success. On the ice, he exudes the same qualities that make him a great student-athlete. His dedication to success and his ability to inspire and lead his peers set the perfect example for all aspiring student-athletes.”
Stark was selected in the third round (47th overall) by Kitchener in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Marlboros U16 program, and has recorded one goal in six games with the Rangers this season.
West Division – Lukas Fischer (Sarnia Sting)
Sarnia Sting blueliner Lukas Fischer is the OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month for October.
Fischer is currently achieving high grades in Mathematics, English, Earth Science, Health and Nutrition, and Chemistry through a combination of online studies and time at Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School in Sarnia.
“Lukas brings a positive and respectful attitude to Northern Collegiate daily, as well as maturity and insight. There is little doubt that he will continue to excel and develop both as a student and as an athlete during his time with the Sting,” said Sting academic advisor Todd Whitlock.
The 6-foot-3, 170lb. defenceman enters his second season with the Sting, recording two goals, six assists, and eight points over 13 games played this season. Fischer was Sarnia’s 11th round (208th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and was recently included as a ‘B’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s October players to watch list for the 2024 NHL Draft.
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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.
Click here for more information about ‘OHL Players First’ programs.
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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