PEARSON NAMED MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Barrie Colts forward Tanner Pearson has been named the Eastern Conference’s Most Improved Player.
The Ontario Hockey League announced on Thursday the winners of the Eastern Conference Coaches Poll Winners, and four different Colts were named in a total of six categories.
Pearson took home 34 votes and finished ahead of Mississauga’s Jamie Wise (13) as the Most Improved Player.
Pearson has put up 36 goals and 52 assists in 58 games this season and sits third in OHL scoring. Last year Pearson had 15 goals and 27 assists in 66 games played.
The 19 year-old forward played in the Subway Super Series, the Home Hardware Top Prospects Game and for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship.
The Kitchener native is currently ranked 22nd amongst OHL skaters for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Mark Scheifele took home three awards and was named the second best shootout shooter. The Winnipeg Jets prospect finished just three votes shy of tying Tyler Toffoli for top spot.
Scheifele picked up nine votes as the most dangerous in the goal area and finished third in that category. He was also named third best on face-offs.
Ivan Telegin finished in a first-place tie with Ottawa’s Shane Prince as the Eastern Conference’s best skater. Telegin has been on quite a roll with 27 goals and 17 assists in his last 27 games.
Barrie has clinched third place in the Eastern Conference and will open up the playoffs at home on Thursday, March 22nd.
