OHL Announces 2016-2017 Award Nominees
Recently, the OHL announced the nominees for the 2016-2017 Player Award Nominees. Three IceDogs players, and Head Coach, Dave Bell, were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments this season.
As the 9th captain in IceDogs history, Ryan Mantha took on the responsibility of quarterbacking the power play, manning the penalty kill, along with mentoring his first year teammates. With the increased responsibility came more opportunity to continue developing. In 65 games this season, Mantha more than doubled his point totals from his first two seasons in the league, collecting 58 points (17 goals, 41 assists), leading the team in shots on goal, while being a force on the back end. His achievements were recognized by the Edmonton Oilers, who signed him to an Entry Level Contract at the beginning of March. The Ontario Hockey League has nominated Mantha for the leagues Overage Player of the Year, as well as the leagues Defenceman of the Year.
Dubbed as being the team’s Super Rookie, Akil Thomas was nominated by the OHL for being Rookie of the Year. In 61 games this season, Thomas set a new franchise record for most points by a rookie, collecting 48 points. Despite missing time early in the season to play for Canada White at the u17 Hockey Challenge, Thomas didn’t miss a beat with the team. Thomas finished third in league rookie scoring, and fourth in team scoring.
Playing in his first season as a starting goaltender, Stephen Dhillon became the fourth goalie in the past ten years to face over 2000 shots in a season. Dhillon was a rallying point for the team all season. Making huge saves in big games, and being a solid final line of defence on the youngest team in the Canadian Hockey League earned him the team’s nomination for Most Outstanding Player this season.
Dave Bell, who entered into his first season as a head coach in the Ontario Hockey League, has been nominated as Coach of the Year. After taking over as head coach this season, Bell continued the IceDogs’ 10 year-playoff run, coaching the leagues youngest team and developing them into a consistent competitor in every game.
The OHL Awards Ceremony will take place on June 8th at the Hockey Hall of Fame, award recipients will be announced periodically throughout the remainder of the 2017 OHL Playoffs. Announcements for the recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year, Academic Players of the Year, and the 2016-17 Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy will follow.