Frontenacs’ Vaccari making a difference with every save

Among the OHL’s goaltending leaders in both saves and minutes played this season, Mason Vaccari continues to serve as the backbone of the Kingston Frontenacs’ defensive line, showcasing resilience, poise, and determination across 34 games, playing to a 17-15-1-0 record.

Owning a 3.67 goals-against average and .883 save percentage this season, the 18-year-old Mississauga, Ont. native remains a pivotal figure for Kingston not only on the ice but also within the community.

“Mason is a fantastic student and an extremely bright young man. He deeply cares about other people,” said Frontenacs general manager, Kory Cooper. “He’s a guy that always puts his team and the community first. It shows you Mason’s character, as well as the way that he was brought up at home.”

Through his fundraising initiative “Mason’s Miracles”, Vaccari underscores the significance of giving back to the community that has embraced him for the past two years. Personally donating 50 cents for every save that he makes during the 2023-24 OHL season to the paediatric wing and Kingston Health & Sciences Centre at Kingston General Hospital, Vaccari also donates his time by scheduling regular visits with the children in the paediatric wing.

“Kingston has been good to me, and I want to give back to the community,” said Vaccari. “I chose the paediatric wing of the hospital as the beneficiary because I know that being a sick child is difficult and scary. I want to help ensure that the children of Kingston get the best possible care to ensure they are treated and can return to home and school as quickly as possible and that they are as happy and healthy as they can be.”

Vaccari’s commitment to the Frontenacs organization extends beyond the ice, reflecting his unwavering dedication not only to his team but also to those in his surrounding area.

“To be at the forefront of an initiative like his and care for others, it shows what type of person he is and what he brings to this team. He has outstanding leadership qualities on the ice and in the community,” added Cooper.

At the halfway mark of the season, Mason’s Miracles is making remarkable strides.

Thanks to the support of Charette Custom Homes, generous contributions, and Mason's outstanding performance on the ice, Vaccari has successfully raised $2,982.00 for the @KingstonHSC’s Pediatric… pic.twitter.com/R8vC4wMqoC

— Kingston Frontenacs (@KingstonFronts) December 27, 2023

As Vaccari continues to step up as Kingston’s starting goaltender this season, the Frontenacs’ general manager has been instrumental in offering guidance to Vaccari, who stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 178 pounds. Cooper, having started 60+ games twice in his own OHL career as an undersized netminder, brings valuable insight to Vaccari’s journey.

“I always say that Mason has to pay 50 cents for something that may only cost a quarter each and every day, and that’s exactly what he does,” commented Cooper. “He has an extremely high work ethic, but his preparation and attention to detail when he comes to the rink on practice days and game days remains consistent.”

Playing to an 11-14-0-0 record along with a 3.67 goals-against average and .899 save percentage last season, Vaccari has evolved into a crucial component of Kingston’s lineup this year, embracing a new rhythm as he continues to progress with the team.

“Going through the grind of an OHL season isn’t always easy as a goaltender,” added Cooper, speaking from experience. “There are times in a season where things can go extremely well for you, and stretches where things become a bit more difficult. When you’re playing as often as he is, sometimes three games a week, you have to find a way to manage and make sure those down moments don’t last as long. Mason looks after his body in all the right ways. We all know that we can count on him as we look forward.”

Holding the second spot in the East Division, Vaccari and the Frontenacs return to action at 7pm on Thursday as they visit the Peterborough Memorial Centre to take on the Petes.