67’s’ Sirman earns Roger Neilson Memorial Award as OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Ottawa 67’s defenceman Thomas Sirman is the 2023-24 recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary student.

Sirman recorded an average of over 83 percent in studies at Queen’s University, with excellence in Geography, French and Liberal Arts, doing so during his third season on the 67’s blue line.

“I want to thank everyone in the Ottawa 67’s organization for their role in helping me receive this award; including James Boyd, Jan Egert, Dave Cameron, my billets, teammates and our academic advisor Eileen Duffin, who has helped me continue my education since I’ve arrived in Ottawa,” said Sirman. “Education is extremely important in my family, so being able to share this award with them is amazing. I’m very fortunate to have been able to begin my university education while playing in the OHL.”

A 19-year-old defenceman from Aurora, Ont., Sirman recorded 16 points (3-13–16) over 40 games in an injury-shortened 2023-24 season, recording a plus-9 rating along with 40 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-10, 178Ib. rearguard has collected 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points in 160 regular season games since being selected by the 67’s with the third round (60th overall) pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“Throughout his time with the Ottawa 67’s, Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, both on the ice and in the classroom,” said 67’s General Manager James Boyd. “We are very pleased to see him recognized for his academic achievements.”

Sirman added two goals and an assist in 10 playoff games as Ottawa eliminated the Brantford Bulldogs before falling to the Oshawa Generals in the second round.

“I am extremely happy to see Thomas rewarded with the Roger Neilson Award for the top marks he’s earned on his courses at Queen’s University,” said Eileen Duffin, who serves as the club’s Academic Advisor. “Thomas sets the academic bar high, and is an excellent role model for the 67’s high school players who are moving on to university next year.”

The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.  Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players. Sirman follows other 67’s players in back-to-back winner Adam Varga (2021, ’22), Sasha Chmelevski (2019) and Danny Battochio (2005, ’06) to become the fourth to win the award in franchise history.

Finalists for this year’s Roger Neilson Memorial Award included Oshawa Generals forward Stuart Rolofs and Kitchener Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons.

For a full list of award winners, click here.