NOJHL names its Players of the Month for September

SUDBURY, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League announced Saturday its Forward; Defenceman; Goaltender and Rookie of the Month for September.

FORWARD OF THE MONTH: ZACHARY DEMERS, (F) HEARST LUMBERJACKS – A tremendous opening month of the campaign saw the 20-year-old St-Hubert, Que., product register a league-best 17 points with six impressive goals and 11 equally solid helpers.

Many of Demers’ efforts were of highlight-reel quality in helping Hearst win five times in September, including their last four outings.

He drew the primary assist on four of the five game-winning goals the Lumberjacks had in September.

With five multi-point performances already this season, Demers enters October leading the NOJHL in offensive production and is just seven points shy of reaching the century mark in his career.

Honourable Mention: Riley Klugerman, (F) Hearst Lumberjacks; Brady Harroun, (F) Timmins Rock

Monthly recipients
September: Zachary Demers, (F) Hearst Lumberjacks

DEFENCEMAN OF THE MONTH: KENYON NYMAN, (D) TIMMINS ROCK – Rock newcomer Nyman was solid on both ends of the ice for his squad while pacing all league defencemen in scoring.

Only held off the game sheet twice, in eight match-ups, the 20-year-old from Maple Ridge, B.C., scored three times and aided in seven others for East Division-leading Timmins.

Two of his assists were on game-deciding tallies.

Presently leading NOJHL blueliners in scoring, he’s also tops, among rearguards, in power play points, with five.

Honourable Mention: Alex Little, (D) Powassan Voodoos; Jonathan Lush, (D) Espanola Paper Kings

Monthly recipients
September: Kenyon Nyman, (D) Timmins Rock

GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH: LOGAN RAFFAELE, (G) SOO EAGLES – A solid start to his year saw Raffaele come away victorious in each of his first three appearances in league play this season.

Not only did the 20-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., win all of his starts for his hometown squad, he only gave up two tallies in total and also registered his first-ever NOJHL shutout.

Raffaele’s contributions see him leading all league netminders in goals-against average at 0.67.

He also leads the way in save percentage at a very respectable .978, while facing, on average, just over 27 shots-per-game.

Honourable Mention: Gavin Disano, (G) Blind River Beavers; Andrew Gaulton, (G) Espanola Paper Kings  

Monthly recipients
September: Logan Raffaele, (G) Soo Eagles

ROOKIE OF THE MONTH: ANDREW GAULTON, (G) ESPANOLA PAPER KINGS – As one of the youngest players in the league, Gaulton has been quick to make an impression in the NOJHL.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper, who hails from Bowmanville, Ont., has been solid for the upstart Paper Kings, collecting four wins, and adding another point in extra time for his club, helping a resurgent Espanola side.

His win total in September tied him for the most among all league stoppers.

Seeing 30-plus shots fired his way in each of his first six starts, Gaulton has seen, on average, over 36 attempts on target fired his way.

Honourable Mention: Kaeden McArthur, (F) Blind River Beavers; Evan Dantas, (F) Elliot Lake Red Wings   

Monthly recipients
September: Andrew Gaulton, (G) Espanola Paper Kings