Riley Pope may have received the headlines after being named Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) East Conference Player-of-the-Month for January after he tallied 17 points during nine games.
Riley wasn’t alone.
The Spirit team went 7-2-0-0 during the month, improving to 27-15-0-4. They’ve won at a clip or 0.630 this season – the best in 10 years for the franchise.
Outsiders noticed. The Spirit is ranked ninth in the 24-team league in this week’s OJHL coaches’ poll/Power Rankings.
And several of Pope’s teammates also had big months statistically:
- RIT commit Julian Demiglio had 15 points (6 goals/9 assists) in nine games.
- Lachlan Wells had 14 points (5 goals/9 assists).
- Rookie forward Josh Bonnyman was next with 11 points (3 goals/8 assists).
- Goaltender Kyle Downey, who went 4-2-0-0 during the month, has 20 wins, the second most in the OJHL – tied with Noah Tegelaar of Collingwood.
- Captain David Pagla is eighth in scoring by OJHL defencemen, with 38 points (8 goals/30 assists).
Pope ended January with a flourish, scoring seven goals in the Spirit’s final two games – including game-winners in double overtime both nights, Jan. 30 at home to Wellington and Jan. 31 in Pickering. The Humber College student’s 27 goals this season include five game-winners, four on the Stouffville power play and two shorthanded. His 11 goals tied Luke Johnston of the Milton Menace for tops amongst all 500-pus players in the OJHL during January.
THE SCHEDULE
Feb. 8, Trenton at Stouffville, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10, Stouffville at Cobourg, 7 p.m.
Feb. 14, Stouffville at Aurora, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16, Stouffville at Lindsay, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 17, Pickering at Stouffville, 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 20, Markham at Stouffville, 7:30 p.m
PLAYERS GET AN ‘ASSIST’ IN LIFE-SKILLS
Spirit players received valuable life-skills Second Assist training via the Ontario Junior Hockey League Foundation Thursday night.
Building on the foundations of First Assist, Second Assist addresses critical issues identified by players as being important to their personal and professional growth.
“With a focus on substance use and addiction, the impact of substances on performance, healthy relationships, and team dynamics, Second Assist empowers athletes to navigate these challenges while promoting a culture of well-being and accountability, as outlined in the hockey community’s code of conduct.”
Thanks to the Legacy Foundation of Canada for the support.
COMMUNITY
You’re invited to Skate with the Spirit players on Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the new Stouffville Skate Trail in Memorial Park. Donate to the local food bank. Prizes. Autographs. A free, fun night. Bring the entire family.
Stouffville’s own Kendall Lily will perform in the lobby from 6:50-7:20 p.m. tonight before singing the national anthem on the ice.
Spirit 50/50 draw proceeds during February will go to the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. The Spirit’s third annual OSPCA game will be played Feb. 27, with reps from the OSPCA in attendance. Spirit players will visit the centre this month.
The Spirit will host staff and students from Ballantrae Public School at the Feb. 27 game against Cobourg.
MEDIA
All Spirit games are broadcast on 102.9FM whistlefm.ca radio and FloHockey TV.
https://www.flohockey.tv/leagues/10826657-ontario-junior-hockey-league-ojhl (subscription required).
Chris Mayberry and Jason Rehel will have the play-by-play and colour during home games; Ken Judge and Joe Moyer with your pregame show (radio only)/
Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville.
