The Ontario Hockey League announced their players of the month for November today, and two Michigan natives were honored by the junior league.
Alex DeBrincat was named the OHL’s rookie of the month, while Brandon Hope claimed the top goaltender award.
For DeBrincat, it’s the second time in as many months that he’s been named the top rookie in the OHL. The Farmington Hills native scored nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in 13 game during the time frame, along with a +9 rating.
Hope, a Canton native, recorded a 4-1-0-0 record with the Niagara IceDogs in November. He posted a 1.20 goals-against average, a .968 save percentage and one shutout during his five starts with his new OHL club. Hope was acquired from the Owen Sound Attack on Nov. 5, and he picked up a shutout two nights later.
From the OHL release:
OHL Rookie of the Month – Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters):
After a great October, Erie Otters forward Alex DeBrincat followed up with another solid effort in November to be named the OHL’s Top Rookie for a second straight month. The shifty winger recorded nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in 13 games with a plus-9 rating in November, helping the Otters maintain their lead in the Midwest Division. DeBrincat had points in 10 of his 13 games, recording his first OHL hat-trick as first star in a 5-2 win over the Sarnia Sting on November 7.Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month – Brandon Hope (Niagara IceDogs):
The Vaughn OHL Goaltender of the Month is Brandon Hope of the Niagara IceDogs who went 4-1-0-0 with a shutout victory posting a 1.20 goals-against-average and .968 save percentage in five starts with his new club. Acquired by the IceDogs from the Owen Sound Attack on November 5, Hope promptly posted a shutout in his IceDogs debut on November 7 making 34 saves as first star of a 3-0 road win over the Mississauga Steelheads. Hope earned first star honours in two more November wins against top OHL competition including a 45-save performance steering the IceDogs to a 2-1 win over the first place Erie Otters on November 14, then made 34 saves in a 4-1 victory over the top ranked Oshawa Generals on November 28.