NEWS

The OJHL announced today that Milton Icehawks alternate captain Shane Bennett (photo credit - Gary Keys/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear South-West Conference Player-of-the-Month for November after scoring 15 goals in 10 games played during the month.  

The veteran forward captures the South-West Player-of-the-Month award for the second time in four months after being named the final winner of the 2012-13 season in February of last year.  Bennett recorded points in all 10 games during the month, including a six game goal scoring streak that saw him notch 11 of his 15 goals, jumping to the top of the goal scoring charts with 26 goals and second in the overall OJHL scoring race with 46 points.  Bennett's totals helped lead the Icehawks to a 7-3 record in November and work themselves back into the South-West Conference playoff race, recording two game-winning goals.  Twice he registered five point outings, while potting a hat trick three times, including during a 6-2 victory over the South-West Conference leading Buffalo Jr. Sabres.

"Being named the Player-of-the-Month is a great honour," said Bennett.  "So much talent, and so many great players in this league, being noticed in this way is amazing.  I couldn't have done it without my teammates, coaches and especially my linemates."

"Shane is a big part and assistant captain with our Milton Icehawks Junior 'A' Hockey Club," said Icehawks’ General Manager Paul Fleming.  "Shane contributes both on and off the ice. This year marks Shane’s second year in Milton and he remains a player with strong offensive skills and continually demonstrates what is required to be an elite athlete in the OJHL.  Congratulations Shane on your successes."

Liam Kerins of the North York Rangers was runner-up to Bennett as the South-West Conference Player-of-the-Month.  Kerins tied for the South Division scoring lead during November, recording 7 goals and 20 points in 11 games played.

Born on August 24, 1993, Shane Bennett grew up in Grand Island, New York and would play his entire youth hockey career in the Western New York and Buffalo area.

Bennett ultimately found his way to the Buffalo Regals Tier I Elite ('AAA') program.  The speedy forward would key the Regals attack as they continued their impressive streak of New York State Tier I Hockey Championships, earning a berth at the 2011 USA Hockey, Tier I, 18-and-Under National Championship held in Woodridge, Illinois.  The Regals would go winless on the national stage, but return home a champion nonetheless.

Catching the eye of his hometown Junior 'A' squad, Bennett earned an invitation to the Buffalo Jr. Sabres camp, and not only would he make the team, but he would excel as a 17-year old rookie.  He would finish sixth on the Sabres with 15 goals and seventh in overall scoring with 36 points.  Following the season, Bennett was invited to join the Buffalo Junior Selects at the 2011 Scotty Bowman Showcase.  Showing his true potential as a goal scorer, Bennett notched a hat trick in regulation and then scored in a shootout during a 5-4 victory over Rochester.

Returning to the Jr. Sabres as a veteran and with expectations high, the local star continued his upward trend.  Bennett led the much-improved Sabres in scoring with 27 goals, tied for 14th best in the entire OJHL, and 55 points in 49 games played.  His efforts earned him a spot on the OJHL West Division All-Star Team at the inaugural Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge held in Smiths Falls, Ontario.  The Jr. Sabres sniper tied for the team lead, potting two goals in three tournament games.  Once again after the season was done, Bennett would participate in the Scotty Bowman Showcase as a member of the Buffalo Selects Team, defeating Rochester 5-2 to capture the Rick Martin Memorial Cup.  

Traded to the Milton Icehawks during the off-season, Bennett received a fresh start in a new town and would dominate the South-West competition the entire season, being held off the scoresheet only 12 times all seasons, while recording 27 multi-point games.  The Icehawks leading scorer would once again earn an invitation to play for the West Division All-Star Team at the Central Canada Cup that was held in Wellington, Ontario and following the season was named a 1st Team All-Star.  

The fourth year veteran continues his potent offensive attack this season and is a leader both on-and-off the ice for the Icehawks; recently having recorded his 100th career OJHL goal.