NEWS

The OJHL announced today that Wellington Dukes netminder Olivier Lafreniere (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month for November after posting a league-best 1.48 goals against average during the month.

After dropping the first two games in November, Lafreniere fired off six consecutive victories for the red-hot Dukes to finish the month with a 6-2-0 record.  Lafreniere would allow eight goals in his first three games and then just four goals in the next five, including a highlight-filled 40 save shutout of the division rival Cobourg Cougars on November 27.  His .950 save percentage posted during the month is even more impressive when the first three games are removed, posting a near perfect .974 save percentage with 152 saves over the course of the final five games.

A native of Bradford, Ontario, Lafreniere played his minor midget season with the York-Simcoe Express ‘AAA’ organization and following the season was selected by the Ottawa 67’s in 3rd round, 57th overall, of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.  During the off-season, Lafreniere would lead Team OMHA White to the OHL Gold Cup title, before joining the Wellington Dukes last season as a 16-year old rookie.  He did not disappoint, posting an 11-11-0 record with one shutout, a 3.21 goals against average and .913 save percentage, while also officially signing with the 67’s.  Lafreniere has been even better this season, currently sitting with the fourth best goals against average at 2.17 and the fifth best save percentage at .927.

Aaron Taylor of the Stouffville Spirit was runner-up to Lafreniere as the Goaltender-of-the-Month in November.  Taylor spearheaded the Spirit’s resurgence throughout the month of November, posting an impressive 6-1-0 record, while allowing just 18 goals in seven games played for a 2.55 goals against average and .928 save percentage.