NEWS

The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced that Stefano Durante (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) of the Cobourg Cougars has been named the 2015-16 recipient of the OJHL Humanitarian-of-the-Year Award.

Named runner-up for the award in 2014-15, the 19-year old Brampton, Ontario native combined his skill and work ethic with a willingness to become integrated into his new community, being involved with all aspects of the club's community outreach program.

Almost always one of the first Cougars to offer his time to community endeavours, Durante has selflessly and continuously given his free time over the past two years for the small-town on the shores of Lake Ontario.  Not only does he spend countless hours volunteering his time, but he is also someone that is remembered by most who cross his path.  Genuinely cheerful, excited and appreciative of the opportunities he has been given, Durante has made an impact on the numerous children, and even the adults, that have crossed his path.

Durante, who was also the 2014-15 OJHL Top Goaltender by posting the fourth best goals against average (1.79) in league history, has combined his volunteer and community service between both on and off the ice activities.  From autograph signings, to public reading and literacy at a local library or school, and charitable undertakings that have helped raised thousands of dollars, including the annual 'Pink in the Rink' night.  Along with all these requests, of which he rarely turns down, Durante also took time of his own volition and with no fanfare to assist a local family with disabilities, helping shovel the driveway and walkway, while also acting as a big brother to the daughter that has an intellectual disability.  Last season, when a member of the family's extended family was diagnosed and later passed away with brain cancer, Durante immediately chipped in to help raise nearly $7,000 at a benefit and was there to offer support at the funeral; once again without being asked to do so.

Perhaps his greatest enjoyment, however, comes from spending his time at the rink, helping future generations of hockey players.  With older mentors making an impression on his career when he was a youngster, Durante ensures that he offers his service and expertise, along with an understanding of his position as a role-model for impressionable youngsters, to spend countless hours on the ice helping young netminders.  From attending and working at a number of different goaltender clinics, to helping on-ice at various minor hockey team practices, his enthusiasm is over-whelming and he quickly became a fan favourite among the youngest of Cougar fans.  Always there for a quick word and willing to discuss the finer points of the game, there are innumerable netminders in the Northumberland region that count him as their hero and idol.

The OJHL Humanitarian of the Year is awarded to the player adjudged to have made the most notable contribution to his community in a humanitarian sense, including, but not limited to charitable work, school visits and extra-curricular off-ice activities.

Later this week, the Coach-of-the-Year and Most Improved Player Award recipients will be announced.

2015-16 OJHL Award Winners
Award            Winner                Runner-Up                
Top Scorer        Luc Brown (WEL)        Zach Evancho (BUF)
Top Goaltender    Daniel Urbani (TRE)        Andrew Masters (GEO)
Executive        John McDonald (TRE)    Mark Jooris (BUR)
Volunteer        Jodi Lanzarotta (MAR)    Vivienne Bridgeford (AUR)
Trainer            Joe Aiello (COB)        Sarah Ditmars (TRE)
Humanitarian        Stefano Durante (COB)    n/a

Previous OJHL Humanitarian-of-the-Year Recipients
Award            Winner                Runner-Up                
2014-15        Sean Kohler (OAK)        Stefano Durante (COB)
2013-14        Kevin Shier (TLP)        n/a
2012-13        Tyler Feaver (WHI)        Josh Timpano (TRE)
2011-12        Matt Dineen (NEW)        Adam Shibuya (TOR)