NEWSLETTER
On Monday morning, the OHL announced the winners of a handful of “awards” as voted on by the coaches in the league. And three Blackhawks prospects were among the finalists/winners.
Defenseman Ethan Del Mastro was the top vote recipient in two categories in the Western Conference after winning both in the Eastern Conference last year. Del Mastro was voted the Best Penalty Killer and the Best Defensive Defenseman.
Forward Gavin Hayes was the runner-up for the Best Shot in the Western Conference. He’s had a terrific post-draft season, eclipsing the 40-goal plateau.
Forward Paul Ludwinski was the runner-up for Hardest Worker in the Eastern Conference.
All three of these prospects have signed their entry-level contracts with the Blackhawks. Hayes and Ludwinski were 2022 draft picks and have the opportunity to return to juniors next year; Del Mastro is ready to make the jump to the professional ranks. Del Mastro played a leading role on Canada’s blue line in the World Juniors (winter edition) and earned gold medals in both of the last two WJC.
