NEWS

The OJHL announced today that Cobourg Cougars netminder Nathan Perry (photo credit - Jay Johnston/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month after posting an undefeated 7-0-0 record throughout the month of November.  
    
The 20-year old posted a perfect record during the month to vault the Cougars to the top of the OJHL standings, while also being ranked nationally in the CJHL Top 20 rankings.  Perry allowed just two goals or less in all eight appearances, allowing 11 goals in total to record a sparkling 1.44 goals against average and .952 save percentage, leading all netminders in November.  Posting seven victories to give him 13 wins on the season, he twice posted 37 save performances for wins over division rival Wellington and defending OJHL champion St. Michael's.  .

"It's a huge honour to be recognized for this award," said Perry.  Our team played very well in the month of November which definitely helped my play in net. I can't thank the Cougars organization, coaches and my teammates enough for all the support."

"Nathan has been outstanding this year for our hockey club, said Cougars Head Coach Curtis Hodgins.  "He brings a consistent work ethic each day he comes to the rink and that has translated to his play in the net.  Nathan is an integral part of our hockey club and is fully deserving of this award. Our organization is thrilled to see him recognized for his efforts."

Kevin Entmaa of the Aurora Tigers was runner-up to Perry as the OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Month.  The veteran backstop posted a 9-1-0 record in November, including one shutout, a 1.87 goals against average and .932 save percentage.

Born on April 19, 1993 in Kingston, Ontario, Nathan Perry grew up playing his minor hockey in his hometown, ultimately finding his way to the Greater Kingston Jr. Frontenacs 'AAA' organization where he finished his minor midget season on in 2008-09.  Following the season, Perry would be selected by his hometown Kingston Frontenacs in the 8th round, 142nd overall of the 2009 OHL Priority Selection.

The lanky netminder spent the next two seasons in the EBJCHL with the Amherstview Jets, joining the Junior 'C' squad as a 16-year old in 2009-10.  Perry would post the a league best .927 save percentage during his rookie season, along with a 13-4-0 record and 3.31 goals against average.  Although his numbers dropped slightly the following year with a 10-8-1 record, 3.41 goals against average and .914 save percentage, he would lead the Jets to within one game of the Empire B championship, falling in game seven to the Picton Pirates, while posting a 1.97 post-season goals against average.  The Frontenacs would take note of the impressive performance and with injuries in the crease, Perry got the call to the OHL direct from Junior 'C'.  After playing two games regular season contests, he would find himself as the starter in the playoffs, when Frank Palazzese also went down with an injury.  The netminder would earn the Fronts their only playoff victory and showed well in a six game loss to the Oshawa Generals.

Attending Junior 'A' camps that spring, Perry started the 2011-12 season with the Kingston Voyageurs, but after a four game audition, Vees star Charlie Finn returned to the team and he saw his rights traded to the Kitchener Dutchmen Junior 'B' squad.  Playing on one of the GOJHL's weaker clubs, Perry would often face a barrage of shots each game, posting a 1-9-1 record in 13 games played with a respectable 4.65 goals against average and .883 save percentage.

Looking for a fresh start, Perry made the move east, joining the MHL's Weeks Crushers to start last season, but once again his stint with the Junior 'A' team failed to last long, playing only two games for the Crushers, before returning to Ontario to begin his career with the Cougars.  The Cougars were off to one of their slowest starts in years, having only won one game in 13 contests and Perry would prove to be the right fit, turning the tide on the club's season and ultimately working them back into the eighth and final playoff spot in the North-East Conference.  The backstop was runner-up as OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Month in December and would be named to the OJHL East Division All-Star Team, leading them to the title at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Wellington, Ontario.  Unfortunately after winning the first two games of the playoffs over the first place Trenton Golden Hawks, Perry would be injured and would miss the remainder of the Cougars surprising post-season run.

Returning to the Cougars this season, Perry has continued his stellar play between the pipes and once again has been named to the North-East Conference All-Star Team that will look to capture back-to-back titles at the 2013 Central Canada Cup being held in Terrebonne, Quebec