NEWS

The OJHL announced today that Hamilton Red Wings forward Andrew Radjenovic (photo credit - John Rennison/The Hamilton Spectator) has been named the Gongshow Gear North-West Conference Player-of-the-Month after leading the OJHL in scoring during the first month of the season with 22 points in only eight games played.

Radjenovic jumped to the top of the league scoring charts on the strength of 11 goals and 11 assists in September. Remarkably, he would record all but three of his points at even-strength, a tribute to his consistent play throughout the month as he would record multiple points in all eight games, including a four point outing during a 7-6 loss to Milton on September 16. The 20-year old alternate captain has been a leader both on and off the ice for the Red Wings during the early stages of the 2011-12 season.

When informed of the honour bestowed upon him, Radjenovic replied, “At first I was shocked, and then relieved that all the hard work was paying off. Hopefully the success continues.” He continued by discussing his off-season preparation, “I knew for this year that I had to work hard in the off-season because it’s my last year (in the league) and I would like to pursue an NCAA scholarship for next season.”

Hamilton Red Wings head coach Scott Elliott discussed the importance to the club of his top scorer, “Andrew Radjenovic, is playing exceptional hockey to start the season. He has learned and adapted to playing both ends of the ice and in doing so has found a real knack for scoring. With Andrew being a third year player, he has been called upon to be a leader both on and off the ice. He has been a leader in the room with the new young players that we have and he leads through work ethic and skill on the ice for the entire team. I am very happy and fortunate to have Andrew as part of the Red Wings and I look forward to the rest of the season, and also to follow Andrew in his quest for other opportunity at a higher level.”

Andrew Poturalski of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres was runner-up to Radjenovic as the North-West Conference Player-of-the-Month. Already committed to the University of New Hampshire, Poturalski recorded six goals and 13 points in only six games played, helping the Sabres jump to the top of the West Division standings.
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The hometown native of Hamilton, Ontario, Andrew Radjenovic was born on April 16, 1991 and grew up playing his minor hockey in the Hamilton Reps system.

After playing single ‘A’ hockey during his draft year, Radjenovic made the jump to Midget ‘AAA’ hockey in Brantford during 2007-08. The following year, he returned to Hamilton, playing a big role during the Reps major midget championship season. After winning the 2008-09 Alliance title, the Reps downed the Oakville Rangers to capture the OHF championship and earn a berth in the 2009 Telus Cup, National Midget ‘AAA’ Championship. Traveling to Selkirk, Manitoba, the Reps would fail to win a game at the tournament, however, Radjenovic opened some eyes by leading his club in scoring with four goals and five points, while earning the Player-of-the-Game nod twice.

Also during his grade 12 year, Radjenovic played high school hockey and was named MVP as the school captured both the city and SOSSA championships, while participating in the OFSAA All-Ontario tournament.

Radjenovic would join the Red Wings as a 18-year old rookie in 2009-10 and would record 15 points in 22 games played, despite missing three-and-a-half months of the season after breaking his wrist only nine games into his junior hockey career. He returned last season to play the full 50 game schedule, joining the league’s elite scorers by finishing fourth on the club in scoring with 19 goals and 51 points.

One of the best young floorball players in Canada and a member of the Junior National Teams, the 6’2”, 185 lbs. alternate captain received an offer this past summer to play professional floorball in Norway, but decided to remain in the OJHL and chase his dream of an NCAA scholarship, while helping his club to another successful season on the ice. Its players like Andrew Radjenovic that continue their development in the OJHL, and reach new heights, that prove the OJHL is a leader in hockey development.