NEWS

The OJHL announced today that Milton Icehawks forward Shane Bennett (photo credit - Tim Bates/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear South-West Conference Player-of-the-Month for February after leading the OJHL in scoring with 12 goals and 21 points during the month.

The 19-year old went on a tear to finish off the 2012-13 regular season, recording points in eight of nine February games, including a 12 game point streak from January 19 to February 22.  One of the top scorers in the North-West Conference throughout the season, Bennett's 21 points was comprised of 12 goals and 9 assists with only four points coming on the power play.  Seven times in the month Bennett notched multiple points, including a four point effort in a shootout loss to St. Michael's and a hat trick, five point outing against Oakville.  He would be named one of the three stars five times, including first star of the game twice.  Named an OJHL 1st Team All-Star earlier this week, the Western New York native finished second among all players with 45 goals, accounting for more than 21% of the Icehawks total offensive output, and third in the OJHL scoring race with 87 points this season. 

Bennett recognized those that helped him achieve the award upon hearing of the honour, "First off, it's a great honour to receive this award.  So many players in this league; and for me to get noticed in this way is amazing.  I couldn't thank my teammates, coaches, and everyone else that is a part of the Milton Icehawks enough for this season."

"Shane was a big part of the Icehawks this season.  Both on and off the ice he was entertaining to watch and a tremendous competitor," said Icehawks general manager Paul Fleming.  "Watching Shane's puck skill was second to none.  Unfortunately our season has now ended, but we look forward to his return for next season and to having this premier player in an Icehawks jersey.  Shane is definitely a coaches, player and fan favourite.  Congratulation Shane your award is well deserved."

Jacob Bauchman of the Georgetown Raiders was runner-up to Bennett as the OJHL South-West Conference Player-of-the-Month.  Bauchman finished second in the entire OJHL during the month with nine goals, while also recording 16 points in eight games played.
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Born on August 24, 1993, Shane Bennett grew up in Grand Island, New York and would play his entire youth hockey career in the Western New York and Buffalo area.

Bennett ultimately found his way to the Buffalo Regals Tier I Elite ('AAA') program.  The speedy forward would key the Regals attack as they continued their impressive streak of New York State Tier I Hockey Championships, earning a berth at the 2011 USA Hockey, Tier I, 18-and-Under National Championship held in Woodridge, Illinois.  The Regals would go winless on the national stage, but return home a champion nonetheless.

Catching the eye of his hometown Junior 'A' squad, Bennett earned an invitation to the Buffalo Jr. Sabres camp, and not only would he make the team, but he would excel as a 17-year old rookie.  He would finish sixth on the Sabres with 15 goals and seventh in overall scoring with 36 points.  Following the season, Bennett was invited to join the Buffalo Junior Selects at the 2011 Scotty Bowman Showcase.  Showing his true potential as a goal scorer, Bennett notched a hat trick in regulation and then scored in a shootout during a 5-4 victory over Rochester.

Returning to the Jr. Sabres as a veteran and with expectations high, the local star continued his upward trend.  Bennett led the much-improved Sabres in scoring with 27 goals, tied for 14th best in the entire OJHL, and 55 points in 49 games played.  His efforts earned him a spot on the OJHL West Division All-Star Team at the inaugural Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge held in Smiths Falls, Ontario.  The Jr. Sabres sniper tied for the team lead, potting two goals in three tournament games.  Once again after the season was done, Bennett would participate in the Scotty Bowman Showcase as a member of the Buffalo Selects Team, defeating Rochester 5-2 to capture the Rick Martin Memorial Cup. 

Traded to the Milton Icehawks during the off-season, Bennett received a fresh start in a new town and would dominate the South-West competition the entire season, being held off the scoresheet only 12 times all seasons, while recording 27 multi-point games.  The Icehawks leading scorer would once again earn an invitation to play for the West Division All-Star Team at the Central Canada Cup that was held in Wellington, Ontario and now sits with 87 goals and 178 points in 151 career regular season contests.