NEWS

The OJHL announced today that St. Michael's Buzzers netminder Adrian Ignagni (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month for February after finishing with a 5-1-0 record, including a 1.65 goals against average during the month.

Named the September Player-of-the-Month in the South-East Conference last season, Ignagni once again earns the award after helping the Buzzers clinch the South Division regular season title for the second consecutive year with his 5-1-0 record, 1.65 goals against average and .956 save percentage in February.  Three times during the month, Ignagni would stop 40+ shots, including a 40 save, 1-0 shutout over the team the Buzzers would face in the playoffs, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, in the second last game of the season.  The lanky goaltender would be named first star twice in six games and his five victories in February helped him top the OJHL charts with 30 wins on the season.  He would rank top ten in most statistical categories at the conclusion of the season, including third with a .927 save percentage and tied for fifth with four shutouts.

"Receiving this award means a lot and I would like to thank the OJHL for recognizing my play and our teams play as of late," said the Buzzers backstop upon hearing of the award.  "My team in front of me has been playing very well during the later parts of the season and have helped me accomplish what I have in the last month or so.  The season this year has had its ups and downs, like every season, but now it's time to shift my focus as an individual and our focus as a team to playoffs."

"Adrian's play this season has been outstanding, in particular his second half," said Buzzers' general manager and head coach Rich Ricci.  "He helped settle a young defence in the first half of the season.  Now he is ramped up and his play is dominant.  Adrian has matured into one of the league's premier goalies.  His compete level and desire to win separates him from others.  I expect that good things will come to him in short order as he leads our team for the balance of this season."

Charlie Finn of the Kingston Voyageurs was runner-up to Ignagni as the OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Month.  The January winner of the award and runner-up in October, once again posted impressive numbers with a 4-0-0 record, including a 1.22 goals against average and a .964 save percentage.

Born on July 14, 1993 in Mississauga, Ontario, Adrian Ignagni grew up playing in the reputable Vaughan Kings and Toronto Marlboros minor hockey programs.

Ignagni tasted success with the Marlies program, teaming up with Belleville Bulls netminder Malcolm Subban to make a formidable tandem between the pipes.  The pair backstopped the Marlies to an All-Ontario Bantam championship in 2007-08 and again in 2008-09 as minor midgets.  During that minor midget season, the Marlies were the toast of the province, capturing the Marlies Holiday Classic, the Kraft Cup, the GTHL title and the OHL Cup.

Having attended St. Michael’s College School since grade seven, it was a natural that Ignagni would join the Buzzers Junior ‘A’ squad and he made the jump as a 17-year old rookie in 2010-11.  Spending the majority of the season as the club’s back-up netminder, Ignagni played in 19 games, while sporting a 7-3 record, 3.10 goals against average and a .898 save percentage.  The experience he gained during his first year of junior hockey proved invaluable as he entered last season as the club’s number one backstopper.

The 6', 170 lbs. netminder took the OJHL by storm during his sophomore season, kicking it off by winning the South-East Conference Gongshow Gear Player-of-the-Month in September by posting a 2.11 goals against average and a .939 save percentage.  Ignagni would carry that play throughout the season, receiving numerous accolades along the way.  He would earn the starter's role for Team Canada East at the 2011 World Junior 'A' Challenge that was held in Langley, B.C. and led his team to an upset victory over a powerful U.S. squad in the semi-final, ultimately capturing the silver medal following a loss to Canada West in the gold medal game.  During the Christmas break, Ignagni would also be named to the OJHL South Division All-Star Team that competed at the inaugural Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Smiths Falls, Ontario and then finished the year by helping the Buzzers capture their first Division title since 2007-08.  Leading all netminders with 42 appearances and 2,495:41 minutes played, Ignagni would be named an OJHL 2nd Team All-Star, was the top vote-getter among Buzzer players for the first-ever Fan Favourite Award and was named runner-up to CJHL Player-of-the-Year Christian Finch for the OJHL's Most Valuable Player Award.