Grayden Gottschalk of the North York Rangers is the 2018-19 recipient of the Most Gentlemanly Player Award in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, the Rangers captain sounds like your prototypical bruising power forward.
That’s not reflected in his penalty minutes.
Gottschalk, who bears a resemblance to Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks, may need directions to the penalty box.
Last time he took a penalty was Dec. 9 – it was one of three minors he was assessed this year.
He tallied 46 points (25 goals/21 assists) in 52 games with the Rangers during the regular season. This year’s playoffs? Ditto.
Zero infractions during nine games for North York, who have won their last eight while capturing the South Division championship.
It’s no one-off.
Gottschalk also had three penalties last season.
2015-16 was an aberration, when as an OJHL rookie with the Rangers, he accumulated 26 minutes in penalties. The next year, with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League, he picked up one minor during 42 games.
“It’s not something I think about,” the Thornhill resident said of his near penalty-free season. “It’s just part of my game.”
Rangers Head Coach Geoff Schomogyi appreciates his captain.
“Grayden’s leadership ability means so much to our team,” the coach said. “His constant work ethic on and off the ice is infectious and others have no choice but to follow.
“Gotts plays hard for us every night and always projects the right mindset and attitude that makes us a successful team.”
The captain on his team’s run to the top 10 in Canada and the OJHL semifinals?
“It’s amazing how close we are,” he said. “We have a lot of talent, but there’s something to be said for our room. All the guys get along and are really good friends.”
One of 12 Rangers in their final year of junior eligibility, Gottschalk, 20, is exploring options with Canadian university teams for next season.
The OJHL Most Gentlemanly Player Award is awarded to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, combined with a high-standard and proficiency of on-ice playing ability throughout the regular season.
