(Story courtesy OHA website)
B.J. MONRO MEMORIAL AWARD – Nick Campoli, North York Rangers (OJHL)
Nick Campoli (Etobicoke, Ontario) recently completed his second season with the North York Rangers of the OJHL. The 18 year old forward had a late start to the 2016-17 season as he recovered from surgery in the off-season; he didn’t suit up for the Rangers until November 27 against the Mississauga Chargers, but his 2-assist effort in his first game back indicated he was fully healed and ready to go. Campoli ended up playing 20 games and recorded points in all but 3 of those contests, finishing the season with 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points, nearly matching his point total in his rookie season of 2015-16 of 34 points, having played 17 fewer games.
The more Campoli played this season, the higher his stock rose on the NHL Central Scouting Rankings. He was listed at 111th in the Midterm rankings among North American Skaters, but by season’s end he was ranked 73rd among North American Skaters for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the highest of any player in the OHA.
Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting described Campoli as, “A skilled offensive centre who is a strong skater with deceptive speed and quickness. Campoli has very good offensive hockey sense with his vision, smarts and anticipation to get open and set up plays.” Marr added, “He has a quick accurate wrist shot to finish scoring chances. When he is not contributing offensively he contributes in other ways as he excels at winning face-offs and competes playing a gritty two-way game. He has used his time in the OJHL to develop his overall game, handle adversity and prepare himself for the next stage of his hockey career.”
Campoli was also named the 2016-17 OJHL Top Prospect, 2nd Team All Prospect and was a member of Team East at the 2017 CJHL Top Prospects Game. Nick Campoli has committed to the Clarkson University Golden Knights (NCAA – ECAC) for the 2017-18 season.
ABOUT THE B.J. MONRO MEMORIAL AWARD
The B.J. Monro Memorial Award, named in honour of the late OHA player, was donated to the Ontario Hockey Association by the Monro family in memory of their late son B.J., who was a member of the Cobourg Cougars. B.J. was suddenly taken from his family and friends during the 1993-94 season when he was involved in a tragic car accident during his club’s playoffs. At the time, B.J. was ranked as an underage player in the second round of the OHL draft. The B.J. Monro Memorial Award is presented annually to the OHA player who is the highest ranked individual according to the NHL Central Scouting List for the current season.
Recipients of the B.J. Monro Memorial Award:
2016-17 Nick Campoli, North York Rangers
2015-16 Matthew Cairns, Georgetown Raiders
2014-15 William Reilly, North York Rangers
2013-14 Jake Walman, Toronto Jr. Canadiens
2012-13 Matt Buckles, St. Michaels Buzzers
2011-12 Devin Shore, Whitby Fury
2010-11 Zach Hyman, Hamilton Red Wings
2009-10 Julian Melchiori, Newmarket Hurricanes
2008-09 Brandon Pirri, Georgetown Raiders
2007-08 Corey Trivino, Stouffville Spirit
2006-07 Scott Freeman, Bowmanville Eagles
2005-06 Thomas Battani, Petrolia Jets
2004-05 Zack Torquato, Stratford Cullitons
2003-04 Justin Azevedo, Chatham Maroons
2002-03 Victor Oreskovich, Milton Ice Hawks
2001-02 Wes O’Neill, Chatham Maroons
2000-01 Nathan Horton, Thorold Blackhawks
1999-00 Justin McCutcheon, Brampton Capitals
1998-99 Mike Cammalleri, Bramalea Blues
1997-98 Jay Harrison, Oshawa Legionnaires
1996-97 Preston Mizzi, Newmarket 87’s
1995-96 Kip Brennan, St. Michael’s Buzzers
The 2016-17 OHA Awards recipients will all formally receive their Awards at the Hockey Hall of Fame on Friday, May 26, 2017.
