FINN NAMED GOALTENDER-OF-THE-MONTH

Press Release

 The OJHL announced today that Kingston Voyageurs netminder Charlie Finn has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month for January after finishing with a perfect 5-0-0 record, including a 1.18 goals against average during the month.

A third year veteran, Charlie Finn continues to be one of the OJHL's top goaltenders every month and would stop more than 30 shots in four of his five January starts. His five victories were part of an impressive month as the Voyageurs went 8-1-0 to clinch a playoff berth. After starting the month with a 4-3 shootout victory versus Cobourg, Finn would post two shutouts, including a 38 save performance against the league-leading Trenton Golden Hawks. The member of Team Canada East at the 2012 World Junior 'A' Challenge that was held in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, currently leads all OJHL netminders with a .938 save percentage and sits third overall with a 2.25 goals against average, while posting a 22-10-4 record for the Vees, including a league-high seven shutouts. Earlier in the season, he was also named the October Goaltender-of-the-Month runner-up and confirmed his commitment to join the Colgate University Raiders beginning next season.

Charlie Finn was very appreciative upon hearing of the honour, "I would like to thank the league (OJHL) for recognizing my efforts and full credit to my teammates for making it as easy as possible. This accolade is really nice to receive, but our focus has shifted to getting ready for the playoffs."

Voyageurs General Manager Denis Duchesne congratulated his netminder, "We are very proud of Charlie in being recognized as Goalie-of-the-Month. He has worked hard the past three years and has excelled into one of the best in Junior 'A' hockey in Canada.

"Nice to see Charlie recognized," said Voyageurs' Head Coach Colin Birkas. "We play in a really tough league and conference, so he really has to be sharp every night. He has been instrumental in our streak that has seen us lose just once since December 10. The team has played well, but as any coach will tell you, it's a lot easier to play your game when you can assume saves will be made at your end of the rink. Charlie, in my opinion, is one of the premier goalies in the country and is very deserving of this award. Colgate keeps a close eye on Charlie and is really happy with his progress and is thrilled to have him next season."

Matt Larose of the Wellington Dukes was runner-up to Finn as the OJHL Goaltender-of-the-Month. Larose posted a 7-1-0 record with a 1.61 goals against average and a .953 save percentage to help solidify the club's playoff positioning.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)