TORONTO – Carter George is known for his work in between the pipes for the Ontario Hockey League’s Owen Sound Attack.
Now he’s been awarded for what he does in the classroom.
On Monday, the 17-year-old netminder from Thunder Bay was named this year’s winner of the Ontario Hockey League’s Bobby Smith Award, which goes to the circuit’s scholastic player of the year.
He also received the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as the league’s top academic high school student.
George compiled a 93.8 per cent average in his Grade 12 year at Owen Sound District Secondary School. His transcript was highlighted by a 99 per cent grade in business co-op and a 97 per cent grade in organizational business.
“It’s truly an honour to receive these awards,” George said in a prepared statement.
“I believe that to be an elite athlete your habits, character and mindset apply to all aspects of your life, not just hockey. That is why I feel it is just as important for me to strive for a high level of success in my academics.
“Balancing hockey with my academics has helped me to become more disciplined, resilient and has taught me time management. I’d like to recognize and thank the Attack organization, especially (Attack educational consultant) Sarah Rowe, for helping me grow on and off the ice.”
George, who is eligible to be an early round selection at next month’s National Hockey League draft, is now a finalist for the Canadian Hockey League’s scholastic player of the year.
Noah Chadwick of the Western Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes and Alexis Morin of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens are also nominated for the award.
The winner is expected to be announced during the Memorial Cup, which runs from May 24 to June 2 in Saginaw, Mich.
