Perfetti named OHL Scholastic Player of the Year

Cole Perfetti was named recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy as the Ontario Hockey League’s scholastic player of the year, the league announced Wednesday.

Perfetti, a center with the Saginaw Spirit, has been enrolled in seven University level courses between Heritage High School in Saginaw and All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, carrying an overall average of 93 percent.

His courses of study include Algebra, World Religions, Organizational Studies in Behaviour and Human Resources, Analyzing Current Economic Issues, Elite Athletics, Healthy & Active Living and Leadership.

“It is a great honour to be awarded the Bobby Smith Trophy,” Perfetti said in a release. “Mr. Smith was an amazing OHL player who was named CHL Player of the Year and was selected first overall in the NHL Draft. In addition, he was a very conscientious and successful student. Combining excellence on and off the ice has been something I have always strived for and the long list of distinguished winners, including Barrett Hayton, Connor McDavid, Matt Duchene and Steven Stamkos makes it extra special.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Saginaw Spirit ownership, management, coaching staff and my teammates. Thanks to my mom, dad, sister and the Bordeaux’s for their unconditional support. Thank you also to Mrs. Moretuzzo from Heritage High and Ms. Quinn from All Saints for all of their guidance over the last two years.”

Perfetti, No. 9 in FC Hockey’s Spring ranking for the 2020 NHL Draft, is the first Spirit player to win the award, earning the honour for his academic achievements in the classroom combined with his on-ice excellence this season.

He finished second in OHL scoring and set a new Saginaw record with 111 points (37 goals, 74 assists) and a plus-49 rating in 61 games played.