The OHL handed out its monthly academic awards and a North Bay Battalion rookie made the grade as an Academic Player of the Month.
The Ontario Hockey League this week announced that Shane Wright of the Kingston Frontenacs, Owen Van Steensel of the North Bay Battalion, Matthew Poitras of the Guelph Storm and PJ Forgione of the Saginaw Spirit have been named Academic Players of the Month for December.
Van Steensel achieved an 80 per cent average in Grade 12 university-level Advanced Functions, a 71 percent in Biology, and a 96 percent in Grade 12 Kinesiology at Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay.
"Owen's teachers all describe him as diligent, hard-working, mature, and kind," said Battalion academic advisor Stephanie Silverthorn.
"As our school is working on an octomester format, Owen has been completing challenging Grade 12 university level courses in 20-24 days and still managing his busy hockey schedule."
Owen's Kinesiology teacher commented that, "in every conversation with Owen, it is clear he has been taught the value of mutual respect and kindness. He asked questions when necessary and advocated appropriately. He is a true pleasure to teach."
The 17-year-old from Ilderton, Ont. has recorded six points in 31 games (2-4--6) for the Battalion. Van Steensel was selected in the fourth round (63rd overall) by North Bay in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. He scored his first career OHL goal on November 4th in Peterborough.
