The Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League (GMHL) has announced the first Players of the Month awards for the 2024-2025 hockey season, covering both September and October.

The Players of the Month honor is a prestigious distinction awarded to the best player at each position and the top rookie (2007-born or younger and in their first year of junior hockey) based on their performance over the course of the month. This edition highlights the exceptional efforts of four standout players who led their teams with remarkable performances during the opening months of the season.

Here are the GMHL’s Players of the Month for September and October 2024:

*All Stat Totals listed are as of October 31st, 2024 when players were selected*

Forward of the Month: Xavier Charbonneau (Tottenham Railers)

From Val-David, Quebec, 2003-born winger Xavier Charbonneau has made a seamless transition to junior hockey in Ontario, bringing his high-scoring ability from the QJHL to the GMHL. In his first season with the Tottenham Railers, Charbonneau has proven to be one of the most dynamic offensive forces in the league, serving as the team’s captain and offensive leader.

• Key Stats:
  • 17 Goals, 9 Assists (26 Points)
  • 7 Power-Play Goals (PPG) and 1 Shorthanded Goal (SHG)

Charbonneau’s best outings included a phenomenal 1-goal, 5-assist performance in a 10-3 win over the Spartans and a pivotal 2-goal, 2-assist game in a 4-1 victory over the South Division-leading Renegades. His ability to lead the power play and deliver in key moments has made him a key figure in the GMHL.

Defenseman of the Month: Zachary Major (West Nipissing Lynx)

Sturgeon Falls native Zachary Major has solidified his reputation as one of the GMHL’s premier defensemen. The 2006-born blue-liner, a product of the prestigious North Bay Trappers AAA program, has built on his impressive rookie season, where he scored 50 points. Now in his sophomore campaign, Major is on pace to eclipse those totals, thanks to his elite two-way play and offensive dominance.

• Key Stats:
  • 20 Goals, 17 Assists (37 Points)
  • 4 Game-Winning Goals (GWG) and 9 Power-Play Goals (PPG)

Major started the season with a bang, scoring 4 goals in the Lynx’s 6-2 season-opening win over the Toronto Flyers. He followed up with a dominant 3-goal, 2-assist performance in a win over Le Becard. Major’s ability to control the game from the blue line has been a driving force behind West Nipissing’s success in the GMHL.

Goaltender of the Month: Brody Pritchard (Wasaga River Dragons)

Hailing from Alliston, Ontario, 2005-born goaltender Brody Pritchard has been a crucial part of the Wasaga River Dragons' success in the GMHL this season. Having previously played for the TNT Tornadoes U18 program and Junior C hockey, Pritchard has stepped into a starting role in Junior A, delivering elite performances and showing remarkable poise in net.

• Key Stats:
  • 5 Wins, 1 Loss
  • 0.96 Goals Against Average (GAA)
  • .957 Save Percentage and 3 Shutouts

Pritchard’s best games included a 9-0 shutout victory over the Lynx, where he made 30 saves, and a 10-0 shutout over the Pirates. With five of Wasaga’s nine wins to his name and only one loss, Pritchard has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the GMHL.

Rookie of the Month: Alexandre Bouliane (Le Becard de Senneterre)

As one of the younger players in the GMHL, 2007-born Alexandre Bouliane has wasted no time making an impact. Playing for Le Becard de Senneterre, Bouliane leads all rookies (2007-born or younger) in scoring and has consistently impressed with his ability to make plays and score in key moments.

• Key Stats:
  • 5 Goals, 7 Assists (12 Points)

Bouliane delivered a 1-goal, 1-assist performance in an 8-6 win over the Flyers, building on a previous game where he posted 2 assists in a 5-1 victory against the same team. His ability to adapt to junior hockey so quickly has been nothing short of remarkable, earning him the Rookie of the Month title in the GMHL.

These Players of the Month awards highlight the exceptional talent in the Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League (GMHL). Charbonneau’s scoring brilliance, Major’s dominance on the blue line, Pritchard’s steadiness in net, and Bouliane’s incredible rookie season have set the bar high for the rest of the league.

As the GMHL season continues, these four players will look to maintain their momentum and keep leading their teams to success. Fans can expect even more exciting performances from this group as the season progresses.