Players of the Month: December’s Standout Performers

As we have now reached the winter break and the 2024 portion of the schedule is now behind us the Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League (GMHL) has announced the Players of the Month for December 2024. These honors recognize the top forward, defenseman, goaltender, and rookie who excelled in their respective roles throughout the month.

These awards celebrate the best performances across the league, with recipients selected based on their contributions and consistency. Here are the GMHL’s Players of the Month for December 2024:

Forward of the Month: Isac Karlsson (Bradford Rattlers)

Isac Karlsson was a dominant offensive force for the Bradford Rattlers in December, recording 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 11 games. His remarkable play helped the Rattlers achieve a 9-1-1 record for the month. The 2004 born Swedish Karlsson also demonstrated his clutch scoring ability, including 2 power-play goals and nine multi-point games. Karlsson played a pivotal role in last seasons championship for the Rattlers before signing a tender in the NAHL in the offseason and is once again hoping to lead the team to playoff success

• Key Performances:
  • Registered the game-winning goal, and 2 assists in a 6-4 win over the Bulls, earning First Star honors.
  • Delivered a stellar 3-goal outing in a 7-1 win over the Renegades.
  • Added 3 goals and 3 assists in a high-scoring 9-6 victory over the River Dragons where he was named First Star once more.

Karlsson’s ability to score in key moments and his leadership on the ice solidified his spot as the league’s top forward for December.

Defenseman of the Month: Lucas Texmo (Wasaga River Dragons)

Lucas Texmo anchored the Wasaga River Dragons’ blue line in December, contributing both defensively and offensively. The 2005 Barrie born Texmo tallied 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in six games, helping Wasaga achieve a strong 5-1-0 record in his appearances. His ability to impact games in all three zones set him apart from other defensemen in the league. He joined the River Dragons part way through the season teaming up with his older brother, River Dragons captain Joel Texmo. Prior to joining Wasaga Texmo played parts of 4 seasons in the OJHL winning the league championship last season.

• Key Performances:
  • Dished out 2 assists in a 4-3 win over the Ravens.
  • Scored 1 goal in a 3-1 victory over the Knights.
  • Played a pivotal role in a 3-2 win over the Rattlers, handing them only their second loss in regulation adding an assist.

Texmo’s steady two-way play and ability to perform in critical moments earned him December’s defenseman honors.

Goaltender of the Month: Timotej Knapik (Northumberland Stars)

Timotej Knapik stood tall in the crease for the Northumberland Stars, leading his team to a perfect 3-0-0 record in December. The 2005 born Knapik posted an outstanding 2.00 goals-against average (GAA) and an elite .950 save percentage, stopping 114 shots across three games. Prior to joining the Stars Knapik started the season strong with the Tottenham Railers joining from overseas where he spent time playing in both Sweden and his native Slovakia.

• Key Performances:
  • Made 31 saves in a 5-2 win over the Lynx, earning Third Star honors.
  • Recorded a month-best 45 saves in a 6-2 victory over his former team the Railers, securing First Star recognition.
  • Turned aside 38 shots in a 5-2 win over the Renegades, earning Second Star honors.

Knapik’s consistency and ability to deliver clutch performances in net made him the league’s top goaltender for December.

Rookie of the Month: Alex Bedic (Niagara Predators)

Alex Bedic shined in December, producing 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points in nine games for the Niagara Predators. The rookie forward’s efforts were instrumental in his team’s 5-2-2 record, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively at critical moments. One of only 3 2009 born players in the league what Bedic is doing is unprecedented for a 15 year old. He joined the Predators after his time with the Southern Tier Admirals AAA program.

• Key Performances:
  • Scored 2 goals and added 2 assists, in a 7-6 OT loss to Le Becard, earning First Star honors.
  • Registered the Game Winning Goal in a 7-0 win vs the Rampage
  • Tallied 2 goals and an assist in a hard-fought 5-4 overtime loss to the Renegades, earning Second Star honors.

Bedic’s play continues to stand out among rookies in the GMHL, and his December performance further solidifies his position as a rising star.

Closing Thoughts

The December Players of the Month showcased elite performances across the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League (GMHL). Karlsson’s explosive scoring, Texmo’s defensive reliability, Knapik’s goaltending brilliance, and Bedic’s rookie contributions highlight the incredible depth of talent in the league. Fans can look forward to even more thrilling performances in the new year as the season unfolds and the playoff races heat up.