The Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League has announced the fourth and final 'Players of the Month' awards for January of the 2024-2025 hockey season.

The 'Players of the Month' honor is a distinction awarded to the best forward, defenseman, goaltender, and rookie (2007 born or younger and first year of junior hockey) based on their performances throughout the month. This time, three honorees also received league-wide recognition for their outstanding seasons: Anrijs Bundzenieks was named North Division Forward of the Year, Owen Brady was named South Division Defenseman of the Year, and Artemii Gaidukov was named South Division Goaltender of the Year.

Forward of the Month – Anrijs Bundzenieks (Bradford Rattlers)

Previous Winners:

September/October: F Xavier Charbonneau, Tottenham Railers

November: F Emil Mouantri, Wasaga River Dragons

December: F Isac Karlsson, Bradford Rattlers

Bradford Rattlers forward Anrijs Bundzenieks delivered a dominant January, helping his team to a perfect 8-0-0 record while racking up 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points. His ability to contribute in key moments was evident, as he registered 3 power-play goals and 4 game-winning goals over the month.

Key Performances:

• Scored 2 goals and 2 assists, including the game-winning goal, in a 6-3 win over the Predators earning the games Second Star.
• Registered 1 goal and 3 assists in a 7-3 win over the Pirates, earning First Star honors.
• Delivered a 2-goal, 4-assist performance in a 10-1 win over West Nipissing, securing the game-winning goal and First Star recognition.

Following a sensational season, Bundzenieks was named GMHL North Division Forward of the Year, highlighting his role as one of the league’s most dominant offensive forces.

Honourable mention to Rattlers linemate and December Forward of the month Isac Karlsson who also had 24 points, multiple special teams goals and 3 game winning goals in a dominant January.

Defenseman of the Month – Owen Brady (Northumberland Stars)

Previous Winners:

September/October: D/F Zachary Major, West Nipissing Lynx

November: D Owen Brady, Northumberland Stars

December: D Lucas Texmo, Wasaga River Dragons

Owen Brady continued his stellar play for the Northumberland Stars, finishing January with 4 goals and 18 assists for 22 points while leading his team to a 6-2-0 record. His ability to impact both ends of the ice was a major factor in the Stars' success.

Key Performances:

• Recorded 1 goal and 4 assists, including the game-winning goal, in a 10-1 win over Durham, earning Second Star honors.
• Contributed 5 assists in a 6-5 ot victory over the Ravens, securing First Star recognition.
• Picked up 1 goal and 4 assists in a 7-1 win over the Roadrunners being recognized as the games First Star.

After a dominant season, Brady was recognized as the GMHL South Division Defenseman of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defensemen.

Goaltender of the Month – Artemii Gaidukov (North York Renegades)

Previous Winners:

September/October: G Brody Pritchard, Wasaga River Dragons

November: G Maxim Audet, Ville-Marie Pirates

December: Timotej Knapik, Northumberland Stars

North York Renegades netminder Artemii Gaidukov was a brick wall in January, posting a 3-1-0 record with a 2.26 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage, stopping an impressive 133 shots over four games.

Key Performances:

• Stopped 37 of 40 shots in a 5-3 win over the Ravens, securing First Star recognition.
• Made 40 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Rattlers, earning Second Star honors despite the defeat.
• Turned aside 36 shots in a 3-1 win over the Flyers, once again earning First Star recognition.

Gaidukov’s dominance between the pipes all season was rewarded with the GMHL South Division Goaltender of the Year award, proving his value as one of the league’s top netminders.

Rookie of the Month – Cohen Bedore (Northumberland Stars)

Previous Winners:

September/October: F Alexandre Bouliane, Le Becard De Senneterre

November: F Sterling Poff, Northumberland Stars

December: F Alex Bedic, Niagara Predators

Goaltender Cohen Bedore made a strong case as one of the top first-year players in January, going 3-0-0 with a 1.58 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage, stopping 79 shots in total.

Key Performances:

• Made 31 saves in an 8-2 win over the Renegades, earning Second Star recognition.
• Allowed just one goal on 19 shots in a dominant 10-1 win over Durham.
• Stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 7-1 victory over Durham.

Bedore’s consistent play in net helped solidify Northumberland’s defense, and his standout performances indicate a bright future ahead in junior hockey.

Final Thoughts

With January marking the second last month of regular-season play, these players have firmly established themselves among the GMHL’s elite. With Bundzenieks, Brady, and Gaidukov earning GMHL Players of the Year honors, their impact on the league has been undeniable.

As the playoffs approach, these standout players will look to build on their momentum and lead their teams toward a championship.