Sarnia Sting captain Jordan Kyrou has been voted the winner of the Ontario Hockey League's Red Tilson Trophy as the league's most outstanding player of the year.
It's the first time a Sting player has captured the honour, which is voted on by writers and broadcasters around the league.
The 20-year-old finished third in OHL scoring with 109 points in 56 games, including 39 goals, while tying for the league lead with 70 assists.
His offensive production delivered an impressive 1.95 points-per-game to lead all skaters while captaining the Sting to their best regular season in franchise history with 46 wins and 97 points.
Kyrou says it's a thrill to accept the award.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award, there are many great players in our league who had great seasons and deserve similar recognition,” says Kyrou. “The last four years with the Sting have been an unbelievable experience with some amazing people. This past season was extra special for me, and I want to thank all of my teammates who stood with me day in and day out, I would not have the success I did without each-and-every one of them.
“I would also like to thank my coaches, billets, family and friends who have supported me throughout my junior hockey career, as well as the entire Sarnia Sting Organization for providing me such a great place to develop my hockey career. I am truly humbled to receive this honour and cannot thank everyone enough.”
Jordan Kyrou at Sarnia Sting mini camp 2014. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Sting GM Nick Sinclair says he's extremely proud of Kyrou.
“On behalf of the entire Sarnia Sting organization we would like to congratulate Jordan on this tremendous accomplishment,” says Sinclair. “Having the opportunity to draft him four years ago and being able to watch him evolve as a player on the ice and a young man off the ice, has been extremely rewarding.
“Jordan has provided our organization and the Sarnia Sting fan base with countless special moments over the last four seasons, with today's recognition being the icing on the cake to his exceptional junior career. He has had a phenomenal year and is truly deserving of this honour.”
Kyrou was originally chosen by the Sting in the second round of the 2014 OHL Priority Selection and was named captain prior to the 2017-18 campaign. He accumulated 290 points in 250 games during his four-year tenure including 99 goals and a franchise record 191 assists.
His 290 points stand second in Sting all-time scoring behind only Jon Sim who recorded 311 points in 211 games. This season, Kyrou also represented the Sting on the international stage winning gold with Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.
He was chosen by the Blues in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft and signed his entry-level contract with the club a month following his selection.
Sting sign Jordan Kyrou - July 8-14. Photo from www.sarniasting.com