OBJ names Players of the Month for December

January 8, 2025

The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce the program's December Players of the Month presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods. A new initiative this season, these awards are issued to one member from each team. Honored are student-athletes that excel on and off of the ice, demonstrate our holistic development model and represent the program's core values of process, respect, integrity, determination and excellence.

18U (2006/07) - Charlie Holmes
Charlie epitomizes what it means to be a team player. Charlie has showed his versatility this season, playing both forward and defense while helping the 18U team to a 27-11-0 record so far this season. He has sacrificed his body and displayed physical and mental toughness while playing through a significant shoulder injury. A graduate of Thomas Worthington High School, Holmes brings an infectious positive energy and team first attitude to the rink every day. 

16U (2008) - Dmitrii Nazarov
In his second season in the program, Nazarov continues to make a big impact on the 16U team. Through his first 41 games this season, Nazarov leads all blueliners with 13 games, 28 assists and 41 points. Dmitrii's success is a result of his preparation and every day approach to bring his best to the rink. The team relies on him in all situations and he is seen as a leader because of his consistency and respect he shows for his teammates.

16U Girls (2008/09) - Lena Levins
Lena led the 16U Girls team with 5 goals in 8 games in the month of December. She also leads the team in scoring this season with 24 points in 33 games played. Additionally, she was voted by her peers as a part of the team's leadership group. A 10th grader at Olentangy High School, Levins carries a 4.1 GPA while taking honors and AP courses. She also plays lacrosse for the Olentangy Braves and enjoys volunteering with the Columbus Blades Sled Hockey team. Lena participates annually in the JDRF One Walk to fund research for the cure of type 1 diabetes. 

15O (2009) - Ian Ertmann
A consistent and reliable backstop for the 15O team, Ertmann stepped up in December and played in all but one of his team's games due to an injury to his fellow goaltending partner. Ertmann carries a 2.99 GAA and .913 save percentage for the season. In the classroom, he carries a 3.8 GPA as a 10th grader at the United States Performance Academy. Ian is a great example for his teammates and brings an incredible work ethic and his level or preparation to the rink every day.

14U (2010) - Mason Bricker
A reliable and consistent contributor to the 14U squad, Bricker finished the month of December with 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points and a +2 rating in 9 games played. He capped off a strong month with a hat trick in a big comeback win over the North Jersey Avalanche to head into the holiday break. Mason is a hard worker on the ice and spends extra time both on and off of the ice to continue to improve his game. A 9th grader at Olentangy High School, Bricker carries a 3.6 GPA and is also a member of the high school golf team.

14U Girls (2010/11) - Jane LeMasters
Known for her hard work and leadership, Jane's commitment to competing in the hard areas of the ice makes her effective in all situations for the team. Always a top penalty killer, her dedication to the fine details of the game have also earned her an increased role on the power play. Jane is a reliable center that consistently wins faceoffs. Her positive attitude pushes her teammates to be better. A freshman at Westerville Central High School LeMasters carries a 4.58 GPA while taking honors courses. She also plays travel softball for the Ohio Stingrays and volunteers with the Columbus Blades sled hockey team.

13O (2011) - Alex Denny
A hard worker that leads by example every time he is on the ice, Alex has played a huge role in the 2011 team's success this season, leading the team to a 33-9-2 record so far this season. In 9 games in the month of December, Denny tallied 10 goals, 9 assists and boasted a +17 rating. He is a great example to his teammates and consistently plays the game with a high level of smarts, skill and determination. An 8th grader at Kilbourne Middle School, Alex is a straight A student and was recently named Student of the Month.

12U (2012) - Cooper Hackett
Cooper led the way for the 12U team in the month of December, tallying 11 goals, 6 assists, 17 points and a +6 rating in 10 games played. He has shown tremendous growth over the past few months and has elevated his ability to be a player that can be counted on both offensively and defensively. He brings a incredible passion to the rink and has a high level of determination. In the classroom, Hackett works hard to excel as a 6th grader at Hayes Intermediate School. He has been recognized by his teachers as a role model to his peers and participates in a program called "Amazing Shake" which focuses on character, improving social skills and professionalism within the community. 

12U Girls (2012/13) - Avery Flaherty
Avery is consistently one of the top contributors and impact players on the 12U Girls team on a daily basis. She has tallied 5 goals and 12 assists in 41 games this season, but her impact goes way beyond her statistics. A highly competitive player, she plays a key role for the team in all situations and excels on special teams. Avery has an incredible work ethic and is a great role model for other players. Recently, she was named to the 2012 Premier Ice Prospects Midwest team that will travel to Europe this April. Away from the rink, Avery also excels at track and field at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic School. 

11U (2013) - Nolan Sprague
Nolan has been a consistent player and leader for the 2013 team all season. He currently leads the team with 38 points on 18 goals and 20 assists. His effort and attitude are traits that he brings every day in addition to an infectious energy and passion for the game that is uplifting to his teammates. A 5th grader at Granby Elementary School, Sprague is also a high level soccer player with Worthington United.

10U (2014) - Luke Yuhas
In his first year in the program, Luke has made a solid impact on the 10U team. In December, he had a great month against a challenging slate of opponents, recording 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points and a +9 rating in 12 games played. Yuhas had a strong pair of games against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins in early December, tallying 2 goals, 3 points and going +5 on the weekend. Luke is a great teammate and always bring a positive attitude and smile on his face when taking the ice.

Congratulations to our players of the month for December 2024! 

The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program prides itself on being the premier youth hockey program in Ohio. With an every day mission to develop our student-athletes to reach their potential on and off of the ice, the program aims to provide a healthy and safe environment for the elite player to grow as a player, person and teammate through the great game of hockey.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH ARCHIVES
November 2024