OBJ names Players of the Month for November
December 2, 2024
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are proud to announce the program's Players of the Month presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods. A new initiative this November, 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) - Luke Hall
Luke represents what it means to be an Ohio Blue Jacket. After getting off to a great start this season with 4 goals and 15 points in his first 11 games, Hall suffered a devastating season-ending injury for the second straight season. Luke has persevered and showed what it means to be a great teammate. He continues to show up to the rink every day to support his teammates and coaches while embracing the challenge in front of him to get back to full health for next season. In the classroom, Hall graduated from Thomas Worthington High School with a 3.9 GPA
16U (2008) - Austen Gearhart
A first year goaltender in the program, Austen found his groove in November recording a 4-1-1 record, .904 save percentage and a 2.80 GAA in 6 games. In his three months in Columbus, he has proven to be a great teammate. He is very coachable and dedicated too his craft. Overall, he has shown tremendous growth both on and off of the ice throughout the first half of the season. In the classroom, Gearhart carries a 3.5 GPA and enjoying giving back to the sport through volunteer coaching opportunities.
16U Girls (2008/09) - Isabelle Allman
Izzie is a player that always brings her best effort in everything she does. Izzie plays in all situations and is also one of the top offensive contributors to the team. She approaches every single game and practice with the mindset to get better, and is a leader for the 16U Girls team in every way and was voted by her teammates as a part of the team's leadership group. Off the ice, she carries a 4.1 GPA at New Albany High school and is involved in the key club (community volunteering), miracle league and French club.
15O (2009) - Adam Aiello
Adam has embraced the team's approach to get "One Day Better" each and every day. In the month of November, he tallied 1 goal and 8 assists. A reliable member of the defensive corps, Adam plays a key role in all situations and has earned the trust and respect of all of his coaches and teammates for his efforts. Adam brings a consistent approach and mindset every day. Off of the ice, he carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom.
14U (2010) - Knox Koukis
A consistent leader for our 2010 team, Koukis was a standout in November to continue what has been a great first half of the season. This month, he recorded 15 goals, 7 assists and 23 points in 13 games played. In addition, he tallied a hat trick in a 5-3 win over Compuware and had 3 game-winning goals over the month. In the classroom, Koukis maintains a 4.73 GPA while taking all AP and honors courses as a freshman at Westerville North High School.
14U Girls (2010/11) - Quinn Buzinski
Quinn has played for the 14u girls team for the past two seasons. So far this year, Quinn leads the defense in scoring with 7 goals and 3 assists. Quinn has been a leader on and off the ice for the girls program. She can always be counted on to bring energy as part of her play and is always asking the coaches for ways to improve. In the classroom, Quinn is a freshman at Gahanna Lincoln High School and finished the first quarter with a 3.9 GPA.
13O (2011) - Louie Pillifant
An extremely focused, prepared and self driven kid, Louie was outstanding between the pipes in November, posting an 8-0-1 record to go along with 4 shutouts and a 1.11 GAA. Additionally, Louie recorded 4 shutouts and was in net to secure the championship at the International Shanahan Hockey Tournament. His accomplishments are not limited to the ice. Louie is a 7th grader at St. Paul Catholic School where he excels in his studies as a straight A student.
12U (2012) - Grant Mahler
Grant greatly contributed to his team's success in the month of November, tallying 8 goals and 3 assists to help the 12U squad to a 7-1-0 record. Grant brings an outstanding effort and attitude everyday to the rink and is a great example for all players. He excels in his academics at his school Immaculate Conception and also volunteers his time helping in the community with his grandfather. He belongs to the J.O.I.N organization which provides material needs for low-income families in Franklin County and functions under Catholic Charities of Catholic Diocese of Columbus.
12U Girls (2012/13) - Lily Svenson
Lily has been a great teammate and standout player for the 12U Girls team all season. In November, she helped lead the team to a 7-4-0 record. Lily has recorded 40 goals and 10 assists throughout 31 games played this season. Lily is a leader on and off the ice. Off the ice, Lily is an A-student at Worthington's Perry Middle School, taking gifted Math and English classes. Her other activities include track and field, flag football and being an on-ice official for the Central Ohio Youth Ice Hockey Officiating Association.
11U (2013) - Jax Summers
Jax has shown maturity beyond his years and has been a go-to player for the 2013 OBJ scoring 10 goals and 23 points so far this season. Jax is the consummate teammate, always staying even keel no matter the situation. He bring a consistent work ethic on and off the ice becoming a vital part of this team leading by example.
10U (2014) - Charlie Priefer
In his first year in the program, Charlie has demonstrated the ability to make positive things happen when he is on the ice. In 7 games in November, he boasted a +15 rating and is now +50 on the season. Charlie also contributed offensively with 1 goal 8 assists in those 7 games. Charlie plays an unselfish game. He distributes the puck with confidence and has good instincts. He consistently leads by example and encourages his teammates in a positive manner.
Congratulations to our players of the month for November 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.