Rayside-Balfour’s DeGrazia named finalist for CJHL’s Top Rookie of 2019-20

CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Wednesday the names of the five players who have been selected finalists for the CJHL’s Top Rookie Award in 2019-20.

Each of the contenders were determined through a voting process completed by each of the CJHL’s 10-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the course of the regular season.

The following are the five nominees for the CJHL’s Top Rookie, which are listed alphabetically, by league.

Devon Levi (G), Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)

The 2001 born Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que., native finished the year leading the CCHL in wins (34), goals-against average (1.47), save percentage (.941), and shutouts (8). … On top of back-stopping Carleton Place to their seventh straight regular season title, Levi also represented Canada East at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge. … His tremendous performance between the pipes there helped his side claim the silver medal while also being named WJAC Most Valuable Player. … He had an overall record of 34-2-1 in 37 appearances. … Levi and has committed to attend Northeastern University (Hockey East) on a NCAA Division I scholarship to attend school and tend goal for the Huskies men’s hockey program. … 2019-20 Statistics: GP: 37; W: 34; GAA: 1.47; SV% .941; SO: 8.

With files from: Sean Marcellus, Director of Hockey Operations (CCHL)

Carter Loney, (F) Steinbach Pistons (MJHL)

In his first full MJHL season with Steinbach, 17-year-old Loney established himself as a legitimate all-star. … The young University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs NCAA Division I commit saw him post the following numbers: GP: 52; G: 16; A: 34; PTS: 50. … Loney led all 2002-birth-year MJHL skaters in scoring. … His efforts helped lead Steinbach to a regular season title in 2019-20. … Earlier this season Loney competed in the World Junior A Challenge with Team Canada West. … He also participated in the CJHL Prospects Game where he was the top on-ice skills testing performer, among all players, and helped his West side skate to victory. … Loney was 10th highest rated CJHL prospect, 167th overall among North American skaters in the final National Hockey League Central Scouting Draft Rankings released on April 8.

With files from: Kyle Prystupa, Manager, Media & Communications (MJHL)

Nicholas DeGrazia, (F) Rayside-Balfour Canadians (NOJHL)

Making his mark in his initial season of Jr. A hockey, DeGrazia led all Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League rookies in goals with 32 in just 42 outings. … He also ended up tied for top spot in overall points among first year skaters with 61. … DeGrazia produced five games during the year where he had four points. … This was part of 17 multi-point games he had during the campaign. … At one stretch he had a 13-game point streak for Rayside-Balfour helping them first in first place in the NOJHL’s West Division. … He also had 10 multi-goal outings for the Canadians. … The Thunder Bay, Ont., native provided five game-winning markers, which knotted him for first among rookies. … DeGrazia’s total numbers tied him for sixth overall in league scoring among all players. … DeGrazia was also a member of Team Canada East that captured a silver medal at the World Junior A Challenge held in Dawson Creek, B.C.

With files from: David Harrison, Historian (NOJHL)

Matteo Costantini, (F) Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL)

Costantini took the OJHL by storm in his first year playing at the Junior A level. … As a rookie in the OJHL he scored 68 points (36 G / 32 A) leading the Jr. Sabres in goals and points. … He played in the CJHL Prospect Game with the other top rated CJHL NHL prospects. … Costantini was tabbed 96th among North American skaters on National Hockey League Central Scouting’s final draft rankings list. … Earned the OJHL’s Top Prospect award. … Was selected to the OJHL second all-star team for his efforts this season. … Was named the CJHL’s 2nd Star of the Month for December. … To add to his impressive year, Costantini scored a goal for Team Caggiula in the OJHL All Star Prospect game and was named OJHL Player of the Month in January. … He earned the Buffalo Jr. Sabres Fan Favourite award. … Costantini hails from St. Catharines, Ont.

With files from: Jim Mason, Director of Communications (OJHL)

Tristan Lemyre, (F) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)

Lemyre, who hails from Mirabel, Que. … The 2001-born forward had one of the most dominating offensive 18-year-old rookie campaigns the SJHL has seen in recent memory. … Lemyre battled an injury that caused him to miss the entire month of October, but still managed to put a wide distance between himself and other first year players as far as scoring statistics were concerned. … Had 30 goals and 32 assists for 62 points in 44 games, finishing 12 points ahead of the second-highest scoring rookie despite the fact he missed a dozen contests. … Lemyre was the second-highest-scoring player in the entire SJHL since December 1. … The NCAA took notice as Lemyre has accepted a scholarship to the University of Denver (NCHC). … “We are very proud of Tristan and the adversity he has faced this year with his injury that kept him out of the line-up for the first part of the season and prevented him from probably making Canada West (WJAC),” Bombers head coach Mike Reagan said. “He is one of the most committed players that I have coached in my 13 years here in Flin Flon. His speed and nose for the net is tremendous. He has been a huge part of our success this year. we feel he has a very bright future in front of him.”

With files from: Mike Stackhouse, Communications (SJHL)

Earning honourable mention for the CJHL Top Rookie Award in 2019-20 were the following:  

Brayden Krieger, (F) Brooks Bandits (AJHL); Logan Terness, (G) Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL); Anthony Di Cesare, (F) Les Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ); Zach Biggar, (D) Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) and Ryan Howe (F), Red Lake Miners (SIJHL).