Cody Hodgson Named Most Outstanding Player in the OHL

In the midst of an exciting playoff run, fans in Vancouver now have more to be excited about as it was announced Tuesday that Canucks top prospect Cody Hodgson was named Most Outstanding Player in the OHL for stellar play and intelligent leadership. 

The 19-year-old forward of the Brampton Battalions scored 43 goals while putting up 49 assists in 53 games for Brampton. 

The youngster was even more impressive in the postseason, as in 16 playoff games he notched nine goals and 18 assists to help lead his club to their first ever OHL Championship final.

"Cody's the type of guy will score the big goal on the power play for you, but will also win the big faceoff on the penalty kill," Battalion head coach and general manager Stan Butler said from Toronto during a conference call.

"He thrives on playing against the best players. There's no challenge that's too big for him."

Hodgson, however, still has work to do, as the Battalions will meet the Windsor Spitfires beginning Wednesday in a best-of-seven series with a spot in the Memorial Cup on the line. 

Hodgson received 161 votes from the media for the award, edging out his Canadian teammate and future NHL Draft pick John Tavares of the London Knights.  The Canucks' first-round draft pick joins some elite company by winning the award such as Frank Mahovolich, Stan Mikita, Doug Gilmour, Jason Allison, Mike Foligno. and Brad Boyes, among others. 

"It's a real honour, and something I didn't really expect coming in, bt looking at past things that I've won this will always be something I remember," Hodgson said.

"Hopefully I can represent the OHL like some of the guys who have come before me."

The youngster has had a banner year, beginning with an extended period at Canucks training camp where he was extremely close to making the big club.  The disappointment of that has only fuelled his fire even more this season, as he helped Canada win their fifth straight Junior title leading all scorers in the tournament. 

Hodgson has demonstrated great skill and leadership that has drawn comparison to Canucks' legend Trevor Linden.

"There's a reason I didn't make it in Vancouver and there's things in my games I could work on," Hodgson said.

"I really didn't see it as a setback. I feel I really improved this year and I had a lot of fun with the guys." 

Despite all the accolades that have come his way Hodgson remains humble with his accomplishments.

"It's been a real whirlwind," Hodgson said. "Looking back on it, it's been an unbelievable year."

The Battalions will be hoping the year continues and gets even better as they aim to earn a berth in the memorial cup for the first time in their history.  Earlier this season, Hodgson won the Award for the league's most sportsmanlike player. 

This season will hopefully be the beginning of more to come in the NHL with the Canucks, as the city of Vancouver has alot to look forward to both in the present and the future.