GEORGE ALBOIM AWARDED IVAN TENNANT MEMORIAL AWARD AS OHL’S TOP HIGH SCHOOLER

Erie, Pennsylvania – Success in the classroom is as critical as success on the ice for the Erie Otters player development program. Helping to infuse young student-athletes with the skills and education to make them leaders in the community and in the sport of hockey are cornerstones of the organization.

The Ontario Hockey League announced today the results of the awarding of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award – with Erie defenseman George Alboim being named co-recipient of the award (along with Flint’s Ethan Hay). First awarded in 2005, the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given annually to the top academic high school player in the league. The Memorial Award is named in honor of the late James Ivan Tennant, a former education consultant for the Kitchener Rangers who worked to develop the academic standards for the entire league during his twenty years of service.

George Alboim completed both in-person and online classes during the last two years, averaging 93.5 percent in seven courses at Fairview High School. Otters academic advisor Leigh Kostis praised Alboim’s commitment to education as a student-athlete.

“George was praised by his Fairview High School teachers as an excellent student who cooperated well with his peers, completed assignments despite a challenging schedule, and maintained a very high average.” said Kostis, “George is very well spoken and personable. He is genuinely interested in the subject matter of all his courses and actively participates in class; he’s an exceptional student.

Alboim suited up in 48 games for the Erie Otters during the 2022-23 season, becoming a regular blueliner with the team in mid-October. With the recognition, Alboim becomes the first Erie player since Adam Pelech (2011-12) to be awarded as the top high schooler – and just the second Otter ever.

“It is an honor to be the recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award. Being in High School while playing in the OHL comes with many challenges; balancing the responsibilities of school and the effort required to excel at your sport is difficult for any athlete. Fortunately, I have had lots of support from teachers and family.” said Alboim, “A special thanks to all of my Fairview High School teachers, BAO teachers, and [Leigh Kostis] for helping and supporting me over the last two years.”

General Manager Dave Brown expressed great pride in Alboim’s achievement and what it means for the organization at-large.

“We are very proud of George’s accomplishment of winning the Ivan Tennant award. Winning this award is an excellent example of how excelling in school translates in the classroom, on the ice, and in life.  Jaime and Andrea Alboim have instilled great character traits in George, with an emphasis on education and providing the path for George to excel academically.” said Brown, “Hockey is our game, but education is our most crucial component for our players, and George is an academic champion.”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is one of three major academic awards granted by the OHL, alongside the Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year) and Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Academic Post-Secondary Student). With Alboim’s recognition as the award-winner, he will wait to see if he is joined by teammates Carey Terrance (Bobby Smith Trophy finalist) and Sam Alfano (Roger Neilson Memorial Award finalist) for academic achievement.

“Education has always been very important to me as I recognize it allows me so many more options long term.” said Alboim, “I am grateful that [I have] had so much support through my journey and I am looking forward to having education be part of my plan after high school.”

The Erie Otters organization congratulates George on his tremendous academic achievement and well-deserved recognition by the Ontario Hockey League.

For the latest Otters news, visit OttersHockey.com, or follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/erieottershockey), Twitter (@ErieOtters), and Instagram (@ErieOtters). 

For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at shawn.bednard@ottershockey.com. 

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