Konecny Named OHL Rookie of the Year

Clachan’s Travis Konecny, a former Chatham-Kent Cyclones star, was selected as the Emms Family Award winner, as the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) rookie of the year.

Konecny, last year’s first overall selection in the OHL Draft, played this season with the Ottawa 67s.

“It’s an honour to be recognized in such a way and it really means a lot to me, Konecny said in an OHL news release. “I’d like to thank Coach Byrne and the entire Ottawa 67’s staff for their help. I’d also like to thank my teammates who welcomed me from the beginning and helped me day by day. My billets were amazing for me, they made me feel right at home, which helps when home isn’t too close. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for the great support they gave me consistently throughout the season. And thanks to the 67’s fans for their support,” he continued.

Prior to his season with the 67s, Konecny, who left the Chatham-Kent Cyclones to play with the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs midway through his minor hockey career, was the Alliance Player of the Year last season with Elgin-Middlesex, and captained Team Ontario at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

In 63 games this season, Konecny scored 26 goals and had 44 assists for 70 points, which topped all Ottawa 67s scorers, and was tops amongst OHL rookies.

“Travis had an exceptional first season in the Ontario Hockey League,” Ottawa 67s General Manager and Coach Chris Byrne said in the OHL news release. “He quickly adjusted to the league, worked hard to get better and was a top player on our team and within the league. Travis has worked extremely hard to put himself in a position to win this award and deserves all the credit for doing so.”

Also named to the OHL First Team All-Star, Konecny was the OHL Rookie of the Month in October, November, January, and February.