Trocheck named OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year
By Michael Caples –
The season’s not quite over yet for Vince Trocheck.
The Plymouth Whalers star and former Saginaw Spirit captain has been named the 2012-13 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, presented to the Ontario Hockey League’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year.
Trocheck, also a Little Caesars AAA alum, was chosen by a panel of writers and broadcasters for the top individual honor in the OHL.
The Pittsburgh native also captured the Eddie Powers Trophy as the top OHL scorer this season, as he recorded 50 goals and 59 assists for a total of 109 points in 63 games. Trocheck also lead the league in plus-minus, recording an impressive +49 over the year – and doing so despite a mid-season trade.
“It’s definitely an honor to win this award,” Trocheck said in a release from the league. “To have my name with so many (other) prestigious names up there, it’s an honour. Coach Vellucci helped me a ton, especially to win this award. He did a lot for me individually and I learned a lot in the time I was in Plymouth. It was a great group of guys and I’ll have life-time friendships with a lot of them.”
Trocheck is the third Plymouth Whaler to win the award, joining Tyler Seguin (2009-2010) and David Legwand (1997-1998). Pat Peak also captured the award when the club was the Detroit Jr. Red Wings in 1992-1993.
Trocheck is also only the fourth American-born player to win the award, following Legwand, Peake, and fellow Pittsburgh area native Michael Houser, who grabbed the award with London last season.
“Vince was a pleasure to coach,” said Whalers GM/Head Coach Mike Vellucci. “His move to Plymouth was an easy transition. He works hard on all aspects of his game, both offensively and defensively. He is an intelligent hockey player and is deserving of the Red Tilson Trophy.”
Trocheck’s future team, the Florida Panthers, are pleased with his production, as well. Trocheck was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft.
“We are extremely proud that Vince has been selected as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year,” said Florida Panthers Executive VP/GM Dale Tallon. “Vince had an exceptional season this year capturing the OHL scoring title, while leading Plymouth in scoring during the playoffs. He is one of our prospects who has matured and developed through hard work and dedication since being drafted. We are excited about his continued growth and development within our organization.”