Monday, October 31, 2005

Toronto - The Ontario Hockey League announced today that Erie Otters forward Michael Blunden is the OHL Player of the Week.

Blunden, 18, recorded five goals and six assists in three wins last week to help increase the Otters winning streak to four games and move the club into fourth place in the Western Conference. Blunden had two goals and three assists for his first career five-point game in an 8-2 win over Mississauga on Wednesday night. His second goal of the night proved to be the game winner and Michael was named the First Star of the game. Friday, Blunden had another pair of goals as the Otters defeated the Owen Sound Attack by a score of 5-4 in Owen Sound. Blunden also chipped in with an assist and was named the Second Star of the game. In a rematch on Saturday night, Blunden contributed a goal and two assists as the Otters defeated the Attack by a score of 6-5. Michael is currently on a five game scoring streak and has scored a goal in eight of his past nine games.

Blunden, drafted in the second round, 43rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft is currently tied for eighth in OHL scoring with 28 points. Blunden participated in the Team Canada Summer Development Camp this past August and is looking to make the squad that will participate in the 2006 World Junior Championships this winter in Vancouver.

2005-06 OHL Players of the Week

Oct. 31 - Michael Blunden, Erie Otters
Oct. 24 - Daren Machesney, Brampton Battalion
Oct. 17 - Rob Schremp - London Knights
Oct. 11 - Bobby Ryan, Owen Sound Attack
Oct. 3 - Marc Staal, Sudbury Wolves
Sept. 26 - Evan McGrath, Kitchener Rangers