Rangers’ Sop named league’s top overager
Kitchener native posted a career best 90 points in final year of junior hockey
Matthew Sop saved his best for last.
The Kitchener Rangers centre enjoyed a breakout season during his overage campaign with 43 goals, 47 assists and 90 points — all career bests — to finish 11th overall in Ontario Hockey League scoring.
On Friday, the league recognized him for the feats by naming him winner of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as overage player of the year.
“This recognition from the league means a lot to me,” said Sop in a news release.
“I am really honoured to receive it, but I definitely could not have gotten it without all of my teammates and coaches around me.”
The 21-year-old Kitchener native is the fourth Rangers player to win the award, which is selected by OHL general managers.
He follows centre Joey St. Aubin (1990-91), defenceman Andre Benoit (2004-05) and winger Jason Akeson (2010-11).
“It has been tremendous to see the growth in his game throughout his career with the Rangers and this is well-earned recognition for a great season,” said Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie, in a news release.
Sop came up in Kitchener minor hockey and was a seventh-round pick by the Rangers in the 2019 OHL draft.
“Matthew is another example that development looks different for everyone and players that aren’t top picks can still make a big impact,” McKenzie added.
Owen Sound Attack forward Deni Goure finished as the runner-up in voting for the overager award.
Earlier this month, Sop was named best stickhandler and tied for second in best shootout shooter in the Western Conference in the annual coaches poll.