This year’s winner of the Max Kaminsky Trophy is a legend across Canada. Barrie Colts’ Kashawn Aitcheson is this year’s recipient of the Kaminsky Trophy, presented annually to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Defenceman of the Year as voted by the League’s General Managers. Aitcheson had a record-setting season with the Barrie Colts, leading OHL blueliners with a franchise mark 70 points including a new club record 28 goals by a defenceman. He finished among the league-leaders with a plus-46 rating and continued to display a flare for the dramatic with six game-winning goals. “This group of guys has made it so special from the coaching staff right on down,” said Aitcheson of the award recognition. “It’s been a great year of learning, getting better and all the laughs and fun that have come with it as well.” Aitcheson was also a member of Canada’s bronze medal-winning National Junior Team this past January. Aitcheson’s 15 power-play markers were the most by an OHL defenceman as he saw time in all situations under first year Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz. The 6-foot-2, 203 lbs blueliner ended the season as the Colts’ all-time leader in goals (63) and points (171) by a defenceman. “We’re very proud of Kash,” said Marty Williamson, Colts’ vice president and general manager. “I’ve seen first-hand how hard this guy works. He’s the first guy in here every day and we have to drag him off the ice. To see him take it to another level this year and really be as dominant and effective as he’s been really puts a smile on our faces. “We knew pretty quickly that we had a special young man when we first interviewed him ahead of the draft,” added Williamson. “I didn’t know he’d blossom into the offensive player that he is, but when you approach every day with hard work and a mentality of trying to get better, it’s amazing what good things can happen.” A 19-year-old from Toronto, Aitcheson was originally Barrie’s third round (50th overall) pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. Selected by the New York Islanders 17th overall in last summer’s NHL Draft, he was a top finisher on this year’s OHL Coaches’ Poll, coming in at first place in Eastern Conference voting for categories including best shot, hardest shot, best body checker and best offensive defenceman.
