Kitchener Rangers netminder named as Ontario Hockey League’s Overage Player of the Year

Kitchener Rangers veteran goalie Jackson Parsons is having a successful season between the pipes.

A player for the Kitchener Rangers is being recognized as one of the best in the league.

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) named goaltender Jackson Parsons as the recipient of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy in a news release on Thursday. The award is given to the OHL’s top overage player, as voted on by the league’s general managers.

Parsons posted an incredible regular season, helping the Rangers to 37 wins and racking up five shutouts. He holds the Kitchener Rangers’ single-season record with 2.24 goals-against average.

“I am very honoured to receive the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy. It would not have been possible without my incredible teammates, coaches, family, billets and Rangers Nation who have supported me this year. I am so grateful and excited to see what the future holds,” Parsons said in the release.

Parsons was named the league’s Goaltender of the Week five times throughout the regular season.

“Jackson has been everything you want in a veteran player — calm under pressure, driven to improve and a true leader on and off the ice,” Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas said.

“He has been the backbone of our team all season, and this award is a reflection of his relentless work ethic and consistency. We couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished in his final year with the Rangers and there is no one more deserving than Jackson,” Ahokas added.

The last time a goalie won the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy was back in the 1997/98 season.

Last year, fellow Ranger Matthew Sop was the recipient of the award.