The OHL has handed out this year's Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy.
Defenceman, Justin Lemcke of the Hamilton Bulldogs was chosen for the award by a media selection committee as the OHL team captain that best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, with a passion and dedication to the game of hockey and community that Mickey demonstrated.
“It’s an honour to receive the Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy,” said Lemcke. “This is such a prestigious award, in memory of a very special person. I think it’s just as important for a captain to show leadership in the community as it is on the ice. We are seen as role models by many and it’s our responsibility to give back to those who support us.”
The Windsor Spitfires marked ten years without their captain forever Mickey Renaud (Photo by Windsor Spitfires.com)
Lemcke is currently the longest serving OHL captain and was the first player given the ‘C’ in Bulldogs history appointed during their inaugural 2015-16 season upon relocation to Hamilton.
On the ice, the 21-year-old from Whitby, Ont., helped the Bulldogs steadily improve from 58 points in 2015-16, to 74 in 2016-17, and 93 in 2017-18 where they captured their first East Division title atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Lemcke becomes the 10TH recipient of the award following Alex Peters of the Flint Firebirds who received the award last season.
Past recipients also include Michael Webster (Barrie Colts 2016), Max Domi (London Knights 2015), Matt Finn (Guelph Storm 2014), Colin Miller (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2013), Andrew Agozzino (Niagara IceDogs 2012), Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires 2011), John Kurtz (Sudbury Wolves 2010), and Chris Terry of the Plymouth Whalers who won the inaugural award for the 2008-09 season.
The Mickey Renaud Captain’s Trophy will be formally presented to Lemcke at the OHL Awards Ceremony on Wednesday June 6 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.