2024 NHL Draft prospect Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George adds more hardware to his trophy case

Owen Sound Attack draft-eligible netminder Carter George has added a couple more trophies to his accolade cupboard that already features a Gold Medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and a recent Gold Medal at the IIHF Men's U18 World Championship. 

George was announced as the OHL's 2023-24 recipient of the Bobby Smith Trophy which is awarded annually to the Scholastic Player of the Year. He was also named the winner of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award which is presented to the League's top academic high school student.

He became the OHL's first dual winner of the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant awards since Erie Otters defenceman - now with the New York Islanders - Adam Pelech achieved this honour in 2011-12. 

"Carter George is one of those young men capable of just about anything he puts his mind to. I don't think anyone in the organization is surprised that he has achieved this feat. Carter has proven to be a leader both on and off the ice since completing his first game with us two years ago. Being able to say that you are both the Bobby Smith and Ivan Tennant award winner in the same year says a lot about the individual who could win that," said Owen Sound GM Dale DeGray.

George's teammate Colby Barlow was last year's winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy, and he's the fifth Attack to claim the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award. 

"It's truly an honour to receive these awards. I believe that to be an elite athlete your habits, character, and mindset apply to all aspects in life, not just hockey. That is why I feel it is just as important for me to strive for a high level of success in my academics. Balancing hockey with my academics has helped me to become more disciplined, resilient, and has taught me time management," said George.

Carter was one of the League's busiest goaltenders this past season. His 56 games played were third most, he faced the most rubber with 1,923 shots against and recorded the most saves with 1,744. He finished in a tie with Kitchener goaltender Jackson Parsons and London netminder Michael Simpson for most shutouts with four. Lastly, his .907 save percentage was second-best behind Mississauga goalie and U18 Team Canada teammate, Ryerson Leenders.

Needless to say, George got the job done on and off the ice this past season, and now he looks forward to the upcoming NHL Draft in Las Vegas where he should be one of the first goaltenders to hear his name called.

Here is the full list of the 2023-24 OHL Scholastic Team Nominees and their birth years:

Barrie Colts - Jaiden Newton (2007)
Brantford Bulldogs - Jake O'Brien (2007)
Erie Otters - Matthew Schaefer (2007)
Flint Firebirds - Jimmy Lombardi (2007)
Guelph Storm - Jett Luchanko (2006)
Kingston Frontenacs - Mason Vaccari (2005)
Kitchener Rangers - Cameron Reid (2007)
London Knights  - Sam Dickinson (2006)
Mississauga Steelheads - Lucas Karmiris (2006)
Niagara IceDogs - Kevin He (2006)
North Bay Battalion - Nolan Laird (2006)
Oshawa Generals - Ben Danford (2006)
Ottawa 67's - Frankie Marrelli (2006)
Owen Sound Attack - Carter George (2006)
Peterborough Petes - Ryder McIntyre (2004) 
Saginaw Spirit - Michael Misa (2007)
Sarnia Sting - Nick Surzycia (2004)
Soo Greyhounds - Landon Miller (2006)
Sudbury Wolves - Nathan Villeneuve (2006)
Windsor Spitfires - Liam Greentree (2006)

Saginaw's forward Michael Misa finished as the runner-up for the Bobby Smith Trophy and the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year Jett Luchanko finished third.