Calgary Flames prospect and Kitchener Rangers defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz is the inaugural winner of the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award
Calgary Flames prospect and Kitchener Rangers defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz is the inaugural winner of the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award
Kitchener defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz is the inaugural winner of the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award. The new award was introduced in August 2023 and is awarded to the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on and off-ice leadership as a mentor and role model to other players, as well as a commitment and dedication to his team.
Additionally, the award celebrates the achievements of a player deemed to have demonstrated the same qualities of teamwork, selflessness, and dedication exemplified by former OHL Vice President Ted Baker, who worked for the OHL for over 35 years from 1988-2023.
Brzustewicz had a season to remember and performed at an extremely high level. He set a single-season franchise record by a Rangers defenseman with 79 assists, leading the league. His 92 points were second-most by a defenseman behind the CHL defenseman of the year, Zayne Parekh. However, it was the most points scored by a Kitchener defenseman since Jason Gladney did it in 1993-94.
The Rangers organization awarded him the Jim Malleck Trophy as the team’s MVP, the Bob ‘Snowy’ Schlieman Award as the club’s best offensive defenseman, and the Blueline Club Award as the player who best embodies sportsmanship and respect for the game.
“First of all, I would like to thank the OHL and the Kitchener Ranges for making this possible. I would also like to thank my teammates for making it so easy to come to the rink every day, to work hard and have fun,” said Brzustewicz.
“All I’ve wanted to do since I’ve been here is give it my all to be the best teammate and player I can be. The coaches gave me the guidance to make all that possible. I believe everything happens for a reason. No matter what, always make the best out of the opportunities you get,” he continued.
Rangers GM Mike McKenzie mentioned that Brzustewicz battled many adversities throughout the season, but he was always there for his team.
One of those adversities was when he was involved in an NHL trade between the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames.
Vancouver drafted him in the third round, 75th overall in 2023 after recording 51 assists and 57 points in his first OHL season. His ability to make accurate tape-to-tape passes in transition has made him one of the best puck moving defensemen in the OHL. He’s remarkably elusive against the forecheck and is a true one-man breakout on the backend.
The Calgary Flames took notice of his puck moving and playmaking skills and made him a part of their deal that sent Elias Lindholm over to Vancouver. Calgary signed Brzustewicz to a three-year entry-level contract in March and he will turn pro next season.