(Windsor, ON) – Mikhail Sergachev has been named winner of the Max Kaminsky Trophy, awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League’s Most Outstanding Defenceman of the Year.

The 17-year-old from Nizhnekamsk, Russia burst onto the OHL scene as a rookie, finishing with 17 goals – most among all league defencemen – and 40 assists for 57 points and a plus-15 rating in 67 games.

“This is so unexpected,” Sergachev said, from his home in Russia. “I’m truly honoured. I think there were many worthy candidates, including my defence partners, who could’ve easily been named. I’m grateful to all my teammates for their support and for helping me throughout the entire year to improve as a player and a person. I’m very thankful to the coaching staff and management for never stopping coaching me and believing in me.”

Sergachev is the No. 8 ranked North American skater heading into this June’s NHL Draft in Buffalo. He represented the Spitfires, playing for Team Orr at the 2016 BMO CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game in Vancouver earlier this year and also suited up for Team Russia at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Grand Forks, North Dakota earlier this month.

“This recognition is a testament to how hard Misha had to work from day one,” said head coach Rocky Thompson. “When he first arrived, he didn’t speak a word of English. He was thousands of miles away from home, his family. At just 17, he’s mature way beyond his years. And not only did he play at the highest level night in and night out, he earned the respect of the entire organization, his coaches and, most importantly, his teammates.”