The Oakville Blades are pleased to announce that goaltender Evan Buitenhuis has been named the newest captain of the franchise. Additionally, forward Sean Perichak, as well as defensemen Vince Palermo and Greg Campbell were named alternate captains.
The 6’2”, 185 lbs netminder was named the OJHL goalie of the month last October after going 5-1-2 with a 1.41 average, a .938 save percentage and three shutouts. As a rookie last season, “Boots” finished off the season with a stellar 26-14-4 record to go along with a 2.60 GAA, .915 SP and five shutouts. Prior to signing with the Blades prior to the 2012-2013 season, Buitenhuis began his junior career with the Grimsby Peach Kings, spending one year with the squad. From there, he would join the Thorold Blackhawks the following campaign, stealing the starting job after Alex Fotinos was called up to the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. His play with the squad would capture the attention of the Blades, who made him their starter in his rookie Jr. A season.
"Its a huge honour to be named captain of the Oakville blades and I'm looking forward to keeping up the tradition of excellence this team has established", Buitenhuis said about becoming the newest Oakville captain.
Nineteen year old defenseman Palermo brings toughness to his leadership role with the squad. Palermo is currently in his second season with the Blades, posting two points and 22 PIM in four games this season. Last year, the blue-liner managed to record one goal and eight points, as well as 125 penalty minutes in 48 games. Prior to joining the Blades last season, Palermo played a season with the Hamilton Red Wings, scoring one goal and sitting in the box for 55 minutes in 32 games.
Perichak was drafted in the fourth round, 69th overall by Brampton Battalion in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection. An above average penalty killer, Perichak was acquired from the Orangeville Flyers on September 24th, 2012 after five games with the squad that year. So far, the Oakville native has one assist to his credit this season, as well as 30 total points in 93 career OJHL matches.
Campbell is a multi-sport athlete that also competes with the Oakville Buzz lacrosse team. The eighteen year old defenseman joined his hometown Blades last season after playing his way through the Oakville Rangers ‘AAA’ organization. He would record two penalty minutes during a brief stint with the Milton Icehawks during the 2011-2012 season before joining the OJHL full time last year. So far this season, Campbell has recorded three assists to go with his 28 points from the previous campaign.
Don't forget to check out the Blades when they take on the Burlington Cougars at the Governors Showcase on Saturday night. Game begins at 7:30 at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, be there!