Former Nickel City Sons' forward Brandon Bazinet has been named as the 2012-2013 recipient of the Mitch Tetreault Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the top defensive forward in the NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League).

Not only was the 17-year-old native of Val Caron product pivotal in helping the Blind River Beavers shutdown opposing shooters throughout this, his rookie campaign in the league, he also proved quite creative offensively.

The five-foot-nine-inch, 160-pound forward competed in 46 of his team’s 48 regular season contests, averaging nearly a point-per-game by recording 44 points on 13 goals and 31 assists.

Bazinet becomes the third skater from Blind River to earn the award since it was first presented back in 2002-03, dedicated to the memory of former Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats owner Mitch Tetreault.

Following is a complete listing of the previous award winners:

2011-2012 - Brad Edwards (North Bay Trappers)
2010-2011 - Jake Wright (Soo Thunderbirds)
2009-2010 - Brodie Barron (North Bay Trappers)
2008-2009 - Gerritt Weller (Blind River Beavers)
2007-2008 - No winner
2006-2007 - Jeremy Hilliard (Blind River Beavers)
2005-2006 - Ian Wong (Abitibi Eskimos); Mike Hebert (Northern Michigan Black Bears)
2004-2005 - Josh Merson (North Bay Skyhawks)
2003-2004 - Ryan McKee (North Bay Skyhawks)
2002-2003 - Tyler MacKenzie (Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats)