Iron Rangers’ O’Dea named Pizza Hut player of the week

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Tuesday that Minnesota Iron Rangers forward Matt O’Dea has been named the Pizza Hut player of the week for the period ending Jan. 5.

In two games this past week the 19-year-old native of Chicago, Ill., registered five points helping the Iron Rangers sweep the rival Wisconsin Wilderness in a weekend home-and-home series to commence 2014 regular season play.

O’Dea began by tallying twice and dishing out two assists Friday as Minnesota rolled to a 9-2 triumph at Hoyt Lakes Arena.

The following evening he notched his league-leading sixth game-winning goal of the season as the Iron Rangers edged the Wilderness 3-2 at the Spooner Ice House.

On the season O’Dea is averaging over a point-per-game for his squad with 32 in 29 outings. His 22 markers on the campaign tie him for the fourth most in the league with teammate Trevor Hoth.

He is currently riding a five-game goal and point streak (7g-2a) and is also tied for the SIJHL-lead in shorthanded markers with three joining fellow Minnesota forward Jonathon Losurdo in that department.

Also receiving consideration for Pizza Hut player of the week was Kevin Kurm, (F) Fort Frances Lakers; Daniel Delpaggio, (F) Thunder Bay North Stars; Cody Kaus, (D) Dryden Ice Dogs; Paul Lamoureaux, (F) English River Miners and Zann Anderson, (G) Wisconsin Wilderness.

At the conclusion of the regular season the SIJHL’s most valuable player will be presented the Pizza Hut player of the year award and will also go on to be the league’s representative for the national Canadian Junior Hockey League player of the year trophy.