OBJ announces November Players of the Month

December 5, 2025

The Ohio Blue Jackets are proud to announce the program's November Players of the Month presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods. These awards are issued to one member from each team. Honored are student-athletes that excel on and off of the ice, demonstrate our holistic development model and represent the program's core values of process, respect, integrity, determination and excellence.

18U (2006/07) - Nicholas Borg
Now in his third season in the program, Nicholas Borg continues to be an important piece of the 18U puzzle. A year removed from helping the team capture a district championship and reach the National semifinals, Borg has established himself as a dependable shutdown defender who can also make plays to jumpstart the offense. He is a trusted penalty killer and excels in the subtle, detail-driven areas of the game—doing the little things that may go unnoticed to the casual observer but are vital to the team’s success. In November, Borg rose to a challenge from the coaching staff and delivered a standout month, helping the team to a 9-3-0 record highlighted by a key win over Northstar Christian Academy. Off the ice, he is a consummate teammate whose positive energy, passion for the game, and care for those around him make him an invaluable part of the group.

16U (2009) - Carson Burke
A veteran of the 2009 age group, Carson Burke is a steady, reliable everyday player who consistently embodies what it means to be a great teammate. One of the team’s hardest workers, Burke is highly coachable and continues to show significant growth in his game. A quiet leader, he earns the respect of both teammates and coaches through his professionalism and the consistency of his daily approach. Trusted in all situations, Burke often draws the tough assignment of matching up against the opposition’s top players. After recording a pair of assists against Pens Elite, he played a crucial role in a big win over the Pittsburgh Stars as the team battled through a short-handed lineup. Off the ice, Burke sets the standard academically as well—he is a junior at Hilliard Darby High School, where he excels in the classroom with a 4.08 GPA.

16U Girls (2009/10) - Emmalynn Strausbaugh
A native of Findley, OH, Emmalynn Strausbaugh stepped up in a major way for her team in November, turning in her best stretch of hockey this season. Facing top-tier competition, she posted a strong .906 save percentage over five games, highlighted by an outstanding weekend against Culver Academy where she delivered an eye-popping .957 save percentage across two matchups. Strausbaugh’s performance reflects the consistency of her daily approach—she is a relentless worker in both team practices and goalie sessions and is committed to improving every day. She also takes great pride in her preparation, developing a focused and disciplined pregame routine that has helped elevate her play. Off the ice, Strausbaugh is equally impressive. A 10th grader at Findley High School, she maintains a 3.8 GPA while serving on student council, Key Club, and Findley Christian Athletes. She is a multi-sport standout as well, competing on the school’s varsity wrestling and softball teams, in addition to playing travel softball with the NWO Heat.

15O (2010) - Gavin Dietrich
A hard-working and dependable forward, Gavin Dietrich’s steady development has quickly turned him into one of the team’s most reliable contributors. In eight games during the month of November, the Urbana, OH native produced 3 goals and 2 assists, showcasing his growing confidence and consistency. Whether he’s generating offense, forechecking with purpose, or playing responsible hockey away from the puck, Dietrich brings consistency and competitiveness every time he steps on the ice. A positive presence in the locker room, Dietrich brings a strong everyday approach and an impressive work ethic both on the ice and in the gym. Off the ice, Dietrich continues to set a strong example. A 10th grader at Mechanicsburg High School, he maintains a 3.5 GPA and was recently honored by being named to the school’s homecoming court.

14U (2011) - Zander Shank
A consistent, go-to player for the highly accomplished 14U team, the biggest compliment to Zander’s game is that he makes everyone around him better. His impact goes far beyond his on-ice contributions—Shank brings a contagious energy and a relentless work ethic that elevate the team’s compete level every single day. He sets the standard by the way he practices, prepares, and carries himself, always giving 100% and pushing his teammates to match his intensity. One of the defining moments of Zander’s season came in a dramatic comeback win against the Central Ontario Wolves. Trailing 3–0, he helped spark the rally and ultimately delivered the game-winning goal with just three seconds left, a testament to his poise, determination, and ability to rise in big moments. Off the ice, Zander continues to exemplify what it means to be a model member of the OBJ program. A 9th grader at Ohio Connections Academy, his daily commitment to being the best version of himself—athletically, academically, and personally—sets an example that teammates and coaches alike admire.

14U Girls (2011/12) - Julia Bramanti
Julia Bramanti is an outstanding worker who gives her all every time she steps on the ice. Her work ethic is second to none, and she has become a steady, calming presence in goal—slowing the game down, tracking pucks with precision, and competing hard on every play. Her performance this season reflects that commitment. Bramanti is currently posting an impressive .909 save percentage along with a 1.70 goals-against average, numbers that speak to both her reliability and her competitiveness. She brings intensity and discipline to every practice, holding both herself and her teammates to a high standard. A fierce competitor, she refuses to let shots in during drills and creates a fun but demanding environment that pushes everyone around her to be better. That same energy carries over to games, where she regularly delivers highlight-reel saves and gives her team a chance to win every night. Off the ice, Bramanti continues to excel. An 8th grader at Lakeview Junior High in Pickerington, she takes advanced English, math, and science courses and has earned a place on the distinguished honor roll. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and plays violin in the school orchestra. Outside of hockey season, she also competes as a striker in soccer. 

13U (2012) - Drake Marino
In his first season in the program, Drake Marino has quickly grown into a respected and trusted leader for the 13U team. A well-rounded, 200-foot player, Marino’s confidence and overall game have steadily developed each week throughout the season. He plays with a maturity beyond his years and has become one of the team’s most dependable penalty killers and defensive forwards, consistently showing a willingness to block shots, finish checks, and compete in the hard areas of the ice. His commitment to team success, attention to detail, and reliability in pressure situations have made him a stabilizing presence in all zones. Marino’s offensive game has also taken meaningful strides. Through 33 games this season, he has recorded 8 goals, 9 assists, and 17 points—production that surged during a breakout month of November. In that stretch, he led the team with 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) over nine games, demonstrating growing confidence with the puck and an emerging ability to impact the game offensively. Off the ice, Marino continues to set a strong standard. An 8th grader at Learwood Middle School, he maintains excellent grades and is highly regarded by his family, friends, and teachers for his character, work ethic, and positive relationships. His maturity, dedication, and team-first mentality make him an outstanding representative of the program both on and off the ice.

12U (2013) - Ben Detmer
In his third season wearing the OBJ jersey, Ben Detmer has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the 12U team’s defense. He has been outstanding statistically, posting 16 points, 32 blocked shots, and a team-high plus-26 rating. November was a standout month, as he recorded a +8 rating, added 6 assists, and contributed 17 blocked shots over 13 games— while never logging a minus game. Ben’s consistent play, attention to detail, and reliability in every situation make him a key contributor to the team’s success. On the ice, Ben demonstrates remarkable maturity, playing with passion, poise, and discipline. He continues to develop both fundamentally and mentally each day at the rink, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike through his high character and leadership. Off the ice, Ben is equally impressive. A 7th grader at Springboro Junior High, he excels academically while taking several high school-level courses. He is also a standout soccer player for the Northern Warren County Cyclones and volunteers at a local food bank multiple times a year, demonstrating his commitment to his community. 

12U Girls (2013/14) - Olivia Mullendore
In her second season in the program, Olivia Mullendore has consistently demonstrated hard work and dedication, elevating the intensity and pace of play for everyone around her. She is highly coachable, always open to feedback and constantly striving to improve her game. Combining skill and grit, Mullendore makes a meaningful impact every time she steps on the ice. In November, she posted a +5 rating and contributed offensively with 2 goals and 1 assist. She currently leads all defensive players on the team in plus/minus, goals and assists this season, highlighting her consistent two-way play. A 6th grader at New Albany Intermediate School, she is a straight-A student taking advanced math courses. She was also selected as a “House Leader,” a position awarded to students who promote belonging and cooperation among their peers. Outside of hockey, Olivia is a dedicated dancer with New Albany Ballet, committing more than 10 hours a week to ballet, pointe and modern dance. She also plays lacrosse for New Albany and recently began field hockey, demonstrating her versatility and love of sports. In the community, she has volunteered at the local food pantry and helped create blankets for patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

11U (2014) - Charlie Priefer
A well-rounded, versatile, and team-first player, Charlie Priefer has established himself as both an outstanding teammate and a coach’s dream. Equally effective on offense and defense, he adapts seamlessly to any situation and can be trusted in all areas of the game. Charlie is highly coachable, earns the respect of his teammates, and leads by example, consistently letting his play do the talking. His steady improvement week to week, combined with his commitment to giving maximum effort in every practice and game, has earned him multiple Player of the Game honors this season. Charlie’s ability to stay composed under pressure and make smart decisions on the ice helps elevate the play of everyone around him, making him an invaluable presence for the team. Off the ice, Charlie continues to impress. A 5th grader at St. Charles School, he is a straight-A student, demonstrating the same focus, discipline, and dedication in the classroom as he does on the ice. Charlie’s positive attitude, humility, and willingness to support his teammates make him a role model and a young leader who sets the standard for others to follow.

10U (2015) - Michael Bender
First year player Michael Bender had a strong November in the net for the program's youngest team, starting four games and finishing with a 3-1 record. He competed hard in every matchup and has been playing with growing confidence, providing stability and energy from the crease. Mikey was in goal for the team’s first quarter-final win of the season, helping secure a 6-1 victory against the Long Island Royals. A dedicated athlete and student of the game, Bender is highly coachable and passionate about improving his craft. Despite his young age, he demonstrates impressive maturity, focusing on the little details that make a big difference in his performance. His love for being in the net, combined with his work ethic, makes him a valuable asset to the team. Mikey’s positive attitude and commitment also make him a great teammate, always supporting and encouraging those around him. Off the ice, Mikey excels academically. A 5th grader at Chapman Dublin Elementary, he is part of the academically gifted program and also participates in the accelerated math program. 

Congratulations to our players of the month for November 2025! 

The Ohio Blue Jackets program prides itself on being the premier youth hockey program in Ohio. With an every day mission to develop our student-athletes to reach their potential on and off of the ice, the program aims to provide a healthy and safe environment for the elite player to grow as a player, person and teammate through the great game of hockey.