Kitchener Rangers defenceman Matthew Andonoski named OHL Teammate of the Year

(Courtesy: OHL)

Kitchener Rangers defenceman Matthew Andonovski is the recipient of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award.

The recognition is given to the player considered the league’s best, based on their leadership, selflessness, mentorship and commitment to their team on and off the ice.

Andonovski, 21, was the Rangers captain during the 2024-25 season. He then played for the Belleville Senators with the American Hockey League, before returning to Kitchener midway through the current campaign. Despite no longer wearing the captain’s “C,” the Rangers said he continued to have a major leadership role.

“It’s an honour to receive this award,” Andonovski said in a media release. “I pride myself on being a dependable and positive teammate who always supports my teammates, works hard for the team’s success, and helps create a strong team environment on and off the ice.”

The Rangers credited Andonovski with helping to foster “a culture of inclusion” by organizing outings for his teammates and supporting the younger players who may not have otherwise been able to participate.

“We are very excited for Matthew and would like to congratulate him on this recognition,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “Ever since being returned to our team midway through the season he has had a tremendous impact on our team culture and unity. He is a big reason we are where we are today. Matthew is a five-year Ranger that has grown so much over that time on and off the ice and is a great example for younger players on the qualities we value in a Ranger player.”

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A native of Markham, Andonovski recorded 14 points and a plus-22 rating over 24 games this season. In his time with the team, he totalled 87 points in 264 regular season games.

The six-foot-two defenceman was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft and made his professional debut earlier this season with Belleville.

Andonovski will formally receive the award at the OHL Awards ceremony in June, which will be held at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Rangers ready for Game 5 of the OHL championship

The Kitchener Rangers need one more win to claim their first OHL championship in 18 years.

Kitchener now leads the championship series 3-0, so Tuesday night will be do-or-die for the Barrie Colts.

If the Rangers get a win in Game 4, they will clinch the OHL Championship series and the J. Ross Robertson Trophy for the first time since 2008.