Barrie's Mackenzie Blackwood named OHL's goalie of the year

TORONTO - Mackenzie Blackwood of the Barrie Colts is the Ontario Hockey League's goaltender of the year.

The New Jersey Devils prospect posted a record of 28-13-0-0 with three shutouts and a 2.72 goals-against-average in 43 games this season. He also tied for the league-lead with a .921 save percentage while backstopping the Colts to their second straight Central Division title.

"It is an honour to receive this award considering the amount of great goalies throughout the league," said Blackwood.

The 19-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., accumulated 84 wins in three seasons with the Colts, which ranks second in franchise history behind Brian Finley’s 88 recorded between 1997 and 2001.

"He was a virtual unknown, off the radar when we drafted him in 2012, and he has worked on his game on and off the ice diligently to make himself a world class junior goaltender," said Colts general manager Jason Ford. "As an organization we are extremely happy for him and it’s nice to see him honoured this way."

Blackwood received 49 points in voting by OHL general managers. Devin Williams of the Erie Otters was second with 47 points, followed by Carolina Hurricanes prospect Alex Nedeljkovic of the Niagara IceDogs with 46 points.

Blackwood will be formally presented with the award at a ceremony on June 7 in Toronto.