Gavin Holod had a fantastic season on the ice this year.
He also played with a lot of teammates.
Holod received a huge honour after he was recently named the No.1 Winnipeg Free Press player in their top 10 players’ poll.
“I think Gavin’s greatest asset is his speed,” said Rams’ co-coach Brent Leschyson in an email. “It wasn’t uncommon to see him catch a defenceman off guard and go right past him. He’s exciting to watch. He is excellent at capitalizing on turnovers and moving up ice quickly. He also has all the other elements too: great shot, good hockey IQ, etc. He’s one of those guys who is really excited to play, and a joy to coach. He brings a lot of positivity to the rink.”
Holod is a very good player with a great future. He is very quick to credit his teammates and coaches.
“I thought the season went really great,” he said last week. “It was my first year in the A division. All of us knew it would be a challenge but we really adapted to it.”
Holod really enjoyed his time playing high school hockey with Stonewall.
“It was tons of fun and I would definitely recommend it to somebody else,” he said.
The 16-year old winger led the WHSHL with 21 goals and 46 points. He dominated with his Stonewall linemate Adam Newcombe. Holod was also named an MVP at Miles Mac and Winkler tournaments.
Besides playing for the Ecole Stonewall Collegiate Rams, he also suited up for Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League’s Stonewall Jets and the MJHL’s Niverville Nighthawks.
With Stonewall, the Jets put him on a line with Karson King and Peyton Bateman. You couldn’t ask for two more talented linemates.
“It was great (and the league) was more fast-paced with more hitting and physicality,” said Holod, adding he would love to play college hockey in the United States. ”It took me a little more (time) to get comfortable with.”
The Nighthawks selected Holod in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2023 MJHL Draft and he has played two games this season. Niverville made the playoffs, edging out the Selkirk Steelers.
