Rangers Matt Sop awarded overage player of the year award
Posted Apr 12, 2024 12:20:56 PM.
Last Updated Apr 12, 2024 12:21:01 PM.
Kitchener Rangers overage forward Matt Sop has been awarded the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy for the 2023-24 season for overage player of the year.
The honour was announced Friday.
The 21-year-old from Kitchener scored 43 goals and 90 points in the regular season in 67 games played.
“This recognition from the league means a lot to me,” said Sop in a media release. “I am really honoured to receive it, but I definitely could not have gotten it without all of my teammates and coaches around me.”
Sop has seen his production increase in each of his three seasons with the Kitchener Rangers. In 2021-22 as a rookie, Sop scored 22 points. In 2022-23, he doubled his production to 56 points and then finishing this past season with 90. He’s scored 76 goals and 93 assists for 169 points in 203 games played. Sop was tied with teammate Carson Rehkopf for the league lead in game-winning goals with 10 and tied atop of the league in overtime goals with five.
Sop was selected in the 7th round in 2019 by the Rangers.
“We are so excited and proud of Matthew on this individual accomplishment,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “It has been tremendous to see the growth in his game throughout his career with the Rangers and this is well-earned recognition for a great season. Also, as a seventh-round pick, it is fitting this award will be handed out on OHL Draft weekend,” McKenzie added. “Matthew is another example that development looks different for everyone and players that aren’t top picks can still make a big impact.”
Sop is the fourth player in Rangers franchise history to be selected for the award.
