UOIT Athletics Media Release
May 8, 2007

UOIT Ridgeback’s Bagshaw Receives Prestigious Academic Award

Oshawa, ON – The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is pleased to announce that UOIT Ridgeback’s men’s hockey player Derrick Bagshaw has won the Roger Neilson Memorial Award as the Ontario Hockey League’s top post-secondary student. He maintained a grade point average of more than 3.5 and has completed 35 credits to date; he attended both Gannon and Mercyhurst universities in Erie while playing with the Otters.

“I feel honoured to win this award and I would like to thank the Erie Otters organization for all the help and support, and for giving me a great opportunity both on and off the ice. I'm very excited to be putting on a Ridgebacks jersey in the fall. I felt UOIT was the best option for me academically, where I will be in the commerce program. Hockey wise, I look forward to developing a winning tradition at UOIT, and improving my game in hopes of earning a pro contract in the future."

The Ridgebacks, under the guidance of veteran OUA Head Coach - Marlin Muylaert (bio at uoitridgebacks.com), will take to the ice on Friday, October 12th for their historic first ever OUA game. The Ridgebacks opponents in their opening game will be the Queen's University Golden Gaels. Puck drops 7:30pm with a gala of pre-game and post game festivities planned.

For Further Information:
Angela Cull
Department of Athletics
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905-721-3111 ext 2784