Baptiste named most underrated player in Eastern Conference

Sudbury Wolves forward Nick Baptiste was named the most underrated player in the Ontario Hockey League's Eastern Conference.

Baptiste is being recognized for his effort through the 2012-13 OHL Coaches Poll.

In addition to being named the most underrated player, Baptiste was third among the top three players deemed most dangerous in the goal area, and was third among the top three players named best skater, according to a news release.

The OHL Coaches Poll provides member club coaches with the opportunity to recognize the top three players in 20 different skill categories within their own conference.

The Barrie Colts and the Oshawa Generals led the way with representation in 10 categories each.

Each team submitted one nominee per category and coaches voted for the top three players for each category within their conference. Coaches are not permitted to vote for players on their own team.

Players receive five points for a first-place vote, three points for a second-place vote, and one point for a third-place vote.

Other Sudbury Wolves players making the list are:

Mathew Campagna, who tied for second for best shootout shooter with Mark Scheifele of the Barrie Colts and Stuart Percy of the Mississauga Steelheads. He also secured third among the top three most improved players.

Michael Kantor was second on the hardest worker list, and he tied for third with Barclay Goodrow of the Brampton Battalion for best defensive forward.

Goalie Frank Palazzese tied for second with Matej Machovsky of the Brampton Battalion for best puck-handling goalie.

For a complete list of the award winners, visit http://www.sudburywolves.com/article/ohl-eastern-conference-coaches-poll.