Holden Rogers (men’s hockey), and Isabella and Zoe Durcak (women’s rowing) have been selected as The Brock Press’ Male and Female Athletes of the Month for October.
Male Athlete of the Month – Holden Rogers
Holden Rogers has been named as TBP Male Athlete of the Month. The third-year forward has scored six goals in eight games in October, leading the Badgers men’s hockey team to a 4-2-2 record in the month.
The Hamilton-native is in his second season with the Badgers after opening his OUA career with the TMU Bold and has already doubled his goal scoring tally from last season after only scoring twice in three games played in 2023-24.
Rogers’ six goals, which are tied for third-most in the OUA, make up nearly a quarter of the Badgers’ 25 goals this season, as his 10 points are tied for tenth in the province.
Two of Rogers’ goals in October were game-winning goals, scoring the winner in the season opener on Oct. 3 at Waterloo — a game in which he finished with a goal and two assists — while adding another game-winner to his tally on Oct. 19 in a 3-2 home win over Nipissing.
In the other home win against Nipissing on Oct. 18, Rogers flashed his versatility scoring a shorthanded goal to open the game and propel Brock onto the 4-2 victory.
Rogers has not only cemented himself in head coach TJ Manastersky’s lineup,but also a staple on the top line and special teams, especially with the departures of some key pieces this offseason.
The Sport Management major will be called upon in November with tough matchups ahead, which include heading to Quebec to battle the 2023-24 OUA Champion UQTR Patriotes on Nov. 2, a visit from the 2023-24 OUA Runners-Up TMU Bold on Nov. 8 and hosting the 2023-24 OUA Bronze Medalists McGill Redbirds on Nov. 16 — a game that The Brock Press will be covering.
For more information on Holden Rogers, please visit Rogers’ player profile on gobadgers.ca.
Female Athlete of the Month – Isabella Durcak & Zoe Durcak
Twin sisters Isabella and Zoe Durcak have been named TBP Female Athletes of the Month for October, highlighted by their impressive performance at the 2024 OUA Rowing Championships.
The sisters from Stoney Creek won double gold at Port Dalhousie on Oct. 25, winning both the lightweight double and women’s pair event.
Their lightweight double gold was the third straight season they finished first in the event, finishing in 7:14.335, over 10 seconds faster than Queen’s who placed second.
It was also a battle with the Gaels in the women’s pair event, with the Durcaks edging out Queen’s with a time of 7:33.015 to claim another gold medal.
The Durcaks have now won four golds together at the OUA Championships, with Isabella having seven (four gold, two silver and one bronze) provincial medals while Zoe has eight (five gold, two silver and one bronze).
Isabella and Zoe were named the OUA Rowing Female Athletes of the Year, the first Badger to win the award since Laura Court in 2018, while also being named two of the OUA Athletes of the Week for the week ending Oct. 27.
For more information on Isabella and Zoe Durcak, please visit their athlete profiles on gobadgers.ca.
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Stay tuned to The Brock Press following every month where the Male and Female Athletes of the Month will be highlighted.
Want a say in selecting a winner? Email lcosta@brockpress.com to nominate a Badger.