April 16, 2025, Mississauga, ON – …. Mason Kim of the Mississauga Chargers has been voted the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year for 2024-25, the league announced today.
Kim, 18, had 65 points (29 goals/36 assists) in 55 games. Only teammate and sometimes linemate Wyatt Jinman – 66 points (21 goals/45 assists) – had more points in the OJHL rookie race of 2024-25.
“On behalf of the entire Mississauga Chargers organization, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mason Kim on this remarkable achievement,” Alex Bezerra, Head Coach and General Manager of the Chargers, told the OJHL. “Mason stands out as a leader in our locker room, demonstrating maturity well beyond his years; it’s an absolute pleasure to work with him every day. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence are qualities that earn him the deep respect of his teammates and peers; he is a true competitor who gives us a strong chance to win every game.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have Mason and his family within our organization, and we are excited to continue supporting his development as he seeks to capitalize on his academic and athletic success for opportunities at the next level.”
A Toronto resident, Kim played for the Vaughan Kings AAA organization in the GTHL for his U13 through U18 seasons.
How did he make the massive leap from 25 points in his U18 year to those 65 in the OJHL playing against opponents as old as 20?
“A lot of the work I put in during the summer really helped me get ready for this season,” Kim told the OJHL this week. “All my coaches helped me along the way, like Alex and Joe Washkurak (in Mississauga). They really developed me last summer and during the season.
“And I got a little bigger from U18. I knew that was one of the key things I had to work on and I’m still working on it.”
Bypassed in both the Ontario Hockey League U16 and U18 drafts, Kim’s big rookie season in the OJHL now has the attention of OHL clubs.
“Undrafted,” proclaims the free agent with a laugh. He plans to attend at least one OHL camp.
Is there a message to the other players who go unselected?
“Just keep working harder,” he said. “You’re always going to be faced with adversity. You’re not always going to get what you want. But if you keep working and are persistent, you can accomplish anything.”
Kim is maintaining an 88-per-cent average while completing Grade 12 at Crescent School in Toronto this spring.
Kim represented the Chargers and the OJHL in the Prospects section of last fall’s Battle of Ontario against players from the CCHL in Smiths Falls
Kim will be honoured along with the other OJHL award recipients at a ceremony during the OJHL Championship Series later this month.
January 3, 2025. (Photo by Rick Denham /OJHL Images)
