Male Athlete of the Year: Briir Long
Briir Long winner of the Britt Jessup Memorial Award for Male Athlete of the Year
Briir Long's impressive 2023 season on the ice has helped him become the Britt Jessup Memorial Award winner for outstanding achievement by a local male athlete in 2023.
A 10th round selection, 189th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Long brings an already travelled resume to the Bulldogs. Skating with the North Bay Trappers for his U15 AAA season, Long moved to the GTHL for his draft year with the Mississauga Senators U16 AAA. After an impressive 7 points in 4 games at the OHL Cup solidified his OHL draft standing.
The skilled forward started the 2023-24 season with the St. Thomas Stars of the Greater Ontario Jr. B Hockey League where he posted an impressive 24 goals along with 14 assists for 38 points in his first 30 games in his first year of junior eligibility before the end of the calendar year.
Briir Long was also named the GOJHL rookie of the month for October and was named to a GOJHL Top Prospects event as well. In late December, his hard work was rewarded as he signed a contract with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League in late December.
“To do what Briir has already done as a 16-year old in a very, very good league (GOJHL) gives a glimpse at his tremendous potential. We are excited to add Briir’s skill set and character to our group moving forward," stated Matt Turek, Bulldogs general manager about Long.
On top of his hockey skills, Long even made an impact after his hockey season ended in the spring of 2023 by joining the Chippewa Secondary School boys soccer team where he made an immediate impact to the local high school team.
Long will be receiving his award from the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Davedi Club. Tickets for the 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner are available by contacting Larry Tougas (705-303-8104).
