YOUR North York  Renegades have been at the top of the GMHL standings all season, powered in part, by the two best forwards in the South Division.

In his third year with YOUR Renegades, Christopher Rende has become one of the best players in the league and recently was named Best Forward and South Division MVP.

His lineman, Joseph Martino, captured the South Division’s Best Defensive Forward award and was Best Forward runner-up.

The two play on the same line and have dominated the league since the puck dropped in the season opener.

“Joe and I are very close and over the course of the season we developed strong chemistry,” said Rende, who is near the top in the GMHL scoring race. “He’s a smart hockey player and when you give the puck to him in the slot it’s most likely going in the net.”

Other Renegades honoured include Eric Stephenson (Best Defenceman, 1st Runnerup), Jedidja Somersall (Best Defenceman, 2nd Runnerup), Darryl Lloyd (Coach of the Year, 2nd runnerup) and Reilly Wosik (Rookie of the Year, 1st runner-up).

In his first year with YOUR Renegades, Martino has fit right in and has a chance at 50 goals.

“Playing in a different league has allowed me the opportunity to develop my game,” Martino said. “The best part about playing together with Chris is being able to make plays at high speed. We are also good friends away from the rink so to be able to share this success together is special.”

Both players point to the winning culture in the dressing created by coach Darryl Lloyd as a big reason for the team’s success.

“Coach Lloyd has been nothing but fantastic in all three of my years here,” Rende said. “He gets the team to buy in, play a strong system and creates a positive culture within the locker room and it shows on the ice. 

“He treats all his players with respect and I’m very grateful that he has provided me with all the necessary tools to have a great season both individually and as a team.”

Martino said Lloyd has helped his game tremendously.

“A big part of my personal success is being given the opportunity to play in all situations surrounded by good teammates,” Martino said. “Something Coach Lloyd has stressed to me over the coarse of this year is to slow my game down, take a little more time and make the best play I can.”

While the dynamic duo has excelled in the regular season, they both know the real test will come when the curtain rises on the GMHL playoffs. Rende was part of the team last year that made it all the way to the Russell Cup and he knows North York has some unfinished business there.

“The Russell Cup is the goal, the individual awards are obviously amazing to win but for me it doesn’t mean anything without a championship to top it all off,” said Rende, who had 17 points in 12 playoff games in the 2023 playoff run. “Last year, coming within two wins of lifting that trophy and falling short wasn’t a great feeling, so its all or nothing this year.”

Martino agreed.

“Our goal as a team is to win the championship,” he said.