Winner: Mike Hensen, London Free Press

The London Lightning’s Marcus Capers is fouled by Windsor’s Ty Walker, but makes the hoop during their final game of the season at Budweiser Gardens in London, on March 31, 2019.

The London Lightning shooter, solo and surrounded by his opponents, bracing himself before a hard landing, seemingly held up by his fingertips while his legs are contorted. The focus of all five players on the ball as it makes its way through the hoop. This photo by Mike Hensen of the London Free Press stands out for how it was able to frame a moment in a game in the most unique of ways. It may not feature Kawhi Leonard, but it certainly was The Shot.

 

Runner-up: Derek Ruttan, London Free Press

Guelph Storm players MacKenzie Entwistle, left, and Nick Suzuki celebrate Entwistle’s empty net goal that cemented a 6-3 victory over the London Knights in game seven of the second round of the OHL playoffs in London on April 16, 2019. The Storm went on to win the OHL championship and challenge for the Memorial Cup.

The pure joy shared mid-air by these two members of the Guelph Storm, coupled with the puck sitting in the net, told a story of a game that needed no words and made for an impressive jubilation picture by Derek Ruttan of the London Free Press.

 

Runner-up: Nick Brancaccio, Windsor Star

Windsor, Ontario. February 14, 2019 – Windsor Spitfires player Tyler Angle slices through checks of the Sarnia Sting’s Alexandre Hogue, left, and Colton Kammerer for a scoring chance against Cameron Lamour at home on Feb. 14, 2019.

This split-second moment of a player driving toward the net, perfectly timed with the framing by his opponents as his momentum takes him into the air while he tries to control the puck, adds up to an award-worthy photo by Nick Brancaccio of the Windsor Star.

ONA 2019 Sports Photography (over 25,000 circulation): Winner and Runners-up