2026 award winners
player of the year:
Taeo Artichuk, Trenton GOLDEN HAWKS (OJHL)
Taeo Artichuk established himself as one of the top talents in Canadian Junior A hockey during his tenure with the Trenton Golden Hawks. The Ajax, Ontario product delivered a standout 2025–26 season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), earning league MVP honours after posting an impressive 108 points in 55 games, including 37 goals and 71 assists. His outstanding offensive production set a new Trenton franchise single-season scoring record and reinforced his status as one of the OJHL’s most dangerous and creative forwards.
Chosen 21st overall by the Erie Otters in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Artichuk spent parts of three seasons developing in the Ontario Hockey League before joining Trenton. With the Golden Hawks, he evolved into the driving force behind one of the league’s elite programs. Renowned for his vision, hockey IQ, and playmaking ability, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in both points and assists while playing a key role in the team’s continued success.
Artichuk has also represented the OJHL on the international stage, including appearances with Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge, where he further demonstrated his leadership qualities and ability to compete against top junior talent.
Photo courtesy of OJHL Images
Trainer of the Year
Mark Baxter, NORWICH MERCHANTS (PJHL)
Mark Baxter has been a dedicated and respected figure within the Norwich Merchants Junior C hockey organization for decades, earning admiration for his tireless commitment to players, staff, and the local hockey community. Known for his professionalism, loyalty, and passion for the game, Baxter has played an essential role behind the scenes as the team’s longtime trainer, helping athletes prepare physically and mentally throughout demanding hockey seasons.
With nearly 50 years of involvement in hockey, Baxter has become one of the most recognizable and valued members of the Norwich Merchants organization. His responsibilities have extended far beyond traditional trainer duties, often assisting with equipment management, player care, team operations, and mentorship. His attention to detail and dependable presence have helped create a positive and professional environment for generations of players competing in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL).
Baxter’s impact on the organization has also reached into the community, where he is widely respected for his volunteerism and dedication to amateur sports. Through decades of service, he has contributed significantly to the culture and success of Norwich hockey, becoming an important part of the team’s identity and history while helping young athletes develop both on and off the ice.
Photo courtesy of NORWICH MERCHANTS
Official of the Year
Nick Myers
Nick Myers is a highly respected hockey official within the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), recognized for his professionalism, leadership, and long-standing dedication to the game. Through years of involvement in amateur and junior hockey across Ontario, Myers has built a strong reputation for fairness, consistency, and a deep understanding of the sport, earning the respect of players, coaches, and fellow officials alike.
As an OHA official, Myers has worked countless games at various competitive levels, where his calm demeanor and strong communication skills have made him a trusted presence on the ice. His commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring player safety has been central to his success as an official. Known for his preparation and attention to detail, he approaches each game with professionalism and confidence, helping create a positive environment for athletes to compete.
Beyond officiating games, Myers has also contributed to the development of hockey officials through mentorship and leadership within the officiating community. His willingness to guide younger referees and share his experience has helped strengthen officiating standards throughout Ontario hockey. Through his dedication and passion for the sport, Nick Myers continues to make a meaningful impact on amateur hockey and remains a valued member of the Ontario hockey community.
Photo courtesy of OJHL Images
Officiating Prospects of the Year
Harry Smith & Hillary Brennan
Harry Smith has quickly become one of the rising young officials in Canadian hockey while also bringing valuable experience as a former player. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Smith transitioned from playing the game to officiating, where his strong hockey IQ, communication skills, and professionalism have earned widespread respect. Now involved with Hockey Canada and the OHA officiating program, he has worked several high-profile development events and received the OHA’s Officiating Prospect of the Year honour for the 2025-26 season. Smith is also active in mentoring younger officials, demonstrating leadership and a passion for growing the game both on and off the ice.
Hillary Brennan has emerged as one of Canada’s top rising hockey referees through her professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the game. Originally from London, Ontario, Brennan played competitive hockey before transitioning into officiating while attending Nipissing University. Since then, she has broken barriers at multiple levels, becoming one of the first women to officiate in the Ontario Hockey League and participating in the OHA’s historic first all-female officiating crew in 2025. Brennan has also worked PWHL, OUA, and international development events while mentoring younger officials. Her passion for officiating and advocacy for mental health continue to inspire the next generation.
Photo courtesy of OJHL Images
Coach of the Year
Todd Bertuzzi, Cambridge Redhawks (GOHL)
The former NHL power forward is best known for his size physical style and scoring touch over a 16-season professional career with teams including the New York Islanders Vancouver Canucks Florida Panthers Detroit Red Wings Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames.
After retiring Bertuzzi has transitioned into coaching and development roles eventually becoming head coach of the Cambridge Redhawks of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
In Cambridge he has focused on instilling professional habits accountability and structure while mentoring young players aiming to advance to higher levels of junior and collegiate hockey.
His coaching approach reflects his playing career experience emphasizing competitiveness detail and physical engagement while helping players develop both on and off the ice.
Through his role with the Cambridge Redhawks Bertuzzi has helped guide a young roster through the demands of junior hockey focusing on consistency work ethic and situational awareness while drawing on his extensive NHL experience to prepare players for advancement to higher levels of competitive hockey in Canada and beyond and professional ranks internationally further.
Photo courtesy of the GOHL
Donald Sanderson award
Quinten Van Neck, Waterloo Siskins (GOHL)
Quinten Van Neck of the Waterloo Siskins earned well-deserved recognition after capturing the Donald Sanderson Award during the 2025-26 Greater Ontario Hockey League season. Known throughout the league for his relentless work ethic, leadership qualities, and commitment to team success, Van Neck became an important piece of the Siskins’ lineup both on and off the ice.
A dependable forward with a strong two-way game, the Waterloo native consistently brought energy, physicality, and accountability every time he stepped onto the ice. While his offensive contributions helped the Siskins remain competitive throughout the season, it was his character and dedication that truly separated him from his peers. Coaches and teammates regularly praised Van Neck for his professionalism, willingness to compete, and positive influence inside the dressing room.
Van Neck established himself as a respected veteran presence and reliable contributor within one of Ontario’s most historic Junior B organizations. The Donald Sanderson Award further highlights the impact he made during his junior career and reflects the values of perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership that he displayed throughout the season
The award is presented annually to a player in the Ontario Hockey Association that meets the criteria as set out by the Sanderson Family: Dedication, Discipline, Desire, and Deportment; traits that Donald was well known for.
Photo courtesy of the GOJHL
BJ Monro award
Maksim Corovic, Collingwood Blues (OJHL)
Maksim Corovic, a standout goaltender for the Collingwood Blues, has solidified his status as one of junior hockey’s premier talents by winning the B.J. Monro Memorial Award as the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s (OJHL) Top Prospect for the 2025-26 season.
Standing 6-foot-3, the 17-year-old Stoney Creek native joined Collingwood in October 2025 from the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, seeking more consistent ice time. The move proved transformative; Corovic dominated the league, finishing the regular season with a league-best 1.66 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage. His calm presence and technical proficiency earned him the OJHL Top Goaltender award alongside his prospect honors.
The B.J. Monro Memorial Award is particularly significant as it is given to the OJHL player ranked highest by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming draft. Corovic entered the 2026 NHL Draft cycle ranked 32nd among all North American goaltenders—the highest ranking of any player in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL). Beyond his club success, he represented Team Canada East at the Junior A World Challenge, further cementing his reputation as a high-ceiling professional prospect with a “winning culture” mindset.
The B.J. Monro Memorial Award is presented annually to the OHA player who is the highest ranked individual according to the NHL Central Scouting List for the current season.
Photo courtesy of the OJHL
Gold Stick
TBD – TBD (TBD)
