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
Laura started officiating at age 14 as a part time job. She was invited to join the OHA in 2023/24 where she has had the opportunity to continue to develop as an official, crediting the officials and supervisors in her area. Some of her highlights from this season include being part of the OHA’s first all female officiating crew in an Jr. A game and skating in the GOJHL and PJHL playoffs. On the Women’s side, she skated in the Final Olympic qualifiers, Women’s World Championship, and the PWHL Finals. Laura is thankful for the support from the OHA in her continued development.
Gage just finished his second season as an official after transitioning from junior hockey. In his first season, he earned a spot on the OHA staff in London while completing his degree at Western University. Upon moving back home, he joined the OHA staff in Barrie for the 2024-2025 season. This season, Gage was fortunate to officiate several high-profile events, including the OJHL Showcase in Niagara, a U17 Team Canada game at the OHF Member High-Performance Camp, the OHL Cup in March, and the Schmalz Cup Finals. He is extremely grateful to have found officiating as an outlet to give back to the game of hockey while fueling his passion for the sport, and he looks forward to continuing his progression to higher levels of officiating.
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 St. Mary’s Lincolns
Donald Sanderson award
Chayse Herrfort, Minto 81’s
Despite my strenuous workload in my Doctor of Chiropractic program, I have found the time to compete for my hometown team in Minto. I committed to commuting home from school every weekend because it meant so much to represent my community and to help keep competitive senior hockey in Minto alive. I have always been passionate about hockey and my academics, and I am grateful that I can still do both. I have been successful in both realms, as I currently hold a 92% average in my program and received honours in my first year of study in 2024 at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC).
“My program is a 4-year doctorate, along with the 4-year undergraduate degree that I already received at Wilfrid Laurier University.” Herrfort said. “I would like to help people who have supported me all these years in the stands at my hockey games. I want to give back to my hockey community and provide the next generation of OHA athletes with quality care.”
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
Jonathan Kapageridis, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL)
Kapageridis was also selected as the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Hudl InStat Top Prospect for 2024-25, the league announced today..the award is presented annually to the OJHL player selected by NHL Central Scouting as the top-ranked draft-eligible prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft…he was one of five Canadian Junior Hockey League players on the NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2025…Kapageridis had a highlight-filled season, complete with selections to all-star teams, commitments to both Ontario Hockey League and NCAA teams and that aforementioned NHL Draft list…the 18-year-old from Vaughan is a self-described “late bloomer”…Kapageridis, who committed to the NCAA Division I University of Vermont Catamounts in November, had 30 points (8 goals/22 assists) in 37 games as he battled injury this season.
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
Ken Burrows – Stouffville Spirit (OJHL)
