CAMBRIDGE, ON — The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025-26 annual awards, recognizing outstanding achievements, leadership, sportsmanship, officiating excellence, and dedication throughout junior hockey across Ontario.
“The Ontario Hockey Association is honoured to celebrate this year’s award winners, whose accomplishments exemplify the highest standards of hockey — leadership, character, dedication, and excellence both on and off the ice,” OHA Executive Director Mark Tuck said. “From exceptional players, coaches, trainers, and officials to individuals driving inclusion, mentorship, and growth within the game, each recipient has played an important role in strengthening their teams, inspiring their communities, and shaping the future of hockey throughout Ontario.”
These prestigious awards celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the game both on and off the ice during the 2025-26 season.
COACH OF THE YEAR
TODD BERTUZZI — CAMBRIDGE REDHAWKS (GOHL)
Former NHL power forward Todd Bertuzzi has successfully transitioned his extensive professional playing experience into coaching as head coach of the Cambridge RedHawks.
Best known for his 16-season NHL career with organizations including the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and Calgary Flames, Bertuzzi has focused on instilling accountability, professionalism, and structure within the RedHawks organization.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes competitiveness, detail, and physical engagement while helping young players prepare for advancement to higher levels of junior, collegiate, and professional hockey.
Photo courtesy of the GOHL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
TAEO ARTICHUK — TRENTON GOLDEN HAWKS (OJHL)
Taeo Artichuk established himself as one of the premier talents in Canadian Junior A hockey following a remarkable season with the Trenton Golden Hawks. The Ajax, Ontario native captured OJHL MVP honours after recording 108 points in 55 games, including 37 goals and 71 assists, while setting a new Trenton franchise single-season scoring record.
A former 21st overall selection of the Erie Otters in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Artichuk evolved into one of the OJHL’s most dynamic and creative forwards. Renowned for his vision, hockey IQ, and elite playmaking ability, he also became the franchise’s all-time leader in both points and assists.
Artichuk has proudly represented the OJHL internationally with Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge, further showcasing his leadership and ability to compete among the nation’s top junior players.
Photo courtesy of OJHL Images
TRAINER OF THE YEAR
MARK BAXTER — NORWICH MERCHANTS (PJHL)
Mark Baxter’s nearly 50 years of dedication to hockey have made him one of the most respected and valued members of the Norwich Merchants organization. As the team’s longtime trainer, Baxter has demonstrated tireless commitment to player care, equipment management, mentorship, and team operations.
Known for his professionalism, loyalty, and passion for amateur hockey, Baxter has played a vital role behind the scenes in helping generations of players succeed both on and off the ice.
His longstanding volunteerism and dedication to the Norwich hockey community continue to leave a lasting impact throughout the Provincial Junior Hockey League.
Photo courtesy of Norwich Merchants
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
NICK MYERS
Nick Myers has earned widespread respect throughout the Ontario Hockey Association for his professionalism, consistency, and commitment to officiating excellence.
Through years of service in amateur and junior hockey across Ontario, Myers has become known for his strong communication skills, calm demeanor, and unwavering focus on player safety and game integrity. His leadership and mentorship within the officiating community have also helped develop younger officials and strengthen officiating standards across the province.
Myers continues to be a trusted and respected presence on the ice and within the Ontario hockey community.
Photo courtesy of OJHL Images
OFFICIATING PROSPECTS OF THE YEAR
HARRY SMITH & HILLARY BRENNAN
Harry Smith has rapidly emerged as one of Canada’s top young hockey officials. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Smith transitioned from player to official and quickly gained recognition for his hockey IQ, professionalism, and leadership. Active with Hockey Canada and the OHA officiating program, Smith has worked numerous high-profile development events while mentoring younger officials and helping grow the game.
Hillary Brennan has established herself as one of the nation’s leading rising referees through her dedication, professionalism, and barrier-breaking achievements. Originally from London, Ontario, Brennan became one of the first women to officiate in the Ontario Hockey League and participated in the OHA’s historic first all-female officiating crew in 2025. She has also officiated in the PWHL, OUA, and international development events while serving as a mentor and advocate for mental health awareness within the sport.
Photo courtesy of OJHL Images
DONALD SANDERSON AWARD
QUINTEN VAN NECK — WATERLOO SISKINS (GOHL)
Quinten Van Neck earned recognition as the recipient of the Donald Sanderson Award following an outstanding season with the Waterloo Siskins.
Known for his relentless work ethic, leadership, and commitment to team success, Van Neck consistently brought energy, accountability, and professionalism to the Siskins lineup. His dependable two-way play and strong character made him a respected leader both on and off the ice.
Presented annually to a player who exemplifies Dedication, Discipline, Desire, and Deportment, the Donald Sanderson Award reflects the core values that Van Neck displayed throughout the 2025-26 season.
Photo courtesy of the GOHL
B.J. MONRO MEMORIAL AWARD
MAKSIM COROVIC — COLLINGWOOD BLUES (OJHL)
Collingwood Blues goaltender Maksim Corovic captured the B.J. Monro Memorial Award as the OJHL’s Top Prospect for the 2025-26 season.
The 17-year-old Stoney Creek native dominated the league after joining Collingwood from the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, finishing with a league-best 1.66 goals-against average and .942 save percentage.
Corovic also earned OJHL Top Goaltender honours and entered the 2026 NHL Draft cycle ranked 32nd among North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting — the highest ranking among CJHL players. He additionally represented Team Canada East at the Junior A World Challenge.
The B.J. Monro Memorial Award is presented annually to the OHA player ranked highest by NHL Central Scouting for the current season.
Photo courtesy of the OJHL
THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN HOCKEY AWARD
JUSTINE TODD
The Ontario Hockey Association proudly recognizes Justine Todd with the Advancement of Women in Hockey Award for her outstanding leadership, inclusion efforts, and contributions to the growth of women’s hockey.
A former OUA champion with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Todd transitioned from player to elite linesperson while also serving as a York Regional Police constable.
Todd has represented Canada internationally at multiple Olympic Games, including Pyeongchang 2018 and the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, where she officiated the women’s bronze medal game. Her dedication, professionalism, and advocacy continue to inspire future generations of female officials and leaders in hockey.
The OHA congratulates all 2025-26 award recipients for their exceptional accomplishments and continued contributions to hockey throughout Ontario.
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior – Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2025-2026 season, these five leagues encompass 132 teams. 3100 players, and about 6,000 games each hockey season. The majority of the players are 16 to 21 years of age.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
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For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
