TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Monday the names of the five players that have been selected as finalists for its Top Rookie Award for the 2025-26 campaign.
Each of the finalists were determined through a voting process completed by the CJHL’s nine-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the regular season.
The following are the five nominees for CJHL Top Rookie honours:
Gavin Harrison, (F) Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL): Was the recipient of the Dick White Trophy as AJHL Rookie of the Year. … The 16-year-old led all first-year players in goals (28), assists (31) and points (59) through 52 games. … “We’re proud of Gavin and the season he had this year,” said Pontiacs head coach Chad Mercier. “He recorded the best statistical year for any 16-year-old in franchise history, but for me as a coach, the most impressive part of his season was his commitment to his 200-foot game and our ability to play him in any situation. While Gavin’s teammates contributed to his success, he certainly deserves a lot of credit for the work he put in this year.” … Harrison recorded 19 multi-point games and ended the regular season on a 10-game point streak. … Was selected AJHL Player of the Game seven times through the regular season, was awarded the AJHL Rookie of the Week four times and was twice selected as the AJHL Rookie of the Month. … From Cold Lake, Alta., Harrison is a draft pick of the Swift Current Broncos and played five games for the WHL club this season.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Trevor Hill, (F) Portage Terriers (MJHL): The 2008-born forward from Texas broke onto the scene this season with a splash and earned himself the Kim Davis Rookie of the Year award as the top first-year player in the MJHL. … The 17-year-old Hill led the MJHL with 40 goals this season and finished ninth overall in league points (66), amongst all skaters, in 56 games. … The shifty Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) prospect can put the puck in the net at key moments with his high energy motor making it hard for defenders and goaltenders to stop his momentum. … With Portage, Hill was the clear-cut top rookie in the MJHL this season.
With files from Erik Swar, Director, Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL)
Brady Cates, (G) Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL): Had an exceptional rookie season with the Lakers, finishing with an outstanding 20-4-1-0 record. … Led the league in save percentage, goals against average, and wins (tied), becoming the first goalie to achieve that feat since the 2019-20 season. … His 1.84 GAA and .936 SV% were the best statistics for a U18 SIJHL goaltender in SIJHL history. … Cates went undefeated on home ice in the regular season helping the Lakers finish first overall.
With files from Sophia Lein, Player Education Coordinator & League Secretary (SIJHL)
Owen Smith, (F) Espanola Paper Kings (NOJHL): The 16-year-old from North Bay, Ont., was earlier named NOJHL Rookie of the Year. … Led all first-year skaters in scoring with 60 points, including 24 tallies, in 51 games. … Tied for 2nd in rookie power play goals (7); 1st in PP assists (20); 1st in PP points (27) and 1st in game-winning goals by a rookie (7). … Was one off the overall league GWG lead. … Selected to the league’s 1st All-Rookie Team at forward.
With files from Scott Marshall, Statistician (NOJHL)
Tyler Hinde, (F) Mississauga Chargers (OJHL): Hinde, 16, had 76 points (27 goals, 49 assists) in 47 games for the Chargers, the highest point total in the league among all 2009-born players. … He was named the OJHL West Conference Player-of-the-Month for December after recording 16 points in nine games. … The Vaughan, Ont. product was the Oshawa Generals third-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection and signed with them later in the season.
With files from Stefano Durante, Director of Hockey Operations & Recruitment (OJHL)
Also earning consideration for CJHL Top Rookie honours were Carter Bromley, (F) Chaleur Lightning (MHL); Gabriel Provencher, (F) Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ); Carter Beauchesne, (F) Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL) and Cash Lanigan, (F) Yorkton Terriers (SJHL).
Photo credits: Emma Jonker; Kalee Haasbeek; Leith Dunick / tbnewswatch.com; Espanola Paper Kings; Luke Yung / OJHL Images
