Lumberjacks’ Comeau named MVP; Cubs’ Horgan Top Defenceman; Paper Kings’ Smith Rookie of the Year
SUDBURY, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) announced Monday its individual and team award recipients for their respective contributions during the 2025-26 regular season.
Earning the Carlo Cattarello Trophy, emblematic of the NOJHL’s Most Valuable Player, is Mathieu Comeau of the Hearst Lumberjacks.
Comeau also collected the Jimmy Connors Memorial Trophy as the league’s scoring champion and was tabbed a 1st Team NOJHL All-Star.
The following is the complete list of the NOJHL’s award winners for the 2025-26 campaign:
Carlo Cattarello Trophy – NOJHL MVP: Mathieu Comeau, Hearst Lumberjacks: Led the league in scoring with 102 points in 52 games. … Topped all skaters in assists (69) and shared sixth in goals (33). … Tied for NOJHL lead in game-winning goals (8). … Had a 19-game point streak, which matched the most of any player this season. … Named a 1st Team league all-star. … Sits eighth all-time in NOJHL scoring with 316 points on 111 tallies and 206 helpers. … His 262 career contests are the second most in league history.
NOJHL Trophy – Best Defenceman: Spencer Horgan, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Is the NOJHL’s all-time scoring leader among defencemen with 228 points. … He paced all league blueliners in offensive production in 2025-26, with 72 points on 19 tallies and 53 assists. … Finished 10th in league scoring among all players. … Had 21 more points than any other blueliner. … Selected a 1st Team NOJHL All-Star on defence.
John Grignon Trophy – Rookie of the Year: Owen Smith, Espanola Paper Kings: Led all rookies 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); 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. … Still just 16 and doesn’t turn 17 until mid-September.
Gilles Laperriere Trophy – Most Improved Player: Ty McKay, Hearst Lumberjacks: Boasted a 51-point improvement from 2024-25. … Collected 71 points in 52 games this season. … Had career single-season best 33 goals and 38 assists. … Finished 11th in league scoring. … Shared sixth spot in game-winning goals (6).
Mitch Tetreault Memorial Trophy – Top Defensive Forward: Justin Rousseau, Powassan Voodoos: The Voodoos captain helped Powassan lead the NOJHL in penalty kill proficiency (83.6%) as they allowed the second-fewest power play goals-against (33) in the 201 times they were down at least one skater. … Dished out a trio of assists on shorthanded tallies. … Also averaged over a point-per-game offensively with 48 in 44 outings. … In three full seasons in the league, has proven to be one of the elite centreman on winning face-offs.
NOJHL Trophy – Best Overall Team Player: Mason Walker, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Among those who appeared in 35, or more contests, led the league in point-per-game average (2.26). … Was third overall in points (88). … Sat second in assists (55). … Had a NOJHL-best 35 power play helpers and power play points (44). … Tied for league lead in GWG (8). … Was only held pointless in a contest three times. … Solid playmaker with speed and vision that has seen him register 133 points in his first 85 games.
David Harrison Trophy – Most Gentlemanly Player: Ryan Saginaw, Powassan Voodoos: Incurred only one minor penalty all season while suiting up in all 52 games. … Marks the second-straight season where he picked up just one infraction. … Skilled offensively as well, leading the Voodoos while pacing the squad in goals (35); assists (39) and points (74). … His numbers tied him for 6th in NOJHL production. … Was fifth in goals (35) and tied for first in game-winning goals (8).
Jimmy Connors Memorial Trophy – NOJHL Scoring Champion: Mathieu Comeau, Lumberjacks: Led the league with 102 points on 33 goals and 69 assists.
Wayne Chase Memorial Award – Best Goals-Against Average: Frederic Cousineau, Timmins Rock and Matthew Vahramian, Greater Sudbury Cubs (Co-recipients): Both finished with a league-low GAA of 2.14.
NOJHL Team Goaltending Award (Fewest Goals Allowed) – Greater Sudbury Cubs: In finishing first overall in the NOJHL standings, the Cubs allowed only 124 goals-against.
Mirl “Red” McCarthy Memorial Award – NOJHL Coach of the Year: Peter Goulet, Powassan Voodoos: Guided Powassan to a 26-point improvement from last season, which was a league-best in the standings. … The Voodoos finished second overall in the standings, compared to being seventh in 2024-25. … Under his guidance, his club had the best penalty kill rate (83.6%) in the NOJHL. … Were second overall on the power play (27%) … Only team in the league not to have a player suspended this season. … Had the third-lowest penalty minute total in the league. … Marks his second Coach of the Year nod in four seasons.
The Joe Drago Trophy – NOJHL Director of the Year – Jonathan Blier, Hearst Lumberjacks: Is a key cog in formulating the league’s regular season schedule each year, while dealing with the overall logistics of it. … Remains instrumental in NOJHL operations serving on numerous committees while working closely and along side each of the member clubs while continuing his role as a high school principal.
James Aspen Trophy – Regular Season Champions – Greater Sudbury Cubs: The Cubs finished with a NOJHL-best record of 39-8-3-2. … Marks the second consecutive year Greater Sudbury has garnered the laurels.
Broadcaster of the Year – Richard Witty, Iroquois Falls Storm: The play-by-play voice of the Storm is one of the deans of NOJHL broadcasters, having called league games for many seasons. … Had also done the PXP for both the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and the Cochrane Crunch previously, before the Crunch relocated to Iroquois Falls. … Has also worked NOJHL Showcase games during his involvement in the league.
ALL-STAR TEAMS
1ST ALL-STAR TEAM
GOALTENDER
Frédéric Cousineau, Timmins Rock: Tied for the NOJHL lead in goals-against average (2.14). … Topped all goaltenders in terms of save percentage (.934). … Won 16 of his 20 appearances for the Rock. … Earned a victory in each of his final 13 starts. … Allowed two, or fewer, goals in 14 of his appearances for Timmins.
DEFENCE
Spencer Horgan, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Is the NOJHL’s all-time scoring leader among defencemen with 228 points. … He paced all league blueliners in offensive production in 2025-26, with 72 points on 19 tallies and 53 assists. … Finished 10th in league scoring among all players. … Had 21 more points than any other blueliner. … Selected a 1st Team NOJHL All-Star on defence.
Marcus Krats, Powassan Voodoos: Finished second in offensive production among defencemen. … Averaged over a point-per-game for the Voodoos. … Had career single-highs in his second campaign with the club, in goals (13), assists (38) and points (51). … Tied for top spot in game-winning markers by a blueliner (3).
FORWARDS
Mathieu Comeau, Hearst Lumberjacks: Led the league in scoring with 102 points in 52 games. … Topped all skaters in assists (69) and shared sixth in goals (33). … Tied for NOJHL lead in game-winning goals (8). … Had a 19-game point streak, which matched the most of any player this season. … Named NOJHL MVP and a 1st Team league all-star. … Sits eighth all-time in NOJHL scoring with 316 points on 111 tallies and 206 helpers. … His 262 career contests are the second most in league history.
Nolan Newton, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Averaging just over two points-per-game, finished second in NOJHL scoring. … Amassed 91 points in 45 contests, scoring 37 times and helping set-up 54 more. … Was also second in power play points (42). … Sat tied for sixth in game-winning goals (6). … Was only held pointless on five occasions and never more than one game at a time. … Had a 19-game point streak, which tied him for the highest of any player this season.
Owen King, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Scored 44 times in just 31 games this season, after returning to the NOJHL. … His tally total was the second highest in the league. … King’s six hat tricks were the most of any skater this season. … Tied for sixth in NOJHL scoring on the campaign with 74 points. … Led the way in man advantage markers (21). … Had scored 94 times in just 80 career games and sits an at even 100 in a combined 89 regular season and playoff contests.
GM
Chris Dawson, Powassan Voodoos: As a Day 1 member of the Voodoos staff, Dawson continues to provide valuable services with Powassan. … Played a vital role in club recruitment that featured the NOJHL’s top two rookie point-getters among defencemen as well as the second-highest scorer among first-year forwards, and a netminder who was No. 2 in goals-against average by a rookie. … Helped build the roster that ended up second in the league standings. … Is a multiple recipient of league all-star GM nods for his efforts and contributions for the overall betterment of the NOJHL.
HEAD COACH
Peter Goulet, Powassan Voodoos: Guided Powassan to a 26-point improvement from last season, which was a league-best in the standings. … The Voodoos finished second overall, compared to being seventh in 2024-25. … Under his guidance, his club had the best penalty kill rate (83.6%). … Were second overall on the power play (27%) … Only team in the league not to have a player suspended this season. … Had the third-lowest penalty minute total in the league. … Is a two-time NOJHL Coach of the Year.
TRAINER/EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Melanie Brousseau-Camirand & Dillon Beaulne, Timmins Rock (Co-recipients): As two invaluable members of the Rock staff, Brousseau-Camirand and Beaulne earn 1st Team honours for their efforts as athletic trainers with the Timmins organization.
2ND ALL-STAR TEAM
GOALTENDER
Nathan Maguire, Soo Thunderbirds: Among qualified goalkeepers, Maguire was third in goal-against average (2.21). … Sat second overall in save percentage. (.925). … That led all rookie netminders in both categories. … Boasted an impressive 14-1-1-1 record in his first year in the league. … Tied for top spot in shutouts by a rookie (2). Had an .882 winning percentage in his time between the pipes, which was the best in the NOJHL.
DEFENCE
Braedyn Cyr, Timmins Rock: The Rock captain was solid at both ends of the ice in his second NOJHL season. … Tied a personal-best in goals (6), while establishing highs in both assists (38) and points (44). … Sat fifth in scoring among defencemen. … In the 28 games Cyr registered at least one point, Timmins went 24-2-2-0. … His efforts from the backend helped his side tie for the second-fewest goals allowed (149).
Dylan Rousselle, Powassan Voodoos: He collected the most points by a rookie defenceman this season (47). … That was also the third highest by any NOJHL D-man. … He tied for the league-lead in goals by any rearguard (19). … Shared second in man advantage markers (7) and was second in total power play points (21). … His three game-winners tied for top spot among defencemen. … Named to the 1st All-Rookie Team.
FORWARDS
Mason Walker, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Among those who appeared in 35, or more contests, led the league in point-per-game average (2.26).… Was third overall in points (88). … Sat second in assists (55). … Had a NOJHL-best 35 power play helpers and man advantage points (44). … Tied for league lead in GWG (8). … Was only held pointless in a contest three times. … Solid playmaker with speed and vision that has seen him register 133 points in his first 85 games.
Cameron Menard, Hearst Lumberjacks: Led all NOJHL skaters in goals this season (45). … Was fourth in points in league play (84). … Shared third in power play tallies (13). … Tied for sixth in game-winning goals (6). … Began the season by scoring in 10 consecutive contests. … Set personal bests in goals, assists, points and extra-man efforts.
Chase Thompson, Hearst Lumberjacks: Finished fifth in NOJHL scoring this season. … Established personal bests on the campaign in goals (27); assists (49) and points (76). … Had multi-point efforts in 21 outings for Hearst, including three separate ones where he provided seven, six and five-point nights. … His 219 career games played are the seventh most in league history and has 208 total points to go with it.
GM
Marc Gagnon, Espanola Paper Kings: Helped recruit NOJHL Rookie of the Year Owen Smith, 3rd Team All-Star Joseph Coates and 17-win goaltender Logan Vale. … Aided in building a Paper Kings roster that had a 12-point improvement in the NOJHL standings, compared to last season. … Also served as Director of Scouting for Team NOHA at the upcoming OHL Cup. …
HEAD COACH
Brandon Perry, Timmins Rock: Has led the Rock to 30-plus victories in each of his seasons behind the Timmins bench. … 2025-26 was no exception, where they won 34 times. … This included a 21-game winning streak.
TRAINER/EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Chris Seguin, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Has been an invaluable member to his team as an athletic trainer in the NOJHL for the past decade. … Remains a vital asset with the Cubs for his continued efforts and contributions for the club, that has won back-to-back league championships.
3RD ALL-STAR TEAM
GOALTENDER
Derrick Champagne, Powassan Voodoos: Went 20-7-0-1 in 31 appearances for the Voodoos. … His 20 victories led all NOJHL netminders. … His four shutouts also paced all league goaltenders. … Finished fifth overall in goals-against average (2.85). … Was seventh in the league in save percentage (.914).
DEFENCE
Matthew Kim, Timmins Rock: A versatile performer on the backend for the Rock. … The playmaking blueliner established personal single-season highs in goals (12); assists (25) and points (37) in 48 contests. … Finished fourth in goals among defencemen. … Had 28 more points than his initial NOJHL campaign. … Also collected two game-winning tallies. … In the 25 contests he registered at least one point, Timmins went 21-2-2-0.
Micah Seery, Soo Eagles: Led all Eagles defencemen in offensive production in his first season in the NOJHL. … Scored 10 times and doled out 31 assists for 41 points. … Sat sixth in scoring among all blueliners while appearing in all 52 games for the Soo. … Finished second in goals and assists by rookie D-men and was third overall in points.
FORWARDS
Deven Jones-McDonald, Soo Thunderbirds: Was well over a point-per-game performer in leading the Thunderbirds in scoring. … Easily established career single-season highs in goals (24); assists (39) and points (63). … Also led Sault Ste. Marie in man advantage markers (7). … Supplied two, or more, points in a game 20 times for the Soo.
Ryan Saginaw, Powassan Voodoos: Skilled offensively, Saginaw led the Voodoos in goals (35); assists (39) and points (74). … His numbers tied him for sixth in NOJHL production. … Was fifth in goals (35) and tied for first in game-winning goals (8).
Joseph Coates, Espanola Paper Kings: In his lone season in Espanola, led the Paper Kings in goals (27); assists (46) and points (73). … Ended up ninth in overall NOJHL scoring. … Supplied 22 multi-point performances for the Paper Kings. … A well-disciplined player, who only incurred two minor penalties in 51 games played.
GM
Dave Clancy, Greater Sudbury Cubs: With over two decades of involvement in the game, has been involved with multiple NOJHL-winning teams. … Helped formulate the Cubs roster that has won back-to-back league championships. … Also serves as Greater Sudbury’s associate coach.
HEAD COACH
Darryl Moxam, Greater Sudbury Cubs: Guided the Cubs to a second-straight regular season crown, collecting 39 wins and 83 points this season as well as 44 victories and 90 points in 2024-25. … Has also led his side to consecutive Copeland Cup – McNamara trophy playoff titles and two Centennial Cup appearances in a row.
TRAINER/EQUIPMENT MANAGER
J.J. Johnson, Powassan Voodoos: Has earned multiple NOJHL All-Star nods for his athletic training and equipment manager contributions for Powassan over the years and with Team Canada East at recent Junior A World Challenge events.
1ST ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
GOALTENDER
Nathan Maguire, Soo Thunderbirds: Among qualified goalkeepers, Maguire was third in goal-against average (2.21). … Sat second overall in save percentage. (.925). … That led all rookie netminders in both categories. … Boasted an impressive 14-1-1-1 record in his first year in the league. … Tied for top spot in shutouts by a rookie (2). Had an .882 winning percentage in his time between the pipes, which was the best in the NOJHL.
DEFENCE
Dylan Rousselle, Powassan Voodoos: He collected the most points by a rookie defenceman this season (47). … That was also the third highest by any NOJHL D-man. … He tied for the league-lead in goals by any rearguard (19). … Tied for second in man advantage markers (7) and was second in total power play points (21). … His three game-winners shared top spot among defencemen.
Micah Seery, Soo Eagles: Led all Eagles defencemen in offensive production in his first season in the NOJHL. … Scored 10 times and doled out 31 assists for 41 points. … Sat sixth in scoring among all blueliners while appearing in all 52 games for the Soo. … Finished second in goals and assists by rookie D-men and was third overall in points.
FORWARDS
Owen Smith, Espanola Paper Kings: Was also named NOJHL Rookie of the Year. … Led all rookies 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); 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. … Still just 16 and doesn’t turn 17 until mid-September.
Jax Pereira, Powassan Voodoos: Supplied 49 points in 31 outings to finish second overall in NOJHL rookie scoring. … This included 19 goals and 30 assists. … Provided 17 multi-point efforts on the campaign. … The Voodoos went 16-1-0-0 in those contests where he provided multiple points.
Gavin Killoran, Soo Thunderbirds: Led the Thunderbirds and tied for fourth in league rookie numbers. … Was also fourth in team scoring. … His 22 tallies were the third highest by a first-year player. … Also chipped in with 24 assists to give him 46 total points. … Was in the Top 10 among rookies in power play goals (5); shorthanded markers (2) and game-winners (3).
2ND ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
GOALTENDER
Cole Vreugdenhil, Powassan Voodoos: Went 13-6-0-1 in his initial campaign with Powassan. … Was second among rookie netminders in goals-against average (2.78) and save percentage (.919). … That placed him fourth and third respectively by all NOJHL goaltenders.
DEFENCE
Braeden Begley, Powassan Voodoos: Had a solid rookie season with Powassan providing 46 points from the back end in 50 contests. … That put him second in scoring among first-year defencemen. … Led all rookie rearguards in power play points (21) and was second, when including all skaters.
Fynn Manttari, Kirkland Lake Gold Miners: Was fourth in goals among rookie D-men (8). … He was one of two first-year defencemen with a league-best three game-winning goals. … The 17-year-old also led the Gold Miners in that department. … Collected 24 points in total. … At six-foot-four, also brought a physical component to his game.
FORWARDS
Landon Hill, Soo Thunderbirds: Tied for fifth in NOJHL rookie scoring. … Was also fifth in offensive numbers with Sault Ste. Marie. … Notched 17 goals and dished out 28 assists for the T-Birds. … Shared third in game-winning goals (3) by a first-year player in the league.
Matteo Paradiso, Timmins Rock: Averaged over a point-per-game for Timmins in his initial campaign with the Rock. … Led all rookies on the squad in goals (17) and points (36). …Also helped set-up 19 other markers. … Shared second among all league rookies in power play tallies (7) and was third in total man advantage points (18).
Adam Pszeniczny, Soo Thunderbirds: Was a 20-goal man for the Thunderbirds in 48 appearances. … That tied him for fourth by a NOJHL rookie. … Had 12 assists to go with it for 36 points. … Tied for third in game-winning markers (3) by a first-year forward. … Also had a shorthanded effort to go with his output.
PHOTO CREDITS
Comeau: Northern Lights Photography Horgan: Rob Fera / Points North Media Smith: Espanola Paper Kings
