TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Thursday the names of the five netminders that have been selected finalists for its Top Goaltender Award in the 2024-25 campaign – and Marcus Vandenberg of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Leamington Flyers is on the list of finalists.
Each of the finalists were determined through a voting process completed by the CJHL’s nine-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the course of the regular season.
The following are the five nominees for CJHL Top Goaltender laurels for the 2024-25 campaign:
Marcus Vandenberg, Leamington Flyers (OJHL) – Was earlier named the OJHL’s Top Goaltender for the 2024-25 season for registering the lowest goals-against average in the league. … Was then voted Goaltender of the Year in a poll of OJHL general managers and media covering the 24-team league. … Vandenberg had a 1.48 goals-against average this season to go with a record of 31-4-0 and a 0.946 save percentage. … Also posted six shutouts. … The 20-year-old netminder is from Dorchester, Ont. … “Marcus had a tremendous season,” Leamington head coach Dale Mitchell stated. “I don’t use this term lightly, but he had the closest thing to a ‘pro mentality’ I’ve seen. His preparation before training and games was unmatched in my coaching experience. He was a key reason for our team’s success and fully deserves the recognition he’s receiving.”
With files from Jim Mason, Director of Communications (OJHL)
Liam Ernst, Winkler Flyers (MJHL) – Was the back bone to the best regular season team in the MJHL from wire-to-wire. … Ernst led the MJHL in a number of major goaltending categories including a 1.64 goals-against average, a 0.934 save percentage, and a whopping eight shutouts. … Ernst posted a 30-6-1-0 record in 2024-25.
With files from Erik Swar, Director of Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL)
Ben Forget, Rockland Nationals (CCHL) – To be the best you have to have the best. … The Rockland Nationals were nationally ranked each week this season, and most of that at No. 1, which was in part due to the play of Forget. … With a 29-3-1 record, he led all CCHL goaltenders in wins. … Was fourth in save percentage (0.914), led in goals-against average (2.24) and shutouts (5). … Played the fifth-most minutes of any goaltender (2,034). … Forget won the CCHL goaltender of the month on two occasions and was in the running for player of the week several times. … Was also named the CJHL’s 2nd Star of the month in January. … Recently announced his commitment to McGill University (U SPORTS).
With files from Kevin Ferguson, Director of Hockey Operations (CCHL)
Matthew Kieper, (G) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) – Kieper’s campaign in Flin Flon was nearly flawless since his early November arrival. … The 20-year-old took 17 games to lose in regulation and only did it twice all season while leading qualified goaltenders in both goals-against average and save percentage. … Was named the SJHL’s Top Goaltender and MVP. … Hailing from Winnipeg, Man., he represented the SJHL at the SJHL/MJHL Showcase in his hometown back in January and was the SaskTel Goaltender of the Month twice on the campaign. The last time a netminder won both the MVP and Goaltender of the Year was in 2021-22 when the CJHL’s top netminder that season, in Rayce Ramsay of the Humboldt Broncos earned the honour. … 27 GP; 1.80 GAA; .935 SV%; 3 shutouts; 23-2-1-1 record; led SJHL in GAA and SV%.
With files from Jamie Neugebauer & Clark Munroe, Co–Directors of Media (SJHL)
Zac Onyskiw, (G) Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) – Was tabbed the AJHL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and recipient of its Top Goaltender award. … Whitecourt head and general manager Shawn Martin said: “Zac worked extremely hard to achieve this.” The four-year AJHL veteran led the league with a 1.87 GAA and .939 save percentage. … Recorded the most wins of all AJHL netminders in the regular season, going 26-7-1-3 overall. … Became the first Wolverines’ netminder to win AJHL MVP and the first goaltender to do it in a decade. … From Edmonton, Alta, he was recognized as the Viterra AJHL Player of the Game 10 times and awarded as the Alberta Ford Dealers AJHL Defensive Player of the Week once. … Had an eight-game win streak earlier in the season and one of five games as well. … Committed to USPORTS MacEwan University. … Shared the AJHL Team Goaltenders award for lowest overall goals-against average for a second-straight season.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Also earning consideration for the CJHL’s Top Goaltender Award were:
Connor Dunham-Fox, Blind River Beavers (NOJHL); Luc-Antoine Labbé, Condors du Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (LHJAAAQ); Lyam Leblanc, Amherst Ramblers (MHL) and Kellan Mooney, Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL).
Photo credits: Melissa Baker Photography; Kelly Kocur Jacobson; Ryan Sawatzky; Rick Denham /OJHL Images; icelevel.com
