Mississauga – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Tuesday the five
finalists for its Most Valuable Player Award for the 2025-26 season — and once again, the
Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) is front and centre among the nation’s elite.
Leading the OJHL’s charge is Taeo Artichuk of the Trenton Golden Hawks, whose historic
season has positioned him not only as the league’s Most Valuable Player, but as one of the most
dominant players across all of Canadian Junior A hockey. Taeo also appeared in the 2026 All
Star Game for Team East as well as the OJHL 20 Year Old Game.
Selected through a voting process conducted by the CJHL’s nine member leagues, the finalists
reflect the very best performers from coast-to-coast. Artichuk’s inclusion underscores the OJHL’s
continued reputation as a premier development league producing high-end offensive talent and
impact players.
CJHL MVP Finalists:
Taeo Artichuk, (F) Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)
Artichuk delivered one of the most electrifying offensive seasons in recent OJHL history,
capturing league MVP honours after leading the circuit with 108 points (37 goals, 71 assists) in
55 games. Averaging an exceptional 1.96 points per game, the Ajax, Ont., native consistently
drove the Golden Hawks’ attack while rewriting the franchise record book for single-season
scoring. A three-time OJHL East Conference Player of the Month, Artichuk’s elite vision, pace,
and playmaking ability made him a nightly difference-maker and a focal point for opposing
teams. His performance not only defined the Golden Hawks’ season, but reinforced the OJHL’s
standing as one of the top offensive leagues in the CJHL.
While the CJHL MVP race features standout performances from across the country, Artichuk’s
presence highlights the OJHL’s continued ability to develop elite, high-impact players
capable of competing — and excelling — on the national stage.
Also receiving consideration for CJHL MVP honours were Anthony Gaudet (Amherst Ramblers,
MHL); Brady Cates (Fort Frances Lakers, SIJHL); Ewan Rennie (Estevan Bruins, SJHL); and
Jalen Bianchet (Whitecourt Wolverines, AJHL).
About the OJHL – “League of Choice”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices
of the Canadian Junior Hockey League with 24 member clubs. A proud member of the CJHL
and Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior
‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94.
With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U SPORTS,
the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 135 commitments in
2024-25, including 54 to NCAA Division 1 and 29 to the Ontario Hockey League. In addition,
the OJHL had 39 OHL Affiliate Players who played 152 OHL games. Thirty OJHL alumni were
on NHL rosters at the start of the 2025-26 season.
For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, follow us on Instagram
(@OJHLOfficial), X (@OJHLOfficial) and Facebook (OJHLOfficial) and visit www.ojhl.ca
