TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Tuesday the names of the five individuals that have been selected finalists for its Most Valuable Player Award in the 2024-25 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 course of the regular season.
The following are the five nominees for CJHL MVP honours:
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%.
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. … His save mark set a new AJHL single-season record. … Registered 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 (Canada West). … 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)
Connor Paronuzzi, (F) Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) – The Most Valuable Player in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) put the league on notice during the 2024-25 season leading all skaters in points (93) and assists (64). … Paronuzzi added 29 goals over the 58-game schedule to sit fourth overall in the league. … Is a player that can simply turn a nothing play into offense. … Paronuzzi earned MJHL player of the month honours twice and ended the season with CJHL 1st Star of the Month recognition for his outstanding play in February. … Paronuzzi became just the fourth player in the last decade to hit the 93-plus point mark in the MJHL. … Led all skaters with a 1.60 points-per-game average.
With files from Erik Swar, Director of Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL)
Lucas Signoretti, Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) – He excelled in all situations. … The talented centre topped all NOJHL skaters in points at even strength; on the power play, and while shorthanded. … Leading in overall scoring this season with 101 points, he notched 46 goals and had a league-best 55 assists in 50 contests. … The 20-year-old from Kanata, Ont., was first in man advantage points (36) and shorthanded markers/points (5/7). … His 11 game-winning goals were just one off the lead in that department. … He had 29 multi-point efforts during the season, including 16 of three, or more. … Signoretti registered a 15-game point streak at one point during the campaign. … The Cubs went 39-4-0-1 in games in which he collected at least one point. … Earned NOJHL MVP laurels for a second straight season, becoming the first player in 59 years to accomplish the feat. … Was twice named NOJHL Forward of the Month this season and was also selected a 1st Team All-Star.
With files from David Harrison, Historian (NOJHL)
Colton Smith, Leamington Flyers (OJHL) – Smith was the OJHL’s Top Scorer for 2024-25. He was also voted MVP of the 24-team league this season. … In 55 games this season, the Windsor, Ont., native had 95 points. … Smith averaged 1.73 points per game. His league-leading 46 goals included eight game-winners. … He is the son of Los Angeles Kings’ assistant coach D.J. Smith. … He scored at least one goal against all 23 other teams in the OJHL this season. … Smith made history earlier this season as the first OJHLer/former OHLer to commit to an NCAA Division 1 school (Clarkson) for next season. … “Colton was a threat every time he was on the ice and was a big reason why we finished at the top in the West Conference,” Leamington head coach Dale Mitchell said. “It’s been a long year this year but it’s been a fun time with these guys and I couldn’t have done it with a better group,” Smith told the OJHL recently. “The guys, the coaches and ownership – there was no place I’d rather have been.”
With files from Jim Mason, Director of Communications (OJHL)
Also earning consideration for CJHL MVP honours were:
Philippe Collette, (F) Edmundston Blizzard (MHL); Sebbie Johnson, Navan Grads (CCHL); Nathan Lévesque, (F) Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ); McLaren Paulsen, (F) Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL).
Photo credits: Melissa Baker Photography; Kelly Kocur Jacobson; Todd Pederson; Northern Lights Photography; Rick Denham /OJHL Images