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 2025-26 season.
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:
Niklas Gudmundson, (F) Winkler Flyers: The 20-year-old forward recently committed to play NCAA D-I hockey next season at Northern Michigan University. … After a stellar season in the MJHL, he earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award. …This season with Winkler, Gudmundson scored 29 goals and added 45 assists in 48 games to sit fourth overall in points, eighth in goals and assists. … Was second in point-per-game average with his 1.54 stat line. … Gudmundson played in all situations for the Flyers and possessed a high motor and an elite shot, with a quick release.
With files from Erik Swar, Director, Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL)
Mathieu Comeau, (F) Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL): Led the NOJHL in scoring with 102 points in 52 games. … Was one of four CJHL skaters who amassed 100-plus points during the season. … Topped all NOJHL 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. … Served as the Lumberjacks team captain.
With files from Scott Marshall, Statistician (NOJHL)
Taeo Artichuk, (F) Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL): Artichuk was his league’s top scorer this season with 108 points, on 37 goals and 71 assists. … Was voted OJHL MVP by the league’s 24 teams. … In 55 games, Artichuk averaged 1.96 points per outing. … The Ajax, Ont., product was named OJHL East Conference Player of the Month three times this season and has earned the franchise record for most points in a season with the Golden Hawks. … Artichuk was a second-round pick (21st overall) of the OHL’s Erie Otters in 2021 and played two-plus seasons with them.
With files from Stefano Durante, Director of Hockey Operations & Recruitment (OJHL)
Gabriel Le Houillier, (F) Rockland Nationals (CCHL): Had a dominant offensive campaign in the CCHL, finishing the 2025–26 season with an astounding 59 goals and 61 assists for 120 points in just 52 games. … Finished 17 points ahead of the next closest scorer and 12 points clear of any player across the entire CJHL. … Was held off the scoresheet only twice all season—and each time, he responded emphatically with four and three-point performances. … Wrapped up the regular season on a 23-game point streak. … Led or tied for the league lead in multiple critical categories, including power-play goals (13), game-winning goals (15), empty-net goals (4), and insurance goals (8), all while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per-game. His 15 first-star selections were twice as many as any other player in the CCHL… Le Houillier captured four major league awards, including Top Scorer, MVP, and the Arthur K. Neilsen Scholarship/Ability Award. … Was named a league star eight times and earned Performer of the Month honors on three occasions. … Le Houillier was named CJHL First Star of the Month for January and earned honorable mentions in November and February.
With files from Kevin Ferguson, Director of Hockey Operations (CCHL)
Mathis Lacroix-Goulet, (G) Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ): Played a key role in Collège Français’ solid campaign. … Lacroix-Goulet led the way in nearly every goaltending category, including wins; GAA; SV% and shutouts. … Had a record of 28-5-0-1, along with a goals-against average of 2.06 and .918 save percentage… His shutout totals were just one off the league record. … The team completed the regular season with a league-best 41-6-0-1 record. … With Lacroix-Goulet between the pipes for 34 of the team’s 48 regular season games, the club allowed the fewest goals-against at 103. … Established a LHJAAAQ mark for most wins to the start of a season with 17 straight victories. … Only allowed 70 goals in 2,039 minutes in net. … Was named CJHL’s 1st Star for October, going 7-0 and sporting a 1.58 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, while posting one shutout. … Since joining the LHJAAAQ as a 16-year-old back in 2021-22, he had 103 wins against just 30 defeats with 11 shutouts.
With files from Francis Dupont, Director of Communications (LHJAAAQ)
Also earning consideration for CJHL MVP honours were Anthony Gaudet, (F) Amherst Ramblers (MHL); Brady Cates, (G) Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL); Ewan Rennie, (F) Estevan Bruins (SJHL) and Jalen Bianchet (F) Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL).
Photo credits: Kalee Haasbeek; Northern Lights Photography; Eric Carriere-Toussaint / OJHL Images; Robert Lefebvre / icelevel.com; Tobi-Lynne P. Payne