Photo: Ryan Sawatzky
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.
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:
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)
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)
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
