CJHL announces its 2024-25 Top Forward Award finalists
TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Tuesday the names of the six players that have been selected finalists for its Top Forward 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 six nominees for CJHL Top Forward honours:
Jack Plandowski, Calgary Canucks (AJHL) – Was the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s leading scorer and earned their 2024-25 AJHL Top Forward award. … Plandowski also captured the Ernie Love Trophy as 2024-25 AJHL Scoring Champion and the Leading goal-scorer award with 79 points (34G, 45A) in the regular season. … Hailing from Halifax, N.S., he averaged 1.58 points per game while accumulating no penalty minutes throughout the regular season. … Recorded 24 multi-point games, three hat tricks and six game-winning goals for the Canucks. … The 19-year-old forward was named the Viterra AJHL Star of the Game seven times in the regular season and was twice recognized as the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week. … He was also a finalist for the 2024-25 AJHL Most Valuable Player award. … Plandowski represented the AJHL and Canada as a member of Team Canada West at the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, capturing a bronze medal in the international competition.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Jaron Desnoyers, Yorkton Terriers (SJHL) – Desnoyers, the Terriers captain, was all but unstoppable from start to finish this season. … He finished first in assists; second in points; second in game-winning goals; was third in shorthanded goals, and earned a plus/minus of plus-18 while averaging just under 20 minutes played per game. … Thrived in all situations for Emery Olauson’s club and was a massive reason for the Terriers’ resurgent campaign. … 48 GP, 30 G, 45 A, 75 pts, 58 PIMs. … Led the SJHL in points-per-game average.
With files from Jamie Neugebauer & Clark Munroe, Co–Directors of Media (SJHL)
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 Scott Marshall, Statistician (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)
James Swan, Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ) – In his final year of junior, Swan had a stellar campaign leading the Valleyfield Braves to the regular season title in the LHJAAAQ. … The prolific goal-scorer recorded 58 tallies, 31 assists for 89 points in 48 games. … Supplied nine game-winning goals. He ended the season tied for the scoring lead in the LHJAAAQ. … A very efficient player at both ends of the ice, Swan posted a very respectable plus-37 differential. … His 21 power play goals were the highest in the league. … His 58 goals were the most in the entire CJHL this season. GP 48; RECORD 58-31-89; PPG 21; GWG 9.
With files from Francis Dupont, Director of Communications (LHJAAAQ)
Also earning consideration for the CJHL’s Top Forward Award were:
Jett Mintenko, Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL); Jayson Alegria, Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) and Lucas Canning, Pictou County Weeks Crushers (MHL).
Photo credits: Dave Watling Photography; Simple Shots by Jackie; Ryan Sawatzky; Northern Lights Photography; Rick Denham /OJHL Images; Yves Sansoucy
