The Alberta Junior Hockey League, in partnership with RBC, today announced the recipients of seven major awards. The award winners are determined through three stages of voting by the General Managers and Coaches of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
The winners of each award will be nominated for recognition at the national level through the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL).
Most Valuable Player (Alberta Old Time Hockey Players Trophy) and Top Forward Award
Whitecourt Wolverines Captain Jalen Bianchet is the 2025-26 AJHL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and recipient of the AJHL Top Forward award. Bianchet captured the Ernie Love Trophy as 2025-26 AJHL Regular Season Scoring Champion as well as the AJHL Leading Goal Scorer award with 87 points in 52 games (46G, 41A).
“We knew we had something special the moment we recruited Jalen and he has not disappointed,” said Wolverines GM and Head Coach Shawn Martin. “His game has evolved during his time here and he will certainly go down as one of the best Whitecourt Wolverines in my tenure. He has proven that hard work and loyalty truly pay off.”
Jalen Bianchet set single season franchise records for most goals and most points by a Wolverine and now leads the franchise as the all-time goals (85) and points (174) leader. The three-year AJHL veteran from Pickering, ON posted 30 multi-point games over the season as well as a season-high 12 game point-streak totaling 23 points.
The 2005-born forward was selected as the Bunge AJHL Player of the Game 14 times through the regular season, the most of any AJHL player. Bianchet was awarded as the Alberta Ford Dealers AJHL Player of the Month in October 2025 and as the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week on three occasions.
The 2024-25 AJHL MVP was Whitecourt Wolverines goaltender Zac Onyskiw who also went on to capture the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) MVP Award.
- 2025-2026 AJHL MVP Award Finalists: Maxwell Pendy – Bonnyville Pontiacs, Jalen Bianchet – Whitecourt Wolverines, Alex Scheiwiller – Canmore Eagles, Taynton Lavender – Drayton Valley Thunder
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Zac Onyskiw – Whitecourt Wolverines
The AJHL Top Forward award recognizes the forward who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position throughout the season. Bianchet was also a finalist for the AJHL Top Forward Award in 2024-25.
- 2025-2026 Top Forward Award Finalists: Maxwell Pendy – Bonnyville Pontiacs, Jalen Bianchet – Whitecourt Wolverines, Harper LoLacher – Calgary Canucks, Cohen Daoust – Canmore Eagles
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Jack Plandowski – Calgary Canucks
Rookie of the Year (Dick White Trophy)
Bonnyville Pontiacs forward Gavin Harrison is the recipient of the Dick White Trophy as AJHL Rookie of the Year. The 16 year-old led all first-year players in goals (28), assists (31) and points (59) through 52 games.
“We are really proud of Gavin and the season he had this year,” said Pontiacs Head Coach Chad Mercier. “He recorded the best statistical year for any 16 year-old in franchise history, but for me as a coach, the most impressive part of his season was his commitment to his 200-foot game and our ability to play him in any situation. While Gavin’s teammates contributed to his success, he certainly deserves a lot of credit for the work he put in this year.”
Gavin Harrison recorded 19 multi-point games and ended the regular season on a 10-game point streak. He was selected as the Bunge AJHL Player of the Game seven times through the regular season, was awarded as the Inter Pipeline AJHL Rookie of the Week four times and was twice selected as the Adapt AJHL Rookie of the Month (September 2025 & February 2026).
Harrison (Cold Lake, AB) is a draft pick of the Swift Current Broncos and played five games for the WHL club this season.
- 2025-2026 Award Finalists: Gavin Harrison – Bonnyville Pontiacs, Tristan Slywka – Whitecourt Wolverines, Sullivan Humeniuk – Drumheller Dragons, Jordin St Louis – Olds Grizzlys
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Easton Daneault – Drumheller Dragons
Outstanding Defenceman (W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy) Presented by the Alberta Ford Dealers
Quentin Bourne of the Whitecourt Wolverines is the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Outstanding Defenceman and recipient of the W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy. The award recognizes the defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position throughout the season.
The second-year Wolverine and Assistant Captain was second in scoring among AJHL defencemen with 41 points (9G, 32A) in 52 games. Bourne and the Wolverines defence allowed the fewest goals against in the AJHL with 144 GA and a 2.62 GAA in the regular season. Bourne (2006) was also a key piece of the Wolverines league-leading powerplay with 18 points (4 PPG, 14PPA).
“After a winding road in his career, Quentin came to us needing a fresh start and to somewhat reinvent himself,” said Wolverines GM and Head Coach Shawn Martin. “Although his main goal in returning to Whitecourt this year is to win an AJHL championship, he also set a personal goal of winning the top defenceman award. By attaining this award, he has shown that personal determination and a willingness to alter one’s game can take you a long way in this sport.”
Bourne (Lawndale, CA) joined the Whitecourt Wolverines in January 2025 after starting his Junior career in the Western Hockey League and USHL.
- 2025-2026 Award Finalists: Jaxan Hopko – Lloydminster Bobcats, Quentin Bourne – Whitecourt Wolverines, Taynton Lavender – Drayton Valley Thunder, Tristan Payne – Drumheller Dragons
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Nathan Maloney – Calgary Canucks
Top Goaltender (Friends of Alberta Junior Hockey League Trophy)
Alexander Scheiwiller of the Canmore Eagles is the recipient of the Friends of Alberta Junior Hockey League Trophy as winner of the 2025-26 AJHL Top Goaltender Award. In his fourth AJHL season, Scheiwiller led the AJHL with a .921 save percentage and recorded the most wins (22) of all netminders in the Bunge AJHL South Division.
“Alex is very deserving of this award,” said Eagles General Manager and Head Coach Andrew Milne. “He has worked hard every day and put in the effort to place himself in this position. This is a reflection of his commitment, character, and the season he has had, and we couldn’t be happier for Alex.”
The Calgary, AB goaltender was also nominated as a finalist for the 2025-26 AJHL MVP Award. He was selected as the Alberta Ford Dealers AJHL Defensive Player of the Week twice in the regular season and held a 22-12-1-1 record with a 2.91 GAA and two shutouts. Alex was recognized as the Bunge AJHL Player of the Game 12 times for the Eagles.
Scheiwiller (2005) has committed to the Mount Royal University Cougars (USports) for the 2026-27 season.
The annual Top Goaltender award is presented to the goalie who demonstrated the greatest ability in his position throughout the season. Scheiwiller was also a finalist for the Top Goaltender Award in 2024-25.
- 2025-2026 Award Finalists: Brendan Gee – Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Elliott Pratt – Whitecourt Wolverines, Alexander Scheiwiller – Canmore Eagles, Sean Cootes – Drumheller Dragons
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Zac Onyskiw – Whitecourt Wolverines
Most Dedicated Player (Don McNabb Memorial Trophy)
The winner of the Don McNabb Memorial Trophy as Most Dedicated Player is Grande Prairie Storm forward Zachary Wilson. The award is presented annually to the player who is voted as the most dedicated to his team by the General Managers and Coaches of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“Zachary represents everything this organization values,” said Storm General Manager Mark Bomersback. “His work ethic, leadership, and commitment to improving every day set the standard for our locker room, alongside our other veteran players. Whether in practice or on game night, he brought a consistent level of intensity and professionalism. This recognition reflects the respect he has earned from his teammates, coaches, and the entire League. He plays the game hard and the right way. Congratulations Zachary, the Grande Prairie Storm could not be prouder of you.”
Wilson has worn the ‘A’ for the Storm over the past two seasons and received the team’s Community Involvement Award in 2024, as well as the Two-Way Player Award in 2025. He was a member of the 2024-25 Grande Prairie Storm team that captured the AJHL North Division Title and represented the Alberta Junior Hockey League at the 2025 Centennial Cup in Calgary, AB.
The 2005-born forward from Wetaskiwin, AB is in his fourth season with the Storm. He recorded 31 points (17G, 14A) in the regular season and played in all situations for his team. Wilson has committed to the Niagara University men’s hockey program (ACHA Div I) for the 2026-27 season.
- 2025-2026 Award Finalists: Ryan Arnold – Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Zachary Wilson – Grande Prairie Storm, Junshi Hideshima – Camrose Kodiaks, Aidan Tkachuk – Canmore Eagles
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Jaxson Martin – Devon Xtreme
Coach of the Year
The 2025-26 AJHL Coach of the Year is Whitecourt Wolverines General Manager and Head Coach Shawn Martin. The Whitecourt Wolverines are the 2025-26 Alberta Junior Hockey League Regular Season Champions and will hold the top-seed throughout the 2026 Inter Pipeline Cup AJHL Playoffs.
Shawn Martin, now a three-time winner of the award, first joined the organization as an Assistant Coach in 2017-18 before taking over as General Manager and Head Coach in 2019-20. The Wolverines have won two regular season titles under Martin (2023-24 and 2025-26).
“This recognition goes far beyond wins and standings – it reflects the passion, commitment and heart Shawn brings to this team every single day,” stated Wolverines Owners Cory and Terriann Masse. “The long hours, the sacrifices, the belief he has in his players, it all shows. He has built more than just a team, he’s built a family.”
“Shawn challenges these young men to be better, supports them through the highs and lows, and leads with integrity, strength and care. The impact he has had on this group, both on and off the ice, will stay with them long after the season ends.”
“We are incredibly proud of you Shawn and so grateful to have you leading the Wolverines. This award is a true reflection of who you are not just as a coach, but as a leader and mentor.”
The Wolverines held the best overall record in the Canalta Hotels AJHL Standings at 39-13-1-2 and 81 points; ranking the team first in the Bunge AJHL North Division for a third consecutive season. The Wolverines led the AJHL in multiple categories including most wins (39), fewest losses (13), most goals for (219), fewest goal against (144) and best powerplay (26.7%).
Martin is joined by Assistant Coaches Daine Dubois, Matt Hehr and Jaedon Leslie on the Wolverines Coaching Staff.
Prior to joining the Wolverines, Martin was an Assistant Coach with the St Albert Steel, Grande Prairie Storm and Sherwood Park Crusaders of the AJHL as well as Head Coach for the LaRonge Ice Wolves in the SJHL. Martin also served as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada West at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge.
- 2025-2026 Award Finalists: Chris Schmidt – Grande Prairie Storm, Shawn Martin – Whitecourt Wolverines, Andrew Milne – Canmore Eagles, Kevin Hasselberg – Drumheller Dragons
- 2024-2025 Award Winner: Chris Schmidt – Grande Prairie Storm
The winners of the following League Awards and Scholarships will also be announced throughout the 2026 Inter Pipeline Cup AJHL Playoffs.
- Inter Pipeline AJHL Playoff MVP
- Bunge All-League and All-Rookie Team
- Inter Pipeline AJHL All-Academic Team
- AJHL Executive of the Year – Ken Bracko Award
- AJHL Broadcaster of the Year
- Bunge Salute to Service Volunteer Award
- Inter Pipeline AJHL Scholarship
- Ford AJHL Scholarship
- Canalta Hotels AJHL Scholarship
