CJHL announces its Top Forward Award finalists for 2025-26
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 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 campaign.
The following are the six nominees, including ties, for CJHL Top Forward honours:
Anthony Gaudet, (F) Amherst Ramblers (MHL):The 19-year-old from St-Ignace, N.B., led the MHL in scoring with 89 points in 51 games. … His 64 assists were the most in the league and set a new team record for the Ramblers. … Gaudet had the third-most powerplay assists this season at 26, which helped place him second in powerplay points with 32. … He also led the league in shorthanded goals, where six of his 25 were scored. … Gaudet’s eight shorthanded points were double that of any other player this season. … His 25-game point streak from November 1 to January 31 was the longest in the league, where he collected 51 points. … Gaudet also had a nineteen-game home scoring streak, with 41 points from October 11 to January 31. … Was named the MHL’s Top Forward of the Month twice and an Honourable Mention once. … Was also named the CJHL’s 2nd Star of the Month for December and named to the Eastlink South Team of the Week eight times.
With files from James Faulkner, Director of Communications (MHL)
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 55 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-point 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, Most Valuable Player, 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)
Taeo Artichuk, (F) Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL): Artichuk was the 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)
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)
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)
Jalen Bianchet, (F) Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL): The Whitecourt team captain was the 2025-26 AJHL Most Valuable Player and recipient of the AJHL’s Top Forward award. … Bianchet was the AJHL Regular Season Scoring Champion and 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 did not disappoint,” said Wolverines GM and head coach Shawn Martin. “His game evolved during his time here and he will certainly go down as one of the best Whitecourt Wolverines in my tenure.” Bianchet set single season franchise records for most goals and 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, Ont., 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 named AJHL Player of the Game 14 times through the regular season, the most of any player. … Bianchet was awarded AJHL Player of the Month laurels once and was tabbed an AJHL Player of the Week on three occasions.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Also earning consideration for CJHL Top Forward honours were Lucas Bertolin, Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL); Gabriel Courchesne, Yorkton Terriers (SJHL) and Evan Courtois, Titan de Princevile (LHJAAAQ).
Photo credits:ProSport Photography; Kalee Haasbeek; Northern Lights Photography; Eric Carriere-Toussaint / OJHL Images; Robert Lefebvre / icelevel.com; Paul Robinson Photography
