CANADIAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
CJHL Media Update
Release Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Finalists announced for CJHL’s Top Defenceman
TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Wednesday the names of the five individuals that have been selected finalists for its Top Defenceman Award in the 2024-25 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 Top Defenceman honours:
Cameron Eke, Collingwood Blues (OJHL) – The St. Catharines, Ont., resident had a championship-filled resume winning back-to-back OJHL titles (2023, 2024) and the 2024 Centennial Cup with Eke anchoring the blueline. … Eke was voted Defenceman of the Year in the 24-team OJHL this season. Along the way he made an NCAA Division I commitment to Niagara University. … Eke’s numbers have risen steadily, from 16 points in his rookie season to 57 (14 goals/43 assists) this year, to lead all defencemen in the 24-team OJHL. … He was selected to represent the OJHL on Team Canada East at the past two Junior A World Challenge events. … “Cam made a positive impact in Collingwood,” said Blues’ general manager Mike Tarantino. “He was a key part of the two OJHL Buckland Cup championships and us winning a Centennial Cup.”
With files from Jim Mason, Director of Communications (OJHL)
Naaman Hofer, Dauphin Kings (MJHL) – The University of Alaska-Anchorage D1 commit is fresh off his best season with Dauphin in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. … Hofer, a veteran of 213 MJHL games was the recipient of the Brian Kozak Memorial Award as the MJHL’s Top Defenceman, voted on by the league’s coaches. … He sat third in scoring amongst all defenders with seven goals and 43 assists in 52 games. … Played in all key situations for the Kings on their top pairing. … In his career, Hofer netted 16 goals and added 106 assists.
With files from Erik Swar, Director of Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL
Nathan Maloney, Calgary Canucks (AJHL) – Maloney was the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Outstanding Defenceman, recipient of the W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy, which recognizes the defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position throughout the season. … From Strathmore, Alta., Maloney led all AJHL defencemen with 40 points (13G, 27A), ranking eighth among AJHL rookies. The 2006-born rookie played top-end minutes as a member of the Canucks league-leading penalty kill and powerplay units. … Maloney was also a finalist for the 2024-25 AJHL Rookie of the Year award. … In December 2024, he represented the AJHL at the Junior A World Challenge and was a bronze medallist with Team Canada West. … Committed to NCAA D-I Quinnipiac University, Maloney was the Alberta Ford Dealers AJHL Player of the Month for February 2025 after recording 16 points in eight games for the Canucks including five multi-point games. Over the course of three consecutive weeks, he was selected as the recipient of the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week, Inter Pipeline AJHL Rookie of the Week, and Alberta Ford Dealers Defensive Player of the Week.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Adam Shillinglaw, Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) – A stellar campaign on the back-end for the Lumberjacks saw Shillinglaw lead all NOJHL rearguards in goals (21); points (56); shorthanded efforts (2) and game-winning markers (4). … He also tied for top spot in power play tallies among D-men (6). … The 20-year-old from New Liskeard, Ont., wrapped up his overall regular season career with 150 points in 201 outings, having scored 39 times and helping set-up 111 others. … No other league blueliner had more assists (111) than him over the past four seasons. … He was twice named the NOJHL’s Defenceman of the Month during the 2024-25 season. … Also earned league 1st Team All-Star honours on defence. … Shillinglaw served as the Hearst captain.
With files from Scott Marshall, Statistician (NOJHL)
Étienne-Mathieu Tremblay, Condors du Cégep Beauce-Appalaches (LHJAAAQ) – The veteran was a force on the blueline for his team. … He led all league defencemen with 60 points, including 19 goals. … Boasted an impressive plus-46 rating. … Was used in all game situations, and was equally effective on the power play or penalty kill. … Showed why he was one of the best in the league defensively. … Leading by example, Tremblay was definitely a force to be reckoned with and he earned the respect of all opponents. … GP: 46; G: 19; A: 41; PTS: 60; PPG: 7; GWG: 3.
With files from Francis Dupont, Director of Communications (LHJAAAQ)
Also earning consideration for the CJHL’s Top Defenceman Award were:
Nicholas Andrusiak, Melfort Mustangs (SJHL); Ryan Hopkins, Fredericton Red Wings (MHL); Evan Kabel, Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL); and Easton Penna, Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL).
Photo credits: Tim Bates / OJHL Images; Todd Pederson; Dave Watling Photography; Northern Lights Photography; Véro Photo
CJHL CONTACTS
Andy Harkness
President
Canadian Junior Hockey League
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Tom Annelin
Director of Communications
Canadian Junior Hockey League
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