CANADIAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
CJHL Media Update
Release Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Gavin Harrison of AJHL’s Bonnyville Pontiacs named CJHL’s Top Rookie for 2025-26
TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Wednesday that forward Gavin Harrison of the Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) has been named the 2025-26 recipient of its Top Rookie Award.
Harrison garnered the accolades over fellow Top Rookie finalists Tyler Hinde, (F) Mississauga Chargers (OJHL); Owen Smith, (F) Espanola Paper Kings (NOJHL); Brady Cates, (G) Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) and Trevor Hill, (F) Portage Terriers (MJHL), through a voting process completed by each of the CJHL’s nine member leagues.
The 16-year-old Cold Lake, Alta., product was earlier tabbed the recipient of the Dick White Trophy as AJHL Rookie of the Year.
In 52 games with Bonnyville, Harrison notched 28 tallies, which led all first-year players. He also dished out 31 assists.
His 59 points paced all AJHL rookies, finishing 16 points clear of his nearest competitor.
Along with that, Harrison’s 10-man advantage markers led all first-year skaters and tied him for fifth overall in the league, while his trio of shorthanded goals put him in a share of second among rookies.
He also produced consecutive game point streaks of six, or more, on four occasions, featuring a 10-game run to close out the regular season for the Pontiacs, to go along with 19 overall multi-point efforts.
Other AJHL accolades earned by the Swift Current Broncos (WHL) prospect were being named a Player of the Game seven times, collecting Rookie of the Week honours on four occasions and twice selected Rookie of the Month.
“We’re 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.”
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Photo credit: Emma Jonker
CJHL CONTACTS
Andy Harkness
President
Canadian Junior Hockey League
aharkness@cjhlhockey.com (E)
Tom Annelin
Director of Communications
Canadian Junior Hockey League
annelin@cjhlhockey.com (E)
cjhlhockey.com (W)
@cjhlhockey (X)
@cjhlhockey (I)