CANADIAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
CJHL Media Update
Release Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Finalists named for CJHL’s Top Defenceman Award for 2025-26
TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Wednesday the names of the six players that have been selected finalists for its Top Defenceman Award for 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 course of the campaign.
The following are the six nominees, including ties, for CJHL Top Defenceman honours:
Simon Mullen, Summerside Western Capitals (MHL): The 20-year-old from Truro, N.S., held the MHL scoring lead up until New Year’s Eve and finished eighth with 68 points in 52 games. … Mullen led all skaters in powerplay assists with 28 and powerplay points with 33. … Was also second in assists with 54. Mullen led defensemen in points, assists (54), powerplay assists and points, and shorthanded points (4). … He was tied for second among blueliners in powerplay goals (5), goals (14), and tied for second in shorthanded goals with two. … Had the longest assist streak in the league at 13 games from October 12 to November 27, and the second-longest point streak at 24 games from October 3 to December 16. … Had the longest road assist streak with 30 in 15 games from September 14 to December 14. … Mullen averaged over 25 minutes of ice-time per game for Summerside. … Was named the MHL’s Top Defenceman in October and November. … Was an Honourable Mention in September. Mullen was named to the Eastlink South Team of the Week nine times.
With files from James Faulkner, Director of Communications (MHL)
Mathys Laurent, Rockland Nationals (CCHL): The Rockland captain is a recent Concordia University commit. … Is the backbone of the Nationals, deployed in every scenario and consistently rising when it matters most. … Whether protecting a lead, driving offence, or quarterbacking the power play, his presence is constant—and decisive. … Logged over 22 minutes per game. … Laurent led all CCHL defencemen in scoring with 54 points (10 goals, 44 assists) in 51 games. … His 21 power-play assists ranked first among defencemen and tied for third overall, serving as a driving force behind Rockland’s league-best 29.9% success rate with the man advantage. … On a national scale, his production placed him tied for third among all defencemen across the CJHL. … Laurent’s value extends far beyond the numbers. His leadership, composure, and ability to elevate his team in critical moments have been instrumental in the Nationals’ success all season long. … Went on to be named the CCHL’s Top Defenceman.
With files from Kevin Ferguson, Director of the Hockey Operations (CCHL)
Reid Forster, Burlington Cougars (OJHL): Forster led all OJHL Defencemen in points this season with 54 points in 54 games. … Ranked in the Top 20 of all OJHL skaters in assists with 42. … The Cambridge, Ont., product was named captain this season in his second year with the Cougars. … Was a Peterborough Petes (OHL) draft pick in 2022. … Forster was named on the OJHL 2025-26 All-Star team.
With files from Stefano Durante, Director of Hockey Operations & Recruitment (OJHL)
Spencer Horgan, Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL): Is the NOJHL’s all-time scoring leader among defencemen with 228 points. … He paced all league blueliners in offensive production in 2025-26, with 72 points on 19 tallies and 53 assists. … Finished 10th in league scoring among all players. … Had 21 more points than any other blueliner. … Selected a 1st Team NOJHL All-Star on defence.
With files from Scott Marshall, Statistician (NOJHL)
Thomas Ries, Yorkton Terriers (SJHL): Ries finished tied for first in points among defencemen. … Averaged just under 24 minutes per-game of ice time. … Posted an impressive plus-33 rating, proving his dominance at both ends of the ice. … Strong, mobile, and highly competitive, Ries’ play earned him one of the limited 19-year-old spots at Team Canada West’s silver medal-winning side at the 2025 Junior A World Challenge. … Was a critical reason the Terriers were as consistent as any team in the league this year. … Regular Season Stats: 52 GP – 16 G, 32 A – 48 PTS
With files from Jamie Neugebauer, Media (SJHL)
Quentin Bourne, Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL): Quentin Bourne of the Whitecourt Wolverines was the AJHL’s Outstanding Defenceman and 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. … The second-year Wolverine and assistant captain was second in scoring among AJHL defencemen with 41 points (9G, 32A) in 52 games. … Bourne (2006) was a key piece of the Wolverines league-leading powerplay with 18 points (4 PPG, 14PPA). “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 was 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.”
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Also earning consideration for CJHL Top Defenceman honours were Matthew Eric, Rangers de Montréal (LHJAAAQ); Chance Loke, Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) and Owen Witt, Portage Terriers (MJHL).
Photo credits: ProSport Photography; Simple Shots by Jackie; Rob Fera / Points North Media; Robert Lefebvre / icelevel.com; Gordon Kim / OJHL Images & Ronnie McKenzie
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