Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Arnprior Packers forward Carter Scott on signing with the Kemptville 73’s of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2009-born Stittsville, Ontario native put together a strong rookie campaign, recording 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) while playing primarily in a less offensive role with the Packers. He added 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 7 playoff games and earned an opportunity alongside top scorers Ethan Smith and Carter Downs when EOJHL Rookie of the Year Cameron Sheppard was sidelined during the postseason.

At 6’4” and 190 lbs, Scott already possesses the frame of a power forward and isn’t afraid to use it. He attacks the net with purpose, battles for rebounds and has the hands to finish plays in tight. There’s also more playmaking ability to his game than his size might suggest, as Scott navigates traffic well and can find teammates through layers of defenders.

With his combination of size, skill and offensive upside, Scott will be an intriguing young player to watch as he continues his development at the next level.

Congratulations, Carter, and best of luck with the Kemptville 73’s!

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Perth Blue Wings goaltender Jackson Howell on signing with the Thunder Bay North Stars of the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2008-born Greely, Ontario native gained plenty of valuable experience during his rookie campaign, appearing in 26 games split between the Perth Blue Wings and Embrun Panthers. Howell posted a 6-15-3 record with a .893 save percentage and 4.17 goals-against average while handling one of the heavier workloads among EOJHL goaltenders.

Howell was tested early and often throughout the season, turning aside 859 shots — fifth-most among all EOJHL goaltenders — and averaging more than 33 saves per game.

A positionally sound netminder with quick feet and strong awareness, Howell does a good job tracking pucks through traffic and staying composed when plays break down around him. His quick reactions allow him to battle for second opportunities and come up with difficult saves when called upon.

After a rookie season that provided no shortage of action and experience, Howell will now look to build on that foundation as he takes the next step with Thunder Bay.

Congratulations, Jackson, and best of luck with the Thunder Bay North Stars!

Who are you supporting this season?

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate graduating Ottawa West Golden Knights goaltender Dustin Riff on his commitment to Vancouver Island University of the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2005-born Montreal, Quebec native saved his best for his final season in the EOJHL, putting together a dominant 2025-26 campaign. Riff posted a 16-6-3 record, league-leading .947 save percentage, 1.65 goals-against average and 9 shutouts, earning him EOJHL Goaltender of the Year honours.

Over 92 career regular season and playoff appearances between the Brockville Tikis, Athens Aeros and Ottawa West Golden Knights, Riff compiled a 44-32-10 record, developing into one of the league’s premier netminders along the way.

Positionally sound with quick reflexes and a calm, controlled presence in the crease, Riff has a knack for making difficult saves look routine. His mental toughness matches his physical ability, and when his team needs a big stop, he has shown the ability to take over a game and steal a result.

After an outstanding conclusion to his EOJHL career, Riff will now take his game to the university level on Vancouver Island.

Congratulations, Dustin, and best of luck with Vancouver Island University!

PHOTO courtesy Don OConnor

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Ottawa Junior Canadians forward Dax McKinnon on signing with the Cornwall Colts of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2009-born Ottawa, Ontario native put together a strong rookie campaign, recording 22 points (14 goals, 8 assists) in 40 regular season games before adding another 2 goals in 6 playoff contests. His 14 regular season goals ranked fourth among all 2009-born rookie skaters in the EOJHL.

He plays with no shortage of fearlessness or determination. A crafty offensive player with the puck on his stick, he can finish in a variety of ways and consistently puts himself in position to create scoring opportunities. He’s always around the puck, attacks the net with purpose and isn’t afraid to battle his way into high-traffic areas.

Already showing a natural ability to find the back of the net at a young age, McKinnon’s game should only continue to elevate as he gets stronger and develops at the next level.

Congratulations, Dax, and best of luck with the Cornwall Colts!

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Richmond Royals forward Nevyn Trenholm on signing with the Renfrew Wolves of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2009-born Stittsville, Ontario native made an immediate impact in his first season of junior hockey, recording 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 43 regular season games before adding 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in 6 playoff contests. His 32 regular season points ranked second among all 2009-born rookie skaters in the EOJHL.

A smooth-skating winger with soft hands and strong offensive instincts, Trenholm has a knack for finding the puck and putting himself in dangerous areas of the ice. He’s willing to battle for position around the net, where his hand-eye coordination makes him a threat to redirect shots and capitalize on loose pucks. Add in strong edges and a quick release, and Trenholm has an intriguing offensive toolkit that should continue to develop as he gets older.

After an impressive rookie season, Trenholm will now look to carry that momentum into the next level with Renfrew.

Congratulations, Nevyn, and best of luck with the Renfrew Wolves!

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Ottawa Junior Canadians defenseman Carter Laforest on signing with the Renfrew Wolves of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2008-born Arnprior, Ontario native took a major step forward in his second EOJHL season, recording 21 points (2 goals, 19 assists) in 42 regular season games with the Junior Canadians before adding another 7 assists in 12 playoff contests.

A smooth-skating rearguard who takes pride in the finer details of defending, Laforest developed into a much more complete two-way presence this past season. He moves efficiently, makes smart decisions with the puck and showed an increased ability to contribute offensively without sacrificing the defensive side of his game.

After recording just 5 assists in 33 games as a rookie in 2024-25, Laforest’s jump to 21 points this past season showcased just how far his game has progressed. With that upward trajectory, there is plenty to be excited about as he takes the next step to the CCHL.

Congratulations, Carter, and best of luck with the Renfrew Wolves!

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Smiths Falls Jr. Bears defenseman Jordan Parsons on taking the next step in Smiths Falls, signing with the Smiths Falls Bears of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2008-born Spaniards Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador native made an immediate impact during his rookie campaign, recording 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 41 regular season games with the Jr. Bears.

Parsons took his game to another level when the playoffs arrived, producing an impressive 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 15 postseason games. His playoff performance placed him fifth in scoring among all EOJHL skaters — an impressive feat from the blue line.

A powerful skater who can use his strength to win battles and separate opponents from the puck, Parsons also possesses a dangerous shot that he consistently finds ways to get through traffic. His ability to impact the game offensively while remaining effective in his own end gives him the foundation of a strong two-way defenseman with plenty of room to continue developing.

Congratulations, Jordan, and best of luck with the Smiths Falls Bears!

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Ottawa Jr. Canadians forward Jason Cyr on signing with the Iroquois Falls Storm of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2006-born Rockland, Ontario native recorded 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) in 33 regular season games with the Jr. Canadians in 2025-26 before adding 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 11 playoff contests.

Cyr carved out an important role in Ottawa’s lineup by embracing the defensive side of the game. Primarily deployed in a checking role at even strength and as a penalty killer, he was counted on to play responsible minutes, pressure opposing players and help limit scoring opportunities.

His willingness to embrace the details of the game and contribute beyond the scoresheet made Cyr a valuable piece of the Jr. Canadians lineup throughout the season.

Congratulations, Jason, and best of luck with the Iroquois Falls Storm!

The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is proud to congratulate Carleton Place Junior Canadians defenseman Reid Hapke on taking the next step in Carleton Place, signing with the Carleton Place Canadians of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for the 2026-27 season.

The 2009-born Manotick, Ontario native put together an impressive rookie campaign, recording 20 points (2 goals, 18 assists) in 44 regular season games with the Junior Canadians in 2025-26.

Despite being one of the younger players in the league, Hapke quickly earned significant responsibility on the Carleton Place blue line. He logged big minutes, was deployed in all situations and showed an ability to move the puck effectively and contribute offensively from the back end. His 18 assists helped him finish eighth in scoring among all EOJHL rookie defensemen.

With a strong first junior season under his belt, Hapke will now continue his development in Carleton Place as he makes the jump to the CCHL.

Congratulations, Reid, and best of luck with the Carleton Place Canadians!