TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) released Thursday the names of the five finalists for its Top Goaltender Award for 2023-24.
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 Goaltender honours:
Ben Charette, Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) – Charette was earlier named as the recipient of the AJHL Top Goaltender for the 2023-24 season. … The Harvard University (NCAA) commit led the AJHL in goals-against average (2.40 GAA) and save percentage (.925%). … Charette had four shutouts and a record of 20-9-4-1 in his second and final season as a Wolverine. … He was also selected AJHL Player of the Month in November. “Ben came to our team focused on helping the Wolverines and himself – he has accomplished a lot in the last year and a half while overcoming injuries along the way,” stated Wolverines general manager and head coach Shawn Martin. … Charette (2003) was a finalist for the 2023-24 AJHL MVP Award and was the recipient of the 2023-24 CCM Top Team Goaltenders Award alongside teammates Lukas Renaud and Nicholas Avakyan. … The Wolverines completed the 2023-24 campaign as AJHL regular season title holders with a record of 34-18-4-1 and 73 points.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Harmon Laser-Hume, Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) – Was earlier named the SJHL’s 2023-24 SaskTel Goaltender of the Year. … Laser-Hume, the Flin Flon Bombers netminder, finished second in the league in wins (28), goals-against-average (2.20), and save percentage (.930). … Laser-Hume was also the SJHL’s SaskTel Goaltender of the Month back in November.
With files from Clark Munroe & Jamie Neugebauer, Co-Directors of Media (SJHL)
Tomas Anderson, OCN Blizzard (MJHL) – Entering the season as a rookie in the MJHL, OCN Blizzard goaltender, Tomas Anderson, carried the mail for the team from northern Manitoba and singlehandedly won games. … Anderson finished fourth in goals-against average (2.10); third in save percentage (.931); fourth in wins (25-8-1-0) and first in shutouts (7), among all goaltenders in the MJHL. … The NCAA D1 commit to Niagara University was named the recipient of the Ed Belfour Trophy as the MJHL’s Top Goaltender and was also named a finalist for MJHL MVP and MJHL Rookie of the Year. … Anderson was voted to the MJHL First All-Star Team.
With files from Eric Swar, Director, Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL)
Noah Pak, Collingwood Blues (OJHL) – Was named the OJHL’s Goaltender of the Year and Top Goaltender awards recipient for 2023-24. … Pak recorded a 1.30 goals-against average. … Pak also led the league in save percentage (.945) and shutouts (12). … His record was a sparkling 37-5-0-0. … He helped Collingwood go 49-6-0-1 and win the Brant Snow Memorial Trophy as regular season champions of the OJHL. … Hails from Oakville, Ont. … Earned a NCAA Division I scholarship to Yale. … “We’ve been fortunate to have Noah part of the Blues organization for the last four years and each year he continued to strive for more,” said Collingwood head coach Andrew Campoli. “Not only has he been successful on the ice, but he has been a fan favourite with our fan base and many minor hockey players in Collingwood.” “Noah is an exceptional goaltender and has been our backbone year-after-year. He’s a fierce competitor and has always battled for and supported his teammates. He provides a sense of calmness as well as acts as a sixth player on the ice in his ability to play the puck. We are very excited to follow Noah’s next chapter at Yale.”
With files from Jim Mason, Director of Communications (OJHL)
Nicholas Sheehan, Edmundston Blizzard (MHL) – The 20-year-old from Moncton, N.B. was named the league’s Top Goaltender in five of seven months this season. … Among the many categories Sheehan led this season were games played (40); wins (30); goals-against average (2.29); minutes played (2,383); saves (1,135); save percentage (.926); shutouts (5); and shootout wins (3). … Overall, he posted a 30-9-1-0 record for the Blizzard. … Sheehan allowed no more than two goals in half, or twenty, of his games played and only allowed more than three goals on just six occasions. … He was selected to the Eastlink North Team of the Week 10 times. … Recently committed to Acadia University of USPORTS.
With files from James Faulkner, Director of Communications (MHL)
Earning honourable mention recognition for the CJHL Top Goaltender Award were:
Jaeden Nelson, Navan Grads (CCHL); Gabriel Robert, Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ); Noah Tegelaar, Blind River Beavers (NOJHL) & Jack Osmond, Sioux Lookout Bombers (SIJHL).
PHOTO CREDITS
Charette: Dave Watling Photography
Laser-Hume: Kelly Kocur Jacobson
Anderson: Todd Pederson
Pak: Jamie Green / OJHL Images
Sheehan: Percy Picard