CJHL announces its finalists
For Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award for CJHL Coach of the Year, presented by the NHL Coaches’ Association
The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Monday the names of the five individuals that have been selected finalists for the 2025-26 Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, presented by the NHL Coaches’ Association (NHLCA), emblematic of CJHL Coach of the Year.
Presented annually by the CJHL and NHLCA, this distinguished honour serves in memory of Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) head coach Darcy Haugan and assistant Mark Cross, who were among those who sadly lost their lives following the tragic events of April 6, 2018.
Each of the finalists were determined through a voting process completed by the CJHL’s nine-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the regular season.
The following are the five nominees for the Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, presented by the NHL Coaches’ Assocation, CJHL Coach of the Year honours:
Jonathan Castonguay, Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ): In his first year with the club, the 33-year-old Castonguay led his team to a first-place finish in the league with a record of 41-6-0-1, good for 83 points. … Longueuil’s six defeats in regulation were just one off the league record. … His team set a LHJAAAQ mark in 2025–26 for the fewest goals allowed at 103. … Collège Français also set a record for the most wins to start a season with 17 consecutive victories. … Longueuil’s plus-136 goal differential was the best in the LHJAAAQ. … The team finished first with an 85.9% penalty-killing efficiency rate. … Collège Français de Longueuil finished fourth in the final CJHL Top 20 Rankings, Fuelled by Gatorade.
With files from Francis Dupont, Director of Communications (LHJAAAQ)
Justin Pereira, Rockland Nationals (CCHL): As the top-ranked team in the final CJHL Top 20 rankings, fuelled by Gatorade, the Nationals held the No. 1 spot for 12 consecutive weeks and never relinquished it from December 15 on. … Rockland finished with an impressive 53-3-0-0 overall record, without losing a single game beyond regulation time. … Their 284 goals scored were 62 more than the next closest CCHL team. … Rockland boasted a CCHL-best plus-159 goal differential. … Their power play led the CCHL at 29.9%, and their penalty kill ranked second at 88%. … Pereira was named CCHL Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season—an achievement accomplished only four times in league history.
With files from Kevin Ferguson, Director of Hockey Operations (CCHL)
Peter Goulet, Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL): Guided Powassan to a 26-point improvement in the standings from last season, which was a league-best. … The Voodoos finished second overall in the NOJHL, compared to being seventh in 2024-25. … Under his guidance, his club had the best penalty kill rate (83.6%) in the league. … Powassan was second overall on the power play (27%) … They were the only team in the league not to have a player suspended this season. … Had the third-lowest penalty minute total in the NOJHL. … Marks his second league Coach of the Year nod in four seasons.
With files from Scott Marshall, Statistician (NOJHL)
Dwight Hirst, Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL): Coming off a strong campaign last year, Hirst picked up where he left off and coached the Nighthawks to a 103-point finish this season in the league. … Earned MJHL Coach of the Year honours. … Entering his third season as bench boss of the Nighthawks, Hirst led the organization to their best finish in franchise history, posting a record of 51-6-1-0 to lead the MJHL standings all season. … The Nighthawks were the most disciplined team in the MJHL, from start to finish, ending the season with a league low 693 penalty minutes. … Guided the Nighthawks to the second-best best power play in the MJHL at 31.5% while the penalty kill was fourth at 85.1%. ... The Nighthawks finished at No. 2 overall in the final CJHL Top 20 Rankings, fuelled by Gatorade.
With files from Erik Swar, Director, Marketing & Partnerships (MJHL)
Shawn Martin, Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL): Martin was earlier named the AJHL Coach of the Year for 2025-26, marking the third time he has captured the award. … The Wolverines held the best overall record in the AJHL at 39-13-1-2 and 81 points. … Led the Wolverines to the AJHL regular season title for a second time. … Whitecourt were first in the AJHL North Division for a third straight season. … They led the AJHL in multiple categories including most wins (39), fewest losses (13), most goals for (219), fewest goals-against (144) and best powerplay (26.7%). … “This recognition goes far beyond wins and standings – it reflects the passion, commitment and heart Shawn brings to this team every single day,” stated Wolverines Owners Cory and Terriann Masse. “The long hours, the sacrifices, the belief he has in his players, it all shows. He has built more than just a team; he’s built a family.”
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Also earning consideration for Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, presented by the NHL Coaches’ Association for CJHL Coach of the Year honours were Greg Leland, Grand Falls Rapids (MHL); Connor Armour, Pickering Panthers (OJHL); Luke Judson, Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) and Connor Logan, Battlefords North Stars (SJHL).
ABOUT THE NHL COACHES’ ASSOCIATION: The NHL Coaches’ Association is the professional organization that provides support and assistance to the head, assistant, goaltending and video coaches of the 32 teams in the National Hockey League. The NHLCA and its members seek to develop future coaches, give back to the hockey community, and grow the game of hockey globally. One of the Association’s primary objectives is to help develop all hockey coaches from the youth level up to the highest levels of hockey, as the NHLCA strongly believes that coaches are important leaders within their communities, serving as role models at every level of the game.
Photo credits: Melissa Baker; Jonathan Kozub; Chris Dawson; Robert Lefebvre / icelevel.com; Tobi-Lynne P. Payne
