TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Tuesday its Most Valuable Player finalists for the 2023-24 campaign.
Each of the five MVP hopefuls were determined through a voting process completed by the CJHL’s nine-member leagues, for their respective efforts through the course of the regular season.
The following are the nominees for CJHL MVP:
Luka Sukovic, Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) – Bonnyville’s Sukovic was earlier named 2023-24 AJHL MVP and recipient of its Top Forward Award. … The Clarkson University NCAA D-I commit captured the AJHL Leading Goal Scorer Award with 35 goals and ended the regular season tied for third overall in the AJHL with 67 points (35G, 32A). … “Luka came in this season and has been the ideal teammate and player,” stated Pontiacs associate general manager Neil Langridge. “He wasn’t happy with how last year’s season went and he spent the entire off season dedicated to his craft. This season has been a testament to his hard work and dedication and now this acknowledgment from the other AJHL teams solidifies his success. We are proud of all his achievements and especially his commitment to Clarkson University.” The 2003-born centre earned recognition as the AJHL Player of the Month in January 2024, Player of the Week in February 2024, and was also selected as the Star of the Game seven times this season.
With files from Charla Flett, Executive Director (AJHL)
Kian Bell, (F) Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) – With a league-leading 57 assists and 94 points this season, Bell helped the Stars rebound from being around the .500-mark to start the year to a record of 30-10-4-0 since returning to the line-up in late October. … Bell was the first player to win the SJHL scoring race in back-to-back seasons since Travis Mayan of the Melfort Mustangs did it between 2014 and 2016. … A 2003-birth year forward from Fall River, Nova Scotia, he was also the MVP of the SJHL last year.
With files from Jamie Neugebauer & Clark Munroe, Co-Directors of Media (SJHL)
Lucas Signoretti, (F) Espanola Paper Kings (NOJHL) – Through 50 games played, the 19-year-old Kinburn, Ont., product led all NOJHL skaters in goals, assists and points with 47, 70 and 117 respectively. … His assist and point totals were the most of any player in the CJHL this season, while his tally total tied him for top spot in the country. … Signoretti’s overall point totals were the most in league play since the 2011-12. … The Paper Kings centre was twice named the NOJHL’s Forward of the Month; the CJHL’s 1st Star of the Month, Fuelled by Gatorade, for October, earned honourable mention for the same award in February. … On three occasions was named one of the NOJHL’s Eastlink TV 3 Stars of the Week. … Wrapped up the regular season on a league-best 14-game assist streak, that also featured 14 tallies. … Signoretti had 33 multi-point efforts, including 21 of which were three points, or more. … Played for Team NOJHL West at the Eastern Canada Cup.
With files from Scott Marshall, Statistician (NOJHL)
Trevor Hoskin, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) – First-team All-Star Trevor Hoskin of the Cobourg Cougars was the recipient of the OJHL’s MVP and Leading Scorer awards for 2023-24. … Hoskin finished the regular season with 100 points. … He accumulated points at an astounding clip of 1.92 per game. … His 42 goals included nine game-winners, four while shorthanded and nine on the power play. … Hoskin missed four games while representing the OJHL at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Nova Scotia in December. … He was named to the all-tournament team after leading Team Canada East to the silver medals. …. An assistant captain in Cobourg this season, the third-year Cougar is committed to NCAA Division I Niagara University for next season, following his MVP performance at the Eastern Canada All-Star Challenge in Trenton, Ont. … A rookie season of 29 points was followed by 61 in 2022-23, only to be totally upstaged by this year’s century mark. “Trevor is a very important member to our team,” current Cobourg Coach Connor Armour said. “Seeing him develop not only as a player but also a person has been fun to watch. He’s got a bright future in hockey.”
With files from Jim Mason, Director of Communications (OJHL)
Alex Blais, Rangers de Montreal (LHJAAAQ) – Blais went on to be the LHJAAAQ’s top scorer in 2023-24 with 92 points. … Led the league with 66 assists. … Had six four-point games and three five-point games, including three hat tricks. … Ended the season with a stellar plus-27 differential. … Recorded five PPG, four game-winner and was only assessed four minor penalties. … Represented Hockey Canada two years in a row at events. … Finished the season with point-per-game average of 2.19. … Served as captain of Team Perron at the Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge. … Was an assistant captain with Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge. … Was listed on the NHL Draft List at 17 playing for Chicoutimi. … Named LHJAAAQ player of the week for the period ending December 22.
With files from Francis Dupont, Director of Communications (LHJAAAQ)
Picking up honourable mention honours for CJHL MVP in 2023-24 were:
Jace Letourneau, (F) Renfrew Wolves (CCHL); Trent Penner, (F) Winkler Flyers (MJHL); Ludovic Dufort, (F) Miramichi Timberwolves (MHL) & Edison Weeks, (F) Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL).
PHOTO CREDITS
Luka Sukovic: Dave Watling Photography
Bell: Martin Martinson / battlefordsNOW
Signoretti: Petrah Joehl / Sudbury Light Event Photography
Hoskin: Andy Corneau / OJHL Images
Blais: Tobi-Lynne P. Payne
