Zac Onyskiw of the Whitecourt Wolverines has been named the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s top goaltender for the 2024–25 season.
The 20-year-old Edmonton product earned the honour following a vote by the CJHL’s nine member leagues. Onyskiw edged out fellow finalists Liam Ernst (Winkler Flyers, MJHL), Ben Forget (Rockland Nationals, CCHL), Matthew Kieper (Flin Flon Bombers, SJHL) and Marcus Vandenberg (Leamington Flyers, OJHL).
Onyskiw led the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in both goals-against average (1.87) and save percentage (.939) during the regular season. His save percentage set a new AJHL single-season record, while his GAA was the lowest in a full campaign since 2016–17.
In 37 appearances, Onyskiw posted a 26-7-1-3 record and helped backstop the Wolverines to a strong second half, going 22-4-2-2 in his final 30 games. Over that stretch, Whitecourt picked up 48 of a possible 60 points in the standings.
The veteran netminder allowed two goals or fewer in 26 starts and was named AJHL Player of the Game 10 times. He also earned league top goaltender honours and was named the AJHL’s most valuable player.
Onyskiw is committed to MacEwan University in Edmonton, where he will continue his hockey career with the Griffins men’s program in Canada West.
— With files from Charla Flett, AJHL
