The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has determined the winners of seven major league awards, four of which went to members of the Whitecourt Wolverines organization.
Winners were determined through three stages of voting by the general managers and coaches of the AJHL. Award recipients will also be nominated for national recognition through the Canadian Junior Hockey League.
Wolverines Captain Jalen Bianchet has been named the 2025-26 AJHL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and received the AJHL Top Forward award.
He also acquired the Ernie Love Trophy as the 2025-26 AJHL Regular Season Scoring Champion as well as the AJHL Leading Goal Scorer award with 87 points in 52 games (46G, 41A).
“We knew we had something special the moment we recruited Jalen, and he has not disappointed,” said Wolverines General Manager (GM) and Head Coach Shawn Martin. “His game has evolved during his time here, and he will certainly go down as one of the best Whitecourt Wolverines in my tenure. He has proven that hard work and loyalty truly pay off.”
Bianchet set single-season Wolverines franchise records for most goals and most points, and leads the franchise in all-time goals (85) and points (174). Over the season, he posted 30 multi-point games and a climactic 23-point streak over 12 games. He has been competing in the AJHL for three years.
He was selected as the AJHL Player of the Game on 14 occasions during the season and was awarded AJHL Player of the Month once and AJHL Player of the Week three times.
Quentin Bourne was awarded Outstanding Defenceman and, as such, the W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy. It’s intended to recognize the defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in the position throughout the season.
“After a winding road in his career, Quentin came to us needing a fresh start and to somewhat reinvent himself,” commented Martin. “Although his main goal in returning to Whitecourt this year is to win an AJHL championship, he also set a personal goal of winning the top defenceman award. By attaining this award, he has shown that personal determination and a willingness to alter one’s game can take you a long way in this sport.”
The assistant captain and the Wolverines defence allowed the fewest goals against in the AJHL, with 144 GA and a 2.62 GAA for the regular season. He was also second in scoring among the AJHL defencemen, with 41 points in 52 games.
Coach of the Year was awarded to Wolverines Head Coach and GM Shawn Martin.
Now a three-time winner of this award, Martin joined the organization as an assistant coach in 2017-18, before taking over as GM and head coach in 2019-20. Under his leadership, the Wolverines have won two regular season titles (2023-24 and 2025-26).
“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.”
The Masses added that Martin has made a lasting impact on the players both on and off the ice.
“We are incredibly proud of you Shawn and so grateful to have you leading the Wolverines. This award is a true reflection of who you are not just as a coach, but as a leader and mentor,” they said.
In the regular season, the Wolverines led the AJHL in multiple categories, including:
- Most wins: 39
- Fewest losses: 13
- Most goals for: 219
- Fewest goals against: 144
- Best powerplay: 26.7 per cent
The team also held the best overall record in the AJHL Standings at 39-13-1-2 and 81 points.
More award and scholarship winners will be announced throughout the playoffs.
