Arnprior’s Donaven Welk is the 2025-26 EOJHL General Manager of the Year.
Welk earned the honour following league-wide voting.
After missing the playoffs last season, Arnprior ranked among the league leaders in goals for (221), posting a +71 goal differential.
But the Packers GM says the peer selection was no cakewalk.
In addition to improved performance, there are regular EOJHL squads that excel consistently.
The Packers GM notes the lack of ice to start the season was adversity that needed to be overcome- but it’s nobody’s fault.
Welk says over the 60 years players have worn green jerseys, Arnprior has been a destination of choice.
The Green Shirts featured three players inside the league’s Top 10 in scoring, including league scoring champion Ethan Smith (106 points), along with standout rookie Cameron Sheppard (91 points) and Carter Downs (88 points). The club also showcased strong blue line contributions, with Ian Kennedy and rookie defenseman Jackson Taylor both finishing inside the league’s Top 10 scoring list.
The EOJHL release announcing the award says, “Welk’s talent in assembling, managing, and sustaining a competitive roster proved pivotal in Arnprior’s rise.”.
The Packers GM says this year’s team is a highly-talented roster- but the club also has a very talented staff.
Donoven Welk says the Green Shirts earned their bye, and look forward to getting back on the ice in the Richardson Division semi-final.
By Rick Stow