One of the biggest storylines to watch every winter is how the local prospects are doing in junior hockey.
For some, that means the USHL. The QMJHL, which has regional rights to New Englanders, has become an even bigger option for locals. And, of course, lots of locals still make the trip out to Western Canada for the BCHL.
The NAHL and NCDC are also terrific options with local teams. The NCDC's South Shore Kings won the Dineen Cup for the second time in three years this past season.
It's fun to keep an eye on how the locals did elsewhere. But who was the best?
Here are our junior hockey awards for 2025-26.
USHL Player of the Year: Justin Graf, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Graf was often overlooked at Rivers because of the guys playing above him. Who wouldn’t be outshone by Carter Meyer, Finn Sears and Sam Pandolfo? But Graf skipped his senior season at Rivers for Cedar Rapids and was an instant hit with 55 points in 52 games. His strong play earned him a commitment to Harvard and a chance to be picked in June’s NHL Draft.
QMJHL Player of the Year: Niko Tournas, Moncton Wildcats
Tournas’ career revival could be studied. Two years after appearing to flame out in the USHL and one year after having to go to the NAHL to bounce back (and doing so), Tournas was a monster with Moncton, potting 43 goals and putting up 74 points in 64 games. He turned himself into a definite NHL Draft pick. The Redding, Conn., native is committed to UNH.
BCHL Player of the Year: Dylan Krayer, West Kelowna Warriors
Krayer struggled last season, going between West Kelowna and the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs. But he rebounded big this winter with 23 goals and 63 points in 54 games, displaying an ability to overcome career adversity. The Concord, Mass., native is committed to Arizona State.
NAHL Player of the Year: Ryan Shaw, Rochester Jr. Americans
The East Longmeadow, Mass., native bounced around junior hockey since graduating from Westminster in 2023. As an ‘05, he capped off his time in juniors with 38 goals and 77 points in 53 games. He’s committed to RIT.
READ MORE: 10 standouts from Week 1 of the Foxboro Prep League
NCDC Player of the Year: Eli Heinze, South Shore Kings
A year after posting 36 points in 30 games for Governor’s Academy as a senior, Heinze went to the Kings and posted 53 points in 54 games en route to a Dineen Cup victory. While Heinze is from California, he’s been playing in the region since 2023 and is committed to Harvard. That’s enough to consider the ‘05 one of us.
