Frenette, Robinson claim top provincial honours with commanding outings on the ice
Burlington, Ont. – With another Ontario University Athletes (OUA) men’s hockey season in the books, there were outstanding achievements abound both on and off the ice. Headlining the 2024-25 class of all-stars and award winners are UQTR’s Conor Frenette and Toronto’s Owen Robinson, two standout student-athletes that put together unmatched MVP seasons.
Most Valuable Player (East) - Conor Frenette, UQTR Patriotes
Conor Frenette put together an MVP season with the UQTR Patriotes, having his best year since joining the Trois-Rivières squad.
UQTR’s fearless captain led his team with 35 points, good for first place in the OUA East, and right behind his OUA West counterpart. Lacing up for 24 games, he found the back of the net 20 times this season, tying for second place in the OUA while adding 15 assists to his stat line.
The Gatineau, Que. native averaged 1.46 points per game, which featured six three-point outings. He went on an impressive seven game point streak during the year as well, notching 11 points through the month of November. In his third year, the chiropractic student also racked up five timely game-winning goals.
The forward was also a key factor on special teams for UQTR, both as the goal scorer and in the set-up, collecting 10 points with the man advantage.
Not only does Frenette have two Queen’s Cup titles to his name, he also added a gold medal at this year’s FISU Winter University Games in Italy while representing Canada.
Most Valuable Player (West) - Owen Robinson, Toronto Varsity Blues
Fourth-year forward Owen Robinson won the OUA scoring title for the Varsity Blues, leading the entire province with 38 points in 28 regular season games en route to the most valuable player nod in the OUA West Division.
His 23 assists also tied for third most in the conference, while also ranking among the Top 10 in both power play goals (5) and game-winning goals (4) this season.
A career-year for Robinson, he produced 11 multi-point games, including a single game season-high five points (1 G, 4 A) in a 6-3 win over York in late October.
The Orangeville, Ont. product’s scoring prowess also saw him register a seven-game point streak during the Blues first half of the season. He also helped push his Toronto squad to the top of the standings during a late season run in which he scored a goal in four of the final seven regular season games.
Robinson is the second Varsity Blue to take home conference MVP honours.
Rookie of the Year (East) - Gio Morneau, Carleton Ravens
Morneau led all OUA rookies in goals (15), points (33) and powerplay assists (9) to solidify his OUA East rookie of the year selection.
Morneau is the first Ravens' rookie since 2019 ROY Jake Smith to surpass the 30-point plateau. The commerce student from Ottawa, Ont. was a threat on the powerplay with 13 points on the man advantage, while also electrifying crowds with dazzling end-to-end rushes and breathtaking Michigans.
He immediately made an impact on the OUA, notching 12 multi-point games in his rookie year, including scoring 15 points over an eight-game scoring streak that lasted from mid-November through January.
Rookie of the Year (West) - Jaxson Murray, Waterloo Warriors
In his debut season with the Waterloo Warriors, Jaxson Murray made his presence known, so much so that he takes home the rookie of the year nod in the OUA West.
The Waterloo, Ont. local was the top rookie scorer in the West with 29 points in 27 games, which also put him in good company as the sixth-ranked scorer among West Division skaters.
Averaging over a point per game (1.07), the arts and business student finished the regular season with eight goals and 21 helpers, tied for second and first respectively on his team. He was influential for the Warriors as someone they could turn to in all situations, including on special teams, with nine powerplay assists. The first-year forward was also key in defensive situations for the black and gold.
He put up many multi-point performances this season, including a three-point outing against the Varsity Blues in the Warriors 7-4 win (1G, 2A).
Defenceman of the Year (East) - Simon Lavigne, Concordia Stingers
The top blueliner for the Stingers has brought his on-ice prowess to the province’s peak, being named the OUA’s defenceman of the year in the East Division.
The Blainville, Que. product had a standout season for Concordia, leading all blueliners in goals with 12.
He suited up for the Stingers 24 times and averaged just under a point-per game (0.92). Lavigne was a mainstay and a solid force for the Concordia defensive unit, but also found many ways to assert himself offensively, including on two occasions in which he put up three-point games against the two teams from the nation’s capital.
The third-year finance student’s offensive oomph came when Concordia had the man advantage as well, as the powerplay quarterback netted eight goals and four assists.
Along with this OUA recognition, Lavigne had the honour this January to represent Team Canada at the FISU Winter University Games, where he and his top colleagues from across the country won gold with the maple leaf on his chest.
Defenceman of the Year (West) - Mark Cooper, Toronto Varsity Blues
Making an immediate impact in his first season with the Varsity Blues, Mark Cooper tallied an OUA-leading 26 assists from the blueline, while providing exceptional defensive zone coverage as the OUA West defenceman of the year.
Joining the Blues following two seasons with the UMASS-Lowell River Hawks of the NCAA, the 5’10” defenceman appeared in all 28 regular season games this year, recording his first career OUA goal at Windsor in mid-November.
Also a big part of Toronto’s second half playoff push, Cooper registered six multi-point games on the year, while registering at least one point in four of the last five games of the season. This included excelling on home ice at Varsity Arena where he notched six assists across Toronto’s final four home games.
Goaltender of the Year (East) - Christian Purboo, Queen’s Gaels
Christian Purboo was a force to be reckoned with between the pipes for the Queen’s Gaels.
The netminder from Oakville, Ont. backstopped the Gaels for 21 games, collecting 16 victories along the way to put him tied for first in the OUA win column. His efforts in the crease helped Queen’s secure a 22-6-0-0 record, good for second spot in the OUA East.
Purboo’s 2.25 goals-against average ranked fourth in the province, allowing only 45 pucks to get past him.
The fourth-year economics major took his spot amongst the best in the nation with a .927 save percentage, good for fourth with his counterparts across the country and third in the province.
Purboo made some serious stops this season to put pressure on the opposition on many occasions, making 570 saves with a lone shutout against Ontario Tech, stopping all 36 shots therein.
This honour for Purboo marks the second time a Queen’s netminder has been named OUA East goaltender of the year, joining Luke Richardson (2021-22).
Goaltender of the Year (West) - Matt Onuska, Waterloo Warriors
A warrior between the posts this season, Waterloo netminder Matt Onuska posted an outstanding season en route to earning goaltender of the year honours in the West.
The second-year star from Waterloo, Ont. led the province and country with a .941save percentage, while stacking up the third most saves on the national stage.
Onuska, who is also a top student-athlete academically, only allowed 42 goals this season en route to a stingy 2.18 goals-against average. He backstopped 10 of the Warriors’ 13 wins this season. In his last 10 games of the year, Onuska earned three shutouts and boasted a sparking goals-against average of just 1.40.
Onuska’s honour is the second for a Waterloo netminder.
Randy Gregg Award (East) - Mathieu Bizier, Concordia Stingers
Mathieu Bizier shone bright both on and off the ice, exemplifying the qualities of a Randy Gregg Award winner.
Bizier has been an integral member of the Stingers, demonstrating remarkable skill, leadership, and dedication on the ice, helping lead to his selection to Team Canada for the FISU Winter University Games, coming back with a gold medal around his neck.
His 12 goals and 1.13 points per game led his team and he was an important part of the top powerplay unit in the league, helping the Stingers claim top spot in the OUA East.
Beyond his athletic ability, the Lévis, Que. native consistently excels in academics, maintaining an impressive 3.87 GPA while pursuing a degree in athletic therapy. His academic achievements have earned him a third straight academic all-Canadian honour. Bizier is diligent in balancing the demands that both athletics and academics put on a student-athlete with his strong work ethic and discipline.
Making significant contributions to his community, Bizier initiated the Stingers men’s hockey team Teddy Bear drive that collected over 300 toys for the children of Montreal’s Shriners Hospital and personally delivered them to the children.
He also contributed to the development of the game of hockey in the city, supporting on the ice with the West Island Minor Hockey Association. His passion for giving back and making a positive impact on those around them is truly inspiring.
Randy Gregg Award (West) - Simon Rose, Waterloo Warriors
Awarded to the player who exhibits outstanding achievement in hockey, academics, and community involvement, Simon Rose becomes the seventh Warriors player to receive the OUA's Randy Gregg Award.
A captain for Waterloo, Rose faced many setbacks this season, missing multiple games after breaking two different bones in two different games. Despite his injuries, the third-year defenceman is still a top player for the Warriors, as he continues to build upon a stellar rookie season where he was named Waterloo men’s hockey rookie of the year.
Completing his degree in legal studies, Rose has maintained an 80% plus average while balancing his commitment to his team.
Rose also is an active member of the school and Waterloo community. He is a University of Waterloo Athletics Team-Up lead, a program where student-athletes go to elementary schools and talk about their keys to success.
He is a mentor in the Waterloo Rise-Up Warriors’ student-athlete mentorship program, where Rose trained and volunteered his time to be a mentor to first year student-athletes. He is a Hockey Gives Blood (HGB) ambassador, responsible for setting up donation events for the hockey programs at Waterloo and spreading awareness on the importance of blood and stem cell donations. Rose also led a team of his peers at Waterloo’s annual motionball for Special Olympics Marathon of Sport.
Beyond supporting on-campus initiatives, Rose volunteered with the Warriors at a KW Habilitation event. He spent an evening working on the farm, from which the food goes to the community in need. In the lead up to the holidays, Rose also volunteered at the Salvation Army to assist with the sorting of gifts as part of Operation Christmas Child.
Champion of EDI Award (East) - Owen Gilhula, York Lions
Owen Gilhula has done exemplary work championing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the York Lions men's hockey program, the York University campus, and his broader community.
Gilhula has led his team’s involvement in many community outreach programs, including visits to the Jane & Finch Boys & Girls Club.
The fourth-year forward has gone above and beyond organizing York’s Colt's Crusade game to highlight Colt Hagarty, a local youth para-hockey player, as a Capes for Kids fundraiser for Holland-Bloorview Children's Rehabilitation Hospital.
Along with Lions alumnus Michael Douglas, Gilhula has maintained his team's relationship with Colt and been an active ally and friend to him, bringing awareness to the sport of para-hockey and supporting a cause near and dear to the Lions program.
Champion of EDI Award (West) - Liam Fedak, Waterloo Warriors
Liam Fedak is a changemaker in his community, led largely in his work coordinating an Indigenous hockey event at Waterloo.
In 2024, members of the Waterloo Warriors men’s hockey team worked with an Indigenous studies professor at Waterloo to offer a two-day hockey and academic engagement event on campus with Indigenous youth.
The Indigenous kids were bussed in from Cape Croker about two hours from Waterloo and, while on campus, participated in on-ice practices led by Fedak. They also visited Waterloo’s campus Indigenous center, and other academic spaces.
Fedak is once again contributing to a similar event set to take place this April with youth coming from the Beausoleil First Nation.
Beyond Fedak’s work off the ice, the Oakville, Ont. standout had his best season in his university career with eight goals and 14 points in 27 games.
True Sport Award (East) - Nolan Hutcheson, Queen’s Gaels
The Gaels all-around standout and leader, Nolan Hutcheson has been named the East Division’s True Sport Award winner.
Hutcheson, a veteran forward on the Tricolour, merited first team all-star honours, sitting tied for second in the league with 20 goals.
He leads by example on and off the ice. Hutcheson is the team MVP and is as well-versed a player as you will find in any situation. The fourth-year health sciences student plays the game the right way, keeping himself out of the box despite his active involvement in the play (8 PIM). Hutcheson is well-regarded not only within his team, but around the league for his demeanor and sportsmanship.
The sharpshooter is always involved in the Gaels’ offence, leading his team with 20 goals and 10 helpers, averaging 1.16 points per game. He was crucial in closing out contests for Queen’s as well, firing seven game-winning goals past his opponents.
Completing a degree in health sciences, Hutcheson played in all the games he could for Queen’s. He missed three while donning the maple leaf and representing Canada at the FISU Winter University Games in Italy, wherein he scored the empty-net goal to seal the team’s gold medal victory.
True Sport Award (West) - Matt McNamara, Windsor Lancers
Windsor Lancers captain Matt McNamara is recognized with the OUA West True Sport Award, making a tremendous impact on the Lancer Culture since his arrival four years ago.
He is a team leader both on and off the ice and demonstrates this with his actions. McNamara, from Peterborough, Ont., was instrumental in Windsor’s humanitarian trip to Merritt, B.C. where his team helped an Indigenous community get back in their homes after the fires and floods out west.
Not only is the defenceman the heart and soul of the Lancers’ squad, he continues to contribute solid numbers on the ice. McNamara has been building throughout his career with the blue and gold, playing in 15 games and recording five assists in his rookie season and stepping up with 25 games and 17 points in his second year. He then saw the ice 21 times in his junior season with a 16-point tally for the year, and finally in his senior year, the human kinetics student boasted a 21-point season with eight goals and 13 assists.
Coach of the Year (East) - Marc-André Element, Concordia Stingers
The top team in the East Division also stakes claim to the top coach honours, with Concordia Stingers bench boss Marc-André Element securing the nod.
Under his guidance, the Stingers topped the OUA East with a 21-3-3-1 record, bettering their outcome from the year before with four more wins. Since taking over as head coach of the Stingers in 2016, Element has led his teams to the playoffs in every season.
The Stingers had a consistent presence on the weekly national rankings throughout the season. Leading the league in a multitude of categories, with 121 goals for and only 57 against, the Montreal squad were a difficult team to beat game in and game out. It was especially tough for opposing teams to get the better of the Stingers at the Ed Meagher Arena, enjoying a12-2 home ice record.
Concordia’s special teams were also in fine form under Element’s tutelage, converting 27 powerplay goals for third in the conference.
Element leads a strong contingent of award winners from Concordia as well, as the Stingers collect two additional major awards and five all-star nods this year. He is no stranger to OUA honours himself, winning coach of the year in his first season with the team.
Coach of the Year (West) - Ryan Medel, Toronto Varsity Blues
Now in his eighth season as bench boss for the Varsity Blues, Ryan Medel helped lead the team to a 17-11-0-0 record during the regular season, finishing second in the OUA West standings.
This included a huge second half surge where the Blues went undefeated at Varsity Arena during the month of January, while winning nine of their last 12 games overall to close out the year.
Under his guidance, the Blues offence led the OUA West with 105 total goals, showcasing a dynamic playing style that saw them lead the entire province with eight short-handed markers and finish tied for third among all 19 OUA teams with 27 powerplay goals.
This also marks the second time Medel has earned the OUA West Coach of the Year Award, previously receiving the honour for the 2019-20 season.
Along with Medel’s personal achievements, the Toronto bench boss also had a hand in guiding two additional OUA major award winners and two all-stars.
The complete list of 2024-25 OUA men's hockey award winners and all-stars is as follows:
MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
Most Valuable Player (E) - Conor Frenette, UQTR Patriotes
Most Valuable Player (W) - Owen Robinson, Toronto Varsity Blues
Rookie of the Year (E) - Gio Morneau, Carleton Ravens
Rookie of the Year (W) - Jaxson Murray, Waterloo Warriors
Defenceman of the Year (E) - Simon Lavigne, Concordia Stingers
Defenceman of the Year (W) - Mark Cooper, Toronto Varsity Blues
Goaltender of the Year (E) - Christian Purboo, Queen’s Gaels
Goaltender of the Year (W) - Matt Onuska, Waterloo Warriors
Randy Gregg Award (E) - Mathieu Bizier, Concordia Stingers
Randy Gregg Award (W) - Simon Rose, Waterloo Warriors
Champion of EDI Award (E) - Owen Gilhula, York Lions
Champion of EDI Award (W) - Liam Fedak, Waterloo Warriors
True Sport Award (E) - Nolan Hutcheson, Queen’s Gaels
True Sport Award (W) - Matt McNamara, Windsor Lancers
Coach of the Year (E) - Marc-André Element, Concordia Stingers
Coach of the Year (W) - Ryan Medel, Toronto Varsity Blues
EAST FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS
F - Conor Frenette, UQTR Patriotes
F - Nolan Hutcheson, Queen’s Gaels
F - Brandon Frattaroli, McGill Redbirds
D - Simon Lavigne, Concordia Stingers
D - Owen Lalonde, Queen’s Gaels
G - Christian Purboo, Queen’s Gaels
WEST FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS
F - Owen Robinson, Toronto Varsity Blues
F - Tate Popple, Waterloo Warriors
F - Keegan McMullen, Windsor Lancers
D - Mark Cooper, Toronto Varsity Blues
D - Sam McKinney, Waterloo Warriors
G - Matt Onuska, Waterloo Warriors
EAST SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS
F - Mathieu Bizier, Concordia Stingers
F - Nick McCarry, Carleton Ravens
F - Bradley Chenier, Ottawa Gee-Gees
D - Sean Larochelle, Concordia Stingers
D - Peter Stratis, Ottawa Gee-Gees
G - Nikolas Hurtubise, Concordia Stingers
WEST SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS
F - Holden Rogers, Brock Badgers
F - Franco Sproviero, Western Mustangs
F - Connor Bowie, TMU Bold
D - Jake Gravelle, Western Mustangs
D - Jaden Condotta, TMU Bold
G - Kai Edmonds, TMU Bold
EAST ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
F - Gio Morneau, Carleton Ravens
F - Mikael Huchette, Concordia Stingers
F - Zach Giroux, Ottawa Gee-Gees
D - Olivier Boutin, Patriotes de l'UQTR
D - Igor Mburanumwe, McGill Redbirds
G - Beckett Langkow, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks
WEST ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
F - Jaxson Murray, Waterloo Warriors
F - Zack Stringer, Brock Badgers
F - Jordan D’Intino, TMU Bold
D - Luca Fasciano, Lakehead Thunderwolves
D - Jacob Hoffrogge, Brock Badgers
G - Matteo Drobac, Western Mustangs