Ottawa, ON – The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) is pleased to announce that Donaven Welk of the Arnprior Packers has been named the 2025-26 EOJHL General Manager of the Year.
Welk earned the honour following league-wide voting after guiding Arnprior through one of the league’s most impressive turnarounds this season.
After missing the playoffs in 2024-25, the Packers responded in emphatic fashion under Welk’s leadership, capturing the Richardson Division title with a 34-10-0-0 record and 68 points. Arnprior ranked among the league leaders in goals for (221), posting a +71 goal differential while establishing itself as one of the most consistent and balanced teams in the EOJHL.
The Packers’ resurgence was driven by a well-constructed roster blending elite offensive production with stability throughout the lineup. Arnprior 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.
Welk’s ability to assemble, manage, and sustain a competitive roster proved pivotal in Arnprior’s rise from non-playoff team to division champion in just one season — a testament to strategic planning, player development, and organizational leadership.
The EOJHL General Manager of the Year Award recognizes excellence in roster construction, player personnel decisions, and overall organizational management throughout the season.
The league congratulates Donaven and the Arnprior Packers on this well-earned recognition.
