There’s no denying the accomplishment.
The Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) has named Donaven Welk of the Arnprior Packers as 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 versus last.
After missing the playoffs last season, the Packers captured the Richardson Division title with a 34-10-0-0 record and 68 points.
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.
Welk’s ability to assemble, manage, and sustain a competitive roster proved pivotal in Arnprior’s rise— a testament to strategic planning, player development, and organizational leadership.
Should the Junior Timberwolves prevail in their play-in series with the Athens Aeros, Renfrew and Arnprior will meet in the Richardson Division semi-finals.
By Rick Stow
