OHL Announces Finalists for Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year
OHL Ontario Hockey League

OHL Announces Finalists for Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year

Published on April 2, 2026 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release


TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced finalists for the William Hanley Trophy, presented annually to the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year as voted by the League's General Managers.

Team nominees were required to receive 20% of the vote from General Managers within their own conference to advance to the final ballot as award finalists.

This year's William Hanley Trophy finalists include:

Cole Beaudoin (C, Barrie Colts) - 54 GP, 33 G, 56 A, 89 PTS., 29 PIM

A big, brawny centreman who plays a power game, Utah Mammoth first round NHL Draft pick Cole Beaudoin has also demonstrated an ability to play the game the right way. The Kanata, ON native finished with 1.65 points-per-game in 2025-26, the third highest production rate in the OHL while also winning 55.4% of his faceoffs and was relied upon in all situations by first-year Colts Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz. Eastern Conference coaches showed their affirmation of Beaudoin's abilities in the recent Coaches Poll, that saw him finish first in four different categories (best on faceoffs, best defensive forward, best penalty killer, hardest worker).

Jimmy Lombardi (C, Flint Firebirds) - 65 GP, 36 G, 36 A, 72 PTS., 69 PIM

Los Angeles Kings prospect Jimmy Lombardi has developed into one of the League's frontline centremen, competing hard but demonstrating respect for the opposition throughout the year. He came up big in a variety of situations for Flint, scoring nine power play goals, three shorthanded markers and eight game-winners and took the second-highest number of faceoffs in the League this season with 1,544. Lombardi was a finalist in a pair of Coaches Poll categories (best defensive forward, best penalty killer).

Kieren Dervin, (C, Kingston Frontenacs) - 53 GP, 17 G, 25A, 42 PTS., 20 PIM

Vancouver Canucks draftee Kieren Dervin played top line minutes in Kingston, finishing third in points on a low-scoring Frontenacs team. The freshly-turned 19-year-old from Gloucester, ON progressed well in his first full OHL season after spending most of 2024-25 with the St. Andrew's College hockey program. Dervin took just 20 minutes in penalties on a Frontenacs team that was the least penalized in the OHL.

Adam Novotny (LW, Peterborough Petes) - 58 GP, 34 G, 31 A, 65 PTS., 22 PIM

In the conversation as one of the best import players to ever suit up for the Petes franchise, Adam Novotny certainly got people's attention in his first season, and stayed out of the penalty box while doing it. The NHL Draft eligible left-wing showcased undeniable skill, with a wicked shot on the ice, and an infectious personality off of it. He had a great showing at this year's World Junior tournament, winning a bronze medal with Czechia. Novotny was a finalist in the category of best shot, hardest shot and most dangerous in the goal area on this year's OHL Coaches Poll.

Jack Van Volsen (C, Sarnia Sting) - 68 GP, 20 G, 18 A, 38 PTS., 36 PIM

A second-generation OHL talent, Jack Van Volsen showed versatility throughout the season, spending time both at centre and on the wing for the Sting. When he was taking faceoffs, he was very good at it, winning 64.1% of his 359 draws. He started the season hot with five goals in his first five games and buried a hat-trick in a 9-1 win over Erie on Jan. 9th. The Brooklin, ON product wrapped-up his fourth OHL season as one of the veterans on a Sting team looking to come back strong in the fall.

Anthony Cristoforo (D, Windsor Spitfires) - 62 GP, 22 G, 40 A, 62 PTS., 16 PIM

The ultimate utility man, Anthony Cristoforo showed an ability to impact the game regardless of whether he was playing up on forward or in his usual spot on the blueline. The 20-year-old from Woodbridge put up a career-high 62 points, helping the Spits navigate through some injuries playing up and down the lineup, wherever Head Coach Greg Walters assigned him. Cristoforo took just 16 minutes in penalties over 62 games, helping guide the Spits to their second straight West Division title.

The OHL will announce the winner of the William Hanley Trophy as Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year on Thursday, April 9th.

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