The Greater Metro Junior ‘A’ Hockey League (GMHL) has announced its second set of Players of the Month for the 2025–2026 season, recognizing the top performers from the league's dominant November stretch.

 

These awards encompass all games played throughout November, highlighting the league’s most consistent and impactful players as the season hits its stride. Each honoree delivered exceptional production, leadership, and consistency to elevate their teams heading toward the heart of the campaign.

 

This year, the Rookie of the Month is awarded to a first-year player born in 2008 or younger, spotlighting the next generation of GMHL stars.

 

 

 

The Northumberland Stars’ captain, Zennon Edwards, has been named the GMHL Forward of the Month for November after a dominant stretch that firmly established him as one of the league’s premier offensive threats. The 21-year-old Whitby, Ontario native is in his first season in the GMHL following previous Junior A experience, and he has immediately taken the Stars to new heights.

Across the month of November, Edwards delivered 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in just 8 games, powering Northumberland to a remarkable 19–2–0 record on the season. His impact goes far beyond his stat line—Edwards has elevated the entire Stars forward group, enabling teammates to reach offensive production levels they have not approached previously in their junior careers. His leadership, pace, and play-driving ability have become the identity of the Stars’ top-ranked offense.

 

• November 1 vs St. George – 1 goal and 4 assists, 2nd Star

• November 7 vs Bradford – 1 Goal, 5 Assists for 6 points and 2nd Star

• November 9 @ Ravens – 2 goals, 2 assists, 1st Star, Game Winning Goal

• November 21 @ Niagara – Hat Trick and 4 assists1st Star

• November 23 @ Bradford – 2nd Star, Game Winning Goal against reigning GMHL Champions

 

Edwards currently sits second in the entire league in both goals and points, trailing only Bradford’s Isac Karlsson, and remains the driving force behind Northumberland’s rise to favorite status in the South Division.

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The West Nipissing Lynx are led on the back end by veteran blueliner Adam Shillinglaw, who has earned the title of GMHL Defenseman of the Month for November. The 20-year-old defender brings a wealth of experience, including time in major junior with the Guelph Storm (OHL) and a decorated résumé from his previous Junior A tenure, where he was named the league’s Top Defenseman.

In November, Shillinglaw produced 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points in 8 games, anchoring the Lynx defense in all situations. Beyond his offensive totals, he played massive minutes against the North Division’s toughest opponents, often driving play from the blue line while matching up against top forwards.

 

• November 1 vs Meaford – 2G, 2A, 1st Star in an 8–0 win

• November 11 @ River Dragons – Key contributor in a narrow 4–2 defeat

• November 16 @ Pirates – 1A, strong shutdown role in a 4–3 victory

• November 22 vs Bulls – 1G, 3A, 1st Star in a 9–1 win

• November 28 vs River Dragons – Steady defensive presence in a tight 4–3 loss

 

Shillinglaw’s blend of physicality, poise, and puck-moving ability continues to be the heartbeat of West Nipissing’s blue line, making him an indispensable piece of their structure and a deserving selection as Defenseman of the Month.

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Arriving in North York at the end of October, Vladimir Vovchuk wasted no time establishing himself as one of the league’s most impactful goaltenders. The 20-year-old Chelyabinsk, Russia product has been named the GMHL Goaltender of the Month for November after carrying the Renegades through a demanding schedule with the consistency and poise of a veteran.

Vovchuk played all seven of his games this season during November, posting a 4–3–0 record with a 2.57 GAA and a stellar .933 save percentage, ranking him second in the league in save percentage and fourth in GAA among qualified goaltenders. Even in losses, he kept North York competitive against top competition, including the North Division–leading Wasaga River Dragons and the high-powered Durham Roadrunners.

 

• November 1 vs Bulls – 33 saves, 1st Star, 3–1 win

• November 8 vs River Dragons – 63 saves, 1st Star, narrow 2–3 loss

• November 15 vs Roadrunners – 44 saves, 1st Star, 2–3 loss

• November 20 @ Knights – 29 saves, 1st Star, 6–1 win

 

Vovchuk’s calm technical game, strong rebound control, and ability to track pucks through traffic have quickly stabilized the Renegades and solidified him as one of the league’s elite goaltenders.

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The Bradford Rattlers continue their tradition of developing young elite talent with the emergence of Sergey Tsarev, the GMHL Rookie of the Month for November. Born in 2008, the 17-year-old forward has transitioned seamlessly into junior hockey in his debut season.

Tsarev recorded 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points in 10 games during November, providing crucial depth scoring for a Rattlers team again competing at the top of the GMHL standings. His speed, edgework, and offensive instincts have made him one of Bradford’s most reliable young contributors.

 

• November 2 vs River Dragons – 1G in a 4–1 win

• November 8 @ Railers – 1G, 2A, 3rd Star in an 11–2 victory

• November 14 @ Lynx – 1G, 1 A in a 8–0 win

• November 16 vs Railers – 1G, 1A in a narrow 5–6 loss

• November 22 @ Renegades – 2G in an 8–2 win

 

With his November output and steady two-way growth, Tsarev stands out among all first-year eligible players and is a deserving choice as the league’s Rookie of the Month.

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Closing Thoughts

The month of November showcased some of the most impressive individual performances of the 2025–2026 season thus far. Edwards, Shillinglaw, Vovchuk, and Tsarev each played pivotal roles in their teams’ success and continue to establish themselves among the league’s most important talents. As the GMHL calendar turns to December, all eyes will remain on these four standouts as they look to carry their momentum into the heart of the season.