Maxim Massé, a 20‑year‑old winger for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, has been named the Canadian Hockey League’s David Branch Player of the Year, the league’s most prestigious individual award. His 102‑point output — 51 goals and 51 assists — topped the circuit and propelled the Saguenéens to a championship that had eluded the franchise for more than three decades.
A milestone season for the Saguenéens
Massé’s point total not only secured the league’s scoring crown but also underscored a remarkable personal double: he follows in the footsteps of only five other players who have captured both rookie and player‑of‑the‑year honors in CHL history. The achievement places him alongside legends such as Sidney Crosby and John Tavares, cementing his status as a generational talent.
The Saguenéens’ title run was more than a personal triumph; it marked the first championship for the club since the early 1990s, igniting celebrations across the Saguenay‑Lac‑Saint‑Jean region. The victory also highlighted the effectiveness of the team’s defensive structure and depth, factors that coaches and analysts alike credit for the club’s resurgence.
Honours spread across the leagues
The award ceremony recognized excellence beyond Massé’s category. Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers was crowned Top Scorer with 108 points in 68 games, while Bryce Pickford earned Defenceman of the Year after a 45‑goal campaign. Tommy Bleyl of the Moncton Wildcats took Rookie of the Year, and Steve Hamilton of the Everett Silvertips captured the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award. Goaltender Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67’s) and top draft prospect Chase Reid (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) also received prominent accolades.
The ripple effect extended to other junior circuits, where players such as Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gavin McKenna were repeatedly mentioned among the season’s standouts. Additional honors went to Cole Beaudoin (Sportsman of the Year), Alex Weiermair (Scholastic Player of the Year), and Marcus Kearsey (Humanitarian of the Year), illustrating the breadth of talent that defined the 2025‑26 season.