The Ontario Junior Hockey League has announced that Pickering Panthers Head Coach Connor Armour has been selected as the league’s Coach of the Year for the 2025–26 season.
The honour, voted on by fellow coaches across the league, recognizes Armour’s impact in his first season behind the Panthers bench. Under his leadership, Pickering finished with a 35-16-2 record and has advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time since capturing the championship in 2022.
Armour joined the Panthers ahead of the 2025–26 campaign following two playoff appearances as head coach of the Cobourg Cougars, where he also spent three seasons as a player, including one as captain. His transition into the Pickering organization has been seamless, quickly establishing a culture centered on accountability, development, and consistency.
A key pillar of the team’s success this season has been Armour’s commitment to player growth, both on the ice and away from it. His attention to detail and steady approach have helped elevate performance across the lineup and reinforce a strong team identity.
“In his first year with our organization, Connor has brought a level of professionalism and focus that has resonated throughout the group,” said General Manager Sean Meyers. “The standard he sets every day has had a direct impact on our success, and this recognition is well deserved. Congratulations, Arms.”
The OJHL Coach of the Year Award is presented annually to the coach who exemplifies leadership, development, and overall excellence throughout the season.
Armour will be formally recognized alongside other league award winners during a ceremony held as part of the OJHL Championship Series later this month. The league will continue to announce its 2025–26 award recipients throughout the opening rounds of the playoffs.
