The Ontario Junior Hockey League has named Pickering Panthers General Manager Sean Meyers as the 2025–26 General Manager of the Year.
In his first season as GM, Meyers has helped elevate the Panthers into one of the league’s elite teams. Pickering posted a 35-16-2-3 record in the regular season and has carried that form into the playoffs with a 10-2 run, including a first-round sweep of the Wellington Dukes and a 4-2 series win over Stouffville to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The season was far from straightforward. The Panthers were forced to adjust after losing key players to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, including top scorers Joe Cadorin and Carter Fogarty. Meyers responded decisively, reshaping the roster while keeping the team competitive.
A defining move came at midseason with a trade that brought in Matt Indovina and Devon Ferroni from Trenton in exchange for Josh Brady. The impact was immediate. Indovina has emerged as the Panthers’ leading scorer in the 2026 playoffs after finishing second in regular season scoring behind Charlie Key.
Meyers continued to strengthen the lineup with key additions throughout the season. Deadline acquisitions Marco Costante and Gabe Chiarallo added further depth, while earlier moves to bring in Jack Dean, Jake Mallory, and Peter Smith proved equally important. Notably, Meyers’ acquisitions have made a major impact offensively, with those players collectively occupying spots among the team’s top five scorers this season.
In addition to reinforcing the forward group, Meyers also addressed a critical need in net, identifying and securing two goaltenders following the departures of Gavin Betts and Ian Michelone.
“Sean has been outstanding in his role this season,” said Head Coach Connor Armour. “He’s worked through challenges, made key decisions to strengthen our roster, and earned the respect of people across the league. This recognition is very well deserved.”
Meyers joined the Panthers organization in 2023 as Director of Scouting before stepping into the general manager role for the 2025–26 season. He also brings a strong background in U SPORTS hockey, including time with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and currently serves as Director of Scouting for Queen’s University men’s hockey.
The OJHL General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually to the executive who demonstrates excellence in leadership, roster management, and organizational development.
Meyers will be honoured alongside other league award recipients, including Panthers Head Coach Connor Armour, during a ceremony at the OJHL Championship Series later this month.
