Each season, the Ontario Hockey League releases its annual coaches poll, giving each bench boss the opportunity to vote for the top three players across 20 different categories.

Last year, no Vancouver Canucks prospects were recognized. This time around, two players received votes across three separate categories.

Riley Patterson led the way, earning recognition in two categories.

First, Patterson finished second in voting for the Eastern Conference’s Best Playmaker. He received 18 votes, trailing only Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O’Brien, who led the category with 43. The Canucks’ 2024 fourth-round pick is in the midst of a breakout season, setting career highs in both assists (43) and overall production (81 points). His 43 assists rank sixth in the Eastern Conference and lead the Niagara IceDogs.

Patterson also finished second in voting for Best Shootout Shooter in the Eastern Conference, earning 24 votes. His ability to score in the shootout has proven impactful for the IceDogs. In fact, it was Patterson’s game-winning shootout goal that clinched Niagara’s spot in this year’s playoffs.

Out west, Gabriel Chiarot also earned recognition. He finished tied for third among Western Conference players with nine votes in the Hardest Worker category.

It’s a fitting label for Canucks’ 2025 sixth-round pick. Chiarot has built his game around energy, effort, and consistency. While he has shown flashes of offensive ability, it is his work ethic and pace that continue to stand out most to coaches and observers alike.

A quick recap:

Patterson’s strong showing in the coaches’ poll mirrors his production this season. He currently sits tied for third in league goal scoring with 38, while his 81 points sit as the ninth highest among all skaters. With three games remaining on the regular season schedule, he is on pace to hit the 85-point mark.

With the Niagara IceDogs headed to the postseason, Patterson is expected to be a candidate to join the Abbotsford Canucks once his junior season concludes, depending on how long Niagara’s playoff run lasts.

As for Chiarot, he is currently playing on the Western Conference’s top teams after being dealt from the Brampton Steelheads to the Kitchener Rangers at the OHL trade deadline. He has recorded 34 points (19 goals, 15 assists) in 59 games split between the two clubs.