Sunderland’s Ryan Shier captures Orr Division MVP honours

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

The hardware is heading back to Sunderland.

Uxbridge Bruins forward, Ryan Shier has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Orr Division, for the 2025-26 season, capping off a dominant campaign for the first-place Bruins.

The 20-year-old Sunderland native led Uxbridge in scoring, with 22 goals and 31 assists, for 53 points in 40 games, playing a key role in the club’s run to the top of the division standings. At six-foot-two and 209 pounds, Shier combined size, skill and consistency, to become one of the league’s most complete forwards, and a fan favourite at the Bear Den.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Mr. Shier. “There are so many great players in this league, and to be recognized like this means a lot. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. We’ve built something special, here in Uxbridge, and individual awards really reflect the group.”

Now in his third season with the Uxbridge Bruins, Mr. Shier has taken a steady path to stardom. He began his junior career with the Little Britain Merchants, during the 2022-23 season, before a brief stint with the Pelham Panthers, to open the 2023-24 campaign. He soon found his stride, in Uxbridge, where his physical presence and offensive touch made an immediate impact.

Bruins General Manager, Trevor Cox said, Mr. Shier’s growth over the past three seasons has been remarkable.

“Ryan has put in the work every single year,” said Mr. Cox. “When he first arrived, we knew he had the tools: size, skating ability, and a strong hockey IQ. What’s impressed us most is his leadership and consistency. He competes every night and drives the play. This award is well deserved.”

The MVP honour carries special meaning for Mr. Shier and his family. Slightly more than a decade ago, his cousin, Terry Snoddon, also from Sunderland, captured MVP honours, while playing for the Merchants in 2015.

“It’s pretty cool to share that connection,” Shier said. “Growing up, I heard stories about Terry’s season and what it meant for our family and our hometown. To follow in his footsteps is something I’m really proud of.”

Mr. Shier is also the first Bruin to win the award since Marco Mastrangelo claimed the honour in 2016, further cementing his place in franchise history.

Head Coach, Dan West credited Mr. Shier’s all-around commitment to the team’s success.

“Ryan plays in every situation for us,” said Mr. West. “He’s on the power play, he kills penalties, he’s out there, late in games, protecting a lead or pushing for a goal. He leads by example. When your best players are your hardest workers, it sets the tone for the whole room.”

Mr. Shier’s hockey roots run deep in the local community. He began his minor hockey career in Sunderland and Brock Township, before advancing to the AAA ranks with Central Ontario and Peterborough. Those early years helped shape both his competitive edge and his connection to the area.

“It means a lot to represent where I grew up,” Mr. Shier said. “There are a lot of young kids in Sunderland and Brock watching. If I can show them hard work pays off, that’s important to me.”

With one year of junior eligibility remaining, Mr. Shier and the Bruins have unfinished business.

“The regular season was great but the goal is a championship,” he said. “We’re not satisfied yet.”

For Uxbridge and Sunderland alike, the MVP trophy is a proud reminder local talent continues to shine on the PJHL stage, and Ryan Shier’s story may not be finished just yet.