Taeo Artichuk ready to make the most of his final season in Trenton

Golden Hawks forward leads OJHL in scoring while closing in on franchise history

Ed McPherson / OJHL Images

Taeo Artichuk has been making an impact for the Trenton Golden Hawks since the day he arrived. Now in his third season with the franchise, the Ajax native has established himself as one of the top forwards in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Artichuk is coming off a standout 2024–25 campaign where he recorded 33 goals and 56 assists for 89 points in 55 games, finishing third in league scoring.

His consistent production has been a major factor in Trenton’s success, helping the Golden Hawks reach the OJHL Finals in each of his seasons, including last year’s Buckland Cup championship and a trip to the Centennial Cup.

After a strong start to this season, Artichuk was named the OJHL East Conference Player of the Month for September after collecting 20 points in his first nine games.

He’s quick to share the credit.

“It’s definitely felt good this year, and my linemates have helped out a lot,” Artichuk said. “It’s honestly been a team effort. They help me find the soft areas a lot, so without those guys, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

Through 15 games, Artichuk leads the league with 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points, while his linemate Jack Ziliotto isn’t far behind with nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points. Their chemistry has been a major part of Trenton’s early-season success.

“I knew he was a really good player coming in, but I wasn’t sure how we’d click,” Artichuk said. “We just connected right away. We both find each other when we’re open, and he honestly makes the game really easy for me.”

Through 104 games in a Golden Hawks uniform, Artichuk is among the franchise's most productive players. With 65 goals and 102 assists for 167 points, he sits third on Trenton’s all-time scoring list, trailing only David Fournier (177) and Brady Wiffen (172).

His next assist will move him past Fournier for the most in team history.

“It’s truly an honour to be up there,” Artichuk said. “This organization has done a lot for me, and hopefully I can get my name in there somewhere. Playing with guys like Fourns last year really helped me get to this point.”

A lot of that confidence, he says, comes from head coach Derek Smith.

“It’s an honour playing for him,” Artichuk said. “He’s such a good mentor, in hockey and in life. I go to him for a lot, and he’s been unreal with the guys. He’s always trying to make the team better and never satisfied.”

Playing at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens and living in Trenton means a lot to Artichuk.

“Trenton’s definitely a home for me,” he said. “It’s going to be in my heart for a long time. I’m sure when I’m older and I pass the highway, I’ll look back and get flashbacks of this place."

"I love this community, our fans, and playing at the Dunc. It’s honestly an honour to be here. You look around the league and not every team has that kind of support. Playing here in front of these fans. It’s unreal.”

As his final junior season unfolds, Artichuk’s focus remains on something bigger than statistics.

“I’m just trying to enjoy my last year here and make as many memories as I can,” he said. “It’s fun putting up points, but it’s really about enjoying this last year of junior.”