Cambridge product joins Listowel following a 46-point U18 AAA campaign with the Waterloo Wolves
LISTOWEL, ONT. — The Listowel Cyclones are proud to announce the signing of defenceman Aaron Howell for the 2026–2027 Greater Ontario Hockey League season.
A native of Cambridge, Ontario, Howell joins the Cyclones following an outstanding season with the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA program. Across all U18 AAA competition during the 2025–2026 campaign, the left-shot defenceman recorded 11 goals and 35 assists for 46 points in 81 appearances.
Howell also finished with a plus-42 rating, reflecting the two-way effectiveness and consistency he demonstrated throughout the season. His 35 assists highlighted his ability to move the puck efficiently, generate offence from the back end and help transition play out of the defensive zone.
In ALLIANCE regular-season competition, Howell produced three goals and 21 assists for 24 points in 35 games. His 21 assists ranked as the defining feature of his offensive contribution, demonstrating an ability to create scoring opportunities and support Waterloo’s attack from the blue line.
Howell remained productive during the postseason, adding one goal and four assists for five points through 11 playoff contests. Altogether, he collected four goals and 25 assists for 29 points across 46 ALLIANCE regular-season and playoff games.
Standing six-foot-one and weighing approximately 180 pounds, Howell provides Listowel with size, reach and puck-moving ability on the blue line. His combination of offensive production and a strong overall rating makes him an intriguing addition to the Cyclones’ developing defensive group.
Howell also gained valuable junior experience during the 2025–2026 season, appearing in one GOHL game with the Waterloo Siskins. That opportunity allowed him to experience the increased pace, physicality and decision-making required against older competition before beginning his first full junior season.
It was not Howell’s first exposure to the GOHL. During the 2024–2025 campaign, he appeared in two games with the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins while playing primarily with the Cambridge Redhawks U16 AAA program.
Those three affiliated-player appearances have provided Howell with an early introduction to junior hockey and should assist his transition into a regular role with the Cyclones.
Howell enjoyed a productive U16 season with Cambridge in 2024–2025. He recorded eight goals and four assists for 12 points through 28 regular-season games while accumulating only six penalty minutes.
His eight goals demonstrated a notable ability to finish opportunities from the blue line. Whether finding shooting lanes through traffic or joining the offensive attack, Howell showed that he could provide more than distribution from the back end.
He added one assist across four playoff appearances, completing the season with eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 32 regular-season and postseason games.
Howell’s development began within the Cambridge Hawks organization, where he competed at the U14 and U15 AAA levels before advancing to the Cambridge Redhawks U16 program. His progression continued with Waterloo at U18, where his offensive production increased substantially.
From eight goals during his U16 season to 35 assists across all U18 competition, Howell has demonstrated different dimensions to his offensive game. He has shown the ability to score from the blue line while also becoming an increasingly productive puck distributor.
His statistical progression reflects a defenceman growing more comfortable with the puck and capable of contributing to the attack without sacrificing his responsibilities at the opposite end of the ice. That balance will be important as he adjusts to the speed and structure of the GOHL.
The addition of Howell provides the Cyclones with another talented young defenceman as the organization continues building its roster for the upcoming season. His size, left-handed shot, offensive instincts and previous junior experience give Listowel another promising option on the blue line.
Howell will now have the opportunity to continue developing within the Cyclones’ program while competing against older and more experienced players on a nightly basis. His 46-point U18 AAA campaign provides a strong foundation as he prepares to take the next step in his hockey career.
The Listowel Cyclones are thrilled to welcome Aaron and his family to the organization and the Listowel community.
Welcome to Cycs Nation, Aaron.
— Listowel Cyclones Hockey Club
