Humboldt product and Oil Kings’ bench boss Brad Lauer is the Eastern Coneference finalist for W-H-L Coach-of-the-Year.
Lauer led Edmonton to a conference-best 42-12-10 record for 94 points before the season was cancelled. The W-H-L is intermittently releasing finalists for their various awards…starting last week with Lethbridge and Seattle named finalists for the Business Award. Lauer’s Western Conference opponent for Coach-of-the-Year is Dennis Williams of Everett. Following is the news release from the W-H-L…
WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES COACH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES FOR DUNC MCCALLUM MEMORIAL TROPHY PRESENTED BY MCSWEENEY’S
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Brad Lauer, Head Coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings, and Dennis Williams, Head Coach of the Everett Silvertips, have been named nominees for the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (WHL Coach of the Year) presented by McSweeney’s Premium Jerky & Meat Snacks.
Lauer, the WHL’s Eastern Conference Coach of the Year, led the Oil Kings to a WHL Central Division-best record of 42-12-6-4 (94 points) in only his second season behind the bench in Edmonton. A 53-year-old native of Humboldt, Sask., Lauer looks to become the first coach in Edmonton Oil Kings history to be named WHL Coach of the Year after his Oil Kings finished third in the WHL at the conclusion of the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season.
Williams, the WHL’s Western Conference Coach of the Year, led the Silvertips to a record of 46-13-3-1 (96 points) in this his third season behind the bench in Everett. A 40-year-old native of Stratford, Ont., Williams looks to become the second coach in Everett Silvertips history to be named WHL Coach of the Year. Kevin Constantine (2003-04) is the only other coach in Silvertips history to be recognized as WHL Coach of the Year. WHL Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Year are voted upon annually by WHL General Managers and Head Coaches. The winner of the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy for WHL Coach of the Year will be announced on Thursday, May 7. The Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy for WHL Coach of the Year is presented annually to the WHL coach who has had the greatest impact upon his Club’s performance during the WHL Regular Season. The trophy is named in memory of Dunc McCallum, the legendary Brandon Wheat Kings Head Coach, who was twice named WHL Coach of the Year while building the Wheat Kings into a WHL powerhouse in the 1970s. From 1976 to 1981, McCallum compiled an impressive regular season record of 251-123-41 while behind the bench of the Wheat Kings. Winners of the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy / WHL Coach of the Year (since 2000): 2018-19: Marc Habscheid, Prince Albert Raiders 2017-18: Manny Viveiros, Swift Current Broncos 2016-17: John Paddock, Regina Pats 2015-16: Dave Lowry, Victoria Royals 2014-15: John Paddock, Regina Pats 2013-14: Dave Lowry, Victoria Royals 2012-13: Ryan McGill, Kootenay ICE 2011-12: Jim Hiller, Tri-City Americans 2010-11: Don Nachbaur, Spokane Chiefs 2009-10: Mark Holick, Kootenay ICE 2008-09: Don Hay, Vancouver Giants 2007-08: Don Nachbaur, Tri-City Americans 2006-07: Cory Clouston, Kootenay ICE 2005-06: Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers 2004-05: Cory Clouston, Kootenay ICE 2003-04: Kevin Constantine, Everett Silvertips 2002-03: Marc Habscheid, Kelowna Rockets 2001-02: Bob Lowes, Regina Pats 2000-01: Brent Sutter, Red Deer Rebels 1999-00: Todd McLellan, Swift Current Broncos
