Forwards Aliaksei Protas of Prince Albert and Seth Jarvis of Portland are the respective Conference finalists for the W-H-L’s Most Sportsmanlike Player Award.
Named after former star Regina forward Brad Hornung, whose career was cut short when a hit during a 1987 game left him paralyzed from the waist down, the award will go to one of the finalists…both of whom combined to take just 32 penalty minutes in the 2019-20 season. The 19-year-old Protas, a Washington draft pick, led the Raiders in scoring with 80 points…including 31 goals. The Belarus product was ninth in league scoring while taking just eight minutes in penalties. Jarvis was second in W-H-L scoring with 98 points, including 42 goals, while incurring 24 penalty minutes for the league-champion Winterhawks. Following is the news release from the W-H-L…
WHL ANNOUNCES MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES FOR BRAD HORNUNG TROPHY PRESENTED BY REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Aliaksei Protas, forward of the Prince Albert Raiders, and Seth Jarvis, forward of the Portland Winterhawks, have been named nominees for the Brad Hornung Trophy (WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year) presented by Real Canadian Superstore.
Eastern Conference – Aliaksei Protas (Prince Albert Raiders) The Washington Capitals prospect enjoyed a strong second season in the WHL with the Raiders. Powering his team to their second-straight East Division title, Protas ranked ninth in league scoring with 80 points (31G-49A) while incurring just eight minutes in penalties, the fewest of the top-50 scorers from the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season. A 6-foot-6, 210-pound product of Vitebsk, Belarus, the 19-year-old Protas posted career-best totals in goals, assists, and points. As part of his goal total, Protas scored nine power-play goals, two short-handed goals, and seven game-winning goals. During the season, Protas recorded 21 points (8G-13A) on a 12-game point streak. Protas was selected 26th overall by the Raiders at the 2018 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and won a WHL Championship in 2019 with the Raiders. Protas has appeared in 119 WHL regular season games, recording 120 points (42G-78A) and has accrued just 12 penalty minutes during that span. He has also appeared in 23 WHL playoff games, recording 22 points (12G-10A) and incurring six penalty minutes. Last week, Protas was named to the WHL’s Eastern Conference First All-Star Team. The Capitals chose Protas in the third round, 91st overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Western Conference – Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks) A top-rated prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft, Jarvis led the way as the Winterhawks claimed the WHL’s top record during the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season. Jarvis placed second in league scoring with 98 points (42G-56A) and incurred only 24 penalty minutes throughout the regular season. A 5-foot-10, 172-pound product of Winnipeg, Man., the 18-year-old Jarvis posted career-best totals in goals, assists, and points. Included in his 42 goals were eight power-play goals, two short-handed goals, and eight game-winning goals. During February 2020, Jarvis recorded 27 points (14G-13A) on an 11-game point streak. In January 2020, Jarvis recorded 29 points (11G-18A) on a 10-game point streak. The Winterhawks selected Jarvis 11th overall at the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. In 130 WHL regular season games, Jarvis has recorded 139 points (58G-81A) and has compiled just 43 penalty minutes. Jarvis has also recorded three assists and four penalty minutes in five WHL playoff games. Last week, Jarvis was named to the WHL’s Western Conference First All-Star Team. On NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2020 NHL Draft, which were released last week, Jarvis was ranked 11th among North American skaters and is the top-ranked forward from the WHL. WHL Eastern and Western Conference Most Sportsmanlike Players of the Year are voted upon annually by WHL General Managers and Head Coaches. The winner of the Brad Hornung Trophy for WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year will be announced on Thursday, May 14. A rising star for the Regina Pats, Hornung’s career was cut short after the forward was paralyzed from the waist down following a hit in a game on March 1, 1987. Since then, Hornung’s courageous attitude and inspirational message of perseverance has kept his connection with the game of hockey strong. A former amateur scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, Hornung has become a staple in hockey rinks throughout Saskatchewan. His No. 8 jersey has been retired by the Pats. Noted for his talent, desire and sportsmanlike attitude, the Brad Hornung Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year is awarded annually to the player that combines those same attributes. Winners of the Brad Hornung Trophy / WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year Award (since 2000): 2018-19: Justin Almeida, Moose Jaw Warriors 2017-18: Aleksi Heponiemi, Swift Current Broncos 2016-17: Tyler Steenbergen, Swift Current Broncos 2015-16: Tyler Soy, Victoria Royals 2014-15: Rourke Chartier, Kelowna Rockets 2013-14: Sam Reinhart, Kootenay ICE 2012-13: Dylan Wruck, Edmonton Oil Kings 2011-12: Mark Stone, Brandon Wheat Kings 2010-11: Tyler Johnson, Spokane Chiefs 2009-10: Jason Bast, Moose Jaw Warriors 2008-09: Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers 2007-08: Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers 2006-07: Aaron Gagnon, Seattle Thunderbirds 2005-06: Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers 2004-05: Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers 2003-04: Nigel Dawes, Kootenay ICE 2002-03: Boyd Gordon, Red Deer Rebels 2001-02: Ian White Swift Current Broncos 2000-01: Matt Kinch, Calgary Hitmen 1999-00: Trent Hunter, Prince George Cougars
