The W-H-L has been announcing various league award winners from the 2023-24 regular-season this week.
On Thursday, two Saskatoon products claimed whole league honours. Moose Jaw centre and Pittsburgh first rounder Brayden Yager captured the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as the W-H-L’s Most Sportsmanlike Player for the second straight year. As well, Lethbridge defenceman and Toronto sixth round choice Noah Chadwick is the Daryl K. Doc Seaman Memorial Trophy as the league’s Scholastic Player-of-the-Year. Following are the news releases from the W-H-L…..
WARRIORS FORWARD YAGER AWARDED BRAD HORNUNG MEMORIAL TROPHY AS WHL MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER FOR 2023-24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Moose Jaw Warriors forward and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager has been awarded the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player for the 2023-24 season.
WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player Finalists
B.C. Division – Jordan Keller, Kamloops Blazers
Central Division – Gavin Hodnett, Edmonton Oil Kings
U.S. Division – Jordan Gavin, Tri-City Americans
The 19-year-old Yager, who hails from Saskatoon, Sask., recorded 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 points in 57 games during the 2023-24 WHL Regular Season, finishing third on the high-powered Warriors in both goals and points.
This represents the second consecutive season Yager has been named the recipient of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player. This is the sixth time a member of the Moose Jaw Warriors has been named WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Yager is the first back-to-back winner of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy since Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers accomplished the feat during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.
“It’s an honour to receive this award,” Yager said. “I’d like to congratulate the other Division winners on their amazing seasons. I’d like to take the time to thank my coaching staff, my teammates and the entire organization of the Moose Jaw Warriors for all the support and helping me get to where I am today.
“I’d also like to thank my family for all their support throughout the years and everything they’ve done for me.”
The 2022 WHL and Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year eclipsed 30 goals for the second time in his career, while incurring only 20 penalty minutes.
Yager also collected three shorthanded goals and six game-winning goals.
“On behalf of Brad, I am thrilled to honour Brayden Yager of the Moose Jaw Warriors for the second consecutive year as the winner of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy,“ said Leanne Wright, sister of Brad Hornung. “Brayden has continued to excel and surpass personal bests with only 20 minutes in penalties over the 68-game season. On behalf of Brad and the entire Hornung family, I want to congratulate Brayden again and wish him all the best in the future.”
Yager is the WHL’s seventh two-time winner of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy. This is the sixth time in WHL history a player has been named a back-to-back winner of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy. Previous two-time winners include:
- Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers – 2007-08 and 2008-09
- Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers – 2004-05 and 2005-06
- Matt Kinch, Calgary Hitmen – 1998-99 and 2000-01
- Steve Tsujiura, Medicine Hat Tigers – 1979-80 and 1980-81
- Steve Tambellini, Lethbridge Broncos – 1976-77 and 1977-78
- Ron Chipperfield, Brandon Wheat Kings – 1971-72 and 1972-73
Yager, who serves as an alternate captain for the Warriors, was also named Team Canada for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden, where he netted two goals, three assists and one penalty.
Originally selected third overall by the Warriors in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Yager was also a first-round pick in the NHL Draft, selected 14th overall by Pittsburgh in 2023.
The 6-foot, 170-pound forward reached major milestones this season, surpassing 100 career goals and hitting a perfect 250 career points with 104 goals and 146 assists in 211 regular-season matches.
Noted for his talent, desire, and sportsmanlike attitude, Brad Hornung was revered in Western Canadian hockey circles. The Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Player is awarded annually to the player that best combines those same attributes.
The trophy was rededicated as the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy in 2022 following his passing at the age of 52.
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 was a staple in hockey rinks throughout Saskatchewan and a staple of past WHL Awards events. His No. 8 jersey has been retired by the Regina Pats.
The WHL Humanitarian of the Year Award was voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media.
Winners of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy (since 2004)
2023-24: Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw Warriors
2022-23: Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw Warriors
2021-22: Logan Stankoven, Kamloops Blazers
2020-21: Eli Zummack, Spokane Chiefs
2019-20: Seth Jarvis, Portland Winterhawks
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
* – also selected as the Canadian Hockey League Sportsman of the Year
HURRICANES DEFENCEMAN CHADWICK AWARDED DARYL K. (DOC) SEAMAN MEMORIAL TROPHY AS WHL SCHOLASTIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOR 2023-24FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Noah Chadwick has been awarded the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy as the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season. WHL Scholastic Player of the Year Finalists Chadwick not only prioritized his academics, he excelled in the classroom, graduating Grade 12 a year early and beginning his post-secondary studies at Athabasca University and Lethbridge College. At his high-school graduation, Chadwick was recognized with the Governor General Award, presented to the student with the highest grades in his graduating class. “I’m extremely honoured and thankful to be selected for the WHL’s Doc Seaman Award,” Chadwick said. “It’s a privilege and I’m really fortunate to be able to continue my education while playing in the WHL. It’s great to be able to pursue the highest level of hockey while also pursuing an education. It’s important to show kids that they can pursue their hockey and career goals while also pursuing an education at the same time.” At Lethbridge College, Chadwick earned a 98-percent average in English 1150 – Academic Writing this fall. Working through Introduction to Statistics at Athabasca University, Chadwick secured a 93-percent average, while also recording a 91-percent grade in Psychology as a Natural Science. Chadwick has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in the community and serves as a leader for his teammates, both on and off the ice. “My father was a trailblazer in promoting hockey and a higher education,” said Bob Seaman, son of Doc Seaman. “Doc was a staunch supporter of Hockey Canada and the Western Hockey League’s efforts to prioritize both academics and hockey development. “Let us all come together to congratulate Noah Chadwick, the 2024 Scholastic Player of the Year Award winner.” Chadwick is the fourth player in Lethbridge Hurricanes history to be named WHL Scholastic Player of the Year and the first since defenceman Bryce Salvador in 1995-96. Selected by the Maple Leafs in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Chadwick has enjoyed success on the ice this season, logging career highs in points (56), goals (12), and assists (44). The 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenceman was originally selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (38th overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. In 146 career WHL Regular Season games, he has tallied 79 points (19G-60A). Committed to recognizing academic excellence, the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy for WHL Scholastic Player of the Year is presented annually to the WHL player who has excelled both in the classroom and on the ice during the WHL Regular Season. One of Canada’s leading philanthropists, the trophy is named in memory of Mr. Doc Seaman, who played a vital role in establishing the WHL’s Education Program. The program ensures players in the WHL can develop their skills on the ice at the highest level without compromising their academic goals. The 2023-24 campaign serves as the 31st year of the WHL Scholarship program. Established on a league-wide basis in 1993-94, nearly 8,000 WHL Scholarships have been awarded, representing an investment of over $35 million by WHL Clubs. This season, WHL Clubs will contribute in excess of $2.5 million to 350 WHL graduates utilizing the WHL Scholarship. First awarded for the 1983-84 WHL season, the Scholastic Player of the Year Trophy was named in honour of Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman in 1996. The WHL remains committed to recognizing academic excellence. All WHL players are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary courses, with these courses fully-funded by WHL Clubs. Upon graduating from the WHL, every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. Every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. For every season a player plays in the WHL, they receive a guaranteed, full-year WHL Scholarship including tuition, textbooks and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The WHL Scholarship is a full-guaranteed academic scholarship with no requirement to play university hockey to qualify. The WHL graduate can apply the funding to any post-secondary or career-enhancing program of his choice, including trades schools or professional career training programs. The WHL Scholastic Player of the Year Award was voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media. Winners of the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy (since 2004) * – also selected as the Canadian Hockey League Scholastic Player of the Year |
