2023-24 WHL Award Predictions: End Of January Edition
A prediction of who will take year-end WHL awards as of the end of January.
Photo by Erica Perreaux/WHL - 2023-24 WHL Award Predictions: End Of January EditionWelcome to the 2023-24 WHL awards prediction series. At the end of every month, we will dive into the stats and name a favourite for each WHL award. Here is a look at the awards as of the end of January.
Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL Champions)- Saskatoon Blades
After a busy trade deadline, the Saskatoon Blades remain the favourite to represent the WHL in the Memorial Cup. They are the only ones above 70 points this season and are 8-1-0-1 in their last ten. With depth up front, on the blue line and in goal, they will be a nightmare for the opposition come playoff time.
Four Broncos Trophy (WHL Player of the Year)- Jagger Firkus, Moose Jaw Warriors
Jagger Firkus has been on an absolute tear this season. He finished the month of January on a 19-game point streak and currently leads all WHL players with 84 points in 41 games. One of ten players to hit 200 shots on the season; it will be exciting to watch what this stacked Moose Jaw Warriors team can do come playoff time.
Bob Clarke Trophy (Top Scorer)- Riley Heidt, Prince George Cougars
Riley Heidt is putting together a historic season for the Prince George Cougars. He has already set new franchise records for assists and points as a Cougar and is on pace to break Quinn Hancock's single-season franchise point record of 112. Based on Prince George's schedule for the rest of the season, not only should he smash this record but also finish the season as the WHL's top point producer.
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (Top Defenceman)- Luca Cagnoni, Portland Winterhawks
Luca Cagnoni continues to show why he is a draft-day steal. The Portland Winterhawks defender leads all defencemen in scoring with 59 points and recently put together a nine-game point streak. If he can continue to put up points and be strong defensively, Portland should have no issue making it all the way to the WHL Final.
Del Wilson Trophy (Top Goaltender)- Harrison Meneghin, Lethbridge Hurricanes
Harrison Meneghin has looked fantastic all season, keeping the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the hunt for a playoff spot. He sits second in the league with 21 wins, while his .920% is the highest among goaltenders who have played at least 30 games this season. Based on his season so far, it would be surprising if he wasn't selected at this year's draft.
Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Top Rookie)- Gavin McKenna
A new face takes over at the top of the Jum Piggott Memorial Trophy race as Medicine Hat Tigers' Gavin McKenna has been sensational as of late. He is only six points behind Terrik Parascak for the rookie lead despite playing seven fewer games. The recently turned 16-year-old is showing just how dynamic he can be on a game-to-game basis and why he is the projected first-overall pick for the 2026 NHL Draft.
Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (Top Coach)- Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers
Willie Desjardins deserves a ton of credit for how he has managed his players this season. Despite losing Cayden Lindstrom, the Tigers sit second in the Eastern Conference and are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten. If Medicine Hat can win their division, he will most likely take home his second Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy of his career.
Make sure to check back at the end of every month to see if these players can continue their potentially award-winning seasons or if another WHL star dethrones them.
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