A prediction of who will take year-end WHL awards as of the end of December.
Welcome 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 December.
Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL Champions)- Saskatoon Blades
After adding Fraser Minten and Alexander Suzdalev, Saskatoon is the team to beat in the WHL. The best defensive team in the league, having only given up 91 goals in 35 games, they head into 2024 on a 12-game point streak, picking up nine wins during that time. Once everyone is healthy and back in the lineup, the Blades should look like not only one of the best teams in the WHL but also the entire CHL.
Four Broncos Trophy (WHL Player of the Year), Andrew Cristall, Kelowna Rockets
Andrew Cristall has looked unstoppable this season. The Washington Capitals prospect finished 2023 on a 16-game point streak and currently sits with 21 goals in 59 points through 29 games. One of the WHL's most dynamic players, he is not only the Kelowna Rockets MVP but arguably the league at the halfway point of the season.
Bob Clarke Trophy (Top Scorer)- Riley Heidt, Prince George Cougars
On pace for 132 points this season, Riley Heidt is the projected winner of the Bob Clarke Trophy. The Minnesota Wild prospect is up to 68 points in 34 games and has played a massive factor in Prince George's domination all season. Already with four five-point games in 2023-24, he should continue to rack up the points in the new year.
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (Top Defenceman)- Graham Sward, Wenatchee Wild
In what will be his final WHL season, Graham Sward has been fantastic. The Nashville Predators prospects leads all defenceman in points with 48 and plus/minus, posting a plus-34 through 36 games. A leader for the Wenatchee Wild, it is possible he could surpass the 80-point mark by the end of the season.
Del Wilson Trophy (Top Goaltender)- Harrison Meneghin, Lethbridge Hurricanes
Harrison has been phenomenal in net for the Lethbridge Hurricanes this season. He sits second in wins with 15 and top five in save percentage and goals against average. One of six goaltenders to stop 700 or more shots in 2023-24, he looks to be getting better as the season progresses.
Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Top Rookie)- Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars
Terik Parascak remains the projected leader of the Jum Piggott Memorial Trophy. The Cougars forward has a 20-point lead on Gavin McKenna in the rookie scoring race and sits seventh in league scoring with 54 points. While he does have some competition from teammate Joshua Ravensbergen, it looks like the 2024 draft prospect will take home the award this year.
Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (Top Coach)- Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers
Willie Desjardins has the Medicine Hat Tigers firing on all cylinders. They currently sit second in the Eastern Conference with 46 points in 35 games and should be considered a first-round favourite heading into the playoffs. He has done a fantastic job of integrating younger players with seasoned vets this year as they look to make it to the second round of the postseason for the first time since 2017.
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.
