Defensive scoring records shatter as top contenders emerge for MVP, scoring, and goaltender of the year in the thrilling 2025-26 WHL season.
2025-26 WHL Awards Predictions
As the 2025–26 WHL regular season hits its final week, the race for the league's most prestigious hardware has narrowed to a few historic performances. Here are the frontrunners for the year-end awards.
Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (Player of the Year)
Frontrunner: Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers). While the award usually goes to a high-scoring forward, Pickford has put together a crazy season where he currently sits tied for the league lead in goals with 44.
- Contenders: Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets), who leads the league in points-per-game (1.93), and J.P. Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers), who led the league in points for much of the season and sits at 93.
Bob Clarke Trophy (Top Scorer)
Frontrunner: Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers). With 102 points in 66 games, the 17-year-old Ruck is currently leading the league. He has been the primary engine for the Tigers' offence, leading the WHL with 82 assists.
- Contender: His twin brother, Liam Ruck, sits just behind him with 99 points.
Bill Hunter Trophy (Top Defenceman)
Frontrunner: Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers). This is the closest thing to a "lock" this season. Pickford’s 44 goals are the most by a WHL defenceman in 30 years.
- Contender: Jonas Woo (Medicine Hat Tigers) Pickford's teammate has broken out for a monster 84-point season.
Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (Goaltender of the Year)
Frontrunner: Anders Miller (Everett Silvertips). Miller sits second in the league in wins with 29, but has dominated the crease all year long with a 0.917 SV%.
- Contenders: Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars) Ravensbergen has been one of the most consistent netminders in the West, posting 30 wins and a 2.52 GAA. Michal Oršulák (Prince Albert Raiders) has a 2.23 GAA and leads the East in wins.
Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
Frontrunner: J.P. Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers) The Allen, Texas native has been a sensation, tallying 93 points in 65 games and leading the entire CHL in points for weeks at a time.
- Contender: Matias Vanhanen Everett Silvertips), the Finnish forward has been nearly unstoppable all season, tallying 65 assists and 84 points in 58 games.
Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy (Most Sportsmanlike)
Frontrunner: Jordan Gavin (Brandon Wheat Kings). Gavin has put together a league-low 4 penalty minutes this season, appearing in 65 games with Brandon.
- Contender: Tyus Sparks (Vancouver Giants) Sparks is another low PIMs player, racking up just 8 PIMs in 66 games split between Vancouver and Spokane.
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