A prediction of who will take year-end WHL awards as of the end of October.

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 October. 

Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL Champions)- Portland Winterhawks

For the second straight season, the WHL will be represented by an American team. The Portland Winterhawks have been not just the best team in the WHL but one of the best in the CHL, starting the season with an 8-4 record. From strong defensive play to a dynamic offence, they are the favourites to lift the Ed Chynoweth Cup at the end of the campaign. 

Four Broncos Trophy (WHL Player of the Year), Jagger Firkus, Moose Jaw Warriors 

Jagger Firkus has been virtually unstoppable since returning from Seattle Kraken training camp. The 2022 second-rounder ranks second across the WHL in both goals with 16 and points with 29 and finished October on a nine-game goal streak. If not for an impending trip to the World Juniors that will keep him out of the lineup for a while, he more than likely would be the league's top scorer as well. 

Bob Clarke Trophy (Top Scorer)- Andrew Cristall, Kelowna Rockets

The Kelowna Rockets are one of the WHL's highest-scoring teams, and Andrew Cristall is a big reason why. The Washington Capitals prospect has 28 points in 13 games and is on pace for a 150-point season. The current league leader in points per game he continues to show why he is one of the top playmakers in the CHL. 

Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (Top Defenceman)- Graham Sward, Wenatchee Wild

Graham Sward is making the most of his final season in the WHL. Not only does he lead all defencemen in points with 24 in 13 games, he is the only one to have eclipsed 20 so far this year. The Nashville Predators prospect should have no problem smashing his career-high of 43 points as he looks to help Wenatchee go on a deep playoff run in their first season since moving from Winnipeg. 

Del Wilson Trophy (Top Goaltender)- Harrison Meneghin, Lethbridge Hurricanes

Harrison Meneghin has been a brick wall for Lethbridge so far this season. The 19-year-old has an 8-3-2 record and is tied for the league lead in shutouts with two. He is also near the top of the league with a .935 save percentage and goals-against-average of 2.02. If he continues this level of play for the rest of the year, not only will he win the Del Wilson Trophy, but Lethbridge could find themselves at the top of the Central Division. 

Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Top Rookie)- Terik Parascak , Prince George Cougars 

Terik Parascak has been a goal machine through his first 14 games of the 2023-24 campaign. The 2024 NHL Draft prospect is already up to 17 goals, which leads the league, while also sitting tied for fourth in points with 28. The biggest question now is whether he and his Prince George Cougar teammates can keep up this scoring pace all year.  

Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (Top Coach)- Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers

Willie Desjardins has taken one of the league's youngest teams and made them into a contender. Yes, he has some extremely talented players like Gavin McKenna, Cayden Lindstrom and Andrew Basha, but these are all young guys who are still learning how to excel at the WHL level. After squeaking into the playoffs last season as an eighth seed, look for them to be near the top of the conference by the end of the year. 

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.