The WHL has announced the winner of the 2025-26 Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy. The annual award is presented to the league's humanitarian of the year. This year's winner is Shane Smith, who currently plays for the Kelowna Rockets. As per the WHL's press release, "Hailing from Cessford, Alta., the 21-year-old Smith has served as a leader on and off the ice since joining the Kelowna Rockets earlier this season. Regarded for setting a standard of professionalism, accountability, and community involvement, Smith has been an active participant in numerous team-led community initiatives, including school visits, fan engagement events, and sponsor appearances. Regardless of the scenario, Smith has shown a genuine commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game of hockey. "A program that got its start when he was a member of the Hurricanes, "Shane Scores for Maia" saw Smith donate $25 for each point he scored to the Canadian CMV Foundation, in honour of his niece, Maia, who was diagnosed with congenital CMV at birth. In total, Smith donated $1,700, and in the process raised awareness of congenital CMV – a common viral infection that can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy. CMV can cause health problems in some babies, which is why awareness, prevention, and early detection are important. CMV impacts one in 200 newborns in Canada. "The 2025-26 season represented the second "Shane Scores for Maia" campaign that Smith undertook." Shane Smith of the Kelowna Rockets (Photo Credit: Steve Dunsmoor/Kelowna Rockets/WHL) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7809b22c-4649-4cd0-88ab-6fba3755456b.jpeg] Shane Smith of the Kelowna Rockets (Photo Credit: Steve Dunsmoor/Kelowna Rockets/WHL) Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. One Player to Watch From Each Team in the WHL Conference Finals [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/one-player-to-watch-from-each-team-in-the-whl-conference-finals] 7 WHLers Named To Canada's 2026 U18 World Championship Roster [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/7-whlers-named-to-canadas-2026-u18-world-championship-roster] 5 WHL Alumni to Watch in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/5-whl-alumni-to-watch-in-the-2026-stanley-cup-playoffs] 2026 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap: April 19 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-whl-playoffs-daily-recap-april-19] Ducks Sign Roger McQueen To Entry-Level Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/ducks-sign-roger-mcqueen-to-entry-level-contract] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1ad7a295-2dd0-4784-9fc4-dcccac9d4909.jpeg] The Hockey News
