Fred Harbinson has been named the WHL's Executive of the Year for the 2025-26 season. With the announcement, he becomes the first General Manager of an expansion franchise in WHL history to win the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy. Harbinson not only serves as Penticton's GM, but also as their Head Coach and President. Harbinson had a campaign to remember. Under his leadership, the Vees built a strong team through the Expansion Draft and finished the season ranked first in the B.C. Division. Penticton also set the WHL as well as the CHL record for wins in an inaugural season with 44. The Vees have turned their regular-season success into a long playoff run. They have already defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Prince George Cougars. Penticton is currently in the West Final, facing the Everett Silvertips. Penticton Vees(Photo Credit: Cherie Morgan/Penticton Vees/WHL) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/70c7b614-0066-4b9d-b218-cb9ddb18c7f3.jpeg] Penticton Vees(Photo Credit: Cherie Morgan/Penticton Vees/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]. 2026 WHL Conference Finals Daily Recap: April 27 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-whl-conference-finals-daily-recap-april-27] How Kelowna Rockets Head Coach Derrick Martin Is Preparing His Team For The 2026 Memorial Cup [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/how-kelowna-rockets-head-coach-derrick-martin-is-preparing-his-team-for-the-2026-memorial-cup] 2026 WHL Conference Finals Daily Recap: April 25 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-whl-conference-finals-daily-recap-april-25] 2026 WHL Conference Finals Daily Recap: April 24 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/game-day/2026-whl-conference-finals-daily-recap-april-24] 2026 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Prince Albert Raiders Versus 2) Medicine Hat Tigers [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/2026-whl-playoffs-preview-1-prince-albert-raiders-versus-2-medicine-hat-tigers] 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
