Chase Wouters may not have won the W-H-L Scholastic Player-of-the-Year Award Wednesday, but he had the top marks on the Saskatoon Blades…winners of the W-H-L Scholastic Team-of-the-Year honour.
It’s the first time in franchise history capturing the league award. Educational Advisor Kim Hebert, in her 13th season in that role for the Blades, accepted the award on behalf of the team. She ensured that all 23 players were involved in some educational endeavour this season. The only downer was that Spokane defenceman Ty Smith beat out fellow Lloydminster product Wouters for the Scholastic Player-of-the-Year Award. Following is the news release from the Blades, as well as the W-H-L with all the award winners…
Saskatoon Blades Hockey Club
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer, Alta. – The Saskatoon Blades are proud to announce the club has been named the 2017-18 Western Hockey League Scholastic Team of the Year. The announcement came at the annual awards banquet on Wednesday afternoon in Red Deer where Blades’ Educational Advisor, Kim Hebert, was on hand to accept the award.
The award is a testament to the Blades’ mandate of developing “people first, players second”. For Kim Hebert, her goal was to ensure all 23 players were involved in an academic endeavour. The high school aged players all graduated on time with the younger group having planned out to complete earlier than expected next year. The older players who are no longer in high school were all involved in either courses at the University of Saskatchewan or through Athabasca University.
Kim Hebert, Blades Educational Advisor
Kim Hebert recently finished her 13th season with the Saskatoon Blades and is the driving force behind the team’s academic success.
“Kim has been invaluable to us, so receiving this award further proves how hard she works to ensure our players are taken care of in the classroom,” said Blades General Manager Colin Priestner. “It really is a daunting task to manage over 20 teenagers and their specific needs and classes, but Kim has maintained consistent communication between our players, their parents at home and their billets, our franchise school Marion Graham here in Saskatoon and each of the players’ hometown schools, which ultimately makes the transition for our guys much easier and allows them to excel academically. We can’t thank her enough for what she does,” added Priestner.
Hebert also works with the players in arranging career counselling seminars to help them better understand their options for life after hockey and ensure the players fully understand their scholarship opportunities provided by the Western Hockey League.
Academically, the Blades’ high school students earned an average of 73.5% at the end of semester one. “This is fantastic,” says Hebert. “All of our players were working at the top of their individual academic abilities, which is exactly what we aim for so we’re very proud of our team average.”
Second year Blades forward, Chase Wouters, lead the way for the Blades in the classroom being named the WHL’s Eastern Conference Scholastic Player of the Year. Wouters excelled in core courses, posting a 94% grade in Math Foundations 20, a 92% in Math Pre-Calc 30, a 90% in Chemistry 30, an 87% in History 30: Canadian Studies, and an 83% in English Language Arts A30.
The Blades organization would like to congratulate and thank Kim Hebert, the staff at Marion M. Graham Collegiate, and our players for putting in the work off the ice to achieve this award.
WHL ANNOUNCES 2017-18 AWARD WINNERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018 Red Deer, Alta. – The Western Hockey League held its annual WHL Awards ceremony today at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel in Red Deer, Alta., to honour the top performances from the WHL’s 2017-18 season.
For photos from today’s event, please click here. Please credit all photos to Rob Wallator/Western Hockey League. WHL Player of the Year – Four Broncos Memorial Trophy WINNER: Carter Hart – Everett Silvertips In a shortened regular season due to illness and a gold-medal performance for Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, Hart still managed to prove his worth as one of the top goaltenders in the entire CHL. A defending two-time winner of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy and nominated once again in 2018, the product of Sherwood Park, Alta., stood on his head with a record of 31-6-1-3 alongside a WHL-leading 1.60 goals-against average, .947 save percentage and seven shutouts. Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Hart was named WHL Goaltender of the Week on seven separate occasions and backstopped his Silvertips to the top record in the Western Conference, as well as the second U.S. Division banner over his four-year tenure. RUNNER UP: Jayden Halbgewachs – Moose Jaw Warriors WHL Rookie of the Year – Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy WINNER: Dylan Cozens – Lethbridge Hurricanes After being selected in the first round (19th overall) by the Hurricanes at the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, Cozens first turned heads during the 2017 WHL Playoffs as he appeared in 12 contests, amassing eight points (3G-5A). In his first season of full-time eligibility, the product of Whitehorse, Yukon, picked up where he left off, collecting 53 points (22G-31A) in 57 games during the 2017-18 regular season. His 53 points were good enough to finish second in the WHL’s regular season rookie scoring race. Cozens is eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft. RUNNER UP: Bowen Byram – Vancouver Giants WHL Goaltender of the Year – Del Wilson Memorial Trophy WINNER: Carter Hart – Everett Silvertips Hart is a two-time defending winner of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, and was previously recognized as the CHL Goaltender of the Year in 2016. The product of Sherwood Park, Alta., put together another outstanding campaign, leading the WHL in a number of major statistical categories, including goals-against average (1.60), save percentage (.947) and shutouts (7). The 19-year-old goaltender finished with a record of 31-6-1-3 in 41 appearances during the 2017-18 WHL regular season. Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Hart was named WHL Goaltender of the Week on seven separate occasions, including four consecutive weeks from November 13 through December 10. Hart also helped backstop Canada to a gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, N.Y. RUNNER UP: Dylan Cozens – Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL Defenceman of the Year – Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy WINNER: Kale Clague – Moose Jaw Warriors In his fourth full WHL season, Clague split time between the Moose Jaw Warriors and Brandon Wheat Kings. In 54 regular season appearances, the product of Lloydminster, Alta., posted a career-high 71 points (11G-60A), good enough to finish in a tie for third in scoring among all WHL defencemen. Selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (51st overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Clague helped Canada to a gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, N.Y. Clague was originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. In 195 career WHL games, Clague has 167 points (26G-141A) to his name. RUNNER UP: Cal Foote – Kelowna Rockets WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year – Brad Hornung Trophy WINNER: Aleksi Heponiemi – Swift Current Broncos For the second consecutive season, a Broncos player is nominated for WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year after Tyler Steenbergen took home the honour in 2017. For Heponiemi, he was named WHL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and followed up with an outstanding 2017-18 WHL regular season. The product of Tampere, Finland, registered 118 points (28G-90A) and was only penalized for 28 minutes in 57 games. Heponiemi’s performance was good enough to earn him WHL Player of the Week honours for the week of November 6-12. Selected in the second round (40th overall) by the Florida Panthers at the 2017 NHL Draft, Heponiemi has collected 204 points (56G-148A) in 129 games with the Broncos. He originally came to Swift Current via the 2016 CHL Import Draft, chosen in the first round (10th overall). RUNNER UP: Cody Glass – Portland Winterhawks WHL Scholastic Player of the Year – Daryl (Doc) K. Seaman Memorial Trophy WINNER: Ty Smith – Spokane Chiefs Playing in his second full season with the Chiefs, Smith recorded 73 points (14G-59A) in 69 games, finishing second among all WHL defencemen in scoring during the 2017-18 WHL regular season. Making the move from Lloydminster, Alta. to Spokane, Wash. for the 2016-17 school year, Smith has maintained a 3.57 GPA during his studies south of the border. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound defenceman scored top marks throughout his time in high school, posting a 98 per cent in Computer Applications B, a 95 per cent in Anatomy and Physiology A and a 91 per cent in Physics – Year 1A.
He also registered an 88 per cent in Pre-Calculus A and an 87 per cent in English 11A while also earning an 84 per cent in Bridge to College English 12A and 83 per cent in AP Statistics A.
A product of Lloydminster, Alta., Smith was selected by the Chiefs in the first round (first overall) of the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. RUNNER UP: Chase Wouters – Saskatoon Blades WHL Humanitarian of the Year – Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy WINNER: Ty Ronning – Vancouver Giants The on-ice contributions of Ty Ronning to the success of the Vancouver Giants has been measured in goals, assists, points, and wins, but when it comes to his contributions off the ice, Ronning’s contributions are measured in the number of smiling faces from young fans. His desire to spread kindness and do good for others has forever etched the overage forward as a fan and community favourite with the Giants organization. Ronning has volunteered his time at the Vancouver Giants Hockey School and the team’s Read to Succeed Initiative. Additionally, Ronning spent extra time on the ice at the team’s Family Day skate in an effort to leave a positive impact on his community. In classrooms regularly, Ronning took time out of his schedule to speak with students at Our Lady of Sorrows School and St. Helens Elementary School, discussing the importance of perseverance and strong work ethic. Ronning’s positive contributions to the community can be exhibited in two cases. Earlier this season, he received a letter from a fan in Burnaby, B.C. Instead of simply writing back, Ronning personally delivered a Giants’ jacket to the young fan’s house. The New York Rangers prospect also developed a friendship with another Giants fan. As the former high school classmates continued to reconnect, Ronning welcomed the fan as a guest at Giants games throughout the season. The efforts and generosity from Ronning has served to further engrain a love for hockey within this fan. Ronning’s continued commitment to fans of all ages and his uplifting approach to the surrounding community has established a culture of positivity on and off the ice within the Giants’ organization.
RUNNER UP: Matt Bradley – Regina Pats WHL Coach of the Year – Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy WINNER:Manny Viveiros – Swift Current Broncos In his second season behind the bench for Swift Current, Viveiros guided the Broncos to an impressive record of 48-17-5-2, good enough to finish second in the WHL’s overall regular season standings. The 103 points serve as the second best total in Broncos’ franchise history, with only the 1988-89 Broncos registering more (111 points). Under the direction of Viveiros, the Broncos represented one of the top teams in the entire CHL this season, finishing fourth in the CHL Top 10 and maintain rank for the majority of the 2017-18 season. RUNNER UP: Dennis Williams – Everett Silvertips WHL Executive of the Year – Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy WINNER: Garry Davidson – Everett Silvertips In his sixth season as General Manager of the Silvertips, Davidson served as the architect for a Club that claimed its fifth U.S. Division banner in franchise history. In addition to the drafting and development of goaltender Carter Hart over the years, Davidson oversaw the acquisition of Washington Capitals prospect Garrett Pilon and Dallas Stars prospect Ondrej Vala – two key additions that bolstered an already strong roster ahead of the WHL Trade Deadline. Davidson also roped in key depth throughout the season, bringing in the likes of Ethan O’Rourke, Luke Ormsby, Spencer Gerth, Bronson Sharp and Jameson Murray. RUNNER UP: Alan Millar – Moose Jaw Warriors WHL Business Award WINNER: Edmonton Oil Kings Having delivered another exciting season of new marketing initiatives and achievements in 2017-18, the Edmonton Oil Kings are the Eastern Conference Finalist for the WHL Marketing/Business Award. Within the friendly and fresh confines of Rogers Place, the Oil Kings deliver a cutting-edge game presentation, elevating the experience for passionate and dedicated fans. Undoubtedly, this contributes to the Oil Kings’ standing as the WHL leader in nightly attendance for the second consecutive season. Through a variety of community and charitable initiatives, the Oil Kings contributed more than $225,000 to the community of Edmonton and surrounding area, including the creation of two new scholarships for schools in Edmonton and surrounding area. RE/MAX Presents: WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry served as an outstanding highlight within the Oil Kings promotional schedule in 2017-18. Garnering attention from Don Cherry and Hockey Night in Canada’s Coach’s Corner, the Oil Kings also found themselves in the Sportsnet spotlight with Gene Principe. The Oil Kings organization prides itself on the success of its annual Teddy Bear Toss game, which once again exceeded previous marks, collecting a Club record 14,122 plush toys an raising another $20,000 in December 2017. RUNNER UP: Everett Silvertips WHL Scholastic Team of the Year WINNER: Saskatoon Blades
The Saskatoon Blades education program excelled once again during the 2017-18 season. A highlight within the group is Chase Wouters, who was recognized as the WHL’s Eastern Conference Scholastic Player of the Year for his outstanding achievements in the classroom. The Blades’ commitment to academic excellence is supported by Education Advisor Kim Hebert, who has worked diligently for 13 seasons with all players and prospects to ensure each individual has the best opportunity to experience academic success as they are capable. While playing in Saskatoon, players attend weekly study halls and ongoing career counselling seminars, engage in regular communication with Hebert, and are provided with a concise understanding of the WHL Scholarship program along with all the options it offers. Whether still in high school or having graduated, every member of the Saskatoon Blades is involved in an academic endeavour. All players graduate in a manner that has them ready for post-secondary education and those already out of high school pursue post-secondary courses on campus at the University of Saskatchewan or through correspondence at Athabasca University. WHL Top Official – Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy WINNER: Brett Iverson For the second consecutive season, Brett Iverson is the WHL’s Top Official. Adding to an already impressive resume, Iverson skated at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and was recently assigned to the officiating team for the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship for the third consecutive season. The product of Richmond, B.C. has enjoyed a remarkable set of assignments, including the gold medal game at the 2016 World Junior Championship, multiple CHL Top Prospects and CIBC Canada-Russia Series games as well as multiple Mastercard Memorial Cup games, including the final in 2015. In addition to his work in the WHL and on the international stage, Iverson is an active official in the American Hockey League. WHL Regular Season Champion – Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy WINNER: Moose Jaw Warriors For the first time in franchise history, the Moose Jaw Warriors claimed the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL Regular Season Champions for the 2017-18 season. The record of 52-15-2-3 (109 points) represents the best in franchise history and the first time the Club has surpassed the 50-win plateau. The year was good enough to finish second in the CHL Top 10 rankings, helped along by the likes of Jayden Halbgewachs – who led the entire CHL in scoring – as well as stars Brett Howden, Kale Clague, Brayden Burke, Justin Almeida, Josh Brook and Jett Woo, among others. WHL Top Scorer – Bob Clarke Trophy WINNER: Jayden Halbgewachs – Moose Jaw Warriors The 21-year-old product of Emerald Park, Sask., scored an astounding 70 goals and 129 points, to lead the entire Canadian Hockey League. His 70 goals serve as the first time a WHL player has reached the 70-goal plateau since Pavel Brendl achieved the feat by scoring 73 goals with the Calgary Hitmen during the 1998-99 campaign. The incredible season earned the former free agent a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
