Not since Lorne Molleken in 1993-94 have the Saskatoon Blades had the W-H-L’s Coach-of-the-Year. Until this season as Blue and Gold bench boss Brennan Sonne (pictured) was named the recipient of the 2022-23 Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy.

The 36-year-old led the Bridge City Bunch to a 48-15-5 regular-season record for 101 points. That’s the fifth season in franchise history with 100-plus points. The .743 winning percentage is the third best in franchise history. The 48 wins is the most for the Blue and Gold in a 68-game schedule and Sonne directed the Blades to 20 wins in 25 games to start this season, the fastest that has ever happened in franchise history. Following is the news release from the W-H-L…..

SONNE NAMED RECIPIENT OF DUNC MCCALLUM MEMORIAL TROPHY AS WHL COACH OF THE YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2023

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Saskatoon Blades head coach Brennan Sonne has been awarded the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year for the 2022-23 season.

In his second season as head coach of the Blades, Sonne led the Club to one of its most successful regular seasons in franchise history, finishing the 68-game campaign with 48 wins and 101 points, while also surpassing the 100-point plateau for the first time in 12 years.

I am very honoured to receive the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy,” said Sonne. “It is truly an organizational award, starting with the players. This season we’ve had a group of dedicated teammates, fantastic leadership and a work ethic you wouldn’t believe.

“To management, who does everything they can to help these players and us as a staff; to the staff, a pleasure to work with every day; to my wife, my parents, brothers and in-laws, such a great group of people beside me.

“I would like to thank as well Mitch Love, Jay Varady and Kevin Constantine, for teaching me how to be a coach.”

Sonne is the fourth Saskatoon Blades head coach to be named the recipient of the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy and first since Lorne Molleken won the award during the 1993-94 season. Saskatoon was previously recognized in 1987-88 (Marcel Comeau) and 1982-83 (Daryl Lubiniecki).

Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy Finalists
B.C. Division – Mark Lamb, Prince George Cougars
Central Division – Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers
U.S. Division – Stu Barnes, Tri-City Americans

The Blades, who finished the regular season in second place in the East Division with a 48-15-4-1 record, surrendered the second-fewest goals against (171) out of the 22 WHL Clubs in 2022-23.

In two seasons as head coach of the Saskatoon Blades, Sonne owns an 86-41-9 record.

The trophy is named in memory of Dunc McCallum, who was twice named WHL Coach of the Year while building the Wheat Kings into a WHL powerhouse in the 1970s. From 1976 to 1981, McCallum compiled an impressive regular season record of 251-123-41 while behind the bench of the Wheat Kings.

The 2023 WHL Awards were voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media.

Winners of the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (since 2003)
2022-23               Brennan Sonne, Saskatoon Blades
2021-22               James Patrick, Winnipeg ICE
2020-21               Not presented due to COVID-19
2019-20               Brad Lauer, Edmonton Oil Kings
2018-19               Marc Habscheid, Prince Albert Raiders
2017-18               Manny Viveiros, Swift Current Broncos
2016-17               John Paddock, Regina Pats
2015-16               Dave Lowry, Victoria Royals
2014-15               John Paddock, Regina Pats
2013-14               Dave Lowry, Victoria Royals
2012-13               Ryan McGill, Kootenay ICE
2011-12               Jim Hiller, Tri-City Americans*
2010-11               Don Nachbaur, Spokane Chiefs
2009-10               Mark Holick, Kootenay ICE
2008-09               Don Hay, Vancouver Giants
2007-08               Don Nachbaur, Tri-City Americans
2006-07               Cory Clouston, Kootenay ICE
2005-06               Will Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers*
2004-05               Cory Clouston, Kootenay ICE*
2003-04               Kevin Constantine, Everett Silvertips
2002-03               Marc Habscheid, Kelowna Rockets*