Mirwald Wins Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as WHL Goaltender of the Year
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Vancouver Giants goaltender Brett Mirwald has been awarded the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as the WHL Goaltender of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
This is the first time in franchise history that a Giants goaltender has won the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy.
Mirwald had an unforgettable overage season, ranking first in the WHL in saves (1723), first in minutes played (3,190), tied for third in wins (29) and tied for third in save percentage (.913). He was the biggest reason the Giants were able to secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference, logging a record of 29-22-3-0 in 55 appearances. According to SportLogiq, the Saskatoon, Sask. product was first in the WHL in Goals Saved Above Expected (37.3) in the regular season.
“I am very grateful to be awarded the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy,” Mirwald said. “I’d like to thank the entire Vancouver Giants organization for believing in me and helping me achieve this honour. It has been a privilege to represent this organization.
“I’d also like to thank my teammates and coaches for their help and sacrifice this season and helping me achieve this award. I’d lastly like to thank all my past coaches for helping me to get to this point, as well as my family for their unwavering support.”
Mirwald was named the WHL Goaltender of the Week a league-high five times this season. The 6-foot-1 netminder turned aside 40-plus shots on 10 occasions, including two outings where he made 50 or more saves.
Originally selected by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the seventh round, 154th overall, of the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft, he was acquired by the Giants from the Moose Jaw Warriors on June 28, 2022 in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026.
“Congratulations to Brett on being named Goalie of the Year in the WHL!” Giants General Manager Barclay Parneta said. “Brett approached his time with the Giants in a genuinely professional manner that helped him grow his game while being open to Paul Fricker’s tutelage. Brett was a good goalie when he got here and an excellent goalie when he graduated.
“His contribution was more than just in between the pipes. He provided leadership and a great example of perseverance to his teammates.”
Mirwald finished his WHL career with a record of 42-43-8-1, a goals-against average of 3.23 and a save percentage of .907 in exactly 100 regular season games played.
Del Wilson Memorial Trophy Finalists
U.S. Division – Jan Spunar (Olomouc, Czechia), Portland Winterhawks
Central Division – Harrison Meneghin (South Surrey, B.C.), Lethbridge Hurricanes
East Division – Jackson Unger (Calgary, Alta.), Moose Jaw Warriors
The Del Wilson Memorial Trophy honours a WHL goaltender deemed to be the most outstanding during the WHL Regular Season.
A goaltender himself, Delbert “Del” Wilson played for the Regina Abbotts and Regina Pats in the 1940s. Following the conclusion of his playing career, Wilson found success in the coaching ranks, winning 35 provincial hockey championships in Saskatchewan.
A co-founder of the WHL and long-time General Manager of the Regina Pats, Wilson played a direct role in the League’s formation. Along with Jim Piggott, Wilson helped lead the unification of all three Major Junior leagues across Canada into what is now known as the Canadian Hockey League.
The 2024 WHL Awards were voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media.
Winners of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (last 10 years)
| 2023-24 | Brett Mirwald, Vancouver Giants |
| 2022-23 | Thomas Milic, Seattle Thunderbirds |
| 2021-22 | Dylan Garand, Kamloops Blazers* |
| 2020-21 | Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips |
| 2019-20 | Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips* |
| 2018-19 | Ian Scott, Prince Albert Raiders* |
| 2017-18 | Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips* |
| 2016-17 | Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips* |
| 2015-16 | Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips* |
| 2014-15 | Taran Kozun, Seattle Thunderbirds |
* – also selected as Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year
