2024-25 Calgary Hitmen Awards
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Player Of the Year Presented by Ed Williams Men’s Wear – Oliver Tulk
In his fourth season with the Calgary Hitmen, this player has once again elevated his game as a dynamic two-way centre. Reaching the 100 point mark for the first time in his career, this recipient has over 30 multi point games on the season. He has climbed the franchise’s scoring lists and sits in fifth all time in both goals and points leaving a legacy in the process.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Leading Scorer – Oliver Tulk
Oliver Tulk lead all Hitmen in points this season with 38 goals, 62 assist for 100 points in 65 games. The veteran forward finishes the regular season with a +/- 40 rating and averaged 1.54 points per game. In his career over the span of 262 games, Tiulk have accrued 111 goals, 148 assist for 259 points.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Fan Favourite Award – Carter Yakemchuk
This award is voted on by the fans, who we thank for all the support in what has been an amazing season. In his fourth season with the Calgary Hitmen, Carter Yakemchuk player continued to write his name into the hitmen history books. After notched the franchise record last year for most goals scored in a single season by a defenceman, he eclipsed a franchise record for most goals score by a defenceman and sits in fourth on the Hitmen’s all-time scoring list by a defenceman. With 250 games played in a Calgary Hitmen sweater, his presence will be remembered by Hitmen fans for years to come.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Three Stars Award presented by Robertson College – Ben Kindel
This award is voted on by the media who provide coverage of the Western Hockey League and the Calgary Hitmen. It includes ballets cast for all regular season games. Ben Kindel was named the most amongst the 3 stars throughout the season, leading the team in trips to the top of the podium as the game’s first star. His elite performance in his second season has made him one of top players in the league in his NHL draft year. Kindel finishes the season with an impressive 99 points (35g, 64a) in 65 games played.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Player’s Choice Award Presented by RAM – David Adaszynski
This award is voted on by the players themselves and goes to the recipient who personifies what it means to be a Hitmen player through commitment to their teammates and the game itself. David Adaszynski provided veteran presence game over game and led by example on and off the ice. He has shown what is means to be a good teammate and always puts the team first, not to mention leads the team in blocked shots. Adaszynski finishes the season with 30 points (9g,21a) in 68 games.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Rookie of the year – Hunter Aura
Originally selected by Calgary in the third round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Hunter Aura has become of mainstay on the backend. Appearing in 66 games in his rookie year, the defenceman has been relied on to play in all situations and finishes the season with 23 points (9g, 14a). A high hockey IQ, skill and poise are contributing factors to a successful first season in the WHL. The future is bright.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Coach’s Award – Carson Wetsch
This award is based on leadership, attitude, effort and performance and this player embodies all 4 qualities. After being drafted to the NHL this past summer, Carson Wetsch has elevated his game, reaching the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career. Emerging as a leader this season, this player shows professionalism both on and off the ice and has been an instrumental part in the team’s success this season. Wetsch finishes the season with a career best 52 points points (22g, 19a).
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Top Defenceman Award – Axel Hurtig
The defensive core has been pivotal to the Hitmen’s continued success this season. Axel Hurtig made an immediate impact in his first season in the WHL, both on and off the ice. A true defensive powerhouse, this player exemplifies what it means to be a shut-down defenceman. The Calgary Flames prospect finished the regular season with a plus-minus rating of +39.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Humanitarian of the Year powered by ENMAX – Carson Wetsch
The Calgary Hitmen take immense pride in their commitment to the community, encouraging both players and staff to leverage our platform to give back. This year, our partners at ENMAX helped extend our reach through the ‘Community Moments’ initiative, powered by ENMAX. Following in the footsteps of players like Riley Fiddler-Schultz and Ryan Getzlaf, Carson Wetsch is in his second season with the Carson’s Crew program, inviting groups from Kids Up Front to experience the game. As a Hockey Gives Blood Ambassador, his goal is to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, and he’s done so through a successful blood drive this season. Always the first to volunteer for community-driven initiatives, this player is a shining example of what it means to represent the Hitmen in the Calgary community.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 23, 2025: The Calgary Hitmen against the Medicine Hat Tigers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. (Photo by Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
Scholastic Player of the Year presented by Leeswood Construction and CIHA – Rylan Ng
In his first year with the Hitmen, Rylan has shown exceptional dedication to both hockey and academics. He has shown he is a diligent worker on the ice and in the classroom and excels across all subjects. This player is a hardworking, respectful teammate and student.
