Garry Davidson Named Finalist For Lloyd Sanders Memorial Trophy
The Western Hockey League announced today the finalists for the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy for WHL Executive of the Year. Calgary Hitmen General Manager Garry Davidson has been named an Eastern Conference Finalist.
Davidson won the award back in 2018 as General Manager with the Everett Silvertips. This is Davidson’s fourth season with Calgary and second season as General Manager, who with the help of Assistant GM Cass Bruni has developed Calgary into WHL powerhouse this season.
The Calgary Hitmen put up its best season in a decade with 45 wins tying for the eighth most in franchise history and the highest total since the 2014-15 season.
Davidson aimed for championship experience with his roster in 2024-25, starting with the acquisition of 2024 WHL Champion defender Kalem Parker, a Minnesota Wild prospect. The Hitmen added grit and chemistry to the Oliver Tulk/Ben Kindel line with the addition of Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Tanner Howe.
On the back end, Davidson targeted netminder Daniel Hauser, who backstopped the then-Winnipeg ICE to appearances in the Eastern Conference Championship in 2022 and the WHL Championship Series in 2023. Hauser went 20-4-0-0 in Calgary while becoming the WHL’s winningest goaltender with his 123rd victory and tying a league record for consecutive shutouts with four.
Finally, Calgary jumped on the opportunity to add more talent with Vancouver Canucks defensive prospect Sawyer Mynio, who helped the Seattle Thunderbirds lift the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2023.
To see all finalists for the award click here
The Calgary Hitmen continue their pursuit of the Ed Chynoweth Cup, entering round two vs the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Thursday, April 10th. Tickets are on sale now. Game time is at 7:00 p.m. MT. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
