Raiders forward Cootes named finalist for WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the 2025-26 finalists for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.
In two seasons with the Regina Pats, Hornung was widely regarded and respected for his combination of talent, desire, and unmistakable sportsmanlike attitude. He was paralyzed following a collision in a game in Regina on March 1, 1987, but remained deeply engrained in hockey and the WHL until his passing in 2022.
Finalists for WHL Awards are voted upon by WHL General Managers.
Winners of 2026 WHL Awards will be announced from Tuesday, April 21, through Wednesday, May 6.
Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy – Eastern Conference Finalists
Jordan Gavin, Brandon Wheat Kings (Surrey, B.C.)
Braeden Cootes, Prince Albert Raiders (Sherwood Park, Alta.)
Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (Osoyoos, B.C.)
Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy – Western Conference Finalists
Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips (Nokia, Finland)
Ryden Evers, Penticton Vees (Burnaby, B.C.)
Alex Weiermair, Portland Winterhawks (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Braeden Cootes, Prince Albert Raiders
The 19-year-old product of Sherwood Park, Alta., was a welcome addition in Hockey Town North ahead of the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline. After arriving in Prince Albert, the 6-foot, 183-pound centre posted 40 points (14G-26A) in 28 games with the Raiders. Across 45 games this season split between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Raiders, Cootes tallied 63 points (24G-39A) and only eight minutes in penalties. Selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round (15th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft, Cootes captained the Thunderbirds prior to being acquired by the Raiders. Originally selected by the Thunderbirds in the first round (10th overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Cootes has collected 162 points (64G-98A) in 176 career WHL regular season games.
