Wheat Kings Education Advisor Zelmer recognized with WHL Distinguished Service Award

Brandon, Man. – Western Hockey League Commissioner Dan Near announced today, on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors, that Glenda Zelmer – Education Advisor for the Brandon Wheat Kings – has been named the latest recipient of the WHL Distinguished Service Award for the 2023-24 WHL season.

The WHL Distinguished Service Award, which was introduced by the WHL in 2004, is presented annually to the individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of WHL franchises and in doing so have made an extraordinary contribution at the Club and League levels over an extended period. The WHL will present Distinguished Service Awards annually to an individual from both the WHL Western and Eastern Conferences.

Zelmer was honoured by Commissioner Near in Brandon during a special ceremony prior to Saturday’s game between the Wheat Kings and Prince Albert Raiders.

“For 15 years, Glenda has been instrumental in ensuring Wheat Kings players succeed academically,” commented Commissioner Near. “Education Advisors provide important support to WHL players off the ice. Glenda’s efforts have made a lasting impact on the many players she has worked with, and this makes her a most deserving recipient of the WHL Distinguished Service Award.”

Zelmer has been with the Wheat Kings since 2008-09, providing the required support for players to succeed in the classroom.

Under the guidance of Zelmer, the Wheat Kings have seen two players win the WHL’s Daryl K. Doc Seaman Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, including Quinn Mantei (2022-23) and Tanner Kaspick (2015-16).

During the 2021-22 season, Zelmer’s tutelage led the Wheat Kings to being named WHL Scholastic Team of the Year and winners of the Jim Donlevy Memorial Trophy.

Previous Recipients of the WHL Distinguished Service Award:

Lucille McClung and Carol Carlson (Prince George Cougars – Core Volunteer Supervisors) Dr. Michael Bobyn (Kelowna Rockets – Team Doctor) – Bernie Bajnok (Calgary Hitmen – Education Advisor); Dean ‘Scooter’ Vrooman (Portland Winterhawks – Play-by-Play Announcer); Bernie Burtney (Saskatoon Blades – Off-Ice Officials); Gerry Bergen (Prince Albert Raiders – Off-Ice Officials); Dr. Bob Smillie (Kamloops Blazers – Team Physician); Bob Bartlett (Lethbridge Hurricanes – Director, Player Development); Sue Johnson (Portland Winterhawks – Education Advisor); Herman Elfring (Lethbridge Hurricanes – Board Member); Norbert Heinzelmann (Kelowna Rockets – Off-Ice Officials); Bill Sanderson (Victoria Royals – Off-Ice Officials); Bob McGill (Edmonton Oil Kings – Scout); Ralph Zander (Calgary Hitmen – Off-Ice Official); Terry Bonner (Vancouver Giants – Scouting Director); Dr. Mary Smith (Spokane Chiefs – Team Dentist); Dennis Coates (Kamloops Blazers – Volunteer Board Member); Judy Seher (Red Deer Rebels – Billet Coordinator); Balzer, Frank, Tony & John Lanz (Medicine Hat Tigers – Off-Ice Officials); Rose Mary Hartney (Moose Jaw Warriors – Education Advisor); Greg ‘Spike’ Wallace (Kamloops Blazers – Community & Sponsorship Coordinator); Nella Rounsville (Kootenay ICE – Education Advisor); Lorne Frey (Kelowna Rockets – Asst GM/Head Scout); Graham Tuer (Saskatchewan Hockey Association – Volunteer); Jann Boss (Portland Winterhawks – Administration); Ruth “Grams” Pollock (Prince Albert Raiders – Billet Coordinator); Dr. Ian Hill (Regina Pats – Team Doctor); Dr. Alfred Blue (Seattle Thunderbirds – Team Doctor); Doris Rubel (Kamloops Blazers – Billet Coordinator); Colleen MacBean (Swift Current Broncos – Education Advisor); and Bob Ridley (Medicine Hat Tigers – Play-By-Play Announcer)

About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.