Shannon spent 31 years with the Wheat Kings, making an impact on players, staff, billets, and more. She handled a wide variety of duties in the Wheat Kings office, including accounting, billet coordination, the Wheat Kings education fund, and much more.

Known for her kind and caring demeanour, Shannon was a cherished member of the Wheat Kings family.

Shannon retired from the Wheat Kings in May 2021.

The Western Hockey League sends its condolences to Lyn’s husband, Barry, her children Tricia and Tom, her grandchildren, extended family, and all those lucky enough to have known her over the years.

Seeley, 47, was unveiled as Assistant GM of the Canucks and General Manager of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks on June 11.

“Rich is someone I have admired and respected for a long time, after watching him run the Kings AHL team in Ontario,” said Ryan Johnson, General Manager of the Canucks. “Besides knowing the game of hockey inside and out, he is a great communicator, goes to work every day with an open mind and sets his players up for success by creating an environment that tries to eliminate any excuse that would stop them from making progress. Rich understands our values and vision, and I believe his mindset and mentality will fit in nicely with what we are trying to establish with our organization in both Abbotsford and Vancouver.”

From 2015-16 to 2017-18, Seeley served as Head Coach of the ECHL’s Manchester Monarchs. He then moved up to the AHL, where he became General Manager of the Ontario Reign – a position he held from 2018-19 through the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. During Seeley’s final season with AHL Ontario, the Reign enjoyed a franchise-best season with a record of 47-20-3-2 en route to capturing the AHL’s Pacific Division title.

Hailing from Powell River, B.C., Seeley played three seasons in the WHL from 1996-97 through 1998-99. During his final WHL campaign, he served as captain of the Raiders and posted 58 points (10G-48A) in 61 games. A 6-foot-1, 205-pound defenceman, Seeley was a sixth-round pick (137th overall) of the Los Angeles Kings in the 1997 NHL Draft and went on to play 399 career AHL games. Seeley’s playing career wrapped up in 2010-11 following five seasons in Europe.

Seeley was selected by the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the fourth round (63rd overall) of the 1994 WHL Draft. He was dealt to the Raiders ahead of the 1997 WHL Trade Deadline in the blockbuster trade that saw Chris Phillips moved to the Hurricanes. Over 147 career WHL regular season games, Seeley accrued 88 points (18G-70A), a plus-27 rating, and 233 minutes in penalties.

The Montreal Canadiens prospect finished the 2025-26 season with 83 points, including 45 goals and 38 assists, along with a plus-55 rating in 55 games. His 45 goals were the most by a CHL defenceman in nearly 40 years, dating back to Greg Hawgood’s 48-goal campaign in 1987-88, and the highest single-season total by a CHL blueliner in the 21st century.

Pickford was the only defenceman to finish among the CHL’s top 10 goal scorers in 2025-26. His 45 goals were tied for second among WHL skaters, while his 19 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals ranked tied for first in the CHL. The 20-year-old captain from Chauvin, Alta., also helped Medicine Hat claim a second consecutive Central Division title and was named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team.

With the honour, Pickford becomes the second Medicine Hat Tigers player to win CHL Defenceman of the Year, joining Kris Russell, who earned the award in 2006-07.

Defenceman of the Year Award Winner – Bryce Pickford (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) Nominees – Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL) & Tommy Bleyl (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)

Winners were recognized at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony, Monday, June 15, in downtown Toronto. The finalists for each CHL award were determined by the winners of the corresponding honours presented by the CHL’s three Member Leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Across the 30 finalist spots for this year’s 10 CHL awards, 19 different CHL clubs are represented, including seven from the WHL, six from the OHL, and six from the QMJHL — reflecting standout 2025-26 seasons from players, coaches, and organizations across the CHL.

Steve Hamilton of the Everett Silvertips (WHL) earned the honour after guiding Everett through the best season in franchise history. In just his second season with the Silvertips, Hamilton led the club to a 57-8-2-1 record and 117 points, helping Everett capture a second straight Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL regular-season champions.

Everett’s 57 wins and 117 points both set franchise records, while the Silvertips’ .860 points percentage ranked seventh all-time in CHL history among teams that played at least 50 games. The club was one of the CHL’s most complete teams, finishing third in the WHL with 304 goals for while allowing just 173 goals against, the second-fewest in the league.

Hamilton’s season continued into a historic postseason run, as Everett went 16-2 through the WHL Playoffs to capture the first Ed Chynoweth Cup title in franchise history. The Silvertips then made their first Memorial Cup appearance, recorded their first Memorial Cup win and shutout, and advanced to their first Memorial Cup Final. Hamilton becomes the first Silvertips coach to capture the CHL Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award.

Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award Winner – Steve Hamilton (Everett Silvertips / WHL) Nominees – Dave Cameron (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) & Sylvain Favreau (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL)

Winners were recognized at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony, Monday, June 15, in downtown Toronto. The finalists for each CHL award were determined by the winners of the corresponding honours presented by the CHL’s three Member Leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Across the 30 finalist spots for this year’s 10 CHL awards, 19 different CHL clubs are represented, including seven from the WHL, six from the OHL, and six from the QMJHL — reflecting standout 2025-26 seasons from players, coaches, and organizations across the CHL.

The 18-year-old from Osoyoos, B.C., recorded 21 goals and a CHL-best 87 assists while posting a plus-45 rating in 68 games. His exceptional vision and playmaking ability helped drive a Medicine Hat team that led the WHL in goals, owned the league’s top power play, and finished atop the Central Division.

Ruck’s twin brother, Liam, finished second in both the WHL and CHL scoring races with 104 points, making Markus and Liam the first siblings in CHL history to finish first and second in league scoring in the same season. They also became the first brothers ever to place 1-2 in scoring within a CHL Member League.

The 2026 NHL Draft prospect became the first Medicine Hat skater since Linden Vey in 2010-11 to lead the CHL in scoring and just the second Tigers player to win the CHL Top Scorer Award. Ruck was held off the scoresheet just 12 times all season and recorded at least three points in a game on 11 occasions.

Top Scorer Award Winner – Markus Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) Nominees – Nikita Klepov (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) & Maxim Massé (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL)

Winners were recognized at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony, Monday, June 15, in downtown Toronto. The finalists for each CHL award were determined by the winners of the corresponding honours presented by the CHL’s three Member Leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Across the 30 finalist spots for this year’s 10 CHL awards, 19 different CHL clubs are represented, including seven from the WHL, six from the OHL, and six from the QMJHL — reflecting standout 2025-26 seasons from players, coaches, and organizations across the CHL.

Alex Weiermair of the Portland Winterhawks (WHL) earned the honour after excelling academically while enjoying a standout overage season on the ice. The 21-year-old from Los Angeles, Calif., maintained a 4.0 GPA across challenging university coursework, including chemistry, business, history, and psychology. His academic background also includes advanced-level calculus and physics, while away from formal coursework, Weiermair speaks German and is teaching himself Italian.

On the ice, the Vegas Golden Knights prospect recorded 93 points, including 37 goals and 56 assists, in 66 regular season games. He led the Winterhawks in scoring and finished fifth overall in the WHL while contributing consistently in all situations.

Despite playing a heavy-minute role, Weiermair recorded just 28 penalty minutes and was also named a finalist for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. An alternate captain in Portland, Weiermair was recognized throughout the organization for his maturity, humility, integrity, and leadership both on and off the ice.

With the honour, Weiermair becomes the second Portland Winterhawks player to be named CHL Scholastic Player of the Year, joining Dan Hulak, who captured the award following the 2000-01 season.

Winner – Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks / WHL) Nominees – Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) & Nathan Brisson (Val-d’Or Foreurs / QMJHL)

Winners were recognized at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony, Monday, June 15, in downtown Toronto. The finalists for each CHL award were determined by the winners of the corresponding honours presented by the CHL’s three Member Leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Across the 30 finalist spots for this year’s 10 CHL awards, 19 different CHL clubs are represented, including seven from the WHL, six from the OHL, and six from the QMJHL — reflecting standout 2025-26 seasons from players, coaches, and organizations across the CHL.

Carolina’s run to the 2026 Stanley Cup championship included contributions from three former WHL forwards – Logan Stankoven (Kamloops Blazers), Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks), and Jordan Martinook (Vancouver Giants).

Stankoven finished third in voting for the Conn Smythe Trophy – awarded annually to the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).

The Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights by a 3-0 score in Game 6 to secure the crown.

In addition to the three players that hoisted hockey’s holy grail, three members of Carolina’s staff celebrate the lifetime achievement – Eric Fink (Amateur Scout, Portland Winterhawks), Cody Nickolet (Amateur Scout, Saskatoon Blades), and Kevin McCarthy (Development Coach, Winnipeg Clubs).

In clinching the 2026 Stanley Cup, the Carolina Hurricanes laid claim to the hardest trophy to win in all of sport for the second time in franchise history, doing so during the 20th anniversary of the Club’s first victory. The Hurricanes went 16-3 en route to the title.

The 23-year-old Stankoven, who not only hails from Kamloops, B.C., but starred for his hometown Blazers, led the Hurricanes in goal scoring with 11 tallies in 19 games. In total, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound forward collected 16 points (11G-5A) and a plus-8 rating over the course of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Against the Golden Knights, the former WHL Player of the Year (2021-22) notched four points (2G-2A), including an all-important goal in Game 2, which helped the Hurricanes slash into a 2-0 Vegas lead en route to mounting a comeback overtime victory to even the series 1-1.

Originally selected by the Dallas Stars in the second round (47th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Stankoven was acquired by the Hurricanes in a blockbuster trade that sent Finnish star Mikko Rantanen to the Lone Star State. The 2025-26 campaign represented a career best for Stankoven, as he posted 44 points (21G-23A) in 81 games with the Hurricanes.

A veteran of 180 career WHL regular season games, Stankoven amassed 260 points (115G-145A) over a decorated four seasons with the Blazers. Prior to Sunday’s Stanley Cup victory, Stankoven’s trophy cabinet already held awards for WHL Player of the Year (2021-22), CHL Player of the Year (2021-22), WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player (2021-22), WHL Humanitarian of the Year (2022-23), Memorial Cup Most Sportsmanlike Player (2023), and Memorial Cup Top Scorer (2023).

The 24-year-old Jarvis, who hails from Winnipeg, Man., spent three seasons with the Portland Winterhawks. Over 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he tallied 11 points (4G-3A) and a plus-3 rating. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound forward came through with a series-altering strike in Game 2, registering the overtime-winning goal for Carolina to even the best-of-seven set at 1-1.

Originally selected by the Hurricanes in the first round (13th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, Jarvis has been nothing short of outstanding over five seasons in Raleigh, N.C. The former Winterhawks star has strung together three consecutive 30-goal, 65-point campaigns, while also representing Canada on the international stage – including the 2025 4 Nations Cup and 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

A veteran of 154 career WHL regular season contests, Jarvis posted 166 points (73G-93A) as a member of the Winterhawks. At the conclusion of the 2019-20 WHL campaign, Jarvis was named WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player and was also a member of the WHL’s Western Conference First All-Star Team.

The 33-year-old Martinook, who hails from Brandon, Man., spent two seasons with the Vancouver Giants. Over 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he notched five points (2G-3A) and a plus-1 rating. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound forward made his mark in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, scoring Carolina’s first goal of the game 7:03 into the third period, chipping away at a 4-0 lead for the Golden Knights. The Hurricanes went on to score three times in a span of 39 seconds, including Martinook’s marker, before eventually tying the game and forcing overtime. Ultimately, the Golden Knights emerged victorious in the second overtime period, but Carolina’s comeback showed there was plenty more to come from the Hurricanes.

Originally selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the second round (58th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Martinook was acquired by the Hurricanes, along with a fourth-round pick, on May 3, 2018, in exchange for forward Marcus Kruger and a third-round pick. Since the 2019-20 season, Martinook has served as an alternate captain for the Hurricanes.

A veteran of 144 career WHL regular season games, Martinook collected 92 points (51G-41) as a member of the Giants

On the other side of the outcome, 12 former WHL players represented the Vegas Golden Knights, including forward Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors), who led the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs in goal scoring with 14 markers.

On the blueline, it was Shea Theodore (Seattle Thunderbirds) who led all defencemen in scoring during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering 18 points (6G-12A) in 22 games.