Lloyd Saunders was recognized and honoured for his outstanding contribution to sports, including his continuous support of junior hockey in Western Canada. Saunders was known as the “Dean” of sportscasters in Western Canada, covering everything from the Olympics to the World Series, the Grey Cup to Memorial Cup and more.

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.

Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy – Eastern Conference Finalists

Curtis Hunt, Prince Albert Raiders Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers Garry Davidson, Calgary Hitmen

Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy – Western Conference Finalists

Mike Fraser, Everett Silvertips Fred Harbinson, Penticton Vees Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna Rockets

Curtis Hunt, Prince Albert Raiders

In his 11th season as General Manager of the Prince Albert Raiders, 59-year-old Curtis Hunt constructed a Club that went 52-10-5-1 en route to winning the WHL’s East Division and the No. 1 seed in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. From hiring WHL Coach of the Year finalist Ryan McDonald to acquiring the likes of Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes and Dallas Stars prospect Brandon Gorzynski ahead of the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline. Through savvy drafting, Hunt and his team landed star defenceman Daxon Rudolph along with starting netminder Michal Orsulak and many others. Hunt’s work includes the recruitment of San Jose Sharks prospect Max Heise during the offseason. In 2018-19, Hunt was named WHL Executive of the Year as his Raiders won the WHL Championship. Prior to his time in the front office, Hunt played three seasons in the WHL, winning a WHL Championship with the Raiders in 1985.

Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers

In his seventh consecutive season and 15th overall at the helm of the Medicine Hat Tigers, the 69-year-old Desjardins led his squad to a second consecutive Central Division crown on the strength of a record of 50-10-5-3. Desjardins and his team oversaw the recruitment of key U.S.-born players this past offseason, including Noah Davidson, Gavin Kor, Kade Stengrim, and Carter Casey. The 2025 CHL Import Draft saw Desjardins add Belarusian forward Yaroslav Bryzgalov, who has been a tremendous contributor this season. Desjardins, a three-time WHL Champion, has yet to be named WHL Executive of the Year.

Garry Davidson, Calgary Hitmen

In his third season as builder of the Calgary Hitmen, 74-year-old Garry Davidson built a squad that finished fourth in the WHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 38-21-8-1. Davidson tinkered with the Hitmen roster throughout the season, adding scoring veteran Julien Maze, Ottawa Senators prospect Blake Vanek, and veterans Harrison Lodewyk and Ty Meunier, among others. Prior to the start of the campaign, Davidson and his team recruited Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Kale Dach, along with key U.S.-born players, including Landon Amrhein, Keaton Jundt, and Aidan Hesse. The 2025 CHL Import Draft saw Davidson add Russian scorer Andrei Molgachev. Prior to joining the Hitmen, Davidson spent nine seasons as GM of the Everett Silvertips. He was named WHL Executive of the Year in 2017-18, as his Silvertips advanced to Game 6 of the WHL Championship Series.

Mike Fraser, Everett Silvertips

In two seasons as the General Manager of the Everett Silvertips, Mike Fraser has watched his team claim back-to-back Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies as WHL Regular Season Champions. In 2025-26, Fraser’s Silvertips went 57-8-2-1 – the best season in franchise history. Fraser’s key acquisition in 2025-26 include Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Luke Vlooswyk and veteran blueliner Kayd Ruedig, along with Alaskan netminder Anders Miller. Prior to the start of the season, Fraser added 20-year-old forward Rylan Gould via trade. During the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Fraser’s group identified and selection 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward Matias Vanhanen, who has been a revelation alongside Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen.

Fred Harbinson, Penticton Vees

In his first season as a WHL head coach and general manager, Harbinson guided the Penticton Vees to a B.C. Division title as an expansion team. The 54-year-old product of Port Alberni, B.C., led Penticton to a record of 44-14-6-4. Building the roster from the ground up, Harbinson’s work began during the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, where he acquired the likes of veterans Brady Birnie, Matteo Danis, and others. Harbinson’s roster construction took shape through recruitment, as he welcomed the likes of New York Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka, Seattle Kraken prospect Ryden Evers, Brittan Alstead, Ethan Weber and more to the WHL. Harbinson bolstered his crease with the acquisition of netminder Ethan McCallum and also added Czech veteran Samuel Drancak up front. Prior to joining the WHL, Harbinson spent 18 seasons at the helm of the BCHL Vees, winning six BCHL titles.

Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna Rockets

In his 35th season as the ultimate architect of the Kelowna Rockets, 68-year-old Bruce Hamilton designed a team worthy of hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup. Hamilton’s Rockets finished fourth in the WHL’s Western Conference, going 38-21-6-3. Prior to puck drop this season, Hamilton added San Jose Sharks prospect Carson Wetsch, along with veteran blueliner Mazden Leslie. Before the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline passed, Hamilton had bolstered his depth and veteran presence with the addition of Vancouver Canucks prospect Parker Alcos, Shane Smith, Ty Halaburda, and others. Two of Hamilton’s savviest moves came in the form of imports – during the 2025 CHL Import Draft, he selected New York Islanders prospect Tomas Polentin with the first-overall pick; later in the campaign, he acquired Los Angeles Kings prospect Vojtech Cihar via trade and was successful in recruiting him to Kelowna following the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The offseason also saw Hamilton recruit U.S.-born netminder Harrison Boettiger, who is on the radar for the 2026 NHL Draft. Over his WHL career, Hamilton has won four WHL Championships, one Memorial Cup, and has been named WHL Executive of the Year on two occasions (1992-93, 2002-03).

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 consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 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 over 50 years. The WHL is also the 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.

The Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy honours the outstanding record and contribution of Dunc McCallum, who coached the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1976 to 1981. McCallum compiled an impressive coaching record over six WHL season going 251-123-41.

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.

Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy – Eastern Conference Finalists

Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers Ryan McDonald, Prince Albert Raiders Dustin Friesen, Calgary Hitmen

Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy – Western Conference Finalists

Steve Hamilton, Everett Silvertips Mark Lamb, Prince George Cougars Fred Harbinson, Penticton Vees

Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers

In his seventh consecutive season and 15th overall at the helm of the Medicine Hat Tigers, the 69-year-old Desjardins led his squad to a second consecutive Central Division crown on the strength of a record of 50-10-5-3. Under Desjardins’ guidance, the Tigers were the highest-scoring team in the WHL this season, recording 348 goals for an average of 5.12 goals per game. Medicine Hat outscored the next highest scoring team by 38 goals. The Tigers also owned the most lethal power play in the WHL, converting at a rate of 32.2 per cent during the regular season. Desjardins, a three-time WHL Champion, was previously named WHL Coach of the Year for the 2005-06 season.

Ryan McDonald, Prince Albert Raiders

In his first full season behind the bench, 38-year-old Prince Albert Raiders coach Ryan McDonald helped his team claim the No. 1 seed in the WHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 52-10-5-1. The Raiders were the second-highest scoring team in the WHL, tallying 310 goals in 68 games (4.56 goals per game). McDonald’s Raiders were the stingiest team in the WHL this season, allowing a league low 165 goals against (2.43 goals against per game). Prior to taking over coaching duties for the Raiders on an interim basis last season, McDonald served as an assistant coach from 2020-21 into 2024-25. Prior to his coaching career, the native of Prince Albert played 306 career WHL regular season games from 2003-04 to 2008-09, including 182 games with the Raiders.

Dustin Friesen, Calgary Hitmen

In his first season calling the shots in Calgary, 43-year-old Hitmen coach Dustin Friesen guided his squad to a fourth-place finish in the WHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 38-21-8-1. The Hitmen owned the WHL’s second best power play during the regular season, converting at a rate of 31.7 per cent. Prior to joining the Hitmen, Friesen served as an assistant coach for the Moose Jaw Warriors (2023-24) and as an associate coach with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats (2024-25). As a player, Friesen spent four seasons in the WHL (2000-01 to 2003-04), all as a member of the Swift Current Broncos. During his final campaign, he served as captain of the Broncos.

Steve Hamilton, Everett Silvertips

In both of his seasons leading the Everett Silvertips, coach Steve Hamilton has guided the Club to back-to-back Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies as WHL Regular Season Champions. In 2025-26, Hamilton’s Silvertips went 57-8-2-1 – the best season in franchise history. The Silvertips were the third highest scoring team in the WHL this season, securing 304 goals in 68 games (4.47 goals per game). On the defensive side of the puck, Everett limited opponent to the fewest goals of any team in the Western Conference, allowing a mere 173 goals against (2.54 goals against per game). Hamilton, a 52-year-old product of Edmonton, Alta., is in his 12th season as a WHL head coach, having previously served with the Edmonton Oil Kings (2014-15 to 2017-18) and Calgary Hitmen (2018-19 to 2023-24). In 2012 and 2014 he won WHL Championships with the Oil Kings as an assistant and associate coach, respectively.

Mark Lamb, Prince George Cougars

A former WHL Coach of the Year (2023-24), Prince George Cougars head coach Mark Lamb led his squad to a third-place finish in the WHL’s Western Conference with a record of 44-22-2-0. Lamb is in his seventh season as Head Coach and eighth season as General Manager of the Cougars. Prior to joining Prince George, he spent seven seasons as General Manager and Head Coach of the Swift Current Broncos. Lamb’s playing career saw him play parts of four seasons in the WHL, including an impressive 136-point campaign (59G-77A) in 72 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 1983-84.

Fred Harbinson, Penticton Vees

In his first season as a WHL head coach, Harbinson guided the Penticton Vees to a B.C. Division title as an expansion team. The 54-year-old product of Port Alberni, B.C., led Penticton to a record of 44-14-6-4. Part of the team’s success can be attributed to a WHL-best penalty kill, which rejected opponent power plays at a rate of 81.8 per cent. Prior to joining the WHL, Harbinson spent 18 seasons at the helm of the BCHL Vees, winning six BCHL titles and earning BCHL Coach of the Year recognition twice (2015-16 and 2021-22).

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 consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 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 over 50 years. The WHL is also the 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.

Winners of 2026 WHL Awards will be announced from Tuesday, April 21, through Wednesday, May 6.

WHL Business Award – Eastern Conference Finalist

Prince Albert Raiders

WHL Business Award – Western Conference Finalist

Portland Winterhawks

Prince Albert Raiders

The Prince Albert Raiders achieved business success through a strong commitment to community engagement, digital growth, and collaboration. As a community-owned organization, the Raiders deepened local ties through expanded partnerships with minor hockey and increased charitable contributions, donating $85,000 to community initiatives. The Raiders also delivered significant growth across digital platforms, ranking among WHL leaders in app engagement, website traffic, and social media performance, despite operating in a small market. Attendance also saw notable gains. By prioritizing innovation, strategic partnerships, and league-wide collaboration, the Raiders strengthened their brand, enhanced fan engagement, and drove measurable business growth throughout 2025-26.

Portland Winterhawks

The Portland Winterhawks business success came through revenue growth, fan engagement, and innovative marketing. The Club saw ticket sales revenue increase by six per cent and surpassed 5,100 in average attendance, while expanding premium seating offerings, growing merchandising revenue, and partnerships. The Winterhawks enhanced the fan experience with state-of-the-art LED rinkboards, themed promotional nights, and community-driven initiatives. Digitally, the Winterhawks ranked among the WHL leaders in social media reach and streaming engagement, supported by strategic content and paid campaigns. The Club’s collaboration with League initiatives and operational excellence further reinforced their position as a top-performing franchise.

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 consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 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 over 50 years. The WHL is also the 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.

The second-round series featuring two Central Division contenders was confirmed Monday night after the Saskatoon Blades upset the Edmonton Oil Kings in overtime of Game 7 of the final remaining first-round series.

Co-op Place in Medicine Hat will host Games 1 and 2 on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, respectively. The Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary will welcome the two Clubs for Games 3 and 4 on Monday, April 13, and Wednesday, April 15, respectively.

The Tigers advanced to the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs after defeating the Regina Pats in five games, while the Hitmen swept the Brandon Wheat Kings in four games to punch their ticket.

Medicine Hat took home the regular season series between the two Clubs, going 7-1-0-0, including three overtime / shootout victories. The two teams last met for a home-and-home series on February 27 and 28, which saw the Tigers emerge with 3-2 and 8-3 triumphs.

2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward Markus Ruck, who led the WHL in scoring, finished atop Medicine Hat’s scoring chart for the season series with Calgary, racking up 14 points (3G-11A) in eight games.

The Hitmen received valuable output from veteran forward Julien Maze, who registered six points (3G-3A) in five games.

Between the pipes, Carter Casey went 6-0-0-0 with a 2.17 goals-against average and .923 save percentage for the Tigers.

On the other side, reining WHL Goaltender of the Week Eric Tu went 1-3-2-0 in six appearances for the Hitmen.

The 2015 WHL Playoffs represent the last time these two teams met during post-season play. A second-round series featured the Hitmen defeating the Tigers in five games, before falling to the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship.

* = if necessary

The second-round clash was confirmed Monday night after the Blades upset the third-seed Edmonton Oil Kings in overtime of Game 7 of their first-round series. Captain Rowan Calvert redirected a power-play point shot to the back of the net, sending Saskatoon to its first ever Game 7 road victory in franchise history.

Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre will host Games 1 and 2 on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, respectively. The series will shift to Saskatoon and SaskTel Place for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, respectively.

The Raiders – the No. 1 seed in the WHL’s Eastern Conference – advanced to the second round of the post-season following a five-game set with the Red Deer Rebels.

Prince Albert laid claim to the eight-game regular season series, going 6-1-1-0. The two rivals closed out the regular season with a home-and-home series that saw the Raiders earn back-to-back 4-0 victories March 20 and 21.

2026 NHL Draft-eligible skaters Daxon Rudolph and Riley Boychuk finished the season series with eight points (2G-6A) each to lead the Raiders in scoring against the Blades.

For Saskatoon, captain Calvert led the scoring parade, registering six points (2G-4A) in seven games.

In net, both Michal Orsulak and Steele Bass saw action in three games, with Orsulak going a perfect 3-0-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.

Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner took to the crease for six games, going 1-3-0-1 with a 3.14 GAA and .922 SV%.

You don’t have to look too far to find the last playoff meeting between the Raiders and Blades. In 2024, the two Saskatchewan rivals met during the first round of the post-season with Saskatoon emerging after a five-game battle. The Blades went on to advance to Game 7 of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship before falling to the eventual WHL Champion Moose Jaw Warriors.

* = if necessary

The best-of-seven series was confirmed Sunday evening as the Cougars emerged triumphant from the first round, knocking off the Spokane Chiefs in a six-game thriller.

For the Vees, they advanced to the second round of the WHL Playoffs following a five-game triumph over the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre will play host to Games 1 and 2 on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, respectively. The series will make its way north to the CN Centre in Prince George, with Games 3 and 4 set for Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, respectively.

The Vees took home the season series title, going 5-0-1-0, while the Cougars finished 1-4-1-0. It was Prince George winning the final contest of the regular season, edging Penticton in overtime by a 4-3 score at CN Centre on Tuesday, March 10.

Two Vees registered nine points apiece in the season series – Seattle Kraken prospect Ryden Evers recorded three goals and six assists, while New York Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka finished with two goals and seven assists.

First-year WHL forward Brock Souch led the Cougars in the season series, tallying six points (3G-3A) in six games.

In the blue paint, Ethan McCallum owned a perfect 3-0-0-0 record with a 1.33 goals-against average and .957 SV%.

For Prince George, San Jose Sharks prospect Joshua Ravensbergen and running mate Alexander Levshyn both saw three action in three games. Ravensbergen was the goaltender of record for the Cougars lone victory over the Vees.

* = if necessary