Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the Dub: WHL hands out monthly awards; six alumni given Canada West awards

Written by Stephen Hawco on

Monthly Awards

After being named both CHL and WHL Player of the Week, Moose Jaw Warriors rookie forward Brayden Tracey was named WHL Player of the Month for February, exploding for 26 points (12G, 14A) in just 13 games this month. The 2019 NHL Draft Prospect recorded his second hat trick and his first four point game during this span as well as five three-point games. The 17-year-old leads the WHL and CHL in rookie scoring, recording 73 points (31G, 42A) in 59 games this season.

Portland Winterhawks goalie Shane Farkas was named WHL Goaltender of the Month after going 4-0-0-1 record with a 1.00 GAA and a .965 save percentage and a shutout. The Penticton, BC native also led the Winterhawks to their tenth consecutive playoff berth. In 47 games this season, Farkas owns a 29-10-3-3 record with a 2.69 GAA, .907 save percemtage and four shutouts this season.

Lethbridge Hurricanes goaltender Carl Tetachuk was named WHL Rookie of the Month, compiling a record of 7-3-1-1 with a 2.83 GAA, .910 save percentage and had his first WHL shutout during February. The Lethbridge, AB native has appeared in 31 games this season, going 18-9-1-1 with a 3.10 GAA, a .902 save percentage and one shutout.

Canada West Awards

As mentioned in yesterday’s Daily Dose, former ICE and Rebels forward Luke Philp was named Canada West Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Five other WHL alumni also took home awards:

Defenceman of the Year: U of Alberta’s Jason Fram (Spokane 2011-16) had 30 points (9G, 21A) in 28 games this season.

Goaltender of the Year: U of Saskatchewan’s Taran Kozun (Kamloops, Seattle 2010-15) had a 20-3-0-0 with an impressive 1.81 GAA, a .920 save percentage and five shutouts.

Rookie of the Year: U of Alberta’s Grayson Pawlenchuk (Red Deer 2012-18) had 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) in 28 games.

Sportsmen of the Year: Mount Royal’s Connor Rankin (Tri-City, Calgary 2010-15) had 15 points (7G, 8A) and just four penalty minutes in 22 games.

Community Service Award: U of Alberta’s Riley Kieser (Vancouver, Edmonton 2011-14) had 24 points (5G, 19A) in 28 games.

Donn Clark into Raiders Wall of Honour

The Prince Albert Raiders will be inducting former Head Coach, General Manager, and Director of Hockey Operations Donn Clark into their Wall of Honour as a builder. Clark had two stints as Raiders coach, and led the team to four playoff appearances during his time with the organization. He will be inducted on Friday evening before the Raiders take on the Red Deer Rebels.

Hajek called up to NHL

Former Saskatoon Blades and Regina Pats defenceman Libor Hajek has been recalled by the New York Rangers from the AHL. The 21-year-old was originally drafted in the second round (37th overall) by Tampa Bay in 2016 before being a part of a trade that also brought WHL alumnus Brett Howden to the Big Apple from the Lightning. Hajek played in 192 WHL games and had 91 points (19G, 72A) between the Pats and Blades and has five assists in 58 games with Hartford of the AHL.

Former Bronco gets first with Oilers

Former Swift Current Broncos captain Colby Cave scored his first goal with the Edmonton Oilers in a 4-2 win over Ottawa. The goal was the second of his NHL career after starting the season with the Boston Bruins. In 38 NHL games he has seven points (2G, 5A) between Edmonton and Boston. He played 287 games in Swift Current and put up 202 points (95G, 107A) and captained the team for two seasons.