
2022 Team Awards Announced
April 14, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Seattle Thunderbirds News Release
Humanitarian: Every fan knows him due to his energetic style of play and the buzz he brings to the arena as a home-grown fan favorite is electrifying. He has been a staple of Thunderbirds Hockey School for years and his interaction with the kids has always been a special moment for them. Behind the scenes he has become an advocate for diversity and equality and is a positive role model to black athletes in the community. His willingness to engage in key WHL initiatives such as Black History Month have made him a great representative for the Thunderbirds. This years Humanitarian of the Year is Mekai Sanders.
Scholastic: Knowing his dedication to hockey and incredible work ethic, it is no surprise that this year's top student finished his high school a year early and is already well into his university degree while just turning 18 a few months ago. He takes care of his school on his own and grades are exemplary across the board. This years Scholastic Player of the Year is Gabe Ludwig.
Most Dedicated: He would have been in contention for this award under normal circumstances but there was nothing normal about the dedication he showed to himself, his teammates, and the sport of hockey during one of the most inspirational comeback efforts ever seen, speeding up his recovery from knee surgery by months to be back well in time to lead us into the Playoffs. The Thunderbirds Most Dedicated Player is Tyrel Bauer.
Top Scorer: It was a strong group of scorers this year for the Thunderbirds. With multiple players at or above a point per game and three 30+ goal scorers, this depth of offense hasn't been seen in many years. This year's top scorer showed incredible consistency, only missing a few games during the season. With 36 goals and 47 assists and two games remaining still, this year's Top Scorer is Jared Davidson.
Most Improved: For some players improvement is gradual over time and results in steady, incremental growth. In this case, a talented and dedicated player made a huge jump showing an incredible passion for improvement and understanding of how to translate his physical tools to dominance on the ice and an invitation to the CHL Top Prospects Game. This years Most Improved Thunderbird is Reid Schaefer.
Rookie: Getting a brief taste of the WHL during the 2021 abbreviated season proved to be invaluable experience for this year's top rookie. He only started one game last year but the practice time and exposure to the high-quality hockey allowed him to hit the ground running in 21-22. With an outstanding record for a 16-year-old of 16-2-1, this year's Rookie of the Year is Scott Ratzlaff.
Defenseman: This defenseman's ability to control the play with his skating and playmaking is a real treat to watch. His vision and ability to escape pressure have made him a very highly ranked prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft. He leads the team in assists by a wide margin and brings a relentless drive to improve the rink every day. Defenseman of the Year Kevin Korchinski.
MVP: In pure ability to contribute in all areas to a team's success, not many across the league can match up with this T Bird. Driving the play, scoring goals, winning faceoffs, killing penalties all are part of his strengths. His value to the team is undeniable and he was rewarded with a well-deserved free agent contract with the Washington Capitals. This year's Thunderbirds MVP is Henrik Rybinski.
Western Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2022
- Forward Prospect Cole Wadsworth Signs WHL Agreement - Spokane Chiefs
- Rockets Wrap Up Regular Season Schedule - Kelowna Rockets
- Americans to Host Police K9 Night on Saturday - Tri-City Americans
- Korczak Leading by Example for Warriors Down the Stretch - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Winterhawks Announce Home Playoff Games on April 22 & 23 - Portland Winterhawks
- 2022 Team Awards Announced - Seattle Thunderbirds
- WHL Live Packages Now Available for 2022 WHL Playoffs - WHL
- Thunderbirds Silence Giants - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Raiders Hand out Year-End Awards for 2021-22 Regular Season - Prince Albert Raiders
- Red Deer Scores Early, Then Often to Top Hitmen - Calgary Hitmen
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