La Forge Awarded Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy as WHL Executive of the Year
May 3, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Bil La Forge has been awarded the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy as WHL Executive of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
After building a roster that captured the Western Conference Championship in 2022, La Forge's Thunderbirds set a franchise record with 54 wins during the regular season, winning the U.S. Division title for the first time in six years while also entering the 2023 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien as the top seed in the Western Conference.
"I am honoured to accept the award as the WHL's Executive of the Year," said La Forge. "This is a team award that I understand is the result of a lot of people's hard work.
"Owners Dan and Lindsey Leckelt, Russ Farwell, Colin Campbell, assistant general manager Jared Crooks, our tremendous coaching staff led by Matt O'Dette and training staff led by Phil Varney. Thank you to all of you for providing me the help I've needed over the last five years."
This represents the second time in franchise history the Seattle Thunderbirds have been recognized with the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy. The Club was previously honoured in 1989-90 (Russ Farwell).
Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy Finalists
B.C. Division - Shaun Clouston, Kamloops Blazers
Central Division - Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers
East Division - Matt Cockell, Winnipeg ICE
La Forge made several high-profile moves during the season including trading for Canadian World Juniors gold-medalists Nolan Allan, Colton Dach and Dylan Guenther, while also adding NHL prospects Brad Lambert and Luke Prokop to his roster.
Since being named general manager of the Seattle Thunderbirds in June of 2018, La Forge has overseen steady growth by his Club, as exemplified by their 98 regular season victories over the past two seasons.
Over the past four seasons, 12 Seattle players have been selected in the NHL Draft, the most of any WHL Club.
The Thunderbirds also boast a League-high six players on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy is named in memory of Lloyd Saunders, a continuous supporter of junior hockey in Western Canada.
Known as the "Dean" of sportscasters in Western Canada, Saunders covered almost every major sporting event imaginable from the Olympics to the World Series, the Grey Cup, Memorial Cups and Briers.
He has also been honoured by being selected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
The 2023 WHL Awards were voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media.
Winners of the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy (since 2003)
2022-23 Bil La Forge, Seattle Thunderbirds
2021-22 Matt Cockell, Winnipeg ICE
2020-21 Not presented due to COVID-19
2019-20 Peter Anholt, Lethbridge Hurricanes
2018-19 Curtis Hunt, Prince Albert Raiders
2017-18 Garry Davidson, Everett Silvertips
2016-17 John Paddock, Regina Pats
2015-16 Peter Anholt, Lethbridge Hurricanes
2014-15 Kelly McCrimmon, Brandon Wheat Kings
2013-14 Cam Hope, Victoria Royals
2012-13 Bob Green, Edmonton Oil Kings
2011-12 Bob Green, Edmonton Oil Kings
2010-11 Lorne Molleken, Saskatoon Blades
2009-10 Kelly McCrimmon, Brandon Wheat Kings
2008-09 Kelly Kisio, Calgary Hitmen
2007-08 Bob Tory, Tri-City Americans
2006-07 Bob Tory, Tri-City Americans
2005-06 Scott Bonner, Vancouver Giants
2004-05 Jeff Chynoweth, Kootenay ICE
2003-04 Kelly Kisio, Calgary Hitmen
2002-03 Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna Rockets
Western Hockey League Stories from May 3, 2023
- ICE Win Eastern Conference Championship Series 4-0 - Winnipeg Ice
- Exit Interview: What's Next - Portland Winterhawks
- Pats 2023 Prospect Update Pt. 3 - Regina Pats
- La Forge Awarded Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy as WHL Executive of the Year - WHL
- Royals Introduce Community Sports Six Pack with HarbourCats, Shamrocks, and Rugby Canada - Victoria Royals
- Sonne Named Recipient of Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year - WHL
- Gameday: Blades vs ICE at 7:00pm CST - Saskatoon Blades
- Game #4 - ICE at Saskatoon - Winnipeg Ice
- T-Birds Fall Short in Game Three - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Blades Lose Game 3 of Eastern Conference Championship, Face Elimination - Saskatoon Blades
- ICE Lead Eastern Conference Championship Series 3-0 - Winnipeg Ice
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
