Markus Ruck Named Finalist for Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy
WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Markus Ruck Named Finalist for Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy

Published on April 2, 2026 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today the 2025-26 finalists for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player.

In two seasons with the Regina Pats, Hornung was widely regarded and respected for his combination of talent, desire, and unmistakable sportsmanlike attitude. He was paralyzed following a collision in a game in Regina on March 1, 1987, but remained deeply engrained in hockey and the WHL until his passing in 2022.

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.

Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy - Eastern Conference Finalists

Jordan Gavin, Brandon Wheat Kings (Surrey, B.C.)

Braeden Cootes, Prince Albert Raiders (Sherwood Park, Alta.)

Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (Osoyoos, B.C.)

Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy - Western Conference Finalists

Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips (Nokia, Finland)

Ryden Evers, Penticton Vees (Burnaby, B.C.)

Alex Weiermair, Portland Winterhawks (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Jordan Gavin, Brandon Wheat Kings

The 19-year-old product of Surrey, B.C., registered 58 points (16G-42A) in 68 games this season, incurring a mere six minutes in penalties. This is the third straight season Gavin has been a finalist for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy. Originally selected by the Tri-City Americans in the first round (second overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound left winger has tallied 239 points (83G-156A) in 275 WHL regular season games, amassing only 10 penalty minutes over his entire career, dating back to 2021-22.

Braeden Cootes, Prince Albert Raiders

The 19-year-old product of Sherwood Park, Alta., was a welcome addition in Hockey Town North ahead of the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline. After arriving in Prince Albert, the 6-foot, 183-pound centre posted 40 points (14G-26A) in 28 games with the Raiders. Across 45 games this season split between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Raiders, Cootes tallied 63 points (24G-39A) and only eight minutes in penalties. Selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round (15th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft, Cootes captained the Thunderbirds prior to being acquired by the Raiders. Originally selected by the Thunderbirds in the first round (10th overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Cootes has collected 162 points (64G-98A) in 176 career WHL regular season games.

Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers

The 18-year-old product of Osoyoos, B.C., led the entire WHL in scoring with 108 points (21G-87A) in 68 games, amassing 28 minutes in penalties along the way. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, the 6-foot, 167-pound centre is ranked 31st among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings. He represented Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Originally selected by the Tigers in the first round (21st overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Ruck has recorded 137 points (29G-108A) in 132 career WHL regular season outings. He helped the Tigers claim the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions in 2025.

Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips

The 18-year-old product of Nokia, Finland, notched 87 points (21G-66A) and only six minutes in penalties over 62 games to lead the Silvertips in scoring as a rookie. His 66 helpers were second best among all WHL players. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound left winger is ranked 76th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings. Vanhanen represented Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. He was originally selected by the Silvertips in the first round (31st overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft.

Ryden Evers, Penticton Vees

The 20-year-old product of Burnaby, B.C., finished his lone campaign in the WHL with 74 points (35G-39A) and 12 minutes in penalties over 67 regular season games with the Vees. Evers finished second in points and tied for first in goals on the Vees. Unselected in the NHL Draft, the 6-foot-3, 196-pound centre parlayed his impressive WHL season into a three-year, entry-level free agent contract with the NHL's Seattle Kraken on March 1.

Alex Weiermair, Portland Winterhawks

The 20-year-old product of Los Angeles, Calif., enjoyed an outstanding campaign with the Winterhawks, tallying 93 points (37G-56A) and 28 minutes in penalties over 66 regular season games. Weiermair's point total led the Winterhawks and was good enough for fifth in the WHL. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound right winger joined the Winterhawks midway through the 2024-25 season after departing the University of Denver. Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft, Weiermair's impressive season earned him a three-year, entry-level contract on March 1. Originally selected by the Winterhawks in the first round (16th overall) of the 2020 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, Weiermair has collected 139 points (58G-81A) in 107 career WHL regular season games.

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