WHL Spokane Chiefs

Ryan Named Western Conference's Top Rookie

Published on March 23, 2005 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane Chief forward Derek Ryan has been named the Western Conference's Rookie of the Year and is a finalist for league wide honors after leading all Conference rookies in scoring with 46 points. The 18-year-old played in 71 games this year, scored 14 goals and finished as the Chiefs top rookie scorer. Ryan finished tied for third on the club in scoring.

"This is an unbelievable honor," Ryan stated. "Its something that I never thought would be a possibility, but am happy to have earned it."

"Jeff Lynch and Chad Klassen are two unbelievable guys to play with," Ryan said about his linemates. "Jeff is always going to be one of the hardest workers out there and Chad is so skilled he knows exactly what to do with the puck. They have a lot to do with this award and I'm fortunate to get the chance to play with them."

The Shadle Park senior entered his rookie season in the WHL after leading the KIJHL in scoring and earning MVP honors last season as a Spokane Brave. Ryan is the first Spokane native since the 1985-86 season to play regularly for the Chiefs and to earn a WHL post-season honor.

"It's been a lifelong dream of mine to get the chance to play in Spokane and appreciate the opportunity," Ryan finished.

The last Chief to be named the Western Conference's top Rookie was Roman Tvrdon in the 1999-2000 season.

The Eastern Conference's finalist is Brandon Wheat King goaltender Tyler Plante who won 34 games this year and posted six shutouts.

The winner of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL's top rookie, as well as the other awards listed below, will be named at the league's luncheon on Wednesday, May 4th in Calgary, AB.

The WHL Player of the Year, Scholastic and Humanitarian Players of the Year will be announced in the first week of April.

The Chiefs Player of the Year nominee is Chad Klassen, Spokane's leading scorer with 27 goals, 37 assists and 64 points. Captain Jevon Desautels was honored as the Chiefs Humanitarian of the Year.

Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Tyler Plante (Brandon, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Western Conference – Derek Ryan (Spokane, WA), Spokane Chiefs

Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy
Eastern Conference – Aaron Sorochan (Edmonton, AB), Lethbridge Hurricanes

Western Conference – Jeff Glass (Cochrane, AB), Kootenay Ice

Defenceman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Dion Phaneuf (Edmonton, AB), Red Deer Rebels
Western Conference – Shea Weber (Sicamous, BC), Kelowna Rockets

Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy
Eastern Conference – Kenndal McArdle (Burnaby, BC), Moose Jaw Warriors
Western Conference – Gilbert Brule (North Vancouver, BC), Vancouver Giants

Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, Brad Hornung Trophy
Eastern Conference – Kris Russell (Caroline, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers
Western Conference – Aaron Gagnon (Armstrong, BC), Seattle Thunderbirds

Coach of the Year, Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy, presented by RE/MAX
Eastern Conference – Lorne Molleken (North Battleford, SK), Saskatoon Blades
Western Conference – Cory Clouston (Viking, BC), Kootenay Ice

Executive of the Year, Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Kelly McCrimmon (Plenty, SK) Brandon Wheat Kings
Western Conference – Jeff Chynoweth (Saskatoon, SK) Kootenay Ice

Top Scorer – Bob Clarke Trophy, presented by CGC
Eric Fehr (Winkler, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2005


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