WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Schneider Named WHL's Top Defenseman

Published on June 8, 2021 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today Brandon Wheat Kings captain Braden Schneider (Prince Albert, Sask.) has won the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenceman of the Year presented by RE/MAX of Western Canada.

Schneider, a first-round selection of the New York Rangers in the 2020 NHL Draft, led the Wheat Kings to the East Division championship, posting 27 points (5G-22A) during the 2020-21 WHL season. His point total was third-best among WHL blueliners, and the product of Prince Albert, Sask. finished second among WHL defencemen in assists and game-winning goals (two). Schneider's 15 power-play helpers were second-most among all WHL skaters.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound rearguard enjoyed a pair of four-game point streaks from March 12 to March 18, and April 13 to April 18, 2021. He also recorded a four-point game (0G-4A) in Brandon's penultimate outing of the 2020-21 season on March 25, 2021.

Schneider was also part of the Team Canada squad that captured the gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World Championship in Riga, Latvia. He recorded one assist in nine appearances at the event.

"On behalf of all the REALTORS of RE/MAX of Western Canada, we congratulate Braden Schneider of the Brandon Wheat Kings on this tremendous achievement," said Elaine Langhout, Director of Regional Advertising for RE/MAX of Western Canada. "We know that your hometown of Prince Albert must be super proud as well and we wish you well on your future hockey journey and wherever life takes you. Our sincere congrats Braden!"

Schneider was originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. He has amassed 115 points (21G-94A) in 207 career WHL regular season games, adding seven more assists in 14 career WHL playoff games. The New York Rangers took the Brandon defenceman with the 19th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft.

The 19-year-old becomes the third member of the Brandon Wheat Kings franchise to win the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, and first since Ivan Provorov during the 2015-16 WHL season. Brad McCrimmon was also named WHL Defenceman of the Year during the 1977-78 WHL campaign. Schneider becomes the fifth first-round NHL Draft selection in the past eight WHL seasons to win the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy.

The Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy recognizes a WHL defenceman who has demonstrated the best all-around ability at his position during the WHL Regular Season.

Born in Saskatoon, Sask., Hunter is honoured for his role in the establishment and sustained success of the WHL. Dedicated and enthusiastic to growing Major Junior hockey, Hunter served as the Owner, General Manager, and Coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings in addition to being a co-founder of the league.

Along with long-time friend, the late Scotty Munro, the pair helped to lead the league's growth through its formative years.

Winners of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy / WHL Defenceman of the Year (since 2001)

2020-21 Braden Schneider, Brandon Wheat Kings

2019-20 Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs

2018-19 Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs *

2017-18 Kale Clague, Moose Jaw Warriors

2016-17 Ethan Bear, Seattle Thunderbirds

2015-16 Ivan Provorov, Brandon Wheat Kings *

2014-15 Shea Theodore, Seattle Thunderbirds

2013-14 Derrick Pouliot, Portland Winterhawks

2012-13 Brenden Kichton, Spokane Chiefs

2011-12 Alex Petrovic, Red Deer Rebels

2010-11 Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon Blades

2009-10 Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets

2008-09 Jonathon Blum, Vancouver Giants *

2007-08 Karl Alzner, Calgary Hitmen *

2006-07 Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers *

2005-06 Kris Russell, Medicine Hat Tigers

2004-05 Dion Phaneuf, Red Deer Rebels

2003-04 Dion Phaneuf, Red Deer Rebels

2002-03 Jeff Woywitka, Red Deer Rebels

2001-02 Dan Hamhuis, Prince George Cougars *

2000-01 Christian Chartier, Prince George Cougars

* Denotes CHL Defenceman of the Year

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 8, 2021


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