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Western Hockey League Announces Scholastic Player of the Year Nominees for Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy

April 9, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today Jakob Brook, forward of the Regina Pats, and Dylan Garand, goaltender of the Kamloops Blazers, have been named nominees for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy (WHL Scholastic Player of the Year) presented by CIBC.

Eastern Conference - Jakob Brook (Regina Pats)

The 2019-20 season marks the second consecutive season Brook has been named the Eastern Conference Scholastic Player of the Year.

The 18-year-old product of Roblin, Man. kept his academic pursuits at the forefront of his focus during the season. In his time at Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School while playing with the Pats, Brook's ability to balance his academic commitments with a positive attitude earned him praise from his educators.

Brook maintained a 93.5 percent average in his core courses, excelling in Physics 30 (97 percent), Biology 30 (93 percent), Pre-Calculus 30 (92 percent), and English Language Arts (92 percent).

"Jakob is conscientious student who is able to balance his academic and hockey commitments," said Dwayne Hinger, Academic Advisor for the Pats. "His work ethic, maturity, and diligence to his class work make him an exemplary leader for those around him."

In 107 WHL regular season games with the Pats and Prince Albert Raiders, Brook has recorded 22 points (10G-12A). Appearing in 23 WHL playoff games with the Raiders, Brook posted a pair of assists and won a WHL Championship in 2019.

Brook was originally selected by the Raiders in the second round (40th overall) of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.

Western Conference - Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers)

Goaltender Dylan Garand of the Kamloops Blazers is the Western Conference Scholastic Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.

The 17-year-old product of Victoria, B.C. is enrolled at Valleyview Secondary School and has achieved a high academic standing. Maintaining an overall academic average of 96.5 percent, Garand is set to graduate with honours in June 2020.

In his core Grade 12 courses, Garand has maintained a 93 percent average to provide leadership among his teammates in the classroom. In his Grade 11 and 12 years of study, Garand has completed 16 total courses to enrich his academic experience.

Despite a rising profile on the ice, which has commanded his presence at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, Garand has remained focused on his educational commitments with a proactive approach to learning.

"Dylan is respected by his teammates as well as our staff, both as an excellent academic student and he provides excellent leadership," said Victor Bifano, Academic Advisor for the Blazers. "He has managed his academics and hockey with a profound degree of maturity."

This season, Garand backstopped the Blazers to their first B.C. Division title since 2012, posting a 28-10-2-1 record in 42 games. He also maintained a 2.21 goals-against average, 0.921 save percentage, and four shutouts. For his WHL career excluding playoffs, Garand has appeared in 73 games with a 41-19-4-2 record, 2.48 GAA, 0.914 SV%, and five shutouts.

The Blazers chose Garand in the third round (58th overall), of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. NHL Central Scouting listed Garand sixth among North American goaltenders in their final rankings.

Committed to recognizing academic excellence, the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy for WHL Scholastic Player of the Year is presented annually to the WHL player who has excelled both in the classroom and on the ice during the WHL Regular Season.

One of Canada's leading hockey philanthropists, the trophy is named in memory of Mr. Doc Seaman, who played a vital role in establishing the WHL's Education Program. The program ensures players in the WHL can develop their skills on the ice at the highest level without compromising their academic goals. Since 1993, the WHL Scholarship program has awarded over 6,000 scholarships to graduate players, representing an investment in excess of $25 million by WHL Club Ownership.

First awarded for the 1983-84 WHL season, the Scholastic Player of the Year Trophy was named in honour of Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman in 1996.

The recipient of the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy for WHL Scholastic Player of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, May 13.

Winners of the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy / WHL Humanitarian of the Year (since 2000):

2018-19: Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips

2017-18: Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs

2016-17: Brian King, Everett Silvertips

2015-16: Tanner Kaspick, Brandon Wheat Kings

2014-15: Nick McBride, Prince Albert Raiders

2013-14: Nelson Nogier, Saskatoon Blades

2012-13: Josh Morrissey, Prince Albert Raiders

2011-12: Reid Gow, Spokane Chiefs

2010-11: Colin Smith, Kamloops Blazers

2009-10: Adam Lowry, Swift Current Broncos

2008-09: Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon Blades

2007-08: Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats

2006-07: Keith Aulie, Brandon Wheat Kings

2005-06: Brennen Wray, Moose Jaw Warriors

2004-05: Gilbert Brule, Vancouver Giants

2003-04: Devan Dubnyk, Kamloops Blazers

2002-03: Brett Dickie, Brandon Wheat Kings

2001-02: Tyler Metcalfe, Seattle Thunderbirds

2000-01: Dan Hulak, Portland Winterhawks

1999-00: Chris Nielsen, Calgary Hitmen

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