Zellweger Awarded Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenceman of the Year
May 9, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Kamloops Blazers defenceman Olen Zellweger has been awarded the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as the WHL Defenceman of the Year for the 2022-23 season presented by RE/MAX.
The Anaheim Ducks prospect earned Defenceman of the Year honours for the second consecutive season on the strength of a 32-goal, 80-point regular season.
"I am very honoured to receive the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenceman of the Year," said Zellweger. "Congratulations to all the other nominees for having great seasons.
"I want to thank the Everett Silvertips and Kamloops Blazers, my teammates, coaching staff, parents and everyone who supported me this season. Without them, it would not have been possible."
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy Finalists
Central Division - Christoffer Sedoff, Red Deer Rebels
East Division - Stanislav Svozil, Regina Pats
U.S. Division - Kevin Korchinski, Seattle Thunderbirds
Zellweger, who was acquired by the Kamloops Blazers from the Everett Silvertips January 8, set new personal bests in goals and points, leading all Western Conference defencemen in scoring over the course of the 2022-23 WHL Regular Season.
The product of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. also won a gold medal with Canada's entry at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in January.
Zellweger becomes the sixth back-to-back winner of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, joining Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs, 2018-19 and 2019-20), Kris Russell (Medicine Hat Tigers, 2005-06 and 2006-07), Dion Phaneuf (Red Deer Rebels, 2003-04 and 2004-05), Nolan Baumgartner (Kamloops Blazers, 1994-95 and 1995-96) and Glen Wesley (Portland Winter Hawks, 1985-86 West Division and 1986-87 West Division).
This season marks the sixth occasion in which a Kamloops Blazer has been named WHL Defenceman of the Year. In addition to Zellweger, the Blazers have also been recognized during the 1999-2000 (Micki DuPont), 1995-96 (Nolan Baumgartner), 1994-95 (Nolan Baumgartner), 1990-91 (Darryl Sydor) and 1987-88 (Greg Hawgood) seasons.
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.
The 2023 WHL Awards were voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media.
Winners of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (since 2003)
2022-23 Olen Zellweger, Kamloops Blazers
2021-22 Olen Zellweger, Everett Silvertips
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
* - also selected as Canadian Hockey League Defenceman of the Year
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