The Canadian Hockey League remains the largest source of young talent in the world, sending nearly countless players into various professional hockey leagues every year. The WHL, OHL and QMJHL are continually being picked over for the next great NHL player, and while some slip through the cracks the majority of the top performers are snapped up by organizations at the draft.
Today the WHL released their conference awards, highlighting the very best performers from this year. This list is littered with NHL prospects, including some who will make their debut as soon as next season. Each of the conference winners are eligible for the overall awards which will be given out at the beginning of May. The list is as follows:
Eastern Conference Player of the Year: Trey Fix-Wolansky, Edmonton Oil Kings (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Western Conference Player of the Year: Joachim Blichfeld, Portland Winterhawks (San Jose Sharks)
Eastern Conference Top Goaltender: Ian Scott, Prince Albert Raiders (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Western Conference Top Goaltender: Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips (2019 draft eligible)
Eastern Conference Top Defenseman: Josh Brook, Moose Jaw Warriors (Montreal Canadiens)
Western Conference Top Defenseman: Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs (New Jersey Devils)
Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year: Brayden Tracey, Moose Jaw Warriors (2019 draft eligible)
Western Conference Rookie of the Year: Lassi Thomson, Spokane Chiefs (2019 draft eligible)
Eastern Conference Most Sportsmanlike Player: Justin Almeida, Moose Jaw Warriors (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Western Conference Most Sportsmanlike Player: Cody Glass, Portland Winterhawks (Vegas Golden Knights)
WHL Top Scorer: Joachim Blichfeld, Portland Winterhawks (San Jose Sharks)
68 GP, 53 G, 61 A, 114 PTS
Not to be outdone, the OHL released their annual coaches poll today that highlights some more specific skills and traits. The list always provides a good insight into the top prospects from people who are dealing with them on a daily basis. The full list can be found here, but some highlights:
Eastern Conference Smartest Player: Marco Rossi, Ottawa 67’s (2020 draft eligible)
Western Conference Smartest Player: Nick Suzuki, Guelph Storm (Montreal Candiens)
Eastern Conference Hardest Worker: Keean Washkurak, Mississauga Steelheads (2019 draft eligible)
Western Conference Hardest Worker: Aidan Dudas, Owen Sound Attack (Los Angeles Kings)
Eastern Conference Best Playmaker: Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts (2019 draft eligible)
Western Conference Best Playmaker: Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Philadelphia Flyers)
Eastern Conference Most Dangerous in Goal Area: Justin Brazeau, North Bay Battalion (free agent)
Western Conference Most Dangerous in Goal Area: Owen Tippett, Saginaw Spirit (Florida Panthers)
Eastern Conference Best Skater: Brett Neumann, Oshawa Generals (free agent)
Western Conference Best Skater: Alex Formenton, London Knights (Ottawa Senators)
Eastern Conference Best Shot: Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (2019 draft eligible)
Western Conference Best Shot: Bode Wilde, Saginaw Spirit (New York Islanders)
Eastern Conference Hardest Shot: Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (2019 draft eligible)
Western Conference Hardest Shot: Owen Tippett, Saginaw Spirit (Florida Panthers)
Eastern Conference Best Stickhandler: Nick Robertson, Peterborough Petes (2019 draft eligible)
Western Conference Best Stickhandler: Morgan Frost, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Philadelphia Flyers)