DuPont caps exceptional rookie season with WHL rookie of the year honours

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 25, 2025.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Western Hockey League’s youngest star shined brightest this season, recognized by WHL award voters.

Everett Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont was named the WHL’s rookie of the year for 2024-25 the league announced Thursday.

The 15-year-old, 16 in May, was the first defenceman and second player in WHL history to be granted exceptional status into the junior league. He rose to the occasion in his first season, tallying 17 goals and 60 points in 54 regular season games. In 10 playoff games, he had five goals and 15 points.

He was the first defenceman aged 16 or younger to hit the 50-point mark in their first season since Hockey Hall of Famer and Kamloops Blazer Scott Niedermayer in 1989-90.

Across the entire CHL, DuPont’s 60 points led all rookie defencemen and tied for second among all rookie skaters.