Markus Ruck nominated for Sportsmanlike Player of the Year award

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 4, 2026.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Markus Ruck was one of the most sportsmanlike players in the WHL this season, according to league general managers.

The Medicine Hat Tigers forward was one of six nominees named Thursday for the WHL’s Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy, presented to the Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The elder Ruck twin amassed 28 penalty minutes while leading the entire CHL in scoring with 21 goals and 108 points in 68 games.

The other two Eastern Conference nominees were Brandon Wheat Kings forward Jordan Gavin and Prince Albert Raiders deadline acquisition, forward Braedon Cootes. In the Western Conference, Matias Vanhanen (Everett Silverips), Ryden Evers (Penticton Vees) and Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks) were all nominated.

Finalists for WHL Awards are voted upon by WHL general managers, winners of 2026 WHL Awards will be announced from Tuesday, April 21, through Wednesday, May 6.

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