WHL announces finalists for trio of regular season awards

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 9, 2026.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Western Hockey League released the finalists for three awards from the regular season.

On Wednesday the league announced the nominees for the goaltender of the year, humanitarian of the year and scholastic player of the year awards.

The Eastern conference finalists for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, presented to the goalie of the year, are Michal Orsulak (Prince Albert Raiders), Filip Ruzicka (Brandon Wheat Kings) and Chase Wutzke (Moose Jaw Warriors).

The Western conference finalists are Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars), Tobias Tvrznik (Wenatchee Wild) and Andrew Reyelts (Penticton Vees).

Orsulak had a 28-4-3-1 record with a 2.22 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and four shutouts in his first WHL season. The 18-year-old is eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and was ranked second among North American goaltenders in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Ruzicka also enjoyed a successful rookie season in the WHL with a 26-14-1-0 record, sporting a with a 3.19 GAA, .906 SV% with two shutouts. The 18-year-old is also NHL Draft eligible, ranked 13th among North American goaltenders in mid-term rankings.

Wutzke, the Minnesota Wild prospect, had a 16-24-3-1 record with a 3.33 GAA, .904 SV% with one shutout. The 19-year-old split the season between the Red Deer Rebels and Warriors.

Ravensbergen recorded his third straight season with 25 or more wins, finishing with a 32-13-0-0 record, working a 2.51 GAA, .919 SV% and four shutouts. The 19-year-old was selected 30th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Tvrznik had a 16-18-2-2 record with a 3.10 GAA, .913 SV% and one shutout in his WHL rookie season.

The 20-year-old Reyelts was acquired by the Vees from Wenatchee in the expansion draft, finishing his rookie season with a 29-6-6-2 record, running a 2.45 GAA, .906 SV% and three shutouts.

Humanitarian finalists

Seven WHLers were named finalists for the WHL’s Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, awarded to the humanitarian of the year.

The finalists are, Saskatoon Blades net minder Evan Gardner, Calgary Hitmen defenceman Axel Hurtig, Warriors Brady Ness and Ethan Semeniuk, Everett Silvertips goalie Raiden LeGall, Kelowna Rockets forward Shane Smith and Spokane Chiefs net minder Carter Esler.

Scholastic Player finalists

Four WHLers were tabbed as finalists for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy, awarded to the WHL’s scholastic player of the year.

The Eastern conference finalists are Ben MacBeath (Calgary) and Nigel Boehm (Brandon). The Western conference finalists are Sean Burick (Penticton) and Alex Weiermaier (Portland Winterhawks).

Winners of 2026 WHL Awards will be announced from April 21 through May 6.

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