By Western Hockey League

CALGARY, Alta. –  The Western Hockey League announced today that Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager has been awarded the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player for the 2022-23 season.

The 2023 NHL Draft prospect and reigning WHL and Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year recorded a career-high 78 points for the Warriors during the 2022-23 WHL Regular Season on the strength of 28 goals and 50 assists, while amassing only 14 minutes in penalties from his 67 games played.

“Brad Hornung will always be remembered as an ambassador for the WHL, for sportsmanship, for positivity regardless of the circumstances,” said Yager. “Congratulations to my fellow nominees for their own successes and commitment to sportsmanship.

“I thank my family for raising me to play the right way, to compete my hardest between the whistles, but to make sure I treat my opponents with respect.

“I want to express my appreciation for my entire team’s support in my attempts to have a positive impact in the outcome of our games. I am honoured to be acknowledged for my efforts to contribute to my team’s success, while playing with discipline and self-control.”

Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy Finalists

• B.C. Division – Caedan Bankier, Kamloops Blazers
• Central Division – Andrew Basha, Medicine Hat Tigers
• U.S. Division – Gabe Klassen, Portland Winterhawks

The product of Saskatoon, Sask. totalled four short-handed goals and seven game-winning goals over the course of the regular season.

The 18-year-old is listed 11th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Yager is the fifth Warrior to be named the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player, joining Justin Almeida (2018-19), Jason Bast (2009-10), Blair Atcheynum (1988-89) and Darren Boyko (Winnipeg Warriors, 1982-83).

Noted for his talent, desire and sportsmanlike attitude, Brad Hornung was revered in Western Canadian hockey circles. The Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Player is awarded annually to the player that best combines those same attributes.

The trophy was re-dedicated as the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy in 2022 following his passing at the age of 52.

A rising star for the Regina Pats, Hornung’s career was cut short after the forward was paralyzed from the waist down following a hit in a game on March 1, 1987.

Since then, Hornung’s courageous attitude and inspirational message of perseverance has kept his connection with the game of hockey strong. A former amateur scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, Hornung was a staple in hockey rinks throughout Saskatchewan and a staple of past WHL Awards events. His No. 8 jersey has been retired by the Pats.

The 2023 WHL Awards were voted upon by WHL General Managers and members of the media.

Winners of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy (since 2003)

* – also selected as the Canadian Hockey League Most Sportsmanlike Player

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About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.