Wheat Kings named WHL scholastic team of the year

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This article was published 03/06/2022 (1367 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In addition to working on their skills on the ice, the Brandon Wheat Kings stayed staying sharp in the classroom during the 2021-22 Western Hockey League campaign.

The club was honoured for their academic achievements Wednesday evening as they received the Jim Donlevy Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s scholastic team of the year during the league’s awards ceremony, which was held virtually.

This marks the first time that the Wheat Kings have won the award, which is named in memory of the league’s long-time director of education services.

“It’s been such a hard time for every team and I feel like we all had to get creative and unique this year under such trying times,” Wheat Kings education advisor Glenda Zelmer said in a video statement.

“Anyone that is associated with our club knows how important education has been and will be … I’d like to thank the league for acknowledging us and it’s a real honour to be receiving this award on behalf of the organization.”

High school students on the Wheat Kings roster attend Crocus Plains and maintained an overall average of 88 per cent through the first semester.

While COVID-19 again caused challenges with the team’s schedule, the players were able to continue their studies at the rink with assistance from Wheat Kings staff and the faculty at Crocus Plains.

“There’s a great community here that’s supporting the players,” Zelmer said. “Everyone here really enjoyed working with them.

“The players bought in to what was happening, even with all of the changes taking place, and they are great people to be involved with. I’m excited to see where they go moving forward.”

The big award winner on Wednesday evening was Kamloops Blazers forward Logan Stankoven.

The Dallas Stars prospect became the first player to receive the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for player of the year and the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy for most sportsmanlike player in the same season since Sam Reinhart earned both accolades with the Kootenay Ice in 2014.

In accepting the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy, the Kamloops product was quick to thank his teammates, coaches, friends, family and the Blazers fans.

“Everyone has played a key part in where I am today and how I’ve grown as a player and as a person,” Stankoven said.

“There’s so many talented players that could have won this award and I’m truly grateful to be receiving it.”

The other award winners were as follows:

• Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy (defenceman of the year): Olen Zellweger — Everett Silvertips
• Del Wilson Memorial Trophy (goaltender of the year): Dylan Garand — Kamloops Blazers
• Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year): Brayden Yager — Moose Jaw Warriors
• Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy (coach of the year): James Patrick — Winnipeg Ice
• Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy (humanitarian of the year): Luke Prokop — Edmonton Oil Kings
• Doc Seaman Memorial Trophy (scholastic player of the year): Connor Levis — Kamloops Blazers
• Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy (executive of the year): Matt Cockell — Winnipeg Ice
• Bob Clarke Trophy (top scorer): Arshdeep Bains — Red Deer Rebels
• Business Award: Everett Silvertips
• Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy (top official): Chris Crich
• Play of the Year: Connor Bedard — Regina Pats (highlight reel goal against the Calgary Hitmen on Feb. 6)

 

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