The Western Hockey League announced today that four WHL players have been recognized among the country’s best Tuesday at the 2022 CHL Awards in Saint John, N.B.
WHL Winners at the 2022 CHL Awards
Logan Stankoven, Kamloops Blazers – CHL David Branch Player of the Year
Dylan Garand, Kamloops Blazers – CHL Goaltender of the Year
Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw Warriors – CHL Rookie of the Year
Luke Prokop, Edmonton Oil Kings – CHL Humanitarian of the Year
Presented annually, the CHL Awards celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of players from across the Canadian Hockey League, with 10 trophies presented based on individual performances.
CHL David Branch Player of the Year presented by Kia Canada – Logan Stankoven, Kamloops Blazers
Kamloops Blazers forward Logan Stankoven was recognized as the most outstanding player in Canadian Major Junior hockey after winning the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award presented by Kia Canada. Stankoven was named a finalist for the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award after winning the WHL’s Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the most outstanding player in the WHL.
A prospect of the Dallas Stars (2021, 2-47), Stankoven finished third in the WHL scoring race for the 2021-22 Regular Season, collecting 104 points (45G-59A). His 1.76 points per game was best in the WHL, while his 45 goals were tied for fourth best, and his 59 assists were fifth among all WHL skaters.
Stankoven, 19, serves as the first WHL player to be named CHL Player of the Year since Brendan Shinnimin of the Tri-City Americans (2011-12). Stankoven is only the second Blazer to be named CHL Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of Rob Brown, who was recognized in 1986-87.
The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Stankoven was originally selected by his hometown Blazers with the fifth-overall pick in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft. In 132 career WHL regular season contests, Stankoven has tallied 163 points (81G-82A).
CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award Finalists, 2021-22
Wyatt Johnson, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
William Dufour, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Previous WHL Winners of the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award
2011-12: Brendan Shinnimin, Tri-City Americans
2009-10: Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats
1997-98: Sergei Varlamov, Swift Current Broncos
1987-88: Joe Sakic, Swift Current Broncos
1986-87: Rob Brown, Kamloops Blazers
1984-85: Dan Hodgson, Prince Albert Raiders
1979-80: Doug Wickenheiser, Regina Pats
1974-75: Ed Staniowski, Regina Pats
CHL Goaltender of the Year Award presented by Real Canadian Superstore – Dylan Garand, Kamloops Blazers
Kamloops Blazers goaltender Dylan Garand was recognized as the top goaltender in Canadian Major Junior hockey after being named CHL Goaltender of the Year presented by Real Canadian Superstore. Garand was named a finalist for the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award after winning the WHL’s Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as WHL Goaltender of the Year.
A prospect of the New York Rangers (2020, 4-103), Garand was among the league leaders in all major goaltending categories, including goals-against average (2.16, second), save percentage (.925, second), wins (34, T-1st), and shutouts (four, T-4th).
The 20-year-old Garand is the fourth consecutive WHL goaltender to be named CHL Goaltender of the Year, following on the heels of Dustin Wolf of the Everett Silvertips (2019-20), Ian Scott of the Prince Albert Raiders (2018-19), and Carter Hart of the Everett Silvertips (2017-18).
Garand is the second Blazer to be named CHL Goaltender of the Year. In 1991-92, Corey Hirsch was tabbed as the top puckstopper in the CHL.
Since the year 2000, a total of 14 CHL Goaltenders of the Year have hailed from the Western Hockey League.
The 6-foot-1, 181-pound Garand, who hails from Victoria, B.C., was originally selected by the Blazers in the third round (58th overall) of the 2017 WHL Prospects Draft. In 136 career WHL regular season appearances, he has accrued a record of 90-31-5-2 with a 2.33 GAA, .919 SV%, and 12 shutouts.
CHL Goaltender of the Year Award Finalists, 2021-22
Brett Brochu, London Knights (OHL)
Samuel Richard, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Previous WHL Winners of the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award
2019-20: Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips
2018-19: Ian Scott, Prince Albert Raiders
2017-18: Carter Hart Everett Silvertips
2015-16: Carter Hart, Everett Silvertips
2013-14: Jordon Cooke, Kelowna Rockets
2012-13: Patrik Bartosak, Red Deer Rebels
2010-11: Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer Rebels
2007-08: Chet Pickard, Tri-City Americans
2006-07: Carey Price, Tri-City Americans
2005-06: Justin Pogge, Calgary Hitmen
2004-05: Jeff Glass, Kootenay ICE
2003-04: Cam Ward, Red Deer Rebels
2000-01: Dan Blackburn, Kootenay ICE
1998-99: Cody Rudkowsky, Seattle Thunderbirds
1993-94: Norm Maracle, Saskatoon Blades
1991-92: Corey Hirsch, Kamloops Blazers
1989-90: Trevor Kidd, Brandon Wheat Kings
CHL Rookie of the Year Award – Brayden Yager, Moose Jaw Warriors
Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager was recognized as the top rookie in Canadian Major Junior hockey after being named CHL Rookie of the Year. Yager was named a finalist for the CHL Rookie of the Year Award after winning the WHL’s Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year.
A top prospect eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft, Yager finished fourth in scoring among 2005-born WHL rookies, registering 59 points (34G-25A) in 63 games. His 34 goals ranked tops among all 2005-born WHL rookies.
Yager, who turned 17 in January, is the first Moose Jaw Warrior to be named CHL Rookie of the Year, and also represents the first WHL player since Brett Connolly of the Prince George Cougars (2008-09) to win the award.
A product of Saskatoon, Sask., the 6-foot, 161-pound Yager was originally selected third overall by the Warriors in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. In 87 career WHL regular season games, he has notched 77 points (41G-36A).
CHL Rookie of the Year Award Finalists, 2021-22
Cam Allen, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Jakub Brabenec, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Previous WHL Winners of the CHL Rookie of the Year Award
2008-09: Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars
2002-03: Matt Ellison, Red Deer Rebels
2000-01: Scottie Upshall, Kamloops Blazers
1999-00: Dan Blackburn, Kootenay ICE
1998-99: Pavel Brendl, Calgary Hitmen
1992-93: Jeff Friesen, Regina Pats
1989-90: Petr Nedved, Seattle Thunderbirds
CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award – Luke Prokop, Edmonton Oil Kings
Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Luke Prokop was recognized as the CHL Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts off the ice and in the community. Prokop was named a finalist for the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award after winning the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy as WHL Humanitarian of the Year.
Prokop, a prospect of the Nashville Predators (2020, 3-73), created the Shots for Impact Program in support of Kids Help Phone ahead of the 2021-22 WHL season, donating $10 for each of his shots on goal this season. From there, he worked to secure matching donations from the Edmonton Oil Kings, Nashville Predators, and Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, collectively raising over $12,000 to benefit the Kids Help Phone.
The 20-year-old Prokop inspired the world on July 19, 2021 when he came out as the first openly gay player signed to an NHL contract. Since then, the Edmonton-born blueliner has worked tirelessly to fight for inclusion in hockey and across sport.
Prokop played a vital role in the development of the Edmonton Oil Kings first ever Pride Day Game, hosted on April 9 at Rogers Place. As a part of the celebrations for this day, he teamed up with Bauer Hockey to have custom skates made featuring Pride colours.
On the ice, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Prokop enjoyed a career season as a member of the WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings. In 58 WHL regular season games, he registered a career-high 35 points (11G-24A). During the 2022 WHL Playoffs, Prokop played a key part on the Oil Kings blueline, chipping in with 16 points (4G-12A) in 19 games and being named WHL Player of the Week on one occasion.
The last WHL player to be named CHL Humanitarian of the Year was Tyler Wong of the Lethbridge Hurricanes (2016-17). Prokop is the first ever Edmonton Oil King to be named CHL Humanitarian of the Year.
Prokop was originally selected by the Calgary Hitmen seventh overall in the 2017 WHL Prospects Draft. In 208 career WHL regular season games, he has secured 76 points (18G-58A).
CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award Finalists, 2021-22
Mark Woolley, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Brett Budgell, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Previous WHL Winners of the CHL Rookie of the Year Award
2016-17: Tyler Wong, Lethbridge Hurricanes
2013-14: Sam Fioretti, Moose Jaw Warriors
2010-11: Spencer Edwards, Moose Jaw Warriors
2006-07: Kyle Moir, Swift Current Broncos
2004-05: Colin Fraser, Red Deer Rebels
2002-03: Ryan Craig, Brandon Wheat Kings
2001-02: Brandin Cote, Spokane Chiefs
2000-01: Jim Vandermeer, Red Deer Rebels
1996-97: Jesse Wallin, Red Deer Rebels
For complete information on the 2022 CHL Awards, visit CHL.ca.
