The Western Hockey League announced today the 2025-26 finalists for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Defenceman of the Year
Bill Hunter was a founder and builder of the WHL. He served as Owner, General Manager, and Coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings from 1966 through 1972, while also serving as the first Chairman of the Board for the WHL. Hunter was the driving force that kept the WHL at the forefront of Major Junior hockey in Canada.
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.
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy – Eastern Conference Finalists
Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers
Jonas Woo, Medicine Hat Tigers
Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy – Western Conference Finalists
Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips
Tarin Smith, Everett Silvertips
Carson Carels, Prince George Cougars
Carson Carels, Prince George Cougars
The 17-year-old product of Cypress River, Man., emerged as a dominant force in 2025-26, recording 73 points (20G-53A) in 58 games. Carels’ 73 points tied for fourth among WHL blueliners, while he was one of only six rearguards to reach the 20-goal plateau.
Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound left-shot Carels is ranked third among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. In November, he was selected to represent Team CHL in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. Come February, Carels was named captain of Team West for the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Originally selected by the Cougars in the first round (16th overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Carels has played 125 career WHL regular season games, securing 111 points (26G-85A).
