Brayden Yager was the best rookie in the Canadian Hockey League during the 2022-23 season.
The Moose Jaw Warriors forward was awarded the CHL Rookie of the Year award on Tuesday as part of the 2022 Memorial Cup week.
“This a great accomplishment for Brayden and the Warriors organization,” Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said. “From the time he came into the WHL, he was a highly-touted prospect and with his development he’s become a well-rounded, high skill player.”
Yager is the first player in franchise history to win the CHL’s Rookie of the Year award.
He also becomes the sixth player in Warriors’ history to be honoured by the CHL, joining Jayden Halbgewachs (Top Scorer in 2017-18), Justin Almedia (Sportsman of the Year in 2018-19), Sam Fioretti (Humanitarian of the Year in 2013-14), Spencer Edwards (Humanitarian of the Year in 2010-11) and Jason Bast (Sportsman of the Year in 2009-10).
Yager finished third among WHL rookies with 34 goals, which was second on the Warriors and set a new franchise record for most goals by a 16-year-old.
He added 25 assists for 59 points, which is the second-most in Warriors’ history by a 16-year-old, trailing only Theo Fleury.
Yager will be attending Canada’s under-18 selection camp next month.
The Warriors return to the ice for preseason action on Friday, Sept. 9 against the Swift Current Broncos. Get your season tickets today at the Warriors’ office, click here for more details.