2023 CALGARY HITMEN AWARDS PRESENTED BY ELITE PROMOTIONAL MARKETING
The Elite Promotional Marketing Calgary Hitmen Team Awards were held on Sunday, March 26 preceding the Hitmen’s last game of the Regular Season. Sponsors included DDRC and Ed Williams Men’s Wear. See Award Recipients below.
Player of the Year – Riley Fiddler-Schultz
Previous winners include Ryan Getzlaf and Martin Jones. Leading the team in goals and assists, this year’s recipient has defined himself as a dynamic two-way centre. This player is the highest scoring Hitmen player since Mark Kastelic (47g, 30a) and James Malm in the 2018-19 . Wearing the c on his jersey this year, he showed his leadership through his commitment to the team and his own performance, while finding time to give back to the community.
Fan Favourite Award – Blake Heward
This award is voted on the fans, who we cannot thank enough for your loyal, enthusiastic support through the ups and downs this season. This year’s winner came to the Hitmen in the 2021-22 season and has embodied Hitmen Hockey ever since. His high compete level, dedication and positive attitude both on and off the ice, not only earned him the respect on his teammates and coaches but of the Calgary Hitmen Fans.
Scholastic Player of the Year – London Hoilett
Balancing hockey and education is a must for Hitmen players. This year’s winner came to this year’s training camp undrafted and went on to appear in more than 50 games with the club, becoming a staple in the Hitmen lineup. Off the ice, he brought the same work ethic in the classroom successfully completing four courses in the first semester with a 77% core subject average -working both online and in the classroom.
Player’s Choice – Riley Fiddler-Schultz
This award is voted on by the players themselves and goes to the recipient who personifies what it means to be a Hitmen player through commitment to their teammates and the game itself. This player led by example on and off the ice, a veteran presence up front and a key driver of offense. Wearing a letter for the second season in a row , this player was trusted by players and staff to wear the C on his jersey this year. A mentor for his teammates, a leader in the community, this player always put the team first.
3 Star Selection Award presented by DDRC – Riley Fiddler-Schultz
This award is voted on by the media, who we would like to thank for their continuing coverage of the Western Hockey League and the Calgary Hitmen. It includes ballets cast for all regular season games. Riley Fiddler-Schultz was named the most amongst the 3 stars throughout the season, leading the team in trips to the top of the podium as the game’s first star.
Rookie of the Year – Carson Wetsch
Originally selected by Calgary in the first round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, this player made the team out of training camp as a 16 year old rookie. A strong start in pre-season notching 2 goals and 2 assist in 4 games, this forward showed he would make an impact on the program early on. In October, the forward was selected to play at the World Under 17 Challenge in Langley and Delta, BC, representing Team Canada Red in the tournament. Securing 9goal goals and 10 assists for 19 points before suffering an injury at the half way mark in the season, The forward battled back and returned to the lineup helping the Hitmen in their playoff push. A bright future lies ahead for this recipient as he will be an important part of the Hitmen’s future successes.
Coaches Award – Sean Tschigerl
This award is based on leadership, attitude, effort and performance. This year’s winner work ethic is unmatched and and his commitment to the game and his teammates earned him a letter on his jersey for the second season in a row. Not only was he a performer on the ice, this player pushed himself off the ice, setting an example for those around him. A great teammate, Hard Working and coachable are all characteristics used to describe this winner.
Top Defenceman – Grayden Siepmann and Carter Yakemchuk
Previous recipients include Jake Bean, Michael Stone and Travis Sanheim. This year this award will go to two players who have both made tremendous impact on the success of the team. Both recipients have contributed to the Hitmen offense being amongst the top scoring in defenceman in the league. The team has seen an increase in offensive production from the 2021-22 season, with a lot of credit to these two mainstay defenceman.
From Logging important minutes to being instrumental in the success of the programs specials teams, both of these winners were relied upon in all situations.
Leading Scorer – Riley Fiddler-Schultz
In his final season with the Hitmen, This year’s winner recorded his career best in the WHL with a new career high in goals and assists recording 31 goals and 44 assists for 75 points in 62 games. Season highlights include a 5 goal performance vs the Prince Albert Raiders on October 23rd, tying the franchise record for most goals in a game. The record was previously set by Pavel Brendl on November, 11th 2000. The two way centreman lead the Hitmen offense , recording over 15 multi-point games this season.
Humanitarian Award – Riley Fiddler-Schultz
This year’s recipient has shown leadership in the community over his past 5 years with the program. Spearheading various initiatives this player has used his platform to give back to the community Since it’s inception in 2019, Fiddler-Schultz Fills-A-Ford has collected over 3,000 pounds of food and has raised over $5,000 dollars for Veteran’s Food Bank of Calgary over the past three years. This season, he also continued Fidd’s Friends for a third year, which brought kids from the Trellis society to Hitmen games where he was able to provide autographs and meet with kids in the suite after games. The winner of the WHL Humanitarian of the year in 2021, This year’s recipient has displayed tremendous selflessness over his time with the Hitmen and sets an example for current and future players.
