WHL announces nominees for Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the 2023-24 Division nominees for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year.
All individual WHL Division Award winners will be eligible for the 2024 WHL Awards, which will be announced from Tuesday, April 30 through Thursday, May 9.
WHL Scholastic Player of the Year – Division Winners
B.C. Division – Andrew Thomson (Sherwood Park, Alta.), Kamloops Blazers
Central Division – Noah Chadwick (Saskatoon, Sask.), Lethbridge Hurricanes
East Division – Kolten Bridgeman (Regina, Sask.), Regina Pats
U.S. Division – Berkly Catton (Saskatoon, Sask.), Spokane Chiefs
WHL Scholastic Player of the Year Biographies
Andrew Thomson (Kamloops Blazers)
The 17-year-old product of Sherwood Park, Alta., excelled off the ice during the 2023-24 academic season, earning a 93-percent average in his core subjects.
Thomson has shown as commendable dedication to academic achievement, excelling in challenging core courses such as Calculus 12, Chemistry 12 and Physics 12. Using exceptional time management skills and displaying strong determination, Thomson has successfully balanced his on-ice pursuits with his academic responsibilities.
As a rookie in the WHL, Thomson quickly proved himself as a leader amongst his peer group. Through preparation and dedication, he is regarded as someone who leads by example and sets high expectations for himself.
On the ice, Thomson collected 19 points (10G-9A) in 65 games during the 2023-24 campaign. The 6-foot, 180-pound centre was originally selected by the Blazers in the third round (63rd overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.
Noah Chadwick (Lethbridge Hurricanes)
The 18-year-old prospect of the Toronto Maple Leafs not only prioritized his academics, he excelled in the classroom, graduating Grade 12 a year early and beginning post-secondary studies at Athabasca University and Lethbridge College. At his high-school graduation, Chadwick was recognized with the Governor General Award, presented to the student with the highest grades in his graduating class.
At Lethbridge College, Chadwick earned a 98-percent average in English 1150 – Academic Writing this fall. Working through Introduction to Statistics at Athabasca University, Chadwick secured a 93-percent average, while also recording a 91-percent grade in Psychology as a Natural Science.
Chadwick has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in the community and serves as a leader for his teammates, both on and off the ice.
Selected by the Maple Leafs in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Chadwick has enjoyed success on the ice this season, logging career highs in points (56), goals (12) and assists (44).
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenceman was originally selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (38th overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. In 146 career WHL Regular Season games, he has tallied 79 points (19G-60A).
Kolten Bridgeman (Regina Pats)
The 17-year-old rookie hailing from Regina, recorded an overall average of 92.6 percent in core Grade 12 subjects, all while studying independently through an online learning program.
Bridgeman registered a 94-percent average in English Language Arts 30A, a 91-percentage average in Math Foundations 30, a 91-percent average in Earth Science 30 and a 93-percentage average in Entrepreneurship 30.
Operating with discipline and motivation, Bridgeman was able to complete his first semester courses two months prior to the January deadline. His attitude and maturity serves as an example for his class and teammates.
Bridgeman succeeded on the ice in his first full season with the Pats. The 6-foot-4, 197-pound defenceman skated in 50 games, recording five points (1G-4A). Unselected in the WHL Prospects Draft, Bridgeman signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Pats on September 8, 2022.
Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs)
The 18-year-old product of Saskatoon has maintained an overall average of 85 percent over the past two academic years.
Including an 89-percent average in Sports Psychology 20, an 88-percent average in History 30, an 81-percent average in Biology 30, as well as an 83-percent average in English Language Arts 30, Catton has scored well in his core classes.
In his second year in the WHL, Catton has balanced his academic pursuits with the high-pressure demands of being in his NHL Draft year. Listed ninth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for the 2024 NHL Draft, Catton has managed to put his best foot forward both on the ice and off the ice, thanks to his exemplary character.
Catton exploded for 116 points (54G-62A) in 68 games this season. Originally selected by the Chiefs with the first-overall pick in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound centre has collected 175 points (78G-97A) in 140 career WHL Regular Season games.
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.