Moose Jaw Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk has been named the winner of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as the Western Hockey League’s top defenceman.

“It’s a huge honour to win the top defencaman award this year,” Mateychuk said.

“I’d like to take this time to congratulate the other division winners on their great seasons. It was pretty cool to tell my family that I won the award after all we’ve been through together and all they’ve done for me.”

Mateychuk had one of the best seasons by a Warriors defenceman in franchise history, finishing with 17 goals and 75 points in only 52 games, averaging 1.44 points per game.

The Columbus Blue Jackets first round selection set the Warriors’ franchise record for most career points by a defenceman with 215 points in 203 games.

This is Mateychuk’s first Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy after previously being nominated for the award in 2021-22.

Mateychuk is the second Warrior to win the award, joining Kale Clague in 2017-18.

The Dominion City, MB product edged out Graham Sward of the Wenatchee Wild, Hudson Thornton of the Prince George Cougars and Carter Yakemchuk of the Calgary Hitmen.

Mateychuk will now be up for the Canadian Hockey League’s top defenceman award during the 2024 Memorial Cup in Saginaw, MI.