Year In Review: Yager wins WHL Rookie of the Year

With 2022 drawing to a close, Discover Moose Jaw will be sharing some of the biggest stories that were viewed by you in 2022. This story was first published by the Moose Jaw Warriors on June 2, 2022.

Brayden Yager’s incredible debut season in the Western Hockey League has been recognized at the 2022 WHL Awards.

The Moose Jaw Warriors forward has been named the winner of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the league’s Rookie of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

“This a great day for Brayden and the Moose Jaw Warriors’ organization,” Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said. “It shows all the hard work he has put into his game over the years to become an elite player in the WHL.”

Congratulations to @MJWARRIORS forward Brayden Yager, recipient of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as 2021-22 WHL Rookie of the Year, presented by @CanadianJerky.

📰 | https://t.co/cTtdAnArvH#WHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Y3LMr65gBe

— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 2, 2022

Yager posted 34 goals and 59 points in 63 games this season for the Warriors, setting a new franchise record for most goals by a 16-year-old.

He was third among WHL rookies in goals and eighth in points this season.

Yager becomes the fourth player in Warriors’ history to win the award and the second in the past four seasons, joining Brayden Tracey (2018-19), Donovan Nunweiler (1996-97) and Mark Mackay (1984-85).