Markus Ruck, an 18-year-old forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers, has been named a finalist for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy, which honors the WHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player. Ruck led the WHL in scoring this season with 108 points (21 goals, 87 assists) in 68 games while incurring 28 minutes in penalties. The finalists also include other standout players like Jordan Gavin of the Brandon Wheat Kings and Matias Vanhanen of the Everett Silvertips. The awards, voted on by WHL General Managers, will be announced between April 21 and May 6.

By the Numbers
  • Markus Ruck: 108 points (21G-87A) in 68 games; 28 penalty minutes.
  • Jordan Gavin: 58 points (16G-42A) in 68 games; only 6 penalty minutes across three seasons.
State of Play
  • Ruck is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft and is ranked 31st among North American skaters.
  • Ruck has accumulated a total of 137 points (29G-108A) in 132 career WHL games.
What's Next

The winners of the WHL Awards will be revealed in a series of announcements from April 21 through May 6, providing recognition of the league's top players.

Bottom Line

Markus Ruck's standout performance places him at the forefront of the WHL as a rising talent, showcasing his potential for future success in hockey.