Willie Desjardins, the General Manager of the Medicine Hat Tigers, has been named a finalist for the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy, awarded to the WHL's Executive of the Year. This accolade honors contributions to sports, particularly in junior hockey. Other finalists include Curtis Hunt of the Prince Albert Raiders and Garry Davidson from the Calgary Hitmen. Winners will be announced between April 21 and May 6, 2026. Notably, Desjardins has yet to receive this award despite a successful career leading the Tigers to division titles.

By the Numbers
  • Desjardins led the Tigers to a record of 50-10-5-3 this season.
  • Curtis Hunt's Raiders finished with a record of 52-10-5-1 in the same timeframe.
State of Play
  • The WHL Awards will take place from April 21 to May 6, 2026.
  • Desjardins has been at the helm of the Tigers for 15 seasons, achieving continued success.
What's Next

The final decision on the Executive of the Year will reflect team performance and managerial achievements. Anticipation builds as teams strategize for next season, potentially influencing award considerations. Desjardins aims to elevate his status by securing this prestigious title.

Bottom Line

Desjardins' nomination highlights his resilience and strategic acumen, making him a strong contender for the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy. His ongoing success in the WHL sets a benchmark for what outstanding management looks like in junior hockey.