Wendel L. Clark (born October 25, 1966) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. His professional career lasted from 1985 until 2000 , during which time he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs , Quebec Nordiques , New York Islanders , Tampa Bay Lightning , Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks . He was chosen first overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by the Maple Leafs, the team he played with on three occasions, captaining the team from 1991 to 1994 . Clark is a fan favourite in Toronto, continuing to represent the Maple Leafs at public events.
51-590: The Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the defenceman of the year in the Western Hockey League (WHL). It is named after one of the league's founders, Bill Hunter , who was the driving force behind the creation of the WHL. Hunter served as the owner, general manager and head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings , and was the first Chairman of
102-527: A brief revival of the Oil Kings—the team would move again a year later and become the Great Falls Americans . The 1980s were marked by several brawls that involved police intervention, one of the most bizarre trades in hockey history, and the tragic deaths of four players in a bus crash. Early in the 1980–81 WHL season , Medicine Hat Tigers manager and coach Pat Ginnell traded blows with
153-721: A disadvantage when competing nationally against larger leagues based in Ontario and Quebec. Desiring stronger competition, Hunter's Oil Kings were competing in both the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the senior Central Alberta Hockey League . During the 1966 Memorial Cup, Hunter made newspaper headlines when he outlined his vision for a nation-wide junior hockey league competing for the Memorial Cup . The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association's (CAHA) second vice-president Lloyd Pollock responded by saying that
204-666: A fan. LaForge was acquitted when the judge noted that it was hard to convict a man for assault when faced with "an obnoxious person trying to get into the coach's area." LaForge resigned following the season after serving three separate suspensions. On January 19, 1983, the Seattle Breakers dealt Tom Martin and $ 35,000 to the Victoria Cougars for the Cougars' team bus. The Breakers had been unable to sign Martin, who wanted to play in his home town of Victoria, and
255-651: A home pre-game ceremony in which 17 players representing 11 sweater numbers were similarly honoured. Prior to the Leafs' Hockey Day in Canada game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, February 18, 2017, it was announced that statues of iconic Leafs Charlie Conacher , Red Kelly , Frank Mahovlich and Wendel would be added to the Leafs' Legends Row, located outside the Air Canada Centre, as part of
306-568: A linesman during a bench clearing brawl against the Lethbridge Broncos . Ginnell was found guilty of assault, fined $ 360, and suspended for 36 games by the WHL. In March 1982, a violent brawl between the Regina Pats and Calgary Wranglers saw the two teams collectively fined $ 2,250 and players suspended for 73 combined games. Pats coach Bill LaForge would end up in a courtroom later that season when he got into an altercation with
357-620: A long time, the team was coming together at the right time and everybody was doing their jobs." Clark managed a career-high 46 goals in 64 games for the Leafs during the 1993–94 season , playing on a line with Dave Andreychuk and Doug Gilmour . In the playoffs, the Leafs made a second consecutive trip to the Conference Finals but fell 4–1 to the Vancouver Canucks , who were coached by future Leafs coach Pat Quinn . In June 1994, with his value at an all-time high, Clark
408-1009: A new Western regional junior league. Five members of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL)—the Bruins, Moose Jaw Canucks , Regina Pats , Saskatoon Blades , and Weyburn Red Wings —left the SJHL and joined the Oil Kings and the Calgary Buffaloes in forming the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League (CMJHL). Despite concerns that the CMJHL would mean the demise of the Alberta and Saskatchewan leagues—the SJHL did immediately fold—the governing bodies in both provinces sanctioned
459-677: A reality. Originally considered an "outlaw league" by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association , the western league was not sanctioned as a top junior league until 1970, when Canadian junior hockey was reorganized. Despite winning the 1966 Memorial Cup , Edmonton Oil Kings ' owner Bill Hunter was growing concerned about the state of junior hockey in Western Canada. Each of the West's four provinces had its own junior league, and Hunter felt that this put them at
510-836: A regular schedule for 2021–22, and the Oil Kings became the first team to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup since the Prince Albert Raiders in 2019. The WHL comprises 22 teams divided into two conferences, making it the largest league in the CHL—the Ontario Hockey League has 20 teams and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League has 18. The WHL has member teams across four Canadian provinces and two American states. The Eastern Conference comprises teams from Manitoba , Saskatchewan , and Alberta . The Western Conference
561-736: A spot on the North American All-Star team and went on to score 28 goals in 65 games. Despite his success in Tampa Bay, he was dealt at the trade deadline to the Detroit Red Wings , where he finished the 1998–99 season . Clark signed with the Chicago Blackhawks later in 1999 but only appeared in 13 games with the team. Upon returning to the Leafs in 2000, after being benched by the Blackhawks, Clark
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#1732787487205612-467: A total value of CA$ 9 million by 2008. Teams maintain academic advisors, who monitor the academic progress of players along with the league's Director of Education Services. Canadian universities and colleges recruit extensively from the WHL, affording graduating players the opportunity to continue playing hockey in U Sports competition as they attend post-secondary institutions. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) considers graduates of
663-874: Is a junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States . The WHL is one of three leagues that constitutes the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada , alongside the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League . Teams play for the Ed Chynoweth Cup , with the winner moving on to play for the Memorial Cup , Canada's national junior championship. WHL teams have won
714-517: Is an annual event in which teams select players from bantam hockey league age groups, i.e. 14 or 15 years old. The order of selection depends on the league's standings. Players aged 15 to 20 are eligible to play in the WHL, with some restrictions. 15-year-olds are permitted to play only five games, unless their midget team's season has ended. Meanwhile, each team is allowed to have only three 20-year-olds on their rosters, except for expansion teams, for which five 20-year-olds are eligible to play. Each team
765-545: Is made up of teams based in British Columbia , Washington , and Oregon . The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs, with the division winners declared the top two seeds in the first round of the post-season. In the playoffs, the four remaining teams in each conference are reseeded by regular season points in the second round. Note: Current teams are shown in blue. Gold stars denote league championships. The WHL Bantam Draft
816-576: Is now employed by the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club as a community ambassador and public relations. He can be seen at virtually all Leaf home games, usually with his wife Denise and children. The Toronto Maple Leafs honoured the former captain by raising his legendary number 17 to the rafters on November 22, 2008, at the Air Canada Centre . The number was officially retired by the team on October 15, 2016, during
867-769: Is permitted to carry only two non-North American players, and teams have the opportunity to select such players through the CHL Import Draft . Each of the CHL's three member leagues are granted exclusive territorial rights to players from within North America. The WHL holds rights to players from the four western provinces, the American Pacific Northwest, all other American states west of the Mississippi River (except Missouri), and
918-475: The 1985 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships . Clark was converted to forward after he was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft . Clark was known for his physical play and his offensive mind combined with scoring prowess. As tough as Clark was, his scoring touch and offensive ability was equal to his on-ice toughness. Clark's 227 PIM in his rookie season
969-654: The 2002 Memorial Cup —despite being in one of the smallest markets in the league. In the 2000s, the league expanded four more times. The Vancouver Giants joined in 2001, the Everett Silvertips in 2003, the Chilliwack Bruins in 2005—the team relocated in 2011 and became the Victoria Royals —and the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2007. The Kelowna Rockets established a run of dominance, winning three WHL titles in 2003, 2005, and 2009, and winning
1020-666: The Portland Winter Hawks , marking the WCHL's first American club. With the addition of two more American teams in the Seattle Breakers and Billings Bighorns a year later, the WCHL shortened its name to the Western Hockey League. Despite the Flin Flon Bombers' early success, the remoteness and size of the community increasingly posed a challenge, and in 1978 the team relocated to Edmonton in
1071-468: The Yukon , Northwest Territories , and Nunavut . With most players joining the league while still attending school, the WHL takes a role in its players educational needs. The league operates a scholarship program that offers one full year of tuition, textbooks, and compulsory fees for each season played in the WHL. Since this program was introduced in 1993, more than 3,000 scholarships had been handed out at
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#17327874872051122-4183: The Board of the new league. List of winners [ edit ] denotes also named CHL Defenceman of the Year WHL Defenceman of the Year Season Player Team 1966–67 Barry Gibbs Estevan Bruins 1967–68 Gerry Hart Flin Flon Bombers 1968–69 Dale Hoganson Estevan Bruins 1969–70 Jim Hargreaves Winnipeg Jets 1970–71 Ron Jones Edmonton Oil Kings 1971–72 Jim Watson Calgary Centennials 1972–73 George Pesut Saskatoon Blades 1973–74 Pat Price Saskatoon Blades 1974–75 Rick Lapointe Victoria Cougars 1975–76 Kevin McCarthy Winnipeg Clubs 1976–77 Barry Beck New Westminster Bruins 1977–78 Brad McCrimmon Brandon Wheat Kings 1978–79 Keith Brown Portland Winter Hawks 1979–80 Dave Babych Portland Winter Hawks 1980–81 Jim Benning Portland Winter Hawks 1981–82 Gary Nylund Portland Winter Hawks 1982–83 Gary Leeman Regina Pats 1983–84 Bob Rouse Lethbridge Broncos 1984–85 Wendel Clark Saskatoon Blades 1985–86 (West) Glen Wesley Portland Winter Hawks (East) Emanuel Viveiros Prince Albert Raiders 1986–87 (West) Glen Wesley Portland Winter Hawks (East) Wayne McBean Medicine Hat Tigers 1987–88 Greg Hawgood Kamloops Blazers 1988–89 Dan Lambert Swift Current Broncos 1989–90 Kevin Haller Regina Pats 1990–91 Darryl Sydor Kamloops Blazers 1991–92 Richard Matvichuk Saskatoon Blades 1992–93 Jason Smith Regina Pats 1993–94 Brendan Witt Seattle Thunderbirds 1994–95 Nolan Baumgartner Kamloops Blazers 1995–96 Nolan Baumgartner Kamloops Blazers 1996–97 Chris Phillips Lethbridge Hurricanes 1997–98 Michal Rozsival Swift Current Broncos 1998–99 Brad Stuart Calgary Hitmen 1999–2000 Micki Dupont Kamloops Blazers 2000–01 Christian Chartier Prince George Cougars 2001–02 Dan Hamhuis Prince George Cougars 2002–03 Jeff Woywitka Red Deer Rebels 2003–04 Dion Phaneuf Red Deer Rebels 2004–05 Dion Phaneuf Red Deer Rebels 2005–06 Kris Russell Medicine Hat Tigers 2006–07 Kris Russell Medicine Hat Tigers 2007–08 Karl Alzner Calgary Hitmen 2008–09 Jonathon Blum Vancouver Giants 2009–10 Tyson Barrie Kelowna Rockets 2010–11 Stefan Elliott Saskatoon Blades 2011–12 Alex Petrovic Red Deer Rebels 2012–13 Brenden Kichton Spokane Chiefs 2013–14 Derrick Pouliot Portland Winterhawks 2014–15 Shea Theodore Seattle Thunderbirds 2015–16 Ivan Provorov Brandon Wheat Kings 2016–17 Ethan Bear Seattle Thunderbirds 2017–18 Kale Clague Brandon / Moose Jaw 2018–19 Ty Smith Spokane Chiefs 2019–20 Ty Smith Spokane Chiefs 2020–21 Braden Schneider Brandon Wheat Kings 2021–22 Olen Zellweger Everett Silvertips 2022–23 Olen Zellweger Kamloops Blazers 2023–24 Denton Mateychuk Moose Jaw Warriors See also [ edit ] CHL Defenceman of
1173-831: The CHA and re-sanctioning the WCHL, making it one of three top-flight major junior leagues, along with the Ontario Hockey Association —now the Ontario Hockey League —and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League—now the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League . Then, in 1972, the format of the Memorial Cup was changed to become a tournament between the champion of each major junior league. The league's first decade saw constant expansion and franchise movement as
1224-725: The CHL to be professionals and thus ineligible to participate in college hockey programs in the United States. Players hoping to receive scholarships to, and play for, American universities must play Junior A hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League , one of the Canadian Junior Hockey League 's member organizations, or the United States Hockey League to retain their NCAA eligibility. WHL teams earn
1275-494: The Cougars were unable to use the bus, which they had purchased from the folded Spokane Flyers , because they were unwilling to pay the taxes and duties required to register the vehicle in Canada. On December 30, 1986, tragedy struck the Swift Current Broncos when their bus slid off an icy highway and rolled on the way to Regina for a game. Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff, and Chris Mantyka were killed in
1326-671: The Memorial Cup 19 times. The WHL is composed of 22 teams divided into two conferences of two divisions. The Eastern Conference comprises 11 teams from Manitoba , Saskatchewan , and Alberta , while the Western Conference comprises 11 teams from British Columbia , Washington , and Oregon . The league was founded in 1966 as the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League (CMJHL), with seven teams in Saskatchewan and Alberta. For its 1967 season,
1377-660: The Memorial Cup as host in 2004. 2011 saw WHL teams participate in two outdoor games for the first time. The Spokane Chiefs hosted the Kootenay Ice on January 15, and on February 21, the Calgary Hitmen hosted the Regina Pats for a game in conjunction with the 2011 Heritage Classic . A third outdoor game was hosted by Regina as part of the 2019 Heritage Classic , featuring a rematch against the Hitmen. The league
1428-594: The Memorial Cup tournament. In May 1967, the CMJHL renamed itself to the Western Canada Junior Hockey League (WCJHL). The league also added four new teams, including the Swift Current Broncos and three teams based in Manitoba—the Brandon Wheat Kings , Flin Flon Bombers , and Winnipeg Jets . The new CAHA-NHL development agreement came into effect July 1, 1967. The new pact ended direct sponsorship of junior teams by
1479-635: The NHL, which shifted to paying development fees to CAHA, with junior players becoming eligible for the NHL entry draft at age 20. With the agreement settled, CAHA finally sanctioned the WCHL, which allowed for the league champion Estevan Bruins to compete for the 1968 Memorial Cup . However, in May 1968, Hunter announced that the league would use an age limit of 21 in spite of the CAHA-NHL agreement. The WCJHL claimed that
1530-635: The WCHL and the CHA. Concerns over the WCHL's relationship with CAHA and a desire to compete for the Memorial Cup led the Pats, Canucks, and Red Wings to withdraw before the 1968–69 season , and join a revived Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League instead. At the conclusion of the season, the CHA organized its own national championship, which pitted the WCHL-champion Flin Flon Bombers against the St. Thomas Barons from Ontario. The initiative
1581-1956: The Year – First awarded in 1987–88 Max Kaminsky Trophy – Ontario Hockey League Defenceman of the Year Emile Bouchard Trophy – Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Defenceman of the Year Notes [ edit ] ^ In 85–86 and 86–87, the WHL handed out separate awards for the East and West divisions References [ edit ] ^ Watts, Jesse, ed. (2013). 2013–14 WHL Media Guide . Western Hockey League. p. 267. v t e Western Hockey League Western Conference Eastern Conference B.C. Division Kamloops Blazers Kelowna Rockets Prince George Cougars Vancouver Giants Victoria Royals U.S. Division Everett Silvertips Portland Winterhawks Seattle Thunderbirds Spokane Chiefs Tri-City Americans Wenatchee Wild Central Division Calgary Hitmen Edmonton Oil Kings Lethbridge Hurricanes Medicine Hat Tigers Red Deer Rebels Swift Current Broncos East Division Brandon Wheat Kings Moose Jaw Warriors Prince Albert Raiders Regina Pats Saskatoon Blades CHL Memorial Cup Ed Chynoweth Cup History Seasons Awards OHL QMJHL Category Portal Project Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Hunter_Memorial_Trophy&oldid=1226448354 " Category : Western Hockey League trophies and awards Western Hockey League The Western Hockey League ( WHL )
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy - Misplaced Pages Continue
1632-573: The crash. The Broncos retired their numbers and introduced a commemorative patch in remembrance of the four players; in 2016, a memorial was unveiled at the crash site. The WHL later renamed its award for most valuable player as the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy in their honour. In 1989, less than three years after the crash, the Broncos won the league title and the Memorial Cup. The 1990s saw another period of expansion and
1683-419: The expansion Victoria Cougars and Vancouver Nats . In the mid-1970s, the Bruins established the WCHL's first true dynasty, capturing four consecutive championships between 1975 and 1978. The Bruins also won back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in 1977 and 1978. In 1976, the Oil Kings, facing pressure from the professional Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association , relocated to Oregon to become
1734-415: The idea was a pipe dream, and was not feasible while the CAHA was re-negotiating a development agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL). CAHA informed the Oil Kings that they were required to play full-time in a junior hockey league for the 1966–67 season or would be ineligible to compete for the Memorial Cup. This led Hunter to endorse the suggestion of Estevan Bruins owner Scotty Munro to create
1785-408: The league spread throughout the west. The Flin Flon Bombers, led by future NHL stars Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach , became the league's first powerhouse team, making three straight finals appearances and winning back-to-back championships in 1969 and 1970. The WCHL became a truly western league in 1971 when the Estevan Bruins moved to British Columbia to become the New Westminster Bruins , joined by
1836-496: The league was renamed the Western Canada Junior Hockey League (WCJHL). From 1968, the league was renamed the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL), and finally the Western Hockey League from 1978 after the admission of American-based teams to the league. The league was the brainchild of Bill Hunter , who desired to build a western league capable of competing with the top leagues in Ontario and Quebec . He partnered with Scotty Munro , Del Wilson, and Jim Piggott to make this vision
1887-414: The lower age limit decreased its talent pool and negatively impacted ticket sales. In response, CAHA again suspended the league and its players. In June 1968, the WCJHL changed its name to the Western Canada Hockey League (WCHL), and announced that it was leaving CAHA to form the rival Canadian Hockey Association (CHA). Hunter became chairman of the board for the WCHL, and Ron Butlin became president of
1938-461: The new league. However, CAHA did not sanction it, declaring the CMJHL to be an "outlaw league" and suspending its teams and players from participation in CAHA events, including the Memorial Cup. The new league accused CAHA of overstepping its boundaries and, with the support of the players and their families, chose to play the season regardless. The CMJHL began legal action against the CAHA executive in March 1967, fighting to regain eligibility to enter
1989-465: The ongoing Maple Leafs' Centennial Anniversary. He owns Wendel Clark's Classic Grill and Sports Lounge, with four restaurants in Saskatoon , Saskatchewan ; Brampton , Ontario ; Oshawa , Ontario; and Burlington , Ontario. He resides in King City . Clark's first cousin is ex-NHLer and ESPN commentator Barry Melrose ; he is also a cousin of former Detroit Red Wing and Saskatoon Blades player Joe Kocur . Clark's younger brother Kerry Clark
2040-448: The playoffs for the first time in three years. The Leafs had a memorable run to the Campbell Conference Finals, but after leading the best-of-seven series three games to two coming within one game of advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals, they lost to the Wayne Gretzky -led Los Angeles Kings , who were coached by Clark's cousin, Barry Melrose . Two career-defining moments happened in this series for Clark: his toe-to-toe fight in Game 1 of
2091-437: The return of the league to Western Canada's major cities. In 1991, the Spokane Chiefs became the second American team to win the Memorial Cup. The Kamloops Blazers established themselves as the WHL's second dynasty when they won both the WHL Championship and Memorial Cup three times in four years between 1992 and 1995. In 1995, the Calgary Hitmen , founded by a group of investors including Bret "the Hitman" Hart , from whom
Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy - Misplaced Pages Continue
2142-420: The right to compete in the annual Memorial Cup tournament by winning the WHL playoff championship or, since 1983, by hosting the tournament. Altogether, the Memorial Cup has been won by WHL teams nineteen times since the league's founding. Wendel Clark A star junior hockey defenceman with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League , Clark was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning team at
2193-422: The series with enforcer Marty McSorley in retribution for a big hit McSorley made on Leafs star Doug Gilmour , and his hat-trick in Game Six of the seven-game series. "That series was probably the most excitement I saw around here," proclaimed Clark, who had a legendary series performance with 20 points (10 goals and 10 assists) in his 21 games during the '93 playoffs. "It was the furthest the Leafs had advanced in
2244-475: The team got its name, were granted an expansion franchise. Despite early fears that the WHL could not succeed in an NHL city, the Hitmen were a success, averaging as many as 10,000 fans per game by 2004–05 . The Hitmen were followed one year later by the Edmonton Ice , but that team failed after only two seasons because of conflicts with the Edmonton Oilers. The team became the Kootenay Ice in Cranbrook, British Columbia , and found better success—including winning
2295-427: Was also a professional hockey player; he was a career minor leaguer who is in the top 60 in minor league history in penalty minutes with 2812. Clark's other brother, Donn Clark, is best known for being the head coach of the Prince Albert Raiders and the Saskatoon Blades . Clark's son, Kody, played three seasons for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League beginning in 2016. Kody was selected 47th overall in
2346-404: Was not particularly effective for the remainder of the regular season, but he found his form for the Leafs' playoff run. Leaf fans gave their former captain a 90-second standing ovation after Clark barreled into the New Jersey Devils zone and hit the post in Game 1. During Game 4, Clark assisted on the game-winning goal that gave the Leafs a 2–1 victory and tied the series with the Devils. Clark
2397-437: Was sent to the New York Islanders in a three-way trade that brought Claude Lemieux to Colorado and Steve Thomas to the New Jersey Devils . Clark played 58 games with the Islanders but finished the season back in Toronto. The Islanders received a first-round pick from the Leafs (4th overall in 1997) which turned out to be Roberto Luongo . In 1998 Clark signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning , where he earned
2448-433: Was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic , which emerged in North America in early 2020. The 2019–20 season was cut short and its playoffs ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic, while the 2020–21 season was played in a modified format, with teams playing 24-game in-division schedules with no playoffs. As such, neither the Ed Chynoweth Cup nor the Memorial Cup were awarded in 2020 or 2021. The league returned to
2499-425: Was the 1985–86 Toronto Maple Leafs team-high, along with 34 goals which also led the team. After his rookie season, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finished third in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy . Clark was named captain of the team for the 1991–92 season . During the 1992–93 season , Clark's second year captaining the team, the Leafs set team records in wins (44) and points (99) and also made
2550-408: Was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in a multi-player deal that notably involved a young Mats Sundin . He was succeeded as Maple Leafs captain by Gilmour. Clark played the lockout-shortened 1994–95 NHL season in Quebec. After the Nordiques became the Colorado Avalanche , Clark became embroiled in a contract dispute with the team. As a result, shortly before the beginning of the 1995–96 campaign, he
2601-428: Was undermined when the Barons withdrew from the best-of-seven series during the fourth game in protest of alleged violent play on the part of the Bombers. The Bombers, who were awarded the title, proceeded to challenge the Memorial Cup champion-Montreal Junior Canadiens to a championship showdown, but the Montreal team declined. After years of disputes, Canadian junior hockey was reorganized in 1970, with CAHA absorbing
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