Kamloops Blazers forward Andrew Thomson has been nominated for WHL Scholastic Player of the Year award.
The 17-year-old rookie forward will go up against Spokane’s Berkly Catton, Lethbridge’s Noah Chadwick, and Regina’s Kolten Bridgeman for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy.
The Sherwood Park, Alta. native earned a 93 per cent average in his core subjects during the 2023-24 academic year.
“Thomson has shown as commendable dedication to academic achievement, excelling in challenging core courses such as Calculus 12, Chemistry 12 and Physics 12,’ the WHL said. “Using exceptional time management skills and displaying strong determination, Thomson has successfully balanced his on-ice pursuits with his academic responsibilities.”
“[He] quickly proved himself as a leader amongst his peer group. Through preparation and dedication, he is regarded as someone who leads by example and sets high expectations for himself.”
A third round draft pick of the Blazers in 2022, Thomson put up 19 points (10 goals and nine assists) in 65 games with Kamloops during his 16-year-old WHL season.
The winner of the 2023/24 Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy will be announced in May.
If Thomson wins the award, he’ll be the third Blazer to be named the WHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year in the last five years, joining Dylan Garand in 2020 and Connor Levis in 2022.