‘Super grateful’: Tigers captain Pickford named WHL Defenseman of the Year

May 5, 2026 | 5:33 PM

Medicine Hat Tigers defenseman Bryce Pickford has been named the Western Hockey League’s defenseman of the year, the league announced late Tuesday morning.

Pickford has a historic regular-season, scoring 45 goals, a modern day WHL record for a blue-liner.

“The feeling is unbelievable and I’m super grateful”, said Pickford.

“Just a special player”, added Tigers Head Coach and General Manager Willie Desjardins.

Pickford’s teammates echo that sentiment but focus more on his work ethic, than his on-ice production.

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“That guy works harder than anybody”, said Pickford’s blue-line partner Jonas Woo.

Woo had an historic season in his own right, setting the Tigers single-season points record for a defenseman, with 86 points.

“He has all of our back and is just such a team-first guy,” Woo added.

The 45 goals Pickford scored came just five shy of the all-time WHL record, set all the way back during the 1971-72 season by Saskatoon Blades defenseman Lawrence Sacharuk.

Pickford, selected 81st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2025 NHL Draft, signed his entry-level contract over the holiday break and will now wait assignment to either the Laval Rocket or their parent club in Montreal.

by Will Bryant

‘Super grateful’: Tigers captain Pickford named WHL Defenseman of the Year

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