Canucks prospects Cootes and Dervin announced as finalist for sportsmanlike awards

Canucks prospects Cootes and Dervin announced as finalist for sportsmanlike awards

It’s becoming increasingly evident that the Vancouver Canucks have placed a strong emphasis on character while making selections at the NHL Draft podium.

On Thursday, two members of their 2025 draft class were named finalists for sportsmanship awards within their respective leagues. The CHL announced its Most Sportsmanlike Player nominees across both the OHL and WHL, with finalists determined by a vote from league general managers. Per the OHL’s release, players were required to receive at least 20 percent of the vote within their conference to advance to the final ballot.

In the Ontario Hockey League, Vancouver’s 2025 third-round pick Kieren Dervin was named a finalist for the William Hanley Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

Dervin emerged as one of the Kingston Frontenacs’ most reliable forwards in his first full OHL season, earning consistent top-six minutes down the middle. He recorded 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) while taking just 20 penalty minutes. After just one season of OHL games under his belt, he will head to the NCAA as a Penn State commit.

OHL finalists:

Cole Beaudoin — Barrie ColtsJimmy Lombardi — Flint FirebirdsKieren Dervin — Kingston FrontenacsAdam Novotny — Peterborough PetesJack Van Volsen — Sarnia StingAnthony Cristoforo — Windsor SpitfiresOut west, Vancouver’s 2025 first-round pick Braeden Cootes was named a finalist for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy, awarded to the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The Sherwood Park native split his draft-plus-one season between the Seattle Thunderbirds — where he served as captain — and the Prince Albert Raiders following a midseason trade. Despite the move, Cootes matched his career high with 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in just 45 games (15 fewer).

Despite playing an aggressive, high-energy game, Cootes is recording just eight penalty minutes this season. Over his entire 176-game WHL career, he has taken only 42 penalty minutes.

WHL finalists:

Jordan Gavin — Brandon Wheat KingsBraeden Cootes — Prince Albert RaidersMarkus Ruck — Medicine Hat TigersMatias Vanhanen — Everett SilvertipsRyden Evers — Penticton VeesAlex Weiermair — Portland Winterhawks

Dervin and Cootes join fellow Canucks prospect Riley Patterson among those receiving award recognition this season. Patterson, who plays for the Niagara IceDogs, is a finalist for the OHL’s Red Tilson Trophy as the league’s Most Outstanding Player (voted on by media).