Carson Birnie named WHL Central Division Scholastic Player of the Year

RED DEER – The Western Hockey League announced Thursday that Red Deer Rebels forward Carson Birnie is the WHL Central Division Scholastic Player of the year, and a nominee for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year.

In his first full season in the WHL, Birnie, 18-years-old from Arcola, Sask., balanced the move from U18 AAA in Saskatchewan to the WHL while not sacrificing his Grade 12 class load.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound forward succeeded in the classroom, registering an overall average of 92 per cent in his core subjects, including a 95-per-cent grade in Chemistry 30, a 95-per-cent average in English Language Arts 30, and a 90-per-cent grade in Math Foundations 30.

Birnie has proven himself as a valuable member of the Rebels on the ice, leading all rookies on the team in goal scoring. He was selected by the Rebels in the eighth round (160th overall) of the 2020 WHL Draft.

The winner of the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy awarded to the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year will be announced Monday, May 8.

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year Nominees

B.C. Division – Justin Kipkie (Calgary, Alta.) – Victoria Royals

Central Division – Carson Birnie (Arcola, Sask.) – Red Deer Rebels

East Division – Quinn Mantei (Weyburn, Sask.) – Brandon Wheat Kings

U.S. Division – Jake Gudelj (Vancouver, B.C.) – Spokane Chiefs