Seattle Kraken prospect and Moose Jaw Warriors forward Jagger Firkus has proven himself to be a valuable player in the Western Hockey League. This week, Firkus was awarded not one but two trophies for his outstanding performance during the 2023-24 season.
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On May 8, 2024, he was announced as this year’s Bob Clarke Trophy winner. This award is presented annually to the player who leads the WHL in points during the regular season, and Firkus has done just that with 126 points, which equaled 61 goals and 65 assists in 63 games with the Warriors this season. Trailing just three points behind was Prince George Cougars player Zac Funk, who scored six more goals than Firkus this season.
The 20-year-old Moose Jaw Warriors player also had the WHL’s longest point streak this season with 19 goals and 32 assists (51 points) in 26 straight games. Throughout his career with the Western Hockey League, Firkus has earned a total of 310 points in 230 regular season games and 33 points in 20 playoff games. He is the third Warriors player to win this trophy, with previous winners being Troy Brouwer (102 points) in 2006-06 and Jayden Halbgewachs (129 points) in 2017-18.
“You’re a special player to watch,” said Brouwer, congratulating Firkus on his achievement. “I know the Moose Jaw fans have really loved you being in that Warrior jersey.”
Just one day after he was awarded the Bob Clarke Trophy, the Seattle Kraken prospect was named the WHL’s player of the year and awarded the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy. This trophy is named in honour of four members of the Swift Current Broncos who were killed in a bus crash on December 30, 1986, and is given to the most valuable players in the WHL.
“It’s an honour to receive the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy,” said Firkus. I want to congratulate the other four division winners. Thank you to the staff and my teammates; without them, this doesn’t happen, [and] thank you to my family as well.” Jagger Firkus is only the second player in franchise history to win WHL’s Player of the Year. The previous winner was Calgary Flames forward Dryden Hunt, who earned this award during the 2015-16 season.
Previous winners of the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy include current Seattle Kraken players Jordan Eberle, who played for the Regina Pats during the 2009-10 season, and Oliver Bjorkstrand, who was part of the Portland Winterhawks in 2014-15.
Firkus was selected by the Seattle Kraken during the 2022 NHL Draft in the second round, 35th overall, and in April 2023, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the franchise. Looking ahead, it’s clear that his skill will be a valuable asset to the Seattle Kraken, who had a major struggle offensively during the 2023-24 season.