The WHL's Rookie of the Year for 2022-23 is Prince Albert Raiders' forward Ryder Ritchie. (submitted photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Ritchie Rookie of Year

Raiders’ Ritchie takes WHL Rookie of the Year award

May 9, 2023 | 10:08 AM

Ryder Ritchie has already put the Prince Albert Raiders’ Rookie of the Year award and Rookie of the Year for the East Division into his trophy case. He’ll have to make a little more space for awards yet after his outstanding first season.

Today, the WHL announced Ritchie was named the winner of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for league-wide Rookie of the Year, beating out representatives from the other three divisions. He was the youngest of the four nominees.

During the season, Ritchie wrote his name in the Raiders’ history book in a big way, posting offensive totals a 16-year-old had not put up for the team in decades. With 55 points in 61 games, he became the highest scoring 16-year-old rookie for the team since Jeff Nelson in 1988-89. His numbers eclipsed those of Ozzy Wiesblatt and Scott Hartnell, among others.

During his impressive campaign, Ritchie was called to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Championships. He posted four goals in just six games to lead the team in goal scoring.

While he’d been playing well enough before the tournament, it was afterwards that Ritchie’s confidence seemed to soar, and his point totals came along with it. In the back half of the season, from January 1 on, he posted 37 points in 34 games to elevate his point totals all the way to the top of his draft class. His 55 points tied him with Berkly Catton (the first overall pick who was also nominated for Rookie of the Year) in two fewer games played.

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Ritchie is now eligible for the CHL-wide Rookie of the Year award, contending against rookies from the OHL and QMJHL. His 55 points were second in the country among all 2006-born players.

The 16-year-old forward is eligible for the NHL entry draft in 2024.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP