Blades bench boss named finalist for WHL coach of the year

After one of the best regular seasons in franchise history, Saskatoon Blades head coach Brennan Sonne is being recognized by the WHL.

On Wednesday, Sonne was nominated as the East Division’s candidate for the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league’s top coach.

It was Sonne’s second season leading the Blades, who finished 2022-23 with 101 points — second-most in the Eastern Conference — and a 48-15-4-1 record.

It was also the first time in 12 years the club reached the 100-point mark.

Rounding out the nominations were Prince George Cougars coach Mark Lamb (B.C. Division), Medicine Hat Tigers coach Willie Desjardins (Central Division) and Tri-City Americans coach Stu Barnes (U.S. Division).

The winner will be announced May 3.