CALGARY, ALBERTA – Mount Royal Cougars defenceman
Clay Hanus has been awarded the Canada West Player of the Year (Sullivan Trophy Nominee), Top Defenceman (Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy), and Top Scorer (Dave "Sweeney" Schriner Scoring Trophy) after an outstanding 2024-25 season. Hanus, a key contributor to Mount Royal's historic campaign, led the conference in scoring with 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points in 28 games, averaging an impressive 1.54 points per game.
With this achievement, Hanus becomes the first defenceman to claim the Canada West scoring title since Alberta's Dave MacKay in the 1938-39 season. MacKay, who later played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks, set a historic precedent that Hanus now joins nearly nine decades later.
Hanus' impact extended beyond his personal accolades, as he played a pivotal role in Mount Royal's record-breaking season. The Cougars posted their best-ever U SPORTS record at 22-6 (44 points) and advanced to the Canada West Championship for the first time in program history. His dominant and consistent play at both ends of the ice was a key factor in the team's success.
Mount Royal Head Coach
Bert Gilling praised Hanus' season and development, stating, "It has been an amazing season of accomplishments for Clay. He has earned all of it with his dominant, consistent, high-level play all season long. It's been so much fun to see him grow and develop into not only an exceptional defenceman but a great young man as well."
Hanus' scoring title marks the fourth consecutive season that a Mount Royal Cougar has led Canada West in points and been named Player of the Year. He joins an elite list of Cougars who have achieved this feat, including Nolan Yaremko (2021-22), Riley Sawchuk (2022-23), and
Connor Bouchard (2023-24). The program has now produced five scoring champions in the past nine seasons, starting with Connor Rankin in 2016-17.
Mount Royal's Canada West Scoring Champions:
2016-17 – Connor Rankin (26 GP, 17-18-35)
2021-22 – Nolan Yaremko (20 GP, 19-20-39)
2022-23 – Riley Sawchuk (27 GP, 20-29-49)
2023-24 –
Connor Bouchard (26 GP, 23-34-57)
2024-25 –
Clay Hanus (28 GP, 12-31-43)
This four-year streak is the second-longest in Canada West history, trailing only the University of Alberta's five consecutive scoring titles from 1936-37 to 1945-46. Notably, conference play was interrupted from 1940-41 to 1944-45 due to World War II.
Hanus' ability to lead the league in scoring as a defenceman is a testament to his well-rounded game. His 31 assists led all Canada West players, showcasing his playmaking ability and leadership on the ice. He was a driving force in both even-strength and power-play situations, proving to be a critical piece of Mount Royal's offensive engine.
By earning the Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy as the conference's Top Defenceman, Hanus further cements his place among the best blueliners in U SPORTS hockey. His exceptional vision, puck movement, and defensive reliability set him apart, making him a cornerstone of the Cougars' success this season.
Beyond individual accolades, Hanus' achievements were part of a landmark year for Mount Royal hockey. The Cougars' 22-6-0 record and first-ever berth in the Canada West Championship solidified their status as one of the premier programs in the nation. With Hanus leading the charge, the Cougars showcased a dynamic, high-tempo style of play that made them a force in the conference.
As Hanus adds his name to the history books, his season will be remembered not only for his personal milestones but for the impact he had in elevating Mount Royal hockey to new heights. His recognition as Canada West Player of the Year, Top Defenceman, and Top Scorer reflects his outstanding contributions to the program and sets a standard for future Cougars to follow.
