Rimmer, Shinnimin on Western Conference first team

Tri-City Americans goalie Ty Rimmer and forward Brendan Shinnimin were named to the Western Conference's first team Thursday.

Forwards Adam Hughesman and Patrick Holland were named to the second team, and coach Jim Hiller was named Western Conference Coach of the Year.

It is the first time since 2008-09 that the Americans had a first-team selection, and the first time they have had four players honored in one season.

Rimmer and Medicine Hat's Tyler Bunz are the finalists for WHL Goaltender of the Year.

The WHL Player of the Year finalists (Four Broncos Memorial Trophy) will be announced April 18.

WESTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS

FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM

Goaltender – Ty Rimmer (Edmonton, AB), Tri-City Americans

Defenseman – Brenden Kichton (Spruce Grove, AB), Spokane Chiefs

Defenseman – Joseph Morrow (Sherwood Park, AB), Portland Winterhawks

orward – Ty Rattie (Airdrie, AB), Portland Winterhawks *

Forward – Brendan Shinnimin (Winnipeg, MB), Tri-City Americans *

Forward – Brendan Gallagher (Delta, BC), Vancouver Giants

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM

Goaltender – Cole Cheveldave (Calgary, AB), Kamloops Blazers

Defenseman – Ryan Murray (White City, SK), Everett Silvertips

Defenseman – Austin Madaisky (Surrey, BC), Kamloops Blazers

Forward – Sven Bartschi (Langenthal, SUI), Portland Winterhawks

Forward – Adam Hughesman (Winnipeg, MB), Tri-City Americans

Forward – Patrick Holland (Lethbridge, AB), Tri-City Americans

* indicates unanimous selection

The WHL announced the finalists in the following categories.

WHL Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Sam Reinhart (Vancouver, BC), Kootenay Ice

Western Conference – Tim Bozon (Cureglia, SUI), Kamloops Blazers

WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy

Eastern Conference – Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers

Western Conference – Ty Rimmer (Edmonton, AB), Tri-City Americans

WHL Defenseman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Alex Petrovic (Edmonton, AB), Red Deer Rebels

Western Conference – Brenden Kichton (Spruce Grove, AB), Spokane Chiefs

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, Brad Hornung Trophy

Eastern Conference – Mark Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings

Western Conference – Ryan Murray (White City, SK), Everett Silvertips

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Jimmy Bubnick (Saskatoon, SK), Calgary Hitmen

Western Conference – Reid Gow (Killarney, MB), Spokane Chiefs

WHL Coach of the Year, Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Pat Conacher, Regina Pats

Western Conference – Jim Hiller, Tri-City Americans

WHL Executive of the Year, Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Bob Green, Edmonton Oil Kings

Western Conference – Craig Bonner, Kamloops Blazers

WHL Humanitarian of the Year, Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy

Eastern Conference – Taylor Vause (Calgary, AB), Swift Current Broncos

Western Conference – Brendan Gallagher (Delta, BC), Vancouver Giants

WHL Marketing / Business Award

Eastern Conference – Moose Jaw Warriors

Western Conference – Spokane Chiefs

This story was originally published March 22, 2012 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Rimmer, Shinnimin on Western Conference first team."