Welcome to another WHL Best of the 2010s feature where we profile the best WHL players from the 2009-10 season all the way to the 2019-20 season. Players are judged based on what they did in each division. This means if a player spent time in multiple divisions, their placement will be judged based on what they did separately while in each division. Don’t forget to vote on our Twitter page, @WHLonA51 to help determine which player will be crowned the best WHL player of the 2010s. We hope you enjoy.
Brendan Shinnimin was a special player for the Tri-City Americans. During his five seasons with the organization, he scored 131 goals and recorded 337 points in 267 games. He also was named WHL MVP, CHL MVP and put up the most points in the entire CHL during the 2011-12 season. Although only three of his seasons count towards the list, he rightfully deserves to be included.
During Shinnimin’s first two seasons in the WHL, he didn’t produce much. Over the 68 games, he managed just 12 goals and 25 points. By year three however, everything changed.
During the 2009-10 season, Shinnimin scored 27 goals and added 82 points in 70 games. He also put Tri-City on his back in the playoffs with 25 points in 22 games leading them all the way to the WHL final. It was a huge contrast to the player fans saw during his first two seasons, all to the benefit of the Americans.
Shinnimin once again kicked it up a notch during the 2010-11 season with 34 goals and 96 points in 60 games. He was also over a point per game in the playoffs, with 11 points in ten games. For his efforts, he was named to the WHL (West) Second All-Star Team. While his fourth season was strong, it was his final WHL season that was eye-popping.
During the 2011-12 season, Shinnimin took no prisoners scoring 58 goals and recording 134 points in just 69 games. As mentioned, he was named WHL MVP, CHL MVP and recorded the most points of any player in the CHL that season. He would continue his dominance into the playoffs, but his career came to a close after putting up an astounding 23 points in just 15 games.
Shinnimin’s dominance is something that won’t be forgotten. He had the most productive season of anyone during the 2000s and 2010s and showed night in and night out why he was one of the best WHL players from 2009-12. A well-deserving member of our WHL Best of the 2010s list.