Scout
02-16-2009, 07:27 AM
Best of the West poll
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Courtesy Tri City Herald
And the survey says: The 21st Best of the West results
Compiled by Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer
KENNEWICK -- Here are the categories and top finishers in the 21st Best of the West poll of players, coaches and management in the Western Hockey League's Western Conference:
Best fans
Everett -- 83.1%
Loud and proud, the Silvertips fans average nearly 6,200 per game. They won for the fourth straight time, but their popularity has lost ground the last two years.
Also
Vancouver 61.6%
Kelowna 59.6%
Tri-City 33.4%
Spokane 25%
Chilliwack 6.9%
Seattle 2.8%
Portland 0.7%
Kamloops 0%
Prince George 0%
Recent winners: 2005-03, Kelowna; 2002-1999, Prince George; 1998-94, Portland; 1993, Seattle.
Top coach
Don Hay, Vancouver -- 94.8%
The Giants own the best record in the conference at 47-5-1-3.
Also
Don Nachbaur, Tri-City 72.1%
Ryan Huska, Kelowna 29.6%
Mike Johnston, Portland 26.5%
Hardy Sauter, Spokane 20.3%
Barry Smith, Kamloops 6.4%
Jim Hiller, Chilliwack 4.4%
Recent winners: 2008, Don Nachbaur, Tri-City; 2007, Dean Clark, Kamloops; 2006, Don Hay, Vancouver; 2005, Jeff Truitt, Kelowna; 2004-03, Marc Habscheid, Kelowna; 2002, Ed Dempsey, Prince George.
Top executive
Scott Bonner, Vancouver -- 86.9%
Winning for the second straight year, he has the Giants on the cusp of their fourth consecutive B.C. Division title.
Also
Tim Speltz, Spokane 49%
Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna 44.2%
Craig Bonner, Kamloops 38.2%
Bob Tory, Tri-City 18.8%
Mike Johnston, Portland 4.9%
Recent winners: 2007, Bob Tory, Tri-City; 2006, Scott Bonner, Vancouver; 2005-03, Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna; 2002-01, Mike Moore, Kamloops.
Most valuable to team
Dustin Tokarski, Spokane -- 53.2%
He is a big reason the Chiefs have won 14 of their last 16 games. In that run, he is 10-2 with a 1.68 GAA.
Also
Chet Pickard, Tri-City 49.8%
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 39%
Thomas Hickey, Seattle 30%
Dana Tyrell, Prince George 15.5%
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 15.1%
Recent winners: 2008, Oscar Moller, Chilliwack; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Carey Price, Tri-City; 2005-04, Nigel Dawes, Kootenay; 2003, Kiel McLeod, Kelowna; 2002, Dan Hamhuis, Prince George.
Best overage player
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver -- 73.9%
Leads the league in scoring (97 points), assists (67), power-play assists (33) and is second with a plus-54 rating.
Also
Mitch Fadden, Tri-City 53.7%
Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City 30.5%
Jason Reese, Tri-City 27.2%
Craig Schira, Vancouver 16.8%
Greg Scott, Seattle 11.8%
Recent winners: 2008, Colton Yellow Horn, Tri-City; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Adam Cracknell, Kootenay; 2005, Adam Courchaine, Vancouver; 2004, Ryan Kinasewich, Tri-City.
Best stay-at-home defenseman
Tyler Myers, Kelowna -- 53.1%
Has a solid plus-17 rating, and the Rockets have allowed just 148 goals -- fifth best in the WHL.
Also
Jared Cowen, Spokane 52.3%
Trevor Glass, Spokane 22.7%
Craig Schira, Vancouver 21.4%
Tysen Dowzak, Kelowna 15.5%
Taylor Ellington, Everett 14.7%
Recent winners: 2008, Luke Schenn, Kelowna; 2007, Brett Festerling, Vancouver; 2006, Mark Fistric; 2005-04, Shea Weber, Kelowna; 2003, Matt Spiller, Seattle; 2002-01, Kurt Sauer, Spokane.
Top defensive forward
Tyler Johnson, Spokane -- 49.1%
With a plus-22 rating, he's a big reason the Chiefs have allowed just 104 goals -- the least in the league.
Also
Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City 39.7%
Zack Dailey, Everett 36.6%
Craig Cunningham, Vancouver 15.6%
Lance Bouma, Vancouver 13.3%
Brady Calla, Spokane 11.7%
Recent winners: 2008, Mario Bliznak, Vancouver; 2007, Alex Aldred, Tri-City; 2006, Tyler Spurgeon, Kelowna; 2005, Adam Taylor, Kootenay; 2004, Cam Paddock, Kelowna; 2003, Ryan Cuthbert, Kelowna.
Top rookie
Brett Connolly, Prince George -- 86.5%
Leads all rookies with 27 goals and leads the Cougars in scoring with 52 points.
Also
Kellan Tochkin, Everett 59%
Kevin Sundher, Chilliwack 36.5%
Calvin Pickard, Seattle 23.9%
Tyler Maxwell, Everett 11.6%
Brendan Ranford, Kamloops 6.6%
Recent winners: 2008, Jamie Benn, Kelowna; 2007, Kyle Beach, Everett; 2006, Peter Mueller, Everett; 2005, Andrej Meszaros, Vancouver; 2004, Gilbert Brule, Vancouver; 2003, Jonas Johansson, Kamloops.
Best 16-year-old
Brett Connolly, Prince George -- 90.6%
He ranks third in scoring with 52 points, and has the Cougars -- sans injured Dana Tyrell -- clinging to a playoff spot.
Also
Kevin Sundher, Chilliwack 57%
Calvin Pickard, Seattle 25.2%
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver 18.9%
Brendan Ranford, Kamloops 18.4%
Brad Ross, Portland 18.2%
Recent winners: 2008, Tyson Barrie, Kelowna; 2007, Kyle Beach, Everett; 2006, Thomas Hickey, Seattle; 2005, Zach Hamill, Everett; 2004, Gilbert Brule, Vancouver; 2003, Mike Card, Kelowna.
Hardest shot
Jamie Benn, Kelowna -- 46%
He's deadly with a shot that travels 88 mph, and leads the Rockets in goals with 36.
Also
Drayson Bowman, Spokane 28.3%
Jared Cowen, Spokane 25.3%
Tyler Myers, Kelowna 23.5%
Thomas Hickey, Seattle 15.2%
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 14.5%
Recent winners: 2008, Dan Gendur, Everett; 2007-06, Roman Teslyuk, Tri-City; 2005, Dustin Byfuglien, Prince George; 2004, Richie Regehr, Portland, 2003, Matt Spiller, Seattle; 2002, Josef Balej, Portland.
Best goaltender
Chet Pickard, Tri-Cities -- 90.6%
Repeat winner is second in the league in save percentage (.915) and shutouts (5) and fourth in wins (27).
Also
Dustin Tokarski, Spokane 86%
Tyson Sexsmith, Vancouver 36.3%
Kurtis Mucha, Portland 17.2%
Kevin Armstrong, Prince George 7.9%
Lucas Gore, Chilliwack 5.8%
Recent winners: 2007-06, Carey Price, Tri-Cities; 2005, Jeff Glass, Kootenay; 2004, Kelly Guard, Kelowna; 2003, Billy Thompson, Prince George; 2002, Shane Bendera, Kelowna.
Top faceoff man
Tyler Johnson, Spokane -- 43.6%
The Chiefs' top guy for key faceoffs on special teams and in the defensive zone. He wins the ones that count.
Also
Zack Dailey, Everett 31.3%
Colin Long, Kelowna 29.1%
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 25.2%
Cody Almond, Kelowna 13.7%
Matt Meropoulis, Chilliwack 12.6%
Recent winners: 2008, Mario Bliznak, Vancouver; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Tyler Spurgeon, Kelowna; 2005, Adam Taylor, Kootenay; 2004, Jarret Lukin, Kamloops; 2003, Blake Robson, Prince George.
Best skater
Thomas Hickey, Seattle -- 36.2%
Smooth-skating D-man defends his title and has used his skills for 14 goals and a plus-19 rating.
Also
Prab Rai, Seattle 19.7%
Jim O'Brien, Seattle 19.1%
Tyler Johnson, Spokane 18.4%
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 17.2%
Johnny Lazo, Tri-City 16.2%
Recent winners: 2007, Michael Grabner, Spokane; 2006, Ryan Russell, Kootenay; 2005-04, Shawn Belle, Tri-Cities; 2003, Scottie Upshall, Kamloops; 2002-01, Josef Balej, Portland.
Most accurate shot
Jamie Benn, Kelowna -- 70.1%
Leads the Western Conference with 36 goals. Also has 13 power-play goals and 3 short-handed goals.
Also
Drayson Bowman, Spokane 62.8%
Evander Kane, Everett 32.9%
Mitch Fadden, Tri-City 21.5%
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 18.1%
Colin Long, Kelowna 7.4%
Recent winners: 2008, Colton Yellow Horn, Tri-City; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Justin Keller, Kelowna; 2005-04, Nigel Dawes, Kootenay; 2003, Kiel McLeod, Kelowna; 2002, Josef Balej, Portland.
Most underrated player
C.J. Stretch, Kamloops -- 32.3%
After finishing tied for 172nd in scoring last year with 28 points, he's tied for 17th this season with 67.
Also
Tyler Johnson, Spokane 30.9%
Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City 26.7%
Colin Long, Kelowna 15.8%
Cody Almond, Kelowna 14.4%
Brent Regner, Vancouver 12.3%
Recent winners: 2008, Colin Long, Kelowna; 2007, Brock Nixon, Kamloops; 2006, Ian McDonald, Tri-City; 2005, Clayton Stoner, Tri-City; 2004, Shea Weber, Kelowna; 2003, Tyler Mosienko, Kelowna.
Toughest player
Ryley Grantham, Kelowna -- 67%
The 6-4, 205-pound bruiser joined the Rockets in January. He's owned the ice with 13 fighting majors and a league high 158 PIMs.
Also
Mitch McColm, Tri-City 46.4%
Sena Acolatse, Seattle 28.7%
Ryan Letts, Spokane 22.5%
Dustin Donaghy, Spokane 22.2%
Tayler Jordan, Portland 19%
Recent winners: 2008, Benn Olson, Seattle; 2007-06, Matt Kassian, Kamloops; 2005, Triston Grant, Vancouver; 2004, Cam McCaffrey, Tri-City; 2003-02, Darren McLachlan, Seattle; 2001, Derek Boogaard, PG.
Most irritating player
Zack Dailey, Everett -- 29%
Not a fighter, just an agitator. At 5-6 and 166 pounds, he's everywhere and in everyone's business.
Also
Lance Bouma, Vancouver 19.7%
David Robinson, Chilliwack 18.2%
Chris Cloud, Seattle 17.2%
Mitch Wahl, Spokane 13.6%
Sena Acolatse, Seattle 12.3%
Recent winners: 2008-07, Garet Hunt, Vancouver; 2006-05, Brandon Dubinsky, Portland; 2004, Simon Ferguson, Kelowna; 2003, Blake Robson, Prince George; 2002-00, Brandin Côté, Spokane.
Most improved player
C.J. Stretch, Kamloops -- 31.4%
In just one year, he's gone from 11 goals, 17 assists and a minus-24 rating to 23 goals, 44 assists and a plus-8.
Also
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 27.5%
Evander Kane, Vancouver 26.2%
Brett Plouffe, Tri-City 18.6%
Tyler Shattock, Kamloops 16.3%
Tyler Myers, Kelowna 15.4%
Recent winners: 2008, Colin Long, Kelowna; 2007, Brock Nixon, Kamloops; 2006, Ian McDonald, Tri-City; 2005, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2004, Brad Schell, Spokane, 2003; Jesse Schultz, Kelowna; 2002.
Best pro prospect
Evander Kane, Vancouver -- 46%
Projected to be a first-round NHL draft pick in June, he has 36 goals, 74 points, a plus-39 rating and a WJC gold medal.
Also
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 42.4%
Thomas Hickey, Seattle 37.8%
Jamie Benn, Kelowna 37.3%
Jared Cowan, Spokane 23.2%
Chet Pickard, Tri-City 17.6%
Recent winners: 2008, Oscar Moller, Chilliwack; 2007, Peter Mueller, Everett; 2006, Carey Price, Tri-City; 2005-04, Braydon Coburn, Portland; 2003, Scottie Upshall, Kamloops; 2002, Dan Hamhuis, Prince George.
Top referee
Andy Thiessen -- 61.3%
Scheduled to work just 20 games this season, he's still the top choice for the second straight year.
Also
Pat Smith 22.3%
Derek Zalaski 17.9%
Steve Papp 16.9%
Matt Kirk 26.2%
Trevor Hanson 13.4%
Recent winners: 2004-07, Rob Matsuoka; 2003-01, Kevin Acheson; 2000-1999, Kelly Sutherland; 1998-93, Tom Kowal; 1992-91, Brad Davis.
Scout
__________________
# 8-9-11-22 ALWAYS REMEMBERED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Courtesy Tri City Herald
And the survey says: The 21st Best of the West results
Compiled by Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer
KENNEWICK -- Here are the categories and top finishers in the 21st Best of the West poll of players, coaches and management in the Western Hockey League's Western Conference:
Best fans
Everett -- 83.1%
Loud and proud, the Silvertips fans average nearly 6,200 per game. They won for the fourth straight time, but their popularity has lost ground the last two years.
Also
Vancouver 61.6%
Kelowna 59.6%
Tri-City 33.4%
Spokane 25%
Chilliwack 6.9%
Seattle 2.8%
Portland 0.7%
Kamloops 0%
Prince George 0%
Recent winners: 2005-03, Kelowna; 2002-1999, Prince George; 1998-94, Portland; 1993, Seattle.
Top coach
Don Hay, Vancouver -- 94.8%
The Giants own the best record in the conference at 47-5-1-3.
Also
Don Nachbaur, Tri-City 72.1%
Ryan Huska, Kelowna 29.6%
Mike Johnston, Portland 26.5%
Hardy Sauter, Spokane 20.3%
Barry Smith, Kamloops 6.4%
Jim Hiller, Chilliwack 4.4%
Recent winners: 2008, Don Nachbaur, Tri-City; 2007, Dean Clark, Kamloops; 2006, Don Hay, Vancouver; 2005, Jeff Truitt, Kelowna; 2004-03, Marc Habscheid, Kelowna; 2002, Ed Dempsey, Prince George.
Top executive
Scott Bonner, Vancouver -- 86.9%
Winning for the second straight year, he has the Giants on the cusp of their fourth consecutive B.C. Division title.
Also
Tim Speltz, Spokane 49%
Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna 44.2%
Craig Bonner, Kamloops 38.2%
Bob Tory, Tri-City 18.8%
Mike Johnston, Portland 4.9%
Recent winners: 2007, Bob Tory, Tri-City; 2006, Scott Bonner, Vancouver; 2005-03, Bruce Hamilton, Kelowna; 2002-01, Mike Moore, Kamloops.
Most valuable to team
Dustin Tokarski, Spokane -- 53.2%
He is a big reason the Chiefs have won 14 of their last 16 games. In that run, he is 10-2 with a 1.68 GAA.
Also
Chet Pickard, Tri-City 49.8%
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 39%
Thomas Hickey, Seattle 30%
Dana Tyrell, Prince George 15.5%
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 15.1%
Recent winners: 2008, Oscar Moller, Chilliwack; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Carey Price, Tri-City; 2005-04, Nigel Dawes, Kootenay; 2003, Kiel McLeod, Kelowna; 2002, Dan Hamhuis, Prince George.
Best overage player
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver -- 73.9%
Leads the league in scoring (97 points), assists (67), power-play assists (33) and is second with a plus-54 rating.
Also
Mitch Fadden, Tri-City 53.7%
Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City 30.5%
Jason Reese, Tri-City 27.2%
Craig Schira, Vancouver 16.8%
Greg Scott, Seattle 11.8%
Recent winners: 2008, Colton Yellow Horn, Tri-City; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Adam Cracknell, Kootenay; 2005, Adam Courchaine, Vancouver; 2004, Ryan Kinasewich, Tri-City.
Best stay-at-home defenseman
Tyler Myers, Kelowna -- 53.1%
Has a solid plus-17 rating, and the Rockets have allowed just 148 goals -- fifth best in the WHL.
Also
Jared Cowen, Spokane 52.3%
Trevor Glass, Spokane 22.7%
Craig Schira, Vancouver 21.4%
Tysen Dowzak, Kelowna 15.5%
Taylor Ellington, Everett 14.7%
Recent winners: 2008, Luke Schenn, Kelowna; 2007, Brett Festerling, Vancouver; 2006, Mark Fistric; 2005-04, Shea Weber, Kelowna; 2003, Matt Spiller, Seattle; 2002-01, Kurt Sauer, Spokane.
Top defensive forward
Tyler Johnson, Spokane -- 49.1%
With a plus-22 rating, he's a big reason the Chiefs have allowed just 104 goals -- the least in the league.
Also
Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City 39.7%
Zack Dailey, Everett 36.6%
Craig Cunningham, Vancouver 15.6%
Lance Bouma, Vancouver 13.3%
Brady Calla, Spokane 11.7%
Recent winners: 2008, Mario Bliznak, Vancouver; 2007, Alex Aldred, Tri-City; 2006, Tyler Spurgeon, Kelowna; 2005, Adam Taylor, Kootenay; 2004, Cam Paddock, Kelowna; 2003, Ryan Cuthbert, Kelowna.
Top rookie
Brett Connolly, Prince George -- 86.5%
Leads all rookies with 27 goals and leads the Cougars in scoring with 52 points.
Also
Kellan Tochkin, Everett 59%
Kevin Sundher, Chilliwack 36.5%
Calvin Pickard, Seattle 23.9%
Tyler Maxwell, Everett 11.6%
Brendan Ranford, Kamloops 6.6%
Recent winners: 2008, Jamie Benn, Kelowna; 2007, Kyle Beach, Everett; 2006, Peter Mueller, Everett; 2005, Andrej Meszaros, Vancouver; 2004, Gilbert Brule, Vancouver; 2003, Jonas Johansson, Kamloops.
Best 16-year-old
Brett Connolly, Prince George -- 90.6%
He ranks third in scoring with 52 points, and has the Cougars -- sans injured Dana Tyrell -- clinging to a playoff spot.
Also
Kevin Sundher, Chilliwack 57%
Calvin Pickard, Seattle 25.2%
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver 18.9%
Brendan Ranford, Kamloops 18.4%
Brad Ross, Portland 18.2%
Recent winners: 2008, Tyson Barrie, Kelowna; 2007, Kyle Beach, Everett; 2006, Thomas Hickey, Seattle; 2005, Zach Hamill, Everett; 2004, Gilbert Brule, Vancouver; 2003, Mike Card, Kelowna.
Hardest shot
Jamie Benn, Kelowna -- 46%
He's deadly with a shot that travels 88 mph, and leads the Rockets in goals with 36.
Also
Drayson Bowman, Spokane 28.3%
Jared Cowen, Spokane 25.3%
Tyler Myers, Kelowna 23.5%
Thomas Hickey, Seattle 15.2%
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 14.5%
Recent winners: 2008, Dan Gendur, Everett; 2007-06, Roman Teslyuk, Tri-City; 2005, Dustin Byfuglien, Prince George; 2004, Richie Regehr, Portland, 2003, Matt Spiller, Seattle; 2002, Josef Balej, Portland.
Best goaltender
Chet Pickard, Tri-Cities -- 90.6%
Repeat winner is second in the league in save percentage (.915) and shutouts (5) and fourth in wins (27).
Also
Dustin Tokarski, Spokane 86%
Tyson Sexsmith, Vancouver 36.3%
Kurtis Mucha, Portland 17.2%
Kevin Armstrong, Prince George 7.9%
Lucas Gore, Chilliwack 5.8%
Recent winners: 2007-06, Carey Price, Tri-Cities; 2005, Jeff Glass, Kootenay; 2004, Kelly Guard, Kelowna; 2003, Billy Thompson, Prince George; 2002, Shane Bendera, Kelowna.
Top faceoff man
Tyler Johnson, Spokane -- 43.6%
The Chiefs' top guy for key faceoffs on special teams and in the defensive zone. He wins the ones that count.
Also
Zack Dailey, Everett 31.3%
Colin Long, Kelowna 29.1%
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 25.2%
Cody Almond, Kelowna 13.7%
Matt Meropoulis, Chilliwack 12.6%
Recent winners: 2008, Mario Bliznak, Vancouver; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Tyler Spurgeon, Kelowna; 2005, Adam Taylor, Kootenay; 2004, Jarret Lukin, Kamloops; 2003, Blake Robson, Prince George.
Best skater
Thomas Hickey, Seattle -- 36.2%
Smooth-skating D-man defends his title and has used his skills for 14 goals and a plus-19 rating.
Also
Prab Rai, Seattle 19.7%
Jim O'Brien, Seattle 19.1%
Tyler Johnson, Spokane 18.4%
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 17.2%
Johnny Lazo, Tri-City 16.2%
Recent winners: 2007, Michael Grabner, Spokane; 2006, Ryan Russell, Kootenay; 2005-04, Shawn Belle, Tri-Cities; 2003, Scottie Upshall, Kamloops; 2002-01, Josef Balej, Portland.
Most accurate shot
Jamie Benn, Kelowna -- 70.1%
Leads the Western Conference with 36 goals. Also has 13 power-play goals and 3 short-handed goals.
Also
Drayson Bowman, Spokane 62.8%
Evander Kane, Everett 32.9%
Mitch Fadden, Tri-City 21.5%
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 18.1%
Colin Long, Kelowna 7.4%
Recent winners: 2008, Colton Yellow Horn, Tri-City; 2007, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2006, Justin Keller, Kelowna; 2005-04, Nigel Dawes, Kootenay; 2003, Kiel McLeod, Kelowna; 2002, Josef Balej, Portland.
Most underrated player
C.J. Stretch, Kamloops -- 32.3%
After finishing tied for 172nd in scoring last year with 28 points, he's tied for 17th this season with 67.
Also
Tyler Johnson, Spokane 30.9%
Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City 26.7%
Colin Long, Kelowna 15.8%
Cody Almond, Kelowna 14.4%
Brent Regner, Vancouver 12.3%
Recent winners: 2008, Colin Long, Kelowna; 2007, Brock Nixon, Kamloops; 2006, Ian McDonald, Tri-City; 2005, Clayton Stoner, Tri-City; 2004, Shea Weber, Kelowna; 2003, Tyler Mosienko, Kelowna.
Toughest player
Ryley Grantham, Kelowna -- 67%
The 6-4, 205-pound bruiser joined the Rockets in January. He's owned the ice with 13 fighting majors and a league high 158 PIMs.
Also
Mitch McColm, Tri-City 46.4%
Sena Acolatse, Seattle 28.7%
Ryan Letts, Spokane 22.5%
Dustin Donaghy, Spokane 22.2%
Tayler Jordan, Portland 19%
Recent winners: 2008, Benn Olson, Seattle; 2007-06, Matt Kassian, Kamloops; 2005, Triston Grant, Vancouver; 2004, Cam McCaffrey, Tri-City; 2003-02, Darren McLachlan, Seattle; 2001, Derek Boogaard, PG.
Most irritating player
Zack Dailey, Everett -- 29%
Not a fighter, just an agitator. At 5-6 and 166 pounds, he's everywhere and in everyone's business.
Also
Lance Bouma, Vancouver 19.7%
David Robinson, Chilliwack 18.2%
Chris Cloud, Seattle 17.2%
Mitch Wahl, Spokane 13.6%
Sena Acolatse, Seattle 12.3%
Recent winners: 2008-07, Garet Hunt, Vancouver; 2006-05, Brandon Dubinsky, Portland; 2004, Simon Ferguson, Kelowna; 2003, Blake Robson, Prince George; 2002-00, Brandin Côté, Spokane.
Most improved player
C.J. Stretch, Kamloops -- 31.4%
In just one year, he's gone from 11 goals, 17 assists and a minus-24 rating to 23 goals, 44 assists and a plus-8.
Also
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver 27.5%
Evander Kane, Vancouver 26.2%
Brett Plouffe, Tri-City 18.6%
Tyler Shattock, Kamloops 16.3%
Tyler Myers, Kelowna 15.4%
Recent winners: 2008, Colin Long, Kelowna; 2007, Brock Nixon, Kamloops; 2006, Ian McDonald, Tri-City; 2005, Aaron Gagnon, Seattle; 2004, Brad Schell, Spokane, 2003; Jesse Schultz, Kelowna; 2002.
Best pro prospect
Evander Kane, Vancouver -- 46%
Projected to be a first-round NHL draft pick in June, he has 36 goals, 74 points, a plus-39 rating and a WJC gold medal.
Also
Jonathon Blum, Vancouver 42.4%
Thomas Hickey, Seattle 37.8%
Jamie Benn, Kelowna 37.3%
Jared Cowan, Spokane 23.2%
Chet Pickard, Tri-City 17.6%
Recent winners: 2008, Oscar Moller, Chilliwack; 2007, Peter Mueller, Everett; 2006, Carey Price, Tri-City; 2005-04, Braydon Coburn, Portland; 2003, Scottie Upshall, Kamloops; 2002, Dan Hamhuis, Prince George.
Top referee
Andy Thiessen -- 61.3%
Scheduled to work just 20 games this season, he's still the top choice for the second straight year.
Also
Pat Smith 22.3%
Derek Zalaski 17.9%
Steve Papp 16.9%
Matt Kirk 26.2%
Trevor Hanson 13.4%
Recent winners: 2004-07, Rob Matsuoka; 2003-01, Kevin Acheson; 2000-1999, Kelly Sutherland; 1998-93, Tom Kowal; 1992-91, Brad Davis.
Scout
__________________
# 8-9-11-22 ALWAYS REMEMBERED