The_Vulk
03-20-2006, 04:28 PM
Handing out hardware (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060320_160739_5400)
By Patrick King, Sportsnet.ca
Sportsnet's CHL expert nods his hat to the best of the best in the CHL during the regular season.
As the regular season finished up over the past weekend in the Canadian Hockey League, Rogers Sportsnet takes a look at which players were the top performers from each league.
Western Hockey League
League Most Valuable Player
Justin Pogge - Calgary Hitmen
Despite having scored fewer than 200 goals this season, the Hitmen are one of the top teams in the WHL and Pogge is the reason why. Pogge leads all goaltenders in goals against and is tied for the lead league in shutouts and save percentage. He was recently named the top prospect by Prospect Hockey magazine. If Calgary is going to go anywhere in the playoffs, it will be because of Pogge.
Top Forward
Troy Brouwer - Moose Jaw Warriors
Did any other forward have a bigger breakout this season in the WHL? Brouwer hadn't put up 50 points in any of his previous three seasons and this season led the league with 102. He was a threat to score every time he touched the puck and was rarely held off the scoresheet. The Warriors captain and future Chicago Blackhawk is one of the main reasons Moose Jaw finished first in their division.
Top Defenceman
Kris Russell - Medicine Hat Tigers
Although his offensive numbers aren't as good as last season, Russell was one of the key reasons the Medicine Hat Tigers won the WHL this season. Known more for his offensive attributes, Russell was as solid as any defenceman in his own end this season. In addition to his stellar two-way play, he was also a vocal leader as the team's captain. Russell did everything for the Tigers this season and will look to carry his team to a Memorial Cup appearance.
Top Goaltender
Justin Pogge - Calgary Hitmen
There was a lot of competition for this award; however, Justin Pogge once again comes out on top. He's one of three goaltender's who averaged fewer than two goals against, was tied for the league lead in save percentage and tied for the league lead in shutouts. Pogge simply dominated the WHL this season and will get a long look from management at the Toronto Maple Leafs' training camp in the off-season.
Top Rookie
Alexander Edler - Kelowna Rockets
The 19-year-old Swedish import didn't have any problems translating his skills to the North American game. He put up some big numbers in the Swedish junior league prior to playing for the Rockets and didn't disappoint with 53 points in 62 games for the Rockets. Although older than most rookies, Edler still had the biggest all-round season for first-year WHLers.
Top Coach
Don Hay - Vancouver Giants
The Giants had a solid team last year with a lot of promise entering this season. But when you factor in they lost their top forward Gilbert Brule to the NHL, their top defenceman Andrej Meszaros to the NHL and their top goaltender Marek Schwarz to the Czech Elite league, their solid season looks more miraculous than anything else. Brule returned to the team halfway through the season and they're looking like a true powerhouse. A lot of credit has to go to head coach Don Hay who helped keep the ship pointed in the right direction.
They had this for the OHL and QmjHL, but I just included the important league, the WHL!
By Patrick King, Sportsnet.ca
Sportsnet's CHL expert nods his hat to the best of the best in the CHL during the regular season.
As the regular season finished up over the past weekend in the Canadian Hockey League, Rogers Sportsnet takes a look at which players were the top performers from each league.
Western Hockey League
League Most Valuable Player
Justin Pogge - Calgary Hitmen
Despite having scored fewer than 200 goals this season, the Hitmen are one of the top teams in the WHL and Pogge is the reason why. Pogge leads all goaltenders in goals against and is tied for the lead league in shutouts and save percentage. He was recently named the top prospect by Prospect Hockey magazine. If Calgary is going to go anywhere in the playoffs, it will be because of Pogge.
Top Forward
Troy Brouwer - Moose Jaw Warriors
Did any other forward have a bigger breakout this season in the WHL? Brouwer hadn't put up 50 points in any of his previous three seasons and this season led the league with 102. He was a threat to score every time he touched the puck and was rarely held off the scoresheet. The Warriors captain and future Chicago Blackhawk is one of the main reasons Moose Jaw finished first in their division.
Top Defenceman
Kris Russell - Medicine Hat Tigers
Although his offensive numbers aren't as good as last season, Russell was one of the key reasons the Medicine Hat Tigers won the WHL this season. Known more for his offensive attributes, Russell was as solid as any defenceman in his own end this season. In addition to his stellar two-way play, he was also a vocal leader as the team's captain. Russell did everything for the Tigers this season and will look to carry his team to a Memorial Cup appearance.
Top Goaltender
Justin Pogge - Calgary Hitmen
There was a lot of competition for this award; however, Justin Pogge once again comes out on top. He's one of three goaltender's who averaged fewer than two goals against, was tied for the league lead in save percentage and tied for the league lead in shutouts. Pogge simply dominated the WHL this season and will get a long look from management at the Toronto Maple Leafs' training camp in the off-season.
Top Rookie
Alexander Edler - Kelowna Rockets
The 19-year-old Swedish import didn't have any problems translating his skills to the North American game. He put up some big numbers in the Swedish junior league prior to playing for the Rockets and didn't disappoint with 53 points in 62 games for the Rockets. Although older than most rookies, Edler still had the biggest all-round season for first-year WHLers.
Top Coach
Don Hay - Vancouver Giants
The Giants had a solid team last year with a lot of promise entering this season. But when you factor in they lost their top forward Gilbert Brule to the NHL, their top defenceman Andrej Meszaros to the NHL and their top goaltender Marek Schwarz to the Czech Elite league, their solid season looks more miraculous than anything else. Brule returned to the team halfway through the season and they're looking like a true powerhouse. A lot of credit has to go to head coach Don Hay who helped keep the ship pointed in the right direction.
They had this for the OHL and QmjHL, but I just included the important league, the WHL!