Most Valuable Player:
Goaltender Kristofer Westblom.
Despite suffering from a season ending knee injury February 3rd against Vancouver, Westblom was simply outstanding for a team that struggled on defense, especially in the early stages of the season.
Breakdown after breakdown in the defensive zone saw Westblom facing quality shots night after night after night. Westblom appeared in 42 games this season, facing 30 or more shots 23.
His best performance was a 49 save effort against the Vancouver Giants October 27th. On many night’s the Rockets had no business being in the game, yet Westblom was the reason why his team stood a chance.
Top Rookie:
Torrie Jung.
Jung proved without a shadow of a doubt he can be a #1 goaltender in this league.
Never drafted by the Rockets, Jung came into training camp almost assured of the backup role behind Kristofer Westblom.
When 'Westy' went down with a season ending knee injury, Jung was handed the starting assignment and played 19 straight games down the stretch, all of them pressure packed, with playoff hopes hanging on each and every game.
Don’t let the wins and losses fool you, Torrie Jung is one of the best young goaltenders this organization has ever had, and will hear his name called at this summer’s N.H.L draft.
Most Improved Player:
Cody Almond.
Almond saw limited duty as a rookie last season playing in just 23 games, behind the likes of Keller, Comeau, Spurgeon and Bodie just to name a few.
Had he played just 2 fewer games he’d again be considered a rookie this season.
Almond had just 3 points in his rookie season - this year 43. That’s a difference of 40 points.
Not bad for a second year guy!
Top Scorer:
Cody Almond:
Almond was give the chance to play in all key situations, and despite scoring just one goal in the teams first 16 games, Almond got better as the season progressed.
In fact Almond was best down the stretch when the team needed him most, recording points in 12 of the teams final 19 games which included 9 goals and 10 assists for 19 points. Almond became the first player in franchise history to lead the Rockets in scoring as a 17-year old.
One N.H.L scout told me this weekend that Almond’s performance in the final half of the season will get him drafted this summer. Prior to his late season explosion, he was on no ones radar.
Best Defensive Forward:
Myles MacRae.
This one is a toss up between MacRae and Chris Ray.
I give MacRae the slight nod because of his plus-minus, and he didn't see the amount of power play time Ray did.
MacRae was a shutdown man, while Ray was expected to score goals.
For a team that scored few goals yet gave up it’s fair share, McRae was only a minus 5.
He took key face-off’s for the Rockets and was used extensively on the penalty kill.
While MacRae would have liked to see better offensive numbers (14+13=27), his role as a solid defensive forward playing against the other teams top offensive unit, gives him the edge over Ray.
Top Defenseman:
Luke Schenn:
Schenn was forced into a tough situation as a 16 year-old/17 year-old by playing against other teams top players all season long.Mainly penciled alongside defensive partner Clayton Barthel, Schenn logged tons of ice time and was frankly forced into playing against much more physically mature athletes then himself far to often.
Schenn was the only Rocket this season to play in all 72 regular season games and should play for Canada at the upcoming Under 18 World Championships.
Unsung Hero Award:
James McEwan.
He not only led the W.H.L in fighting majors this season, but came into training camp committed to making an impact on a young Rockets team.
McEwan promised the coaches at the start of the year he would do whatever they asked of him – and delivered.
McEwan dropped weight in the summer, came into camp in the best shape of any of the returning veterans and forced the coaching staff into playing him regularly.
Working on improving his skating in the off-season, McEwan earned the respect of his teammates and others around the league with his no nonsense play.
If you mess with a member of the Rockets, you’d have to answer to McEwan.
Big or small, McEwan fought them all.
Most Sportsmanlike Player:
Brandon McMillan.
If you go by penalty minutes alone, Brandon McMillan would have to get the nod.
The rookie forward had just 27 minutes in penalties, not the lowest on the team, but close. Evan Bloodoff led the way with just 20.
McMillan had just one fighting major after electing to drop the gloves with Everett’s Kyle Beach.
McMillan isn’t a soft player though, but did a good job of playing within the rules despite playing a physical game.
Top Plus/Minus:Evan Bloodoff.
The award is based on statistic’s alone, but it’s not often that you see a rookie forward getting the award.
Evan Bloodoff was a team best +3 this season.
No other member of the Rockets was even on the plus end of the ledger other than Bloodoff.
Not bad for a kid who started the season as a 15 year-old and was the second youngest player in the Western Hockey League this season.
Now that I've made my predictions, let me point out that I predicted Portland to win the W.H.L title, Philadelphia to win the Stanley Cup and for Tampa Bay to win the World Series.
Yes all three teams finished dead last in their respective league's, so take these 'so called' predictions with a grain of salt.
I'll post the award winners and some thoughts from the awards banquet late Monday night.
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