Bowden: Making the call
Was Podloski the right choice for player of the year?
- March 19 2009
Last night the CIS handed out some hardware prior to the start of Nationals. Here are some quick thoughts:
Player of the Year - Tarin Podloski, Alberta
Hard to argue against the leading scorer in the CIS, but if you look at her points per game (PPG) of 2.65 (61 points / 23 games played), it is lower than McGill's Ann-Sophie Bettez's 3.00 (54 points / 18 games played).
Podloski is in her fifth and final season while Bettez is in her second year. Ann-Sophie will get her shot.
Rookie of the Year - Marie-Andree Leclerc-Auger, McGill
Was there anyone else even close? 18 goals in 18 games and throw in 28 assists for good measure. But why does her name have to be so long?
By the time I get it all out, she has already scored and lined-up at centre ice for the next face-off.
Coach of the Year - Howie Draper, Alberta
Peter Smith won last year so he's out, but what about Dave Ross from Moncton? He took a team with 31 points last year and pushed them to 46 this season with no regulation losses.
But how do you overlook Rick Osborne from Laurier? A one-goal loss on the final weekend away from an undefeated season and six straight OUA championships.
All this guy does is win. Show him some love.
Marion Hillard Award - Danika Smith, Ottawa
I won't pretend to know Dayna Kanis (Guelph), MacKenzie Rizos (Lethbridge)
and Kori Cheverie (Saint Mary's) apart from what they do on the ice. But I like this selection.
I have known Danika since she tried out for the Gee-Gees in 2003 and I cut her (maybe that is why I'm not coaching in the CIS anymore) and not too many people work as hard as her.
She has been team captain for three years and is president of the school's athletic council. She has volunteered at several elementary school in the past as well.
The best part of Danika is her personality off the ice - to see her interact with the little girls before a game, who are part of the Gee-Gees "Experience a Dream" program, you would think she was the eight year old meeting one of her idols. Great choice!
All-Canadian and all-rookie teams
I could sit here and pick apart the selections, but when it comes down to it, these are all talented players. There are only so many spots and there will always be someone who feels like they got snubbed.
The only trophy all these players care about is the one that will be awarded on Sunday night.
So bring on the games.
Until next time.
-
Stuart Bowden
0 Comments