Oh wow, I pushed hard on this back in Lafontaine's rookie season. I dont even think I was AGM at the time. Just loved my goalie lol.
So he moved up to the VHL after the draft and made 8 starts. I had to fight to get him rookie status in his 2nd season. Ultimately it was granted because a precedent was set by another goalie in the past. A goalie played 10 games in vhl then won rookie for the year the next season.
He had a almost a good enough season in that 2nd season for ROTY 40-22-2 and better sv%, GAA than rayz funk when he won the award 4 seasons prior. but Defenseman Roque Davis popped off for 25 goals and like 70 pts in a very low scoring era. Which fair enough very deserving of the award. Not disputing that.
Damn I got side tracked lol. Yes i think until a goalie plays over 10 games in the vhl they are a rookie. Some sort of official rule is needed. @Berocka i agree with everything you said above. Looks good