VSN Presents: S97 VHLM Awards

[MichkovSzn 111]

@SMYLS4

It's time for the S97 VHLM Awards!

 

I'm MichkovSzn and I will be your host for the S97 VHLM Awards tonight, with lots of help from @Pifferfish writing. Many people have contributed to the VHLM this season either through GMing or being a player, but tonight is about recognizing those who were the very best throughout the whole of S97. Without any further ado, let's get into those awards shall we?

Edited Thursday at 02:12 AM by LucyXpher

[Banackock 8,373]

Wooo

[MichkovSzn 111]

The nominees for tonight's awards:
 

The Benoit Devereux Trophy - Awarded to the player deemed to be the Top Goalie in the VHLM
 

@DarkSpyroRicky Lafleur (SDM) - 72 GP, 46-21-5, .918 SV%, 1.59 GAA, 17 SO
@okochastarDraw Mac (MIA) - 69 GP, 48-14-7, .919 SV%, 1.64 GAA, 14 SO
@TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun (LVA) - 60 GP, 27-15-18, .923 SV%, 1.52 GAA, 11 SO
@qripllVladimir Trunov (OTT) - 46 GP, 23-13-9, .926 SV%, 1.98 GAA, 7 SO

The Ryan Sullivan Trophy - Awarded to the player deemed to be the top defenseman in the VHLM
 

@McGriddy10Shot Blocker (HFX) - 72 GP, 5 G, 39 A, 44 P, +26, 142 PIM, 283 HIT, 115 SB

@koty_kDog Jagr (MIA) - 72 GP, 10 G, 52 A, 62 P, +27, 99 PIM, 233 HIT, 101 SB

@ScottyPBazooka Joe (PHI) - 72 GP, 15 G, 35 A, 50 P, +1, 110 PIM, 204 HIT, 137 SB

@KavadarArmas Jortikka (MIA) - 72 GP, 26 G, 60 A, 86 P, +51, 54 PIM, 96 HIT, 103 SB

@eaglesfan036Blaze Thunderstrike (SDM) 72 GP, 16 G, 44 A, 60 P, +26, 116 PIM, 181 HIT, 82 SB

The Matt Bentz Trophy - Awarded to the player deemed to be the best two-way forward in the VHLM
 

@SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar (HFX) - 72 GP, 52 G, 52 A, 104 P, +27, 46 PIM, 144 HIT, 20 SB

@Xhekityb123Xhekajs middletoe (HFX) - 72 GP, 23 G, 43 A, 66 P, +45, 65 PIM, 195 HIT, 7 SB

@FiZiFilip Zinek (MIS/MIA) - 72 GP, 36 G, 45 A, 81 P,  +34, 72 PIM, 210 HIT, 25 SB

@Captain nuggetCaptain Nugget Jr.(SSK) - 72 GP, 23 G, 34 A, 57 P, +4, 62 PIM, 211 HIT, 37 SB

The Jack Reilly Trophy - Awarded to the general manager deemed to be the best in the VHLM
 

@jacobcarson877Jacob Carson (HOU) - 45-20-7, 97 pts, 4th place, 191 GF, 134 GA, +57 Diff

@Ricer13Kris Rice (MIA) - 50-15-7, 107 pts, 2nd place, 214 GF, 126 GA, +88 Diff

@roryJeffrey Pines (HFX) - 53-13-6, 112pts, 1st place, 234 GF, 141 GA, +93 Diff

@sadieSadie St. Louis (LVA) - 32-20-20, 84 pts, 6th place, 126 GF, 134 GA, -8 Diff

@Mysterious_FishEric White (SDM) - 46-21-5, 97 pts, 3rd place, 167 GF, 120 GA, +47 Diff

The Mitch Higgins Trophy - Awarded to the player deemed the VHLM's most valuable player during the regular season.
 

@v.2Cash Carti (HOU) - 42 G, 33 A, 75 P, +25, 40 PIM, 99 HIT, 19 SB

@eagle_3450Jean-Pierre Devote (SDM) - 42 G, 35 A, 77 P, +23, 46 PIM, 125 HIT, 20 SB

@PlateJoel Jakobs (OTT) - 39 G, 33 A, 72 P, +10, 39 PIM, 109 HIT, 66 SB

@koty_kDog Jagr (MIA) - 10 G, 52 A, 62 P, +27, 99 PIM, 233 HIT, 38 SB

@DarkSpyroRicky LaFleur (SDM) - 72 GP, 46-21-5, .918 SV%, 1.59 GAA, 17 SO

The Skylar Rift Trophy - Awarded to the player deemed the VHLM's most valuable player in the playoffs.

@SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar (HFX) - 16 GP, 10 G, 8 A, 18 P, +0, 16 PIM, 37 HIT, 3 SB
@TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun (LVA) - 16 GP, 12-3-1, .909 SV%, 1.68 GAA, 5 SO
@animal74Albin Aldgard (LVA) - 16 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 P, 12 PIM, 29 HIT, 16 SB
@Big_DylChad Powers (HFX) - 16 GP, 10-5-1, .917 SV%, 1.95 GAA, 1 SO
@Spartan Kazuma Satou (LVA) - 16 GP, 8 G, 14 A, 22 P, -1, 14 PIM, 21 HIT, 18 SB

 

 

Edited Thursday at 02:48 AM by MichkovSzn

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Founder’s Cup

Awarded to the Playoff Champions of the VHLM

 

Las Vegas wasn’t a team that topped the standings list throughout the season with 90+ points. They stood modestly in around the middle of the league for the whole season finishing 6th with 84 points total. The Aces defense led by players like @Spartan Kazuma Satou and @animal74Albin Aldgard was some of the best in the league allowing only 134 goals. Goaltender @TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun played a key part as he had an outstanding season between the pipes. 

 

In the playoffs the Aces first faced off against the #2 in the league Miami Marauders who had won 50 games and secured 107 points in the regular season. However, despite how strong the Marauders were, the Aces took the series quickly 4-1. In the second round Las Vegas got lucky after the 3 seeded Marlins were upset by the Wild meaning the Aces were favored in the series. Once again they made short work of their opponent in another 4-1 series win. In the finals it was the best team in the league, Halifax 21st who the Aces would need to face. The first two games went Halifax’s way and it seemed that the Ace’s Cinderella story was drawing to a close. After those first two games however, Las Vegas won 4 straight to finish off the 21st and take the Founder’s Cup home. Their top playoff scorers were defensemen Kazuma Satou and Albin Aldgard who scored 22 and 18 points respectively, as well as trade acquisition right winger @TylerRaoul Cyr who over performed in the playoffs with 17 points.

Congratulations to the S97 Founder's Cup Winners, the Las Vegas Aces

 

Edited Thursday at 02:59 AM by MichkovSzn

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Prime Minister’s Cup

Awarded to the VHLM team with the best regular season record

Despite the heartbreaking loss in the Founder’s Cup Finals to the Las Vegas Aces, the Halifax 21st had yet another impressive regular season, building off the foundation they set last season. They claimed 112 points throughout the campaign and had a 53-13-6 record. They were led by stars such as @SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar (104 P, 52 G, 52 A), @TheDukeTy Duke (102 P, 50 G, 52 A), and @WildfireMicroInker Belle (97 P, 39 G, 58 A) who all finished top 5 in scoring. These three led the best offense in the league, which finished with an impressive and league-leading 234 goals for and a goal differential of +93. On the defensive side of the puck Halifax was home to impressive players like @LastGoon007Petr Novak and @McGriddy10Shot Blocker, who both helped the 21st to a respectable 5th in goals against with 141. Goaltender @Big_DylChad Powers was also very solid with a .904% save percentage and a GAA of 1.92 while facing 1204 shots.

This season stands as a testament to how well Halifax is run as an organization with a playoff appearance every season since S93 and now 2 Prime Minister’s Cups and 2 finals appearances in that time. GM @rory did a great job assembling this squad in S97.

[MichkovSzn 111]

 

Ethan Osborne Trophy

 

Awarded to the player who leads the VHLM in points at the end of the regular season 

 

“This award was renamed from the Dionne Trophy to the Ethan Osborne Trophy in S42 to honour the VHL Hall of Fame career of Ethan Osborne. VHLM MVP and top scorer in S30, he repeated the feat in the VHL in S36, in between founding and managing one of the VHLM's most successful franchises: the Bratislava Watchmen.”

 

The points leaderboard in S97 was really a who’s who of players from the top two teams in the league, the Halifax 21 and the Miami Marauders. With a tightly packed top four it seemed that it could be anyone’s trophy to win as the season drew to a close. The winner of this award needs no introduction, finishing top 5 in both goals and assists.

 

Congratulations to the S97 Ethan Osborne Trophy winner, @SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar

 

Top 5: @SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar(HFX) 104 P| @TheDukeTy Duke(HFX) 102 P| @Dynamicmlb_42Jacob Longstreet(MIA) 98 P| @WildfireMicroInker Belle(HFX) 97 P| @KavadarArmas Jortikka(MIA) 86 P|

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Vladimir Boomchenko Trophy

 

Awarded to the player who leads the VHLM in assists at the end of the regular season 

 

“This award was renamed from the Oates Trophy to the Vladimir Boomchenko Trophy in S42. Boomchenko won this award in S25 and mirrored the achievement in S29 in the VHL. A vocal member of the Riga Reign, Calgary Wranglers, and Cologne Express, Boomchenko also contributed, in a co-GM capacity or as a volunteer, to many VHLM teams and locker rooms, most notably the Yukon Rush and Saskatoon Wild.”

 

This season the VHLM saw many prolific passers and the Boomchenko Trophy was one of the most hotly contested awards in the league with only 10 assists separating 1st and 9th place. However, while many players got close, only one player can lift the trophy at the end of the day. With 60 assists in 72 games, there’s no doubt this player was a massive piece of the puzzle for Miami’s regular season success this year. He elevated his teammates' play to the highest degree and they wouldn’t have won so many games without his help.

 

Congratulations to the S97 Vladimir Boomchenko Trophy winner, @KavadarArmas Jortikka 

 

Top 5: @KavadarArmas Jortikka(MIA) 60 A| @Dynamicmlb_42Jacob Longstreet(MIA) 59 A| @WildfireMicroInker Belle(HFX) 58 A| @TheDukeTy Duke(HFX) 52 A| @SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar(HFX) 52 A

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Alexander Chershenko Trophy

 

Awarded to the player who leads the VHLM in goals at the end of the regular season 

 

“This award was renamed from the Hull Trophy to the Alexander Chershenko Trophy in S42 to honour the career of VHL Hall of Famer Alexander Chershenko. Though trophyless in a respectable VHLM career, Chershenko is one of two three-time winners of this award in the VHL. In addition to this, Chershenko was honoured for his contributions to enhancing the VHLM experience while VHL commissioner.”

 

This award was much less widely contested than the Boomchenko but the battle for the Chershenko still came down to the wire between two teammates in Halifax. It’s no secret that the Halifax 21st had the best and most explosive offense in the entire league this season and it led them to a Prime Minister’s Cup win. These two players are some of the biggest reasons for the offense’s success. As much as these two may have liked to share this trophy, one had to win it in the end.

 

Congratulations to the S97 Alexander Chershenko Trophy winner, @SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar 

 

Top 5: @SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar(HFX) 52 G| @TheDukeTy Duke(HFX) 50 G| @v.2Cash Carti(HOU) 42 G| @eagle_3450Jean-Pierre Devote(SDM) 42 G| @WildfireMicroInker Belle(HFX)

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Benoit Devereux Trophy

Awarded to the player deemed to be the top goalie in the VHLM

 

“This award was renamed from the Sawchuk Trophy to the Benoit Devereux Trophy in S42 to honour the illustrious career of VHL Hall of Famer Benoit Devereux. The HC Davos Dynamo legend won this trophy in a spectacular S9 campaign with Toledo before becoming the first three-time top goalie in the VHL. He would have been a worthy name for that award if it wasn't for a younger generation to follow and so is at last honoured in this way.”

 

The nominees for the S97 Benoit Devereux Trophy are:

 

@DarkSpyroRicky Lafleur (SDM) - 72 GP, 46-21-5, .918 SV%, 1.59 GAA, 17 SO

With Ricky tending the net in San Diego the Marlins found themselves in 1st place in the Western Conference and 3rd overall. Playing every single game for the team, he led them to having a league best 120 goals against. Among his fellow goalies he ranked 1st in shutouts and 2nd in both wins and GAA, it's no secret he was a huge part of San Diego's success.

 

@okochastarDraw Mac (MIA) - 69 GP, 48-14-7, .919 SV%, 1.64 GAA, 14 SO

 

S97 was yet another great season for Miami’s veteran goaltender. He had his 3rd consecutive 30 win season and led the Marauders to yet another top 5 finish and playoff appearance. His .919 save percentage and his 1.64 GAA were both good enough for top 3 in the league and his 48 wins led all goalies in the league. Sadly Miami’s great season came to a swift end in the playoffs but with Mac struggling to find his rhythm but that doesn’t take away the stellar season he had.

 

@TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun (LVA) - 60 GP, 27-15-18, .923 SV%, 1.52 GAA, 11 SO

 

OCO was an immovable object in net for the Aces this year and elevated the team’s play as a whole far above where it would have been without him. Top 3 in the major categories of SV%, GAA, and shutouts is no easy feat, especially on a team outside the top 3 in the standings. OCO gave the team a T-3rd best GA in the league of 134 which is what largely kept them in a playoff spot as their offense struggled the whole season.

 

@qripllVladimir Trunov (OTT) - 46 GP, 23-13-9, .926 SV%, 1.98 GAA, 7 SO

 

Trunov’s save percentage of .926% was tied for best in the league with his teammate @GarshDr. Victor von Doom and both his shutouts and his GAA were top 10 among all goalies in the M. However Trunov didn’t get the same amount of playing time as the rest of the candidates as he had to share the crease with von Doom as both had impressive seasons. This lower amount of games played hurts his counting stats like shutouts and wins and sadly his overall Devereux Trophy case. 

 

Congratulations to the S97 Benoit Devereux Trophy winner, @TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun.

Voting: Oluwaseun 7 | LaFleur 3 | Mac 1

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Ryan Sullivan Trophy

Awarded to the player deemed to be the top defenseman in the VHLM

 

“This award was renamed from the Bourque Trophy to the Ryan Sullivan Trophy in S42. One of the greatest VHL defenseman of all-time, a three-time recipient of the Sterling Labatte Trophy, Sullivan proved his mettle in the VHLM in S28. In addition to an illustrious career, Sullivan's case was strengthened by his victorious role as Kolari Panthers GM and later becoming VHLM Commissioner.”

 

The nominees for the S97 Ryan Sullivan Trophy are:

 

@McGriddy10Shot Blocker (HFX) - 72 GP, 5 G, 39 A, 44 P, +26, 142 PIM, 283 HIT, 115 SB

 

Shot Blockers’ headlined Halifax’s defensive corps with his strong physical play. He led the entire league in hits by a large margin, 37 more than second place which was larger than the difference between 2nd and 8th. His 115 shots blocked was also enough for top 10 in the league. However his biggest flaw this season was his discipline. Unable to stay out of the penalty box he had more penalty minutes than anybody else.

 

@koty_kDog Jagr (MIA) - 72 GP, 10 G, 52 A, 62 P, +27, 99 PIM, 233 HIT, 101 SB

 

Jagr plays a great game on both sides of the puck, being top 4 in both hits and in points among defensemen. With high scoring ability combined with being a solid defenseman, he’s a player any team would like on their roster. The offensive fire power of Jagr and his pairmate Jortikka was a key part to Miami’s great offense.

 

@ScottyPBazooka Joe (PHI) - 72 GP, 15 G, 35 A, 50 P, +1, 110 PIM, 204 HIT, 137 SB

 

For Bazooka Joe his stats like +/- and points suffer from Joe being on a worse team compared to the rest of the candidates. His stats like hits and shots blocked are impressive being top 10 in the former and top 3 in the latter. Bazooka Joe is definitely a player to watch out for in season 98 as the Philadelphia Reapers squad improves.
 

@KavadarArmas Jortikka (MIA) - 72 GP, 26 G, 60 A, 86 P, +51, 54 PIM, 96 HIT, 103 SB

 

Armas Jortikka is by far the best player offensively out of all the candidates, leading all defensemen in points by an enormous gap. This along with a top 3 plus-minus and solid stats across the board, especially his low penalty minutes are what make him such a strong candidate for this award and a great player for Miami this season.

 

@eaglesfan036Blaze Thunderstrike (SDM) 72 GP, 16 G, 44 A, 60 P, +26, 116 PIM, 181 HIT, 82 SB

 

Thunderstrike had a great season heading San Diego’s defensive corps which was league best in terms of goals against and secured the team a 3rd place finish in the VHLM. He was tied for 4th most points among defensemen with his 60 along with his teammate Bubbles Lafleur. His solid physical play and shot blocking ability was a big part of his team’s overall performance defensively.

 

Congratulations to the S97 Ryan Sullivan Trophy winner, @KavadarArmas Jortikka.

Voting: Jortikka 8 | Jagr 3

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Matt Bentz Trophy

Awarded to the player deemed to be the best two-way forward in the VHLM

 

“This award was renamed from the Yzerman Trophy to the Matt Bentz Trophy in S42 to honour the VHLM contributions of Matt Bentz. Well-known for a Hall of Fame VHL career as a potent goal-scorer and long-time Calgary Wranglers GM, Bentz's path to  the VHL pinnacle started with an Yzerman Trophy in S8. He repaid the VHLM in full by serving as VHLM commissioner and arguably pioneering the modern interpretation of the role.”

 

@SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar (HFX) - 72 GP, 52 G, 52 A, 104 P, +27, 46 PIM, 144 HIT, 20 SB

 

If you’ve paid attention to the VHLM at all this season then Pelayo Bolivar needs no introduction. Winning the Chershenko, the Osborne, and finishing 5th for the Boomchenko, whatever you needed offensively, Bolivar had you covered. He wasn’t a slouch defensively either with a solid 144 hits on the year. He certainly made a great case for the Bentz this season.

 

@Xhekityb123Xhekajs middletoe (HFX) - 72 GP, 23 G, 43 A, 66 P, +45, 65 PIM, 195 HIT, 7 SB

 

Xhekajs middletoe played well on a strong Halifax team this season with solid production on both sides. However being second to last in points and hits, and last in shots blocked among candidates does hurt his case as he was not elite on either offense or defense.

 

@FiZiFilip Zinek (MIS/MIA) - 72 GP, 36 G, 45 A, 81 P,  +34, 72 PIM, 210 HIT, 25 SB

 

Filip Zinek is quite the familiar face for the Matt Bentz trophy, winning it twice in both seasons 93 and 96. Top 10 in both hits and points this season and a great plus/minus, Zinek brings intensity and effort to both sides of the puck which is what makes him a perennial candidate for the Bentz.

 

@Captain nuggetCaptain Nugget Jr.(SSK) - 72 GP, 23 G, 34 A, 57 P, +4, 62 PIM, 211 HIT, 37 SB

 

Nugget Jr. has the best defensive game out of any of the candidates for the Bentz with the highest shots blocked and hits while staying out of the box relatively well. However his offensive game struggles compared to the others with the lowest point total and this hurts his case quite a bit.

 

Congratulations to the S97 Matt Bentz Trophy winner, @FiZiFilip Zinek

Voting: Zinek 6 | Bolivar 4 | Nugget Jr 1

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Jack Reilly Trophy

Awarded to the general manager deemed to be the best in the VHLM

 

“This award was renamed from the Ken Holland Trophy to the Jack Reilly Trophy in S42 to honour the VHLM managing career of later HC Davos Dynamo GM Jack Reilly. Reilly was GM of the Saskatoon Wild for 11 seasons from S18 to S28, winning three Founder's Cups and a record four Top GM awards.”

@jacobcarson877Jacob Carson (HOU) - 45-20-7, 97 pts, 4th place, 191 GF, 134 GA, +57 Diff

 

Jacob Carson and his Houston Bulls team did very well this season with a solid top four finish. We all know how positive of an influence Jacob is as a person and there is zero doubt that translated to his players and in this Bulls’ locker room. As far as actual team management, the Bulls made just a single trade this season by moving Raoul Cyr and a 2nd (13th overall) in that upcoming S97 draft for Bartholomew Lorequavius. Some called it an odd move as Houston already had a strong netminder in Zaps Cat, but Carson probably has no regrets with this decision as the tandem worked well for the team during the season. Via the draft, the Bulls added Jack Jack, Alex Bridges IV, and Kenton Baze to their strong roster. Alex Bridges IV is probably the highlight of that group as his past of going IA led to a fall down to 23rd. With a strong season of earning, possibly influenced by Jacob’s management, Bridges just went 7th overall in the S98 VHL Entry Draft. Other moves for Houston include re-signing players like Cat and Tommy James Longpre before the start of S97 and keeping them active until the end.

@Ricer13Kris Rice (MIA) - 50-15-7, 107 pts, 2nd place, 214 GF, 126 GA, +88 Diff

 

Kris Rice has long been, in my opinion, one of the best asset managers in the VHLM. His work to help set up the recent runs of Saskatoon after a short time as interim GM and now building Miami back into a contender speak to this exact idea. Obviously the playoffs didn’t go to plan, but they did lose to the eventual champs anyways. Looking further at that asset management, we see a few trades. First, Miami turned an S99 2nd and 5th into 12th overall in the S97 draft, allowing them to add Sidney Sheppard, who also has turned into quite the VHL prospect, managing to make it to nearly 300 TPE before the S98 draft. The draft provided little extra support to Miami as they only added James Harle in the later rounds. This team mostly built their roster in the previous seasons. After a mere 18 games in S97, Miami made one of the only significant moves by trading Harle and a 1st for now three-time Bentz winner Filip Zinek. Like we did with Carson, let's also highlight Rice negotiating new contracts with pending UFAs in Armas Jortikka, Jacob Longstreet, and Elf shoes, who all went over a point per game in the season.

 

@roryJeffrey Pines (HFX) - 53-13-6, 112pts, 1st place, 234 GF, 141 GA, +93 Diff

 

Jeffrey Pines managed a solid Halifax team that inevitably lost in the Finals once again. Despite it, they had the best regular season in the VHLM and were dominant all year long, only dropping 19 total games. Sadly, this roster was mostly built by previous GM Lexie Leitner, so it does make evaluating the contributions of Pines a bit more difficult, but we can try. Before the S97 draft, Halifax managed to swap a forward in Jay Sikes for much needed defensive help in Sullivan nominee Shot Blocker. They also added Inker Belle via free agency from Las Vegas to help build on the insane offensive talents on this roster already. Ty Duke could have left for another team, but was retained by Pines to run it back with the #BoatGang. Jeffrey also managed to hit with most of his picks in the draft as he added Hater Tottingham 16th overall and Darko Alexander Malkovich Sr 24th. 

 

@sadieSadie St. Louis (LVA) - 32-20-20, 84 pts, 6th place, 126 GF, 134 GA, -8 Diff

 

Obviously, a Founders Cup is a strong addition to any GM’s resume, but the strength of this team was in the will to stay put and let the good games come. A technically below .500 record seems like a bad omen for the management of this team, but if half those OTLs fall the other way, this team shoots right up into the same tier as San Diego and Houston. Clearly, they didn’t win those games and here we are, but it just puts into perspective how underrated this team may have been heading into the playoffs. As far as moves in the name of improving this team’s chances, Sadie made a couple good ones. Firstly, she re-signed Mattias Gunnarsson for the season. Then she added Danny Ross from Miami to fill the hole left by Inker Belle’s departure, at least partially. The next significant place to look was in the crease and in possibly the best single transaction of the season considering the results, Sadie negotiated a contract with Oluwaseun, who then had Devereux and Rift caliber runs. OCO was also already a cup winning goalie who knew what it takes to get it done after a win with Philadelphia in S95. Sadie also made an important trade for Raoul Cyr before the start of the season to further support this crippled forward core. The cost to add this talent was merely a 2nd and 4th in S98. Vegas only had two picks in the S97 draft amount to anything in 3rd overall pick Kazuo Satou and 22nd overall pick Jagger Bomb Jr. Both key contributors in this team’s run. 

 

@Mysterious_FishEric White (SDM) - 46-21-5, 97 pts, 3rd place, 167 GF, 120 GA, +47 Diff

 

As many are aware, White loves to trade picks in the first round and for picks in the first round, it's just his thing. To start the S97 season off right, the Marlins moved 6th overall for a S99 1st and S99 5th to Ottawa. Despite this, the team managed to scrape together a pretty good draft adding pieces like first-gen Joseph Poole, Zak Trokker, and Cardinal Copia at 17th, 14th, and 4th respectively. He also resigned three more forwards in Jerry Box, Ender, and Jean-Pierre Devote to shore up that top-6. It can be said the stars of this 3rd place team were the LaFLeurs, the depth that helped them most was built in the offseason moves by White. 

Congratulations to the S97 Jack Reilly Trophy winner, @sadieSadie St. Louis.

Voting: Sadie 4 | JacobCarson 2 | Ricer 2 | MysteriousFish 1 | (Abstained) 2

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Mitch Higgins Trophy

Awarded to the player deemed the VHLM's most valuable player during the regular season.

 

“This award was renamed from the Sakic Trophy to the Mitch Higgins Trophy in S42. Higgins won the award as part of a legendary Ottawa Ice Dogs team in S23 before leading a notable VHL career and securing at various points the positions of Oslo Storm GM, VHLM commissioner, Helsinki Titans GM, and VHL commissioner.”

 

@v.2Cash Carti (HOU) - 42 G, 33 A, 75 P, +25, 40 PIM, 99 HIT, 19 SB

 

Houston's lone point per game player starts off the list of nominees for the Higgins. While the assist totals and defensive efforts are not all that impressive, a top 3 finish in goal scoring league wide is quite impressive. Carti's efforts led the league's third best offense with 191 goals as a unit.

 

@eagle_3450Jean-Pierre Devote (SDM) - 42 G, 35 A, 77 P, +23, 46 PIM, 125 HIT, 20 SB

 

Like Carti in Houston, Devote is his team's only point per game player. Despite better offensive numbers than Carti, Devote's Marlins finished only 4th in terms of goal scoring. He also provided marginally more defensive upside with 125 hits. 

 

@PlateJoel Jakobs (OTT) - 39 G, 33 A, 72 P, +10, 39 PIM, 109 HIT, 66 SB

 

Once again, we have a player representing their team as their singular point per game player. Jakobs, however, provided seemingly the most defensive upside of the nominees so far. Joel had 29 more shot blocks than Ottawa's next best forward. While being a very disciplined skater, only taking 39 PIMs with 109 Hits. Even though he doesn't crack the VHLM's top 5 in any of assists, goals, or points, his contributions to Ottawa's success were massive. 

 

@koty_kDog Jagr (MIA) - 10 G, 52 A, 62 P, +27, 99 PIM, 233 HIT, 38 SB

 

Dog Jagr, despite not winning the Ryan Sullivan trophy earlier, does find himself in the MVP conversation due to his amazing efforts at both ends of the ice. This two-way play style helped greatly in propelling Miami to top 2 placements in both goals for and goals against. Jagr also showed great discipline, having the 4th most hits in the VHLM but only being 7th in PIMs. His hard hitting struck fear in his opponent's hearts.

 

@DarkSpyroRicky LaFleur (SDM) - 72 GP, 46-21-5, .918 SV%, 1.59 GAA, 17 SO

 

The second player featured by the San Diego Marlins is their netminder, Ricky LaFleur. While Devote's efforts only led to the league 4th best offensive output as a team, LaFleur's produced the VHLM's best on his end. With 120 goals against as a team, the Marlins dominated the competition defensively. Despite lacking the dominant save percentage that one might expect from a goalie of this caliber, the 17 shutouts show a strong ability to be a game changer for the Marlins any given night, even if the consistency was somewhat lacking on other nights. 

 

Congratulations to the S97 Mitch Higgins Trophy winners, @v.2Cash Carti and @PlateJoel Jakobs.

 

Voting: Carti 4 | Jakobs 4 | LaFleur 2 | Devote 1

[MichkovSzn 111]

The Skylar Rift Trophy

Awarded to the player deemed the VHLM's most valuable player during the playoffs.

 

“This award was renamed from the Esposito Trophy to the Skylar Rift Trophy in S42. Rift epitomised the modern VHL by winning two playoff MVPs, in the inaugural season of VHLM expansion franchise Yukon Rush and leading the expansion Quebec City Meute to their first Continental Cup. In addition to his player achievements, Rift's role as VHLM GM and vocal member of the VHL Board of Governors had significant impact on the VHLM.”

 

@Spartan Kazuma Satou (LVA) - 16 GP, 8 G, 16 A, 22 P, -1, 14 PIM, 21 HIT, 18 SB

 

Kazuma led all skaters in points this playoffs, nearly managing a whole point per 20 minutes played. Standing at a smaller size of 5'6" his physical presence is lacking, but he has the heart. It's also impressive to see him willing to give up the body and block even as many as 18 shots. This defender's trademark wasn't really defense though, even though his role in that was still bigger than his stature, but in the offensive zone. All season the Aces relied on their defenders to do the heavy lifting offensively, and in these playoffs they all dominated on the power play. Kazuma potted 6 goals and 4 assists with the man advantage, and was the key piece of a powerplay that converted a whopping 30% of the time.

 

@Big_DylChad Powers (HFX) - 16 GP, 10-5-1, .917 SV%, 1.95 GAA, 1 SO

 

Powers and his Viperz (did I get it right this time Chad?) didn't exactly wow us in the regular season as his team's offense got to do most of the heavy lifting. But in these playoffs they needed Chad to step up in a big way. As the team on the whole struggled to find quite that same rhythm. He wasn't that dominant goalie that gave the other team absolutely no chance to win, but he did put his team in that position more often than not. Halifax only saw their opponents secure 3 or more goals just five times in the playoffs, and EVERY single one of those occasions resulted in losses for the team.

 

@SMYLS4Pelayo Bolivar (HFX) - 16 GP, 10 G, 8 A, 18 P, +0, 16 PIM, 37 HIT, 3 SB

 

Pelayo Bolivar played a strong two-way game in the postseason. He proved an effective hitter, posting 37 checks with only 16 PIMs to show for it. That's not the best part of his game though as he potted 10 goals in the playoffs, good for the best total in the whole postseason. He was also a key contributor to what was a struggling powerplay unit, getting 6 points via the man advantage. Most of his teammates found little consistency with the man advantage the way he did.

 

@animal74Albin Aldgard (LVA) - 16 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 P, -1, 12 PIM, 29 HIT, 16 SB

 

Albin Aldgard was a big part of the Ace's success in this postseason with a team leading 9 goals. He was actually one of the few Las Vegas players to do most of their damage 5v5 with only 4 of those 9 goals coming from the powerplay. That ability to contribute even strength means a ton to a team when you consider the potential volatility of penalty calls going your way. This stabilization of the Aces' offense was major but so too was his defensive efforts. This team allowed few shots on goal, and there is no doubt Albin helped in this regard.

 

@TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidieber Oluwasuen (LVA) - 16 GP, 12-3-1, .909 SV%, 1.68 GAA, 5 SO

 

While the playoffs for Las Vegas were a shock and relied heavily on special teams, there is no denying the impact this man had on his team. Nearly half of the time his team skated on the ice they needed merely one goal to secure victory. Oluwasuen has been in this position before, having an S95 Skylar Rift Trophy in his case at home, but adding a second wouldn't be too bad. His elite play gave his skaters a chance to win nearly every game. Only on four occasions did he allow more than 4 goals against, and those resulted in 3 of the Aces' limited losses. Simply put, when OCO played poorly, his team struggled to find ways to win.

 

Congratulations to the S97 Skylar Rift Trophy winners, @Spartan Kazuma Satou and @TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidieber Oluwasuen.

Voting: Oluwaseun 5 | Satou 5 | Aldgard 1

[MichkovSzn 111]

With that, we conclude the S97 VHLM Awards. Thank you to everyone for being here and reading this article, and congratulations to all the S97 VHLM award winners!

[Big_Dyl 207]

9 minutes ago, MichkovSzn said:

Powers and his Viperz (did I get it right this time Chad?)

It’s close enough haha

[LucyXpher 1,926]

AMAZING JOB @MichkovSzn on your first VSN post! 
Congrats to all the winners, especially @sadie for GM and @SMYLS4 for stuff...

[Ricer13 2,915]

Congrats everyone! Amazing season 

[DarkSpyro 995]

[AJW 2,319]

2 hours ago, MichkovSzn said:

The Benoit Devereux Trophy

Awarded to the player deemed to be the top goalie in the VHLM

 

“This award was renamed from the Sawchuk Trophy to the Benoit Devereux Trophy in S42 to honour the illustrious career of VHL Hall of Famer Benoit Devereux. The HC Davos Dynamo legend won this trophy in a spectacular S9 campaign with Toledo before becoming the first three-time top goalie in the VHL. He would have been a worthy name for that award if it wasn't for a younger generation to follow and so is at last honoured in this way.”

 

The nominees for the S97 Benoit Devereux Trophy are:

 

@DarkSpyroRicky Lafleur (SDM) - 72 GP, 46-21-5, .918 SV%, 1.59 GAA, 17 SO

With Ricky tending the net in San Diego the Marlins found themselves in 1st place in the Western Conference and 3rd overall. Playing every single game for the team, he led them to having a league best 120 goals against. Among his fellow goalies he ranked 1st in shutouts and 2nd in both wins and GAA, it's no secret he was a huge part of San Diego's success.

 

@okochastarDraw Mac (MIA) - 69 GP, 48-14-7, .919 SV%, 1.64 GAA, 14 SO

 

S97 was yet another great season for Miami’s veteran goaltender. He had his 3rd consecutive 30 win season and led the Marauders to yet another top 5 finish and playoff appearance. His .919 save percentage and his 1.64 GAA were both good enough for top 3 in the league and his 48 wins led all goalies in the league. Sadly Miami’s great season came to a swift end in the playoffs but with Mac struggling to find his rhythm but that doesn’t take away the stellar season he had.

 

@TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun (LVA) - 60 GP, 27-15-18, .923 SV%, 1.52 GAA, 11 SO

 

OCO was an immovable object in net for the Aces this year and elevated the team’s play as a whole far above where it would have been without him. Top 3 in the major categories of SV%, GAA, and shutouts is no easy feat, especially on a team outside the top 3 in the standings. OCO gave the team a T-3rd best GA in the league of 134 which is what largely kept them in a playoff spot as their offense struggled the whole season.

 

@qripllVladimir Trunov (OTT) - 46 GP, 23-13-9, .926 SV%, 1.98 GAA, 7 SO

 

Trunov’s save percentage of .926% was tied for best in the league with his teammate @GarshDr. Victor von Doom and both his shutouts and his GAA were top 10 among all goalies in the M. However Trunov didn’t get the same amount of playing time as the rest of the candidates as he had to share the crease with von Doom as both had impressive seasons. This lower amount of games played hurts his counting stats like shutouts and wins and sadly his overall Devereux Trophy case. 

 

Congratulations to the S97 Benoit Devereux Trophy winner, @TenIQOnyekachukwu Chidiebar Oluwaseun.

Voting: Oluwaseun 7 | LaFleur 3 | Mac 1

WHAT

[AJW 2,319]

4th and 7th all time single season shutout recording goaltenders lose to a goalie with 18 OTL that’s a joke

[MichkovSzn 111]

7 minutes ago, AJW said:

4th and 7th all time single season shutout recording goaltenders lose to a goalie with 18 OTL that’s a joke

Listen man, I don't vote on the awards I just write about 'em.

[animal74 1,900]

11 minutes ago, AJW said:

4th and 7th all time single season shutout recording goaltenders lose to a goalie with 18 OTL that’s a joke

And even with less shutouts OCO still had better GAA and SV%...

[Pifferfish 763]

2 hours ago, Big_Dyl said:

It’s close enough haha

In forgetful in my old age... I was closer than Oakley's at least

[AJW 2,319]

24 minutes ago, MichkovSzn said:

Listen man, I don't vote on the awards I just write about 'em.

I know you don’t, don’t worry brother!!

 

20 minutes ago, animal74 said:

And even with less shutouts OCO still had better GAA and SV%...

20 less wins dude! SV% and GAA are almost all identical