award nominees

With the regular season almost over, the brain trust in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League has been working hard to come up with nominees and winners for the yearly individual trophies handed out annually at this time of the year.
The battle for the title of league MVP (the Steve “Boomer” Hawrysh Award) comes down to a prolific scorer and two puck stoppers. The nominees are Shane Luke of the Dauphin Kings (80 points heading into the second last week of the season), Jason Kasdorf of the Portage Terriers (leads the league with 20 wins) and Matt Krahn of the OCN Blizzard (league-best goals against average and save percentage).
Prediction: While I think this award should go to a forward, Krahn’s numbers are off the charts this year, so give the nod to the OCN puck stopper.
The league’s top defenceman (winner of the Brian Kozak Trophy) will be either Paul Bonar from the Winnipeg Blues, Chris Delalande from the Selkirk Steelers, or Clark Bzczynski from the Swan Valley Stampeders.
Prediction: Swan Valley and Winnipeg really lean on their candidates – I think Bzczynski edges Bonar.
The MJHL’s top rookie wins the Vince Leah Trophy, and this year I have to think Portage’s Brent Wold will take home the award. When you lead your team in scoring as rookie, I think that sort of makes you the front runner. Also up for this award is Dauphin’s Bryn Chyzyk and Waywayseecappo’s Brett Pinkerton.
Prediction: Wowk is all but a lock.
The “Windy” Lyndon Trophy goes to the player who shows the best hockey ability and sportsmanship (aka goons need not apply). The nominees are Joel Ridgeway of the Selkirk Steelers, Ryan Marshall of the Swan Valley Stampeders and Shane Luke of the Dauphin Kings.
Prediction: If Luke doesn’t win the MVP award, he might get this as a consolation prize.
Krahn and Kasdorf will also battle for the Top Goaltender Trophy. Joining them for this award will be Joey Rewucki of the Selkirk Steelers.
Prediction: Two awards for Krahn? I think so.
And who’s up for the Coach of the Year (the Muzz McPherson Award)? Scott McMillan from the OCN Blizzard, John Marks from the Winkler Flyers and Blake Spiller from the Portage Terriers.
Prediction: Portage winning the ultra-competitive Sher-Wood Division might be enough to give Spiller the award.
These awards will be handed out in the coming days in front of the player’s hometown fans.
• The MJHL player of the week is Winkler Flyers defenceman Brad Habet.
The Aldergrove, B.C., native had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in three games last week for the Flyers, who are vying for the Addison Division title.
Also considered for this award was 17-year-old goaltender Jayson Argue of the Swan Valley Stampeders and 20-year- old goaltender Brett Willows of the Dauphin Kings.
• Dauphin Kings defenceman Eddie Friesen was handed a two game suspension for receiving his third checking from behind minor penalty in the season.