Most Improved Player
This may be the hardest award to have to pick in this series. As was stated in a previous post, this season is like watching a completely new team. There's no one player whose performance has improved so much more than the others that he's a total lock for this one.
An argument was made on AyZiggyZoomba.com that the entire team should be chosen for this award. It's a fair point, and one that I did consider for a short time. I decided against it, but I do think it's important to point out the overall improvement of the team. Everyone's playing solid hockey. Many of the losses this year were games that the Falcons were "in" to the very end. This is a big improvement from last year.
But, while I do recognize that pretty much the entire team has improved, I feel compelled to make myself choose a winner and a runner-up.
So, without further ado, I give you your 2009 Mid-Season Most Improved Player - Tommy Dee.
For the past three years, Dee has been a hard-working player who always gave it all on the ice. His efforts didn't show up much on the score sheet until this year. His point totals for his first three years were:
2006-2007: 2G-2A-4P in 29 games.
2007-2008: 3G-3A-6P in 28 games.
2008-2009: 7G-1A-8P in 37 games.
Through 18 games this season, Dee has already surpassed his previous season-high with 6G-5A-11P while continuing to be one of the hardest-working players on the team. He never quits on a play and always keeps his feet moving to make things happen for the Falcons. His balanced and consistent output has been a key this season.
I'm no brilliant hockey prognosticator (I just play one in the internet), but I have to say I called this one. I went to a pre-season practice this season and immediately noticed a change in Dee's game. He looked like he had developed an offensive spark and instinct that had been missing before. I guess I was right. Chalk a point up in my column.
Runner-Up
The runner-up for this award is Tomas Petruska. The gap here wasn't very big.
Petruska is a gritty, physical player for the Falcons, but he has added a lot to his offensive game this season. His point totals have increased from 1G-3A-4P in 36 games last season to 10G-4A-14P in just 18 games this season. He is making smarter decisions, rather than just making the physical play and taking himself out of the action. His increased offensive output, along with that of Tommy Dee, are a big reason for the Falcons' competitiveness this season.
Odds and Ends
The argument was made in the comments section of the initial awards post for Andrew Krelove as the Most Improved Player. I will admit that he has come a long way since last season, but he still inspires me to do my best Mr. Spacely impression more often than not ("KRELOOOOVE! YOU'RE FIRED!"). He's making progress, and that's the important thing. Hopefully he continues to improve. No matter how frustrated I've been with his decision-making at times, I want him to succeed here. I have faith that the coaching staff and his fellow players will help him continue to improve as the season progresses.
Next Time
The next award to be named will be Defensive MVP.
I've also decided to add one more award, which I'll call the Flying Under the Radar award. It will be given to the player I think shows the most potential for the future.
In the mean-time, comment with your thoughts on this award and your nominations for the new one.
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My nomination of Krelove for most improved over Dee and Petruska was based on the fact that both of those forwards have been pretty decent, if offensively negligible, in their careers. On the other hand, Krelove had been astoundingly weak for the last two years and has gotten to the point this season where it seems his ice time is actually warranted.
ReplyDeleteIf you eliminate JST for the "flying under the radar" award since the future appears to be NOW for him, I would say the obvious choice would be Pageau who is putting up good numbers but I would rather see it go to Rodriguez who has shown a lot more grit and determination than the more naturally gifted Pageau. A case could be made for Ruel as well, I think.
You certainly make a fair point about Krelove. The strides he has taken this year are enough to warrant some attention and credit, and I think are a testament to how this team is improving overall.
ReplyDeleteRodriguez is definitely impressing me with his play. At 5'9" he's not the biggest guy out there, but he plays much bigger than his size. As I said in the Freshman of the Year post, I'm generally impressed with guys who work hard and play a physical, defensive game.
There's another player I have in mind that hasn't been mentioned yet for the new award. I think the name will surprise some people, but we'll see.
I agree, I think a lot more guys need to throw their bodies around because it is apparent from the rest of the CCHA tossing us around that we need to. I agree with you about Krelove, Terry. He is better this year, but I still have so many "WHAT ARE YOU DOING" moments in the stands to pick him as most improved. He's getting there, though, which I like to see. Good picks!
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