Five CHL Grads Win Major NHL Awards
The CHL was well represented at the 2011 NHL Awards with five league graduates winning major awards including Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry, Zdeno Chara, Ian Laperriere, and Dustin Brown.
Just one year removed from the OHL, former Kitchener Ranger Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. Skinner, who was the youngest player in Rangers’ franchise history to score 50 goals in a single season, was drafted 7th overall by the Hurricanes in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In his inaugural season, he led all rookies in scoring with 63 points, including 31 goals.
Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks became just the third OHL graduate to win both the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and also capture NHL MVP honours when he earned the Hart Memorial Trophy at the 2011 NHL Awards. The former London Knight also took home the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer with 50 goals. He added 54 assists to finish the year with 104 points in 82 games in his sixth NHL season.
Stanley Cup Champion and former Prince George Cougar Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins won the Bridgestone Mark Messier Leadership Award which was first presented in 2006-07. Chara had a tremendous season as captain of the Bruins and was also a Norris Trophy Finalist with 44 points in 81 games.
Ian Laperriere of the Philadelphia Flyers and former Drummondville Voltigeur was recognized as the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner best displaying perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
The final CHL award winner was Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings who won the NHL Foundation Award presented to the player that applies core values of hockey with commitment, perseverance, and teamwork to enrich the lives of people in the community. Brown, a former member of the Guelph Storm also produced 57 points in 82 games in this his sixth NHL season.
CHL Graduates – 2011 NHL Award Winners (click on a name to see the presentation of the award):
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings (Guelph Storm 2000-03):
Winner of the NHL Foundation Award as a person who applies core values of hockey to people in the community.
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins (Prince George Cougars 1996-97):
Winner of the Bridgestone Messier Leadership award.
Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers (Drummondville Voltigeurs 1990-94):
Winner of the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy nominee as the person who displays the most perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks (London Knights 2001-05):
Winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes (Kitchener Rangers 2008-10):
Nominated for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year.
Here are the other 10 CHL graduates who were nominated for various NHL Awards in 2011:
Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks (Ottawa 67’s 2005-09):
Nominated for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year.
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes (Kamloops Blazers 1992-95):
Nominated for the Bridgestone Messier Leadership Trophy as the player who demonstrates great leadership qualities on and off the ice.
Ray Emery, Anaheim Ducks (Sault St Marie Greyhounds 1999-2002):
Nominated for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy as the person who displays the most perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Michael Grabner, New York Islanders (Spokane Chiefs 2004-07):
Nominated for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year.
Mike Green, Washington Capitals (Saskatoon Blades 2000-05):
Nominated for the NHL Foundation Award as a person who applies core values of hockey to people in the community.
Daymond Langkow, Calgary Flames (Tri City Americans 1991-96):
Nominated for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy nominee as the person who displays the most perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks (Val d’Or Foreurs 1994-98 and Arcade-Bathurst Titan 1998-99):
Nominated for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender.
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning (Sarnia Sting 2006-08):
Nominated for the Ted Lindsay Trophy as the most outstanding player in the league as voted by the players.
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators (Regina Pats 1979-82):
Nominated for the Jack Adams Coach of the Year award
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators (Kelowna Rockets 2001-05):
Nominated for the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league’s top defenceman
For full results and information on the 2011 NHL Awards please visit www.nhl.com
Congratulations to all CHL graduates on a tremendous NHL season!
