I decided it is time to hand out my post season awards for the 09-10 BU Men's Hockey Team. Obviously these literally mean nothing, just how I saw this past season.
Let's Start With the Obvious Ones:
Team MVP
Honestly, this is a tough decision. Not because there are so many great choices - just because to me nobody on this team really stood out this year. Sure there were great players to take the ice for the terriers, just none of them really played out of this world. That being said, my choice for team MVP is Senior Eric Gryba. No, not because he now holds the team record in penalty minutes (although admittedly that helps). Simply because he came to work everyday, played hard and tough hockey, and could fire up the bench/crowd with his big time hits and bruising style of play. Gryba never scored much, but you cannot put a value on intimidation and work ethic.
7th Man Award, aka Unsung Hero
This one goes to another Senior, forward Zach Cohen. Cohen led the team in goals with 15, and was 6th on the team in points with 25. Zach played hard, put the puck in the net, and wasn't afraid to throw his body around on the boards.
Rookie of the Year
As much as I hate Canada, this one goes to a Canuck - Alex Chiasson. Chiasson led all freshman in points (19), goals (7), and +/- (5). Although he only had 7 goals, he seemed to score at the right times - including the game winner against Northeastern in the first round of the Beanpot He skated hard and surprisingly for a Canadian was not afraid to do some hitting and shoving before and after the whistle.
Best Offensively
This one goes to former junior and current Anaheim Duck Nick Bonino. Bonino led all BU icemen with 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) as well as leading in +/- (18). If there was a BU goal scored, it was almost assured he was involved. Nick manages to win this award despite seeing a downfall in production from his standout Sophomore year.
Best Defensively
If anybody doubts who is being picked here, you lack intelligence. Eric Gryba, ladies and gentleman. Grybs was a fixture on the penalty kill, while intimidating the hell out of the other team with his bruising, hard hitting play. Anybody who watched BU hockey this year probably would agree that Gryba was our top defensive defenseman, bar none.
Now for the less obvious (and potentially dumber) ones:
Best Goal Celebration
Without a doubt, this one goes to Dave Warsofsky and his celebration at Fenway Park (go to 1:16 to see the goal and celebration, although Nicatro blocks part of it). After ripping a slapper from the point, Warsofsky pretends to toss a ball up in the air, swings at it with his stick, and then celebrates as if he just hit a homer to right field. Epic.
Most Embarrassing Play by a Terrier
Ahhh, freshman. You love them, you hate them, you laugh when they get deked out of their skates on television. This award goes, of course, to Max Nicastro getting toasted by BC's Chris Kreider at the Beanpot (go to 36 seconds to see the play at full speed and then a close up of the move). With BU already down 2-1 in the 2nd period, Kreider starts the BC break up the left wing. As Kreider makes his move to the middle, Nicastro jumps to the outside and gets left looking silly. Also considered was another Nicastro play from the HE Quarterfinals on a misplayed puck at center ice.
Player Who Deserved Most to Leave (Seniors not included)
This award goes to Nick Bonino, even though his numbers declined in his junior campaign. Nick totaled 100 points in 3 seasons as a terrier, including 50 during his standout sophomore year. As was said previously, it seems that if a BU goal was scored, Bonino was probably a part of it. He managed to put up 38 points his junior year, even while missing a few games during first semester due to injury. As much as we would like him back, he has earned the right to go make his money.
Player Who Deserved Least to Leave (Seniors still not included)
Colby Cohen, ladies and gentleman. ColbyCo recently signed his pro contract - an entry level deal - and will report to the Avalanche AHL affiliate. Although Colby could rip a slapshot like no other - he has been laden with injuries and probably needs to work on his defense to make a proper transition to the pro game. Without a doubt, Colby would have benefitted from another year in a BU uniform - where they play less games, and would have had a chance to improve his D. Instead, he will spend at least a year, if not two, in the AHL getting banged around.
Last but not least...
Sexiest Iceman (no homo)
After spending hours looking at photos (kidding), the winner of the most prestigious award I could give is...Eric Gryba. I mean, look at him . How could he not win this one?
Thus ends my awards. If you have any disputes, comment. But obviously I'm right.
Looking ahead...
Recently Coach Parker said that the team would not be voting on Captains - he and the coaching staff will instead be choosing them. I decided to predict who I think they will pick.
Captain: Senior Joe Pereira
Assistants: Corey Trivino, Dave Worsofsky
Pereira is the lone senior returning to the ice next year (of the players who actually played, I'm not counting Kraus or Big Saponari), and is a player who works hard and grinds it out. Underclassmen would have to look at Pereira and follow his work ethic and hustle. Trivino has been one of the Terriers better players (before getting injured this year) and was playing first line as a sophomore, so clearly Parker respects him and his talent. Warso has been a bright spot as a D man for the Terriers, and although he does not have a big frame he plays a huge role on penalty kills and even strength D.
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