2020 Commissioner Awards!
Jul 9, 2020 21:18:08 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, and 8 more like this
Post by Buffalo Sabres on Jul 9, 2020 21:18:08 GMT -5
LESTER PATRICK AWARD
A coaching award, awarded each year to the GM with the most consistent line sending.
Travis Felts - Washington Capitals
Honorable Mention:
Adam D.S. - Arizona
Chris Scott - New Jersey
Tampa/Toronto/Edmonton/Carolina as well.
KING CLANCY AWARD
This award is given annually to GM's who have shown dedication to the league above the norm.
Winner this year is Louis-Philip LaFrance - Edmonton.
When we had some dwindling staff participation (due to missing staff members and real life Covid issues) and contract negotiations were ongoing, Louis kept them afloat. He reminded us that we needed to address these contract discussions constantly and was responsible for both posting emails from you GM's as well as creating the threads required and sending back the responses. Its not a glorified job but is a HUGE undertaking and an extremely important aspect of our league. Louis we thank you for all you have done not only this year but in previous years as well. The VHL would not be the same without your efforts.
THE RON HOLMES TROPHY
This award will be given annually to the GM who has done the best job of asset management, including player development.
This years winner is Will O'Leary of the Calgary Flames.
There are a number of people who could have won this award, however I loved the job Will has done this year. He had turned around a team that was really a joke of the league for a number of years and gave out one of the strangest contracts in VHL history ( Bobby Ryan) and constantly almost forgot about the team here at times missing a couple of trade deadline opportunities to move on from guys. That all has quietly changed the past couple of years and Will's focus is hugely evident. Quietly gained assets to a point where I didn't expect much yet from his team. He knew what he had though and saw the potential enough to take a shot this year. Sure he could have sold off again at the deadline and get more young assets for the ever popular "next year" but Will had the balls to give his team a chance, add some pieces, some veterans all the while maintaining his future. Excellent asset management and the results were 1 win shy of a Stanley Cup. Will I commend you and honestly hope others learn from this playoff and take that shot. You were a wildcard coming into the playoffs but a wild card who was much better at the deadline than before. Congratulations on your season!
BBB Award
Given out to the GM with the Biggest of Balls. A REAL baller and aggressive with his team feast or famine.
This years winner is Michael Bollentin of the Carolina Hurricanes. He came into the league with guns firing. His team was among the best in the league and to add to that he traded many picks to try and put him way over the top and into glory. Did it work? Not like he hoped but he also will be back again next season as a contender and I'm sure we may see the aggressive style come into play once again.
Congrats to you Michael on being the BBB!
Honourable mention here to Tom as well in Los Angeles. His aggressive style is a constant and was also strongly considered for this award.
Bobby Ryan award
is for dedication and commitment to their team and the VHL.
This years winner is a GM who probably discusses his team more than any other GM in the league. He is constantly tinkering and in constant talks with GM's league wide. A GM so committed he was even in trade discussions this year while running through their 2nd round opponent.
Tony Chiu of the Tampa Bay Lightning is your Bobby Ryan Award winner!
The final Commissioner award this year is an important one to announce. It is the AARON BROWN AWARD and will be award to a GM to recognize a true gentleman of the sport. Someone who is knowledgeable but not emotional and a respected GM in the league. This encompasses all that Aaron was as a respected GM both in the VHL and PHL and a person who I consider a friend even only meeting online since 2005.
I'll admit this was a tough decision as we have a great number of GM's I have immense respect for in this league. We avoid the drama of other leagues and I thank you all for that.
This years winner however is:
Monty Channa of the Vancouver Canucks.
Monty is a longtime GM, who has seen highs and lows, been in big time situations and handled it all without a complaint or issue along the way. He has taken his team to the top and won with dignity. Even when he falls short he loses with dignity.
Congratulations Monty on being the winner of the Aaron Brown Award!
