Hockey Fanatic Awards 2015

The Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic invented it's own Awards system on the hopes that it could be seen as an alternative to the NHL Awards since they always seem to get things wrong. The NHL Awards Show were on tonight with comedian Bob Riggle as the host. Critics of the show through social media suggested that it wasn't a carefully thought out show as the bigger news actually happened before the show began. So, without hacky Vegas stand-up jokes, here are who COHF wants honored this year.

Note: Despite the NHL not regarding playoff performances in their awards, the COHF blog does.

Most Valuable Rookie: Johnny Gaudreau

He was the most stand-out Rookie this year and even got the nickname "Johnny Hockey". His meteoric rise to the top of his class and seemingly a fixture into the hockey highlights on just about ANY network should have earned himself an award for becoming what the Flames needed to turn around the franchise for the future.

Most Valuable Player: Jonathan Towes

With another Stanley Cup held over his head, he was truly a force the entire year as the BlackHawks Captain. He didn't get within the top three in scoring, but his team consistently won all the way though the whole season. I think the choice is obvious here.

Most Valuable Coach: Jon Cooper

He "shocked" the world (no pun intended) with bringing the Cinderella team Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup finals. With a few unforeseen injuries, the Lightning are a young team trying to build around Stamkos.

Most Valuable Defenseman: Erik Karlsson

Despite some up and down inconsistent play as a team this year, the Ottawa Senators captain had the most points and was second in goals this season. As long as he continues to put up the scoring stats, he could have another long career as a blueliner in Canada's capital.


Most Valuable Goalie: Carey Price

This is the one instance that the NHL and COHF agree that Price was the best choice for this award. He not only dominated on the stats column, but he also scored very well in the CORSI type new age statistics. You can also look up a lot of highlights from him this year as he's made plenty of key saves that people still talk about even after the season is over.

Most Valuable NHL Slovak player: Tomas Tatar

This Slovak had the most goals in the NHL season most often paired with fellow Slovak Tomas Jurco.

Most Valuable Teammate Tandem: Kyle Okposo and Jon Tavares

These two NY Islanders were really in the grove all season long and got themselves back into the playoffs. They were a dangerous tandem to start the year, but I would have to project the stats due to Okposo getting injured.

Most Valuable General Manager: David Poile

The Nashville Predators have turned a corner and in their history went for a more balanced attack. Poile is re-designing the team away from what they've always known to be. He hired their franchise's second head coach and acquired a lot of talent through the draft an found some way to keep Weber as captain of the team.

Most Valuable Ice Girls: Colorado Avalanche Ice Girls

Mainly because they look like they worked very hard this year scraping the ice and still looking good doing it. Since the NHL no longer allowed for the Zamboni in OT, every crew hand was more valuable.

Most Valuable Fanbase: Chicago BlackHawks

This wasn't easy to pick. There were several other teams that could have been mentioned here. However, witnessing the pandemonium and the amount of fervor that is surrounding the team all through the season as well as the championship parade, the Hawks are back to being a real force driving interests to one of the biggest hockey markets in the US.

Can-Am Award (presented in recognition to a blogger or fan who have contributed positively to Canadian and American fan relations): TBA.