Baird and John are finalists for post-season CHL awards
Published on March 3, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Indianapolis Ice announced today that forward Jason Baird and defenseman Bernie John were selected as finalists for two of the post-season CHL awards that will be announced in conjunction with the end of the regular season.
Baird, 23, is one of the six finalists for Most Valuable Player, the award presented annually to the CHL player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team. His combination of scoring, defensive play and grit has made the third-year forward one of the top "power forwards" in the CHL this season.
He currently ranks sixth in the league in scoring with 73 points (25G, 48A) and has also compiled a (+22) plus/minus and 184 penalty minutes. Joining Baird as finalists for the M.V.P. award are forwards Jeff Bes (Laredo), Greg Pankewicz (Colorado) and Chad Spurr (Bossier-Shreveport) and goaltenders Jeff Levy (Rio Grande) and Scott Reid (San Angelo).
John, 31, is up for Most Outstanding Defenseman, the award presented annually to the CHL defenseman who has demonstrated the greatest all-around ability in the position. John, who is the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 345 points, sits in his customary spot atop the leaderboard for scoring among defensemen.
His 68 points (15G, 53A) on the year is tops not only in the CHL among defensemen, but the high mark for defensemen in all of pro hockey. Rounding out the defensemen finalists are Hardy Sauter (Oklahoma City), J.F. David (Laredo), Mark DeSantis (Amarillo), Derek Landmesser (Memphis) and Jason Tessier (Rio Grande).
The six finalists for the awards were determined by the CHL front office following nominations from each of the CHL's 17 member clubs. Balloting for the awards will take place among all CHL Coaches, Public Relations Directors and selected media members from each market.
On the team front, the Ice is coming off a 2-1 victory over Fort Worth last night improving its record on the ten-game road trip to 4-1-1. Next up for the Icemen is a Friday night contest with the San Angelo Saints. Indy's two remaining regular season home games are Friday, March 12th and Sunday, March 14th against the Colorado Eagles.
For all the latest Ice information, please visit www.indianapolisice.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 3, 2004
- Bucks Whitewash Lubbock 2-0 - Laredo Bucks
- Last chance to enroll in 'Kings hockey course - Mississippi RiverKings
- Scorpions' Barker Named Finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year - New Mexico Scorpions
- Baird and John are finalists for post-season CHL awards - Indianapolis Ice
- Gorillas signing autographs at Make-A-Wish Car Show - Amarillo Gorillas
- Bucks Clinch Governors' Cup, 2004 CHL Regular Season Champs - Laredo Bucks
- Must-wins loom for RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
- Gorillas awards banquet set for March 15 - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas to set up bus for last game in Wichita - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas coach's show set for tonight - Amarillo Gorillas
- Brahmas can't hold on - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Bucks Play Lubbock Tonight, Tickets Available - Laredo Bucks
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