CHL Central Hockey League

"Best of the Best" Results Announced

March 10, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


The Central Hockey League (CHL) released today the results of the annual 'Best of the Best' poll as voted on by CHL players, coaches and operational staff from all 16 CHL teams. The poll consists of 46 categories ranging from 'Best Overall Player' (Colorado's Riley Nelson) to 'Best Booster Club' (Mudbugs Boilers). Each team provided three top choices for each category, with first place votes counting as five points, second place votes counting as three points and third place votes counting as one point.

Nelson was represented in three categories finishing first place in the 'Best Skater' and 'Best Penalty Killer' categories as well as the 'Best Overall Player'. The Eagles were selected in 22 of 36 categories leading the way of all CHL teams and also were first in earning 10 first place winners. Other categories won by Colorado include Ed McGrane winning 'Best Stickhandler', Kevin Ulanski winning 'Best Defensive Forward', Aaron Schneekloth winning 'Best Offensive Defenseman' and the team winning 'Best Fans', 'Toughest Building to Win In' and 'Best Team Ice'. The final category the Eagles took first place in was the 'Best Cheerleaders/Dance Team' which was given to the Eagle Chicks.

Oklahoma City earned the second most appearances being represented in 19 of the 46 categories. From the player side of things, defenseman Tyler Fleck was named 'Best Defensive Defenseman' and 'Best Leader'. The Blazers also earned recognition with the 'Best Training/Equipment Staff', 'Best Team Uniforms', 'Best PA Announcer' (Ben Buckland), 'Best Press Box', 'Best On-Ice Promotions' and 'Best City'.

In the "physical" categories, Colt King of the Rocky Mountain Rage took home the 'Best Fighter (Heavyweight)' and 'Best Bodychecker'. Mississippi's David Simoes won for 'Best Fighter (Pound for Pound)'.

Other winners include Mississippi's Head Coach Kevin Kaminski for 'Best Coach', Kevin Beech for 'Best Goaltender' and Louis Dumont for 'Most Gentlemanly Player', Tulsa's Jeff Christian for 'Smartest Player', Arizona's Joel Irving for 'Best Power Forward' and Karl Sellan for 'Most Annoying Player'. Laredo's Darryl Smith was named the 'Best Rookie'.

In some of the other off-ice categories, the Wichita Thunder retained their belt with the 'Most Annoying Fans' and Rio Grande Valley's Sir-Sting-A-Lot was voted the 'Best Mascot' in the league. The Bees also were honored with the league's 'Best Team Logo'. La Posada in Laredo was named the 'Best Host Hotel'.

In the media categories, the Arizona Sundogs won the 'Best Team Website' for the second straight season and the Corpus Christi IceRays were voted the 'Best Press Notes' and play-by-play announcer Josh Bogorad was named the 'Best Broadcaster'.

Adam Dunivan of the Loveland Reporter Herald covered the results of the 2008-09 Best of the Best Poll. His story is available at http://www.reporterherald.com/ and for full voting results visit www.centralhockeyleague.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 10, 2009


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