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CHL Colorado Eagles

Eagles Best of the "Best of the Best"

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


WINDSOR, Colo. - The Central Hockey League released today the results of their annual "Best of the Best" poll, and for the second year in a row, the Colorado Eagles dominated the league-wide survey. Every year, players, coaches and team operational staffs vote on several categories relating to the league's member teams, players, cities and other related categories.

Just like the 2007-08 season, the Eagles took more honors in more categories than any other team in 2008-09. Of the 46 total categories, Colorado was voted among the top three in 24 different rankings, including 11 first place, 10 second place and six third place tallies. The Eagles' previous high for first place votes was eight in 2006-07.

The Eagles were voted first in the following categories: Best Overall Player (Riley Nelson), Best Skater (Nelson), Best Stickhandler (Ed McGrane), Best Goaltender (Andrew Penner, tied), Best Penalty Killer (Nelson), Best Defensive Forward (Kevin Ulanski), Best Offensive Defenseman (Aaron Schneekloth), Best Fans, Toughest Building to Win In, Best Team Ice and Best Cheerleaders/Dance Team.

For several of the first place winners, it was an honor they've received before. The Eagles have received top honors for Best Fans (for the fifth year in a row), Toughest Building to Win In (for the fifth year in a row) and Best Cheerleaders/Dance Team (for the third year in a row) for several successive seasons.

The Eagles were voted second in the following categories: Best Stickhandler (Nelson), Most Underrated Player (McGrane), Best on Power Play (Ryan Tobler), Best Penalty Killer (Ulanski), Hardest Shooter (Greg Pankewicz), Best Fighter 'Heavyweight' (Tobler), Best Fighter 'Pound for Pound' (Fraser Filipic), Best On-Ice Promotions, Best Arena Concessions and Best Host Hotel (Fort Collins Marriott).

The Eagles were voted third in the following categories: Best Overall Player (Pankewicz), Best Power Forward (Tobler), Best Arena, Best Broadcaster (Tori Holt), Best PA Announcer (Reed Saunders) and Best Game Notes.

A full list of the "Best of the Best" results is attached in an Excel document.

Eagles beat writer Adam Dunivan of the Loveland Reporter-Herald was chosen by the league to write the official "Best of the Best" results story. His feature can be found at www.reporterherald.com.

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