Indianapolis' Bernie John Named CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman
Published on March 10, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
Four-time Central Hockey League All-Star defenseman Bernie John has today been named the 2003-2004 Most Outstanding Defenseman in the CHL. John earns the honor after being named on 58 percent of ballots completed by CHL head coaches, public relations directors and selected media members. Veteran John currently leads all professional defenseman in North America with 74 points this season, scoring 16 goals and adding 58 assists. The Most Outstanding Defenseman award is presented annually "to the CHL defenseman who has demonstrated the greatest all-round ability in the position."
Currently completing his fifth season in Indianapolis, the slick blueliner has averaged over 18 goals and 50 assists the past four seasons, and started for the Northern Conference in the 2004 Dodge Central Hockey League All-Star Game in Albuquerque, New Mexico. John leads the Ice in career points with 351, and was recently a landslide selection as "Best Defenseman" in CHL-wide "Best of the Best" balloting while also winning the "Best on Power Play" category.
"Obviously, it's a great honor for Bernie and well-deserved," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "He has carried this team for the last five years both offensively and on the power play and is having his usual career-type season."
McRae, John and the rest of the Indianapolis Ice are currently locked in a three-way battle for two remaining Northern Conference playoff berths. The Ice and Wichita Thunder remained tied for the final two slots with 73 points, with the two-time defending Ray Miron President's Cup Champion Memphis RiverKings a single point back. All three clubs will play three more games to close out the regular season.
John will receive his award this Sunday, March 14th from CHL Commissioner Emeritus N. Thomas Berry as the Ice conclude their home schedule with a game against Colorado. Amarillo defenseman Mark DeSantis finished second in Most Outstanding Defenseman balloting, named on 28 percent of ballots.
Thursday, the Scott Brower Memorial Trophy (Most Outstanding Goaltender) and Rick Kozuback award recipients will be announced. Finalists for the Scott Brower Memorial Trophy include Colorado's Ryan Bach, Bossier-Shreveport's Ken Carroll, Wichita's Nathan Grobins, Laredo's David Guerrera, Rio Grande Valley's Jeff Levy and San Angelo's Scott Reid. Friday, the CHL will name the 2003/2004 Most Valuable Player.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 10, 2004
- Mudbugs Week in Review - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Biggest fight of the year - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Indianapolis' Bernie John Named CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman - CHL
- John named CHL's Outstanding Defenseman - Indianapolis Ice
- RiverKings will host Baddour Center on Friday during Mudbugs game - Mississippi RiverKings
- Defenseman Jesse Cook to join Eagles roster - Colorado Eagles
- Guerrera Named CHL Rookie Of The Year - Laredo Bucks
- Laredo Goaltender David Guerrera Named CHL Rookie of the Year - CHL
- Brahmas can't complete comeback - Fort Worth Brahmas
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