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CHL Colorado Eagles

Nelson, Eagles Dominate "Best Of The Best"

March 9, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


LOVELAND, Colo. - The Central Hockey League released today, the results of their annual "Best of the Best" poll, voted on by those who know the industry...the best -- its own players, coaches and operational staffs. And for the third consecutive season, the Colorado Eagles garnered more honors than any other franchise on the way to setting a new organizational high for first-place winners.

The poll -- which has 46 different categories -- covers not only players, but arenas, fans, in-game entertainment and more. In the 2009-10 edition, the Eagles received a first, second, or third-place ranking in 24 of those categories (52 percent) -- by far the most of any other CHL organization.

The Eagles placed in 24 of the same 46 categories last season as well (a franchise high), but this season the team earned first-place votes in 15 of them, surpassing last year's 11 first-place winners (then, a team record).

The biggest winner was Colorado captain, Riley Nelson, who was voted the CHL's "Best Overall Player" for the second year in a row. Coming in second in the category was the league's leading scorer -- and Nelson's linemate -- Kevin Ulanski. Nelson also was named the league's "Smartest Player," "Best Penalty Killer" (for the second straight season), "Best Leader" and "Most Gentlemanly Player."

Other Eagles players to be voted No. 1 include: Aaron Schneekloth as the "Best Offensive Defenseman" (for the second year in a row), Ed McGrane as the "Best Stickhandler" (for the second year in a row) and Fraser Filipic as the "Best Fighter: Pound-for-Pound" (for the third time).

The Eagles' franchise also received first place rankings in: "Best Training & Equipment Staff" (Tony Deynzer and Chris Porowski), "Toughest Building to Win in" (Budweiser Events Center) for the sixth year in a row, "Best Ice Surface" for the second year in a row, "Best PA Announcer" (Reed Saunders), "Best Press Box," "Best On-Ice Promotions" and "Best Cheerleaders/Dance Team" (The Pioneer Press Eagles Chicks) for the fourth year in a row.

Colorado's overall breakdown of honors includes 15 first-place rankings, eight second-place rankings and three third-place rankings.

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