Parsons Named CHL Most Valuable Player
Published on March 19, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
Don Parsons Named Advantage Rent-A-Car Most Valuable Player
Becomes First Memphis RiverKing to Earn M.V.P. Honors
The Central Hockey League has today announced the final, and most prestigious, award of the season. Memphis RiverKings left winger Don Parsons will receive the Advantage Rent-A-Car Most Valuable Player award following an outstanding season. The award is "presented annually to the CHL player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." Parsons was named the CHL's top player on 27 of 50 ballots cast by CHL Coaches, Public Relations Directors and selected media members, and becomes the first M.V.P. in team history.
Parsons led the RiverKings to their best record in the franchise's 10-year history, posting a record of 46-14-4 to capture the Northeast Division title. The RiverKings enjoyed an outstanding home record of 27-2-3, and finished seven games above .500 away from home with a 19-12-1 mark. Parsons reached the 50-goal plateau for the fourth time in his professional career, scoring 54 times this season to lead the CHL. 13 of his 54 tallies came with the man advantage, and eight were game winning goals. He ended the regular season third in total scoring, with his 95 points trailing Austin teammates Dan Price (97) and Brett Seguin (96).
Memphis Coach Doug Shedden was pleased to see Parsons recognized as the CHL's Most Valuable Player. "Don is not only an extremely talented player, but a true and classy professional, and I am thrilled to see him receive this honor. I have had the sincere privilege of coaching Don for several years, and he is most deserving of the accolades he is receiving." Other individuals included as Most Valuable Player finalists were forwards Van Burgess of the El Paso Buzzards, Joe Burton of the Oklahoma City Blazers, Austin's Price and Odessa goaltender Mike Gorman.
Parsons and his teammates enter the President's Cup Playoffs as the top-seeded team in the Northern Conference, and are preparing for their first round meeting with the Fort Worth Brahmas. The best-of-five game series begins this Thursday in Memphis.
2001-2002 Central Hockey League Award Summary
Award Recipient Team
Rick Kozuback Award Gatis Tseplis New Mexico Scorpions
CHL Man of the Year Scott Hillman Odessa Jackalopes
CHL Rookie of the Year Sebastien Centomo Memphis RiverKings
Most Outstanding Defenseman Daniel Tetrault Austin Ice Bats
Scott Brower Memorial Trophy Mike Gorman Odessa Jackalopes
Commissioner's Trophy Don McKee Odessa Jackalopes
Scoring Champion Dan Price Austin Ice Bats
Most Valuable Player Don Parsons Memphis RiverKings
Central Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2002
- Regular Season Concludes, Playoffs Begin Wednesday - CHL
- BRAHMAS WEEKLY - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Cotton Kings Final Weekly Release for 01-02 Season - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- ICE CLOSES OUT DIFFICULT SEASON ON A WINNING NOTE - Indianapolis Ice
- Parsons Named CHL Most Valuable Player - CHL
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