CHL Central Hockey League

Shots from the Point

Published on January 16, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


1- Many teams have already passed the halfway point of their seasons but the 'official' second half of the season begins on Friday with eight games on the schedule. There are several very interesting match-ups including a battle between conference leaders when Odessa (24-9-3) visits Colorado (27-6-1). It is the only regular season contest between the two teams who very well could meet again in the finals. Other top showdowns include the defending Ray Miron President's Cup Champion Arizona Sundogs facing the Texas Brahmas in a re-match of three games earlier this season in Arizona that saw Texas take two of three. The final contest ended with a line brawl that constituted 152 penalty minutes in the 8-3 Brahmas win. Also, the Oklahoma City Blazers visit the Mississippi RiverKings in a game that will determine first place in the Northeast Division. The 'Kings currently lead the Blazers by a point.

2- Any player will tell you that a championship is the most important thing to win but many will tell you secondarily is the CHL Joe Burton scoring championship. Heading into the second half, four players have eclipsed the 50-point plateau with Odessa's Dominic Leveille leading the charge with 54 points. He is followed by teammate Sebastien Thinel's 52 points, Laredo's Jeff Bes who has 51 points and Colorado's Greg Pankewicz who sits with 50 points.

'Unofficial' First Half Awards

Top Team - Colorado Eagles

The Eagles have the league's best record at 27-6-1 and score almost a goal and half more than their opponent.

Honorable Mention: Odessa

Most Improved Team (from last season) - Oklahoma City Blazers

The Blazers are just one point out of first place in their division and have been one of the top Northern Conference teams all year. This following a season that saw them struggle to win back-to-back games and finish out of the playoffs and below .500.

Honorable Mention: Rio Grande Valley

Most Valuable Player - Sebastien Thinel, Odessa

Thinel is tied for the league lead with 25 goals and is second with 52 points. His 14 PP goals are also tied for the most in the CHL and his offense and big goals have pushed the Jacks to the top spot in the South.

Honorable Mention: Greg Pankewicz, Colorado

Rookie of the Year - Darryl Smith, Laredo

It's a runaway for Smith through the first half as he has seven more points than any other rookie and is a +19. This despite spending a week in the AHL with Houston.

Honorable Mention: Nicolas Dumoulin, Rio Grande Valley

Goaltender of the Year - Andrew Penner, Colorado

Easy choice seeing his 19-1-1 record and his glowing 2.45 GAA and .922 save percentage. He has been outstanding in nearly every game he has played for the league's top team.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Beech, Mississippi

Defenseman of the Year - Scott Polaski, Colorado

Polaski moved from forward to defense this season and hasn't skipped a beat sitting third in the league in scoring among d-men with 30 points and boasting a +14.

Honorable Mention: Russ Moyer, Odessa

Coach of the Year - Kevin Kaminski, Mississippi

"Killer" has brought that mentality to the RiverKings and has them sitting in first place in the highly competitive Northeast Division. The RiverKings, on paper, do not have nearly the depth and talent as Colorado and Oklahoma City but they are 6-3-0 versus those two teams this season.

Honorable Mention - Dan Wildfong, Texas

Comeback Player of the Year - Ryan Tobler, Colorado

After an injury-filled 2007-08 season, Tobler is back in top form with 23 goals and 14 power play goals. He already has 21 more points than a year ago and is a +13 on the season.

Honorable Mention: Doug Groenestege, Oklahoma City

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2009


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