CHL Central Hockey League

Youngstown's Jeff Christian Named Central Hockey League MVP

March 26, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


Left winger Jeff Christian of the Youngstown SteelHounds has been named the Central Hockey League's Most Valuable Player for the 2006-2007 CHL season following completion of balloting among League coaches, communications staff members, and selected media members in each market. The Most Valuable Player award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.' Christian led the CHL with both 78 assists and 116 points during the regular season to also claiming the CHL's Joe Burton Scoring Champion award, presented in honor of Burton, the CHL's career leader with 985 points accumulated over 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Blazers.

Christian ranked at or near the top of virtually every offensive statistic in the CHL this season, ranking fifth with 38 goals, tied for fourth with 16 power play goals, second with 31 power play assists, and tied for second with six shorthanded goals, all while leading the circuit with a +45 plus/minus rating.

"We are proud of Jeff and what he means to the organization," said SteelHounds Head Coach Kevin Kaminski. "It has been great watching Jeff all season long; the way he goes about his business and the way he leads the young players on this team. He is a great asset for the CHL and for the Mahoning Valley."

Left winger Brent Kelly of the Arizona Sundogs finished second in Most Valuable Player balloting, and led the CHL with 42 goals this season. Center Riley Nelson of the Colorado Eagles, who scored a career high 41 goals this season and was named the CHL's 2006-2007 Man of the Year for his contributions to his community, finished third. Also appearing on the MVP ballot as finalists were Christian's teammate Chris Richards, Corpus Christi center Justin Quenneville and Bossier-Shreveport netminder John DeCaro, named the CHL's Most Outstanding Goaltender last week.

The 2006-2007 Ray Miron President's Cup playoffs begin this Thursday at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, where the Blazers entertain the Memphis RiverKings in game one of their best of seven opening round playoff series. The remaining five playoff series' begin Friday evening with contests in Bossier-Shreveport, Colorado, Laredo, New Mexico and Corpus Christi.

2006-2007 Central Hockey League Award Recipients

Most Valuable Player - Jeff Christian, Youngstown SteelHounds

Most Outstanding Goaltender - John DeCaro, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Most Outstanding Defenseman - Brad Williamson, Colorado Eagles

CHL Rookie of the Year - Cam Abbott, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Joe Burton Scoring Champion - Jeff Christian, Youngstown SteelHounds

Coach of the Year - Kevin McClelland, Memphis RiverKings

CHL Man of the Year - Riley Nelson, Colorado Eagles

Rick Kozuback Award - Marco Pietroniro, Arizona Sundogs

Athletic Trainer of the Year - Mike Ermatinger, Youngstown SteelHounds

Equipment Manager of the Year - Brandon Rose, Oklahoma City Blazers

All-CHL Team

F: Jeff Christian, Youngstown SteelHounds

F: Brent Kelly, Arizona Sundogs

F: Chris Richards, Youngstown SteelHounds

D: Derek Landmesser, Memphis RiverKings

D: Brad Williamson, Colorado Eagles

G: John DeCaro, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

All-Rookie Team

F: Cam Abbott, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

F: Bobby Chaumont, Laredo Bucks

F: Ryan McLeod, New Mexico Scorpions

D: Alex Dunn, Odessa Jackalopes

D: Craig Strain, Colorado Eagles

G: John DeCaro, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs



Central Hockey League Stories from March 26, 2007


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