2009-10 FHL Season Preview - Awards

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Front Runners: Brian Barca (Jets), Roy McDonald(Crosby's), Tony Bonacorso(Pirates) Dark-Horse: Matt Wierchowski(Kings) The three top players of last season were Brian Barca, Roy McDonald, and Tony Bonacorso. All three were named as Franchise Players for their respective teams. Expect these three to be back in the running, along with the first overall pick in the 2009 FHL Draft, Matt Wierchowksi. The Most Valuable Player will be determined by these players production as well as the production of their teams. Any of these four players can carry a team on their back and lead them in a deep run into the playoffs. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Front Runners: Tom Fetsko(Boyle), Buddy Doyle(Pirates), Dave Gilson(Crosby's) Dark Horse: Bill Seaman(Jets) There are many great defensemen in the Franklin Hockey League, but last year, Tom Fetsko established himself as one of the bests. He's the front runner, followed by first round pick Buddy Doyle of the Pirates, and Dave Gilson, a first round pick of the Crosby's. Bill Seaman may find some gas left in the tank and has to be rejuvenated by playing with former teammate and good friend Brian Barca and the Jets. BEST DEFENSIVE FORWARD Front Runners: Mark Fetsko(Moose), Matt Wierchowski(Kings), Nick Siniawski(Boyle) Dark-Horse: Ryan Cleary(Pirates) Hustle, Heart, and Determination are three factors that the Best Defensive Forward has. Last year, Matt Wierchowski won the award with the Crosby's. This year, he's one of the front runners, along with Mark Fetsko and Nick Siniawski. Ryan Cleary also has a chance to win the award. These four players never give up on the play and always are back to play defense. BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER OF THE YEAR Front Runners: Jason Kortz(Jets), Jeremey Jones(Crosby's), Dave Kwolek(Kings) Dark-Horse: Tom Sheetz(Jets) The Breakthrough Player of the Year usually goes to the player who came out of nowhere and suprised everyone with their play. This year, Jason Kortz, Jets, Jeremey Jones, Crosby's, Dave Kwolek, Kings, and Tom Sheetz, Jets, have all been drafted with high expectations from their team. Although the expectations are high, no one truly knows how these four will play. Expect one of these four to be a huge factor in their teams success, leading to being named the Breakthrough Player of the Year. GOOD GUY AWARD Front Runners: Joe Rogers(Pirates), Jamie Zelena(Kings), Shane Lucas(Boyle) Dark-Horse: Jamie Judge(Jets) It's almost expected that Joe Rogers will win his third consecutive Good-Guy Award. The award is based off of a guy who doesn't worry about stats, enjoys playing the game, and keeps everyone else playing happy. Other front-runners for the award include Kings Captain Jamie Zelena and Shane Lucas of Boyle. Jamie Judge of the Jets has also been mentioned for the Award. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Front Runners: Dan Lichtenfels(Boyle),Thayne Mitrik(Kings), Jake Laird(Moose) Dark-Horse: Any other High School Rookie If someone had to guess the 2009-10 FHL Rookie of the Year, where would they start? Your guess is as good as anyone elses. Dan Lichtenfels was the first high school rookie picked in the draft, 39th overall to Boyle. Thayne Mitrik's athleticism at Steel Valley, playing soccer, baseball, and basketball, got him drafted by the Kings shortly after at 49. Jake Laird showed some talent in the pre-draft rookie game, scoring a goal, and getting him drafted by the Moose in the 10th Round. Anyone of these three players could win the award, but they have the same chance as the other High-Schooler's.