Big Rapids Awards

You are a D-3 High School hockey team, you play some of the best teams in the state every year (2 of those in state finals this past year), you are not in a conference, not in a city league, you don’t have all conference selections or all area selections, your independent …you are Big Rapids High School Hockey.

Big Rapids held its annual Hockey Banquet on March 25th and celebrated another successful season. Next year is Big Rapids’ 25th year of High School Hockey and it should be a great celebration for the community, fans and High School. While certain excitement certainly filled the banquet room in anticipation of next year’s team and 25th year celebration events, other expressions from graduating seniors reminded us all that road trips, hotel stays, and locker room antics, as well as your high school hockey career, come to an end for most seniors at the conclusion of the banquet.

Big Rapids had six graduating seniors this year, Goalie Bob Butterfield, defenseman Matt Farnsworth, defenseman Nick Goodfellow, forward Brandon Madaj, forward Paul Goggins and defenseman Tony Ruppel. To each of you – your fans, friends and family say thank you and best of luck in all of your future endeavors…you are truly Big Rapids High School Cardinals forever!

2007-08 Big Rapids High School Hockey Banquet Honors:
Rookie of the Year: Eli Adams, Junior Defenseman: a transfer student from Idaho who held the blue line firmly and consistently all year. The Cardinals look forward to having him back next year, bigger and stronger than ever.

Most Improved Player: Tom Hancock, Sophomore Forward: a playmaker whom can score, Tom went from 2 points his freshman year to 34 points in his sophomore year. Tom’s commitment to the off season demonstrated to many that size and class rank really don’t matter.

Most Improved Player: Billy McMullen, Junior Defenseman: a 2 year blue line player whom demonstrated his toughness and leadership all year and finished as the top defenseman scorer. Billy will surly help anchor the defensive corps next year.

Scoring/Points Leader: Tom Hancock, Sophomore Forward: may have been a surprise to some but not to coaches and others whom know he can play the complete game. His 34 points lead the team and his commitment to his team and teammates shows with every shift. He will look to return and improve those numbers again next year.

Academic Awards: Bob Butterfield, Senior and Jordan Defever, Junior: both players demonstrated their leadership on and off the ice while holding high academic standards in the classroom. Simply put, these guys know how to get it done and demonstrated what a student/athlete is all about.

Defenseman of the Year: Nick Goodfellow, Senior Defenseman: a team Captain whom provided leadership and game intensity to players, fans and opposing teams. Nick’s desire was unmatched on the ice every game, every shift, every practice. His love for the game and leadership will be missed.

Coaches Award: Paul Goggins, Senior Forward: a tough, hard hitting competitor whom came off a knee injury midseason and helped provide the Cardinals with a strong year-end push. Paul’s contributions to the team go beyond his ice time play.

MVP: Mike Hickson, Sophomore Forward: a team Captain who can score (team leading 20+ goals) and demonstrated his ability to change the outcome of games. Mike’s commitment, leadership and desire will help lead this team for the next two years. Returning with fellow sophomore line mates Billy Clark and Tom Hancock, Mike will surly look to improve those numbers.

West Michigan High School Hockey Blog Players of the Week: Tom Hancock, Bob Butterfield and Jordan Defever

All State Honorable Mention: Mike Hickson and Nick Goodfellow

Thanks to the blog, the fans, the coaches and the readers of this site for a spectacular year of hockey, blogging and new friendships. See you next year (or is it next week) on the ice in West Michigan! Doug Hancock-(All Rookie Team Blogger 2007-08)