So many standout performances last week, but I have to pick one from each of the Regional winners. Caveat: Hockey is a team sport, I know, but each of these guys stepped up at critical moments and helped their teams win. Please use the comments section to name your own players of the week, but keep it positive.
Adam Janecyk, Grand Rapids Catholic Central - The two-time all-state goalie for the Cougars always seems to come up big in the playoffs. Last week was no exception. After a relatively light workout against Kenowa Hills, he turned in a 35-save gem against EGR and then kept Mattawan off the board while the Cougars were in the box in the first period of the regional game. For the week, he allowed just 2 goals in 3 games to push GRCC to its third consecutive quarterfinal matchup.
Tyler Hall, Rockford - The senior forward's flair for the dramatic this season reached its peak on Saturday night when he ripped a game-winning slapshot from the left circle top with 26 seconds left in the Rams' regional win over Hudsonville. Earlier in the week, he iced the game with a highlight reel goal against Lowell-Caledonia to give the Rams a two-goal cushion late in the pre-regional game, which Rockford won 6-3.
Ben Belton, Kentwood - EK's pre-regional round featured two wins by the mercy rule and a dearth of shots for the junior goaltender, who split time with fellow junior Zac Bresko all season. Belton got the nod in the regional final and came up big with 28 saves to pitch the shutout against the speedy and skilled Howell team to push the Falcons to the Elite 8 again.
Ben Biondo, Forest Hills Northern/Eastern - It's hard to pick a single POW for FHN/E because they are getting so many contributions from so many players right now -- a good thing for Coach Kevin Zaschak and his team after an up and down season. That said, Biondo's goal with 17 seconds left against DeWitt in the pre-regional opener was as huge as its been for FHN/E in recent weeks. It gave them life and a spark, which carried over to the rivalry game vs. FHC and then against Haslett-Williamston in the regional championship.
Cody Vanderveen, Portage Central - The junior forward, a linemate to all-everything forwards Jared Hook and Erik Hoffman, is one of those unheralded guys who does all the little things that often result in goals for the guys on his line. Last week was more of the same, as Vanderveen's forechecking and overall grit helped create turnovers -- and goals -- that spurred the Mustangs to wins over rival Portage Northern, Jenison and Mona Shores.
Honorable Mention: GRCC senior John Dery had a hat trick against Kenowa, two against Mattawan and the game-winner with 26 seconds left against EGR...Rockford senior Tyler Glass had a hat trick against Lowell-Caledonia, including the game-winner...Portage Central's Brogan Vandevelde was solid as a brick wall, letting in only 1 goal apiece against Portage Northern and Mona Shores...by all reports, FHNE's goalkeeper Sean Winks was the difference maker in the win over FHC, recording 26 saves....East Kentwood's Miguel Rodriguez scored in all three Falcon wins, but none was bigger than his goal against Howell, which put EK up 1-0...so many others that could be Players of the Week, so feel free to add them to the comments section.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Players of the Week
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6 comments:
Congratulations to all of the kids named POW and to all of the kids that could have been named POW. The end of the year games are very exciting and I wish all of the teams that are still alive good luck on their championship journey.
I am a huge EK fan and want to say that you picked two very deserving kids for POW in Belton and Miguel. They have played hard all year and have been fun to watch.
Good luck on Wednesday in the quarter final game. I will be their cheering you on.
Mr G.
I too am a EK fan, and Ben really worked hard for that shutout, and he deserved it.. He has been working hard all season and has been getting better and better every time he is in the net. It looks like he is a team player, when he is not playing, he is cheering on the team.. Good luck Wed EK, hope you get another win.
EK Dad:
Tough calls each week for blogger -thank You. Hope you don't have to do this alone!
GRCC: If GR Press is correct I think Matt Kane had a hat trick & assist. welcome back Matt -you seem to be in that zone again prior to injury.
EK: Belton played great game with some key saves. As important he covered the puck to avoid rebound shots. Miguel played great as did entire team. My MVP pick is Ben Grover. based on leadership, getting puck out of our zone,& the # of minutes he played. If we could pick more than one player I would choose 3rd/4th line players. All on team played their guts yet these younger guys did what was needed most: hard D play from all, ensuring 1st two lines could rest & no goals allowed by them. HATS OFF TO ALL ON THE TEAM.
Way to go Cody VanderVeen. He's been working his tail off over the past few weeks and it's paying off. Good luck Mustangs in quarter finals.
wow we r a light work out mr. blogger. yea u know who this is. even tho it was true. kenowa didnt really give adam a test. congrats to all players of the week.
The masthead picture says it all about Mike Hickson. Even in a game they are losing, and in spite of negative attitudes in and around the locker room regarding their odds, he goes full tilt, doing whatever it takes to win, always leading by example, yet always great sportsmanship. The best part about Mike is that, no matter how much we say about him, he never get's a big head about it, preferring to quietly work out with his team to improve his game. Way to go Mike, and way to go Cardinals! Looking forward to seeing you every year.
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