Metro Halifax has determined the best and worst of the QMJHL’s Atlantic Division in 36 categories, and will release 12 categories per day in a three-part series this week.
Today is our second instalment. Click here for yesterday’s results.
We polled the hockey operations staffs for all six teams in the division to determine the results, awarding three points to category winners and one point to runners-up.
To eliminate bias, participants polled were not permitted to vote for players on their own teams.
Most Improved
Michael Kirkpatrick, Saint John
The former Dartmouth Subways star forward has nearly tripled his point total and could finish with close to 40 goals. He’s become one of Saint John’s cornerstones for the future.
RUNNER-UP (tie): David Savard (Moncton), Nicolas Chouinard (Cape Breton).
Best Penalty Killer
Michael Kirkpatrick, Saint John; and Nicola Riopel, Moncton
Kirkpatrick has terrific anticipation and a quick stick; Riopel’s goaltending denies sure scoring chances.
RUNNER-UP: Zach Sill (Moncton).
Best Faceoff Man
Joel Champagne, P.E.I.
The Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick has won more than 61 per cent of his draws.
RUNNER-UP (tie): Eric Faille (Bathurst), Michael Kirkpatrick (Saint John), Robert Slaney (Cape Breton).
Best Referee
Guy Pellerin
Just when you thought teams had nothing good to say about refs.
RUNNER-UP: Jean Hebert.
Worst Referee
Jon Langille and Brad Mills
Fortunately for these two, refereeing isn’t a popularity contest.
RUNNER-UP: Thayer Doyle.
Most Underrated
Spencer Jezegou, Bathurst
He doesn’t get much attention, but the 20-year-old is quietly Bathurst’s best player and leader.
RUNNER-UP: Three-way tie.
Best in Goal Area
Scott Brannon, Moncton
The Churchville, Pictou Co., native is the Atlantic’s “Cy Young” winner, with twice as many goals as assists.
RUNNER-UP: Five-way tie.
Best Power Forward
Robert Slaney, Cape Breton
The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder blends skill and brawn and can go through you or around you to score.
RUNNER-UP (tie): Joey Haddad (Cape Breton), Scott Brannon (Moncton).
Best Coach
Danny Flynn, Moncton
The Dartmouth native is a former NHL assistant and has helped the Wildcats exceed pre-season expectations.
RUNNER-UP: Mario Durocher (Cape Breton).
Best General Manager
Danny Flynn, Moncton
Moncton was still digging out from a Memorial Cup when Flynn took over. His shrewd moves turned them around in a year.
RUNNER-UP: Sylvain Couturier (Bathurst).
Best on Breakaways
Chris Culligan, Cape Breton
He’s the last guy teams want to face in shootouts, with his deadly combination of skills and smarts.
RUNNER-UP: Robert Slaney (Cape Breton).
Best Captain
Chris Culligan, Cape Breton
Yet another great Eagles captain, Culligan is filling the skates of Dean Ouellet and James Sheppard just fine.
RUNNER-UP: Matt Eagles (Moncton).
