Every year, I sit down with the OHLTG team and we figure out the annual awards. This year, there were some really tough choices, but in the end, they’re who we feel are more deserving. Congratulations to all involved!!

Over-age Player of the Year:

Nominations –

Ryan Wilson – Sarnia

Bobby Davey – Peterborough

Justin Soryal – Peterborough

David Jarram – Saginaw

Aaron’s pick: Ryan Wilson – Sarnia

Dave’s pick – Ryan Wilson – Sarnia

Dave’s reason: This was a tough choice for me. I look at all areas of the game and Wilson took it slightly over Soryal for me. I thought Wilson taking on Soryal in Sarnia was a bold move, given Wilson hasn’t dropped them a lot over the last few seasons. The leadership factor there put him over the edge.

Most Improved Player:

Nominations –

Kyle Neuber – Mississauga

Luke Gazdic – Erie

Harry Young – Windsor

Matt Martin – Sarnia

Aaron’s pick – Matt Martin

Dave’s pick – Kyle Neuber

Dave’s reasoning: While I can completely understand Aaron’s pick, my heart says Neuber. The kid is scary with the gloves off and not many guys can go with the best in the league with a smile on their face. His fights with Greenop, Soryal, and Fletcher this season showed me he’s worthy of the award.

Marco Caprara Award:

Nominations –

Mike Duco – Kitchener

Kaine Geldart – Plymouth

Michael Liambas – Erie

Chris De Sousa – Niagara

Aaron’s pick – Mike Duco

Dave’s pick – Michael Liambas

Dave’s reason: This is another one I was back-and-forth on. Duco is a solid choice, but Liambas’ fight card stands out. Caprara was a guy who went anytime, anywhere, and that’s Liambas’ game. Plus, his fight card is loaded with heavyweights and he has a KO punch.

Rookie Fight of the Year:

Nominations –

Kaine Geldart v. Mike Mascioli

Jake Carrick v. Mike Mascioli Round 1

Kaine Geldart v. Jake Carrick

Thomas Nesbitt v. Zac Rinaldo

Aaron’s pick – Carrick v. Mascioli Rd 1

Dave’s pick – Geldart v. Mascioli

Dave’s reason: This was a tough, tough pick. All four fights were extremely good, but something about the Geldart/Mascioli fight that did it for me - off the draw, bombs thrown, no real defence. I couldn’t turn it down.

Fight of the Year:

Nominations –

Richard Greenop v. James Delory

Pete Stevens v. Luke Van Moerkerke

Shea Kewin v. Pete Stevens

Ryan Wilson v. Justin Soryal

Aaron’s pick: Kewin v. Stevens

Dave’s pick: Wilson v. Soryal

Dave’s reason: Another very tough choice. I could easily give it to any of the four, but the Wilson/Soryal fight was toe-to-toe, two over-age heavyweights throwing down. It’s tough to get better than this.

Most Underated Fighter

Nominations:

Dalton Prout

Brian Shaw

Julien Demers

Stefan Della Rovere

Aaron’s pick: Brian Shaw

Dave’s pick: Julien Demers

Dave’s reason: I’m looking at fight cards here and Demers has gone some of the bigger names in the league. In his fight with Greenop, he handled himself very well. He’s not a house-hold name, but certainly has top 12 potential if he went more often.

There you have ‘em, folks! Your 2007/2008 OHLTG Awards! Stay tuned…rankings are coming. I’m finishing them up as we speak.

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Filed under: Content by Dave Jewell Date 3 June, 2008