Maine Hockey Journal

Pirates hand out season-ending awards

Portland, ME – After the Pirates 6-5 win against the Providence Bruins, the organization recognized the team for their achievement this season.

Pirates’ goalie Jhonas Enroth was the recipient of three awards on the night as he was named the Pirates’ Most Valuable Player as well winning the Jack Button Award (Top Prospects) and Three Stars Award.

Enroth on most nights gave the Pirates a chance to win and he even stole a few games they didn’t deserve to win. The rookie netminder from Stockholm, Sweden played 58 games with Portland, going 26-23-0-6 with 2.75 GAA and 0.914 save percentage. He also recorded three shutouts with the Pirates.

Nathan Gerbe was named Most Popular Player as voted on by the fans. In 56 games with the Pirates, he scored 28 goals, 26 assists for 54 assists. Gerbe was named to the AHL All-Rookie team and was named the AHL’s Outstanding Rookie. Despite being able to score, he carried some spunk on the ice, not willing to back down from the biggest opponent, which endeared him to Pirates fans.

Another rookie, Tim Kennedy, was named Unsung Hero, again as voted by the fans. In 72 games, he led all AHL rookies in assists (47) and points (65) and was often overshadowed by Gerbe’s flair. Not that he minded, he would find himself in the right spot at the right time.

Pirates’ captain Tyler Bouck won the award that has the most meaning to the player who wins. The Player’s Player award is voted by his teammates and Bouck was the winner hands down. He’s a player that won’t quit on his team and he expects the same in return. He’s not the flashiest player on the ice (22 points in 62 games) and he’s most likely playing third line minutes, but his contribution come off the ice as well.

Most likely the nicest guy on the team was the winner of the Ebright Award, named after the late Tom Ebright. This award is handed out to the player who best exemplifies what it means to be a Portland Pirate. It’s hard to argue that no one is more deserving than Pirates’ defenseman Paul Baier. Every practice he’s the last one off the ice. He’s been know to stay on the ice long after the lights have been dimmed at the Civic Center. He’ll stay behind to pick up pucks and when he’s not playing he’s still the best teammate to have around. He respected by his peers and has earned the trust of those in the community.

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