Re: 2012 Clarkson Cup
CWHL Awards Spotlights The Now And The Next In Women’s Hockey
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
TAGS: Boston Blades, Montreal Stars, Clarkson Cup, Scott Russell, Megan Agosta, Molly Schaus, Courtney Birchard, Lauren McAuliffe
Megan Agosta wins Angela James Cup
NIAGARA FALLS, ON (03/21/2012) - The Montreal Stars took three, Boston Blades two and Brampton one of the season-ending awards in an Awards Night that kicked off the 2012 Clarkson Cup, the CWHL’s championship series.
Hosted by the CBC’s Scott Russell, the night kicked off with encouraging words and warm anecdotes from current players. “It’s been a tough year for hockey,” said Russell, referring to ills of the sport, including the threat of concussions, the Graham James saga, and the odd rise in on-ice violence. “[But] none of that seems to apply to the women’s game in this country.
“I think women play this game for the right reasons in this country,” he continued, and he gave credence to the players and league for their hard work.
The ceremonies included a superb red carpet entrance to the event at Remington’s restaurant in downtown Niagara Falls. Players signed autographs and greeted fans in a great moment for CWHL players.
With players, coaches, sponsors, and friends in attendance, the awards presented six awards. Megan Agosta, Forward for the Montreal Stars, won two awards, including the Angela James Bowl for most points scored in a season (with 80), and Most Valuable Player of the CWHL.
The Stars also won the award for top team, as they lead the league in points.
The Blades, who finished second in the regular season, gathered best goaltender (for Molly Schaus’s regular season performance), and best coach (Lauren McAuliffe). “I knew that she had a good chance of winning,” said Paul Hendrickson, GM for the Blades. “I thought Lauren did a great job, our team played really well under her, they responded to her leadership. She’s certainly deserved the award and really happy for her.”
Brampton's Courtney Birchard picks up Rookie of the Year.
It is that leadership that will have to carry the Blades in a crucial set of games during the Clarkson Cup, with three games in three days.
The Cup begins their round robin matchups Thursday, with Toronto facing Montreal at 12 p.m. EST
