How I spent the NHL Awards ceremony
Jun 24, 2011
Here is the NHL awards from the people covering it.
We're huddled in a ballroom that doubles for a media center, we're not near the stage or the stars, even though ESPN's Scott Burnside is a really nice guy. I'm watching the awards like you on a TV, and the clicking of keyboards is dominating the room.
Host Jay Mohr had a solid monologue, and the show is moving at a good clip. Only so much you can do hosting a show like this, players took the barbs well. A little much on the love for Gary Bettman, but hey, someone likes hosting the awards, can't blame the guy, I did the same thing.
Nic Lidstrom won his seventh Norris trophy for the Leagues best defensemen. Solid speech thanking his family and coming back for one more year of work in Detroit.
Daniel Sedin of Vancouver kept the Art Ross in the family, after Henrik won it last year. His speech lasted 14.8 seconds.
Criss Angel didn't disappear fast enough when he handed out the Selke, Ryan Kesler of the Canucks took the award and thanked his family. Really solid speech for Kesler.
Coach of the year goes to the Pens Dan Bylsma. Yes there is a lot of talent in Pittsburgh, he did an unbelievable job keeping that team together. Giving full credit to the organization for his win.
Jeff Skinner wins the Calder Trophy and gives a great speech thanking everyone in the organization, his family and apologizes for running long, even though he didn't. Time to go to the interview room...Waiting for Jeff Skinner, Pens coach Dan Bylsma talks to the media after winning coach of the year. He was really humbled and points out the all the great coaches he is now on the list with.
Here comes Jeff Skinner. He seems a little overwhelmed with winning, but answers every question we throw at him. Selfish author point, I hope seeing a few familiar faces, mine and Bob Wage from Canes Country helps out the Hurricanes organizations first ever rookie of the year. Questions for Jeff range from going from day one of his career up to now, what he is going to do next year to get better, who has been blowing up his cell phone. Skinner, compliments his competition for the award and is overall first class.
Then the best moment for me, in the hallway Dan Bylsma stops Jeff Skinner and tells him, "Well deserved." Along with a few more compliments on Skinners play. One of those instances where I love sports.
I come back to the media room and notice I have missed at least four award presentations. Time to upload audio and type.
I do pick my head up to notice Tim Thomas and his awesome mustache have won the Vezina for best goalie. Time to pick up my head and listen to the net-minder explain his journey to here and you understand why his teammates love him.
Then the MVP is handed out to Corey Perry of the Ducks. Mild surprise, even more shocking he gives one of the shortest speeches of the night.
And I have been typing and loading up audio ever since. Not always glamorous is this life, but sometimes it gives you the moments that you'll never forget.
Most Recent Comments
RE: How I spent the NHL Awards ceremony
And I thought Mike was on vacation in LV gambling.. Good report.Posted Jun 22, 9:42 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 19467
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Location: Raleigh, NC
RE: How I spent the NHL Awards ceremony
Thanks for the great piece, Mike, I enjoyed reading about your experience at the NHL Awards. I'm really glad Jeff Skinner won, he is so deserving. It seems the awards were really spread out among the teams; I expected most to go to Vancouver and Boston, you know, kind of like the Oscars where Best Picture and Best Director go hand in hand for the same movie. Glad that wasn't the case. I liked what I saw of Coach Bylsma in the ESPN series inside the NHL.Congrats to Jeff Skinner, very deserving, and I'm glad he's a Cane!
