The Ohio State Men's Ice Hockey team held its annual banquet last night, and
it was actually more entertaining than we'd hoped.  The food was crappy,
again, but I don't suppose anyone here cares.
 
The following awards were given out:
 
Minor Official's Award:  This award is given to the person who exhibits the
"appropriate" attitude when visiting the penalty box.  The award itself is
an actual chair from the box, refinished, with a nice bronze plaque.
Preference is given to seniors.  Minor official Peter Berryman gives out the
award, and delivers a speech with wit and eloquence.  Of senior Pierre
Dufour, whose college career penalty minutes total just 50, Peter said, "In
four years, Pierre couldn't even give us an hour of his time."
 
The award was given to two players this year, two men who, during the course
of their careers, really defined the penalty box spirit:  seniors Steve
Brent and Chad Power.
 
Center Ice Club:  This award is given to outstanding student-athletes.
Defenseman Ryan Root, a junior finance major, received this award.
 
Leading Scorer:  Chad Power received this award.  Power went straight from
the Buckeyes to the Detroit Vipers of the IHL.  He missed the banquet;
Detroit is in the playoffs.
 
The following four awards are voted on by the players:
 
Joseph W. Smith Top Defensive Player:  Steve Brent.
Most Improved Player:  Freshman goaltender Ray Aho.
Most Valuable Freshman:  Forward Hugo Boisvert.
Bobby Brown Most Valuable:  Chad Power.
 
It's interesting to note that when coach Bill McKenzie presented the award
from most improved player, who told the story of the Little Engine that
Could.  Ray is 5'6".  Ray will be hearing about this for the rest of his OSU
career.
 
Another interesting note.  Pierre Dufour and Steve Brent talked more than
most people have ever seen them speak.  In Steve's case, it was particularly
remarkable, considering the absence of profanity.
 
Also, for those of you who don't know, Brent will be a volunteer student
coach for the Buckeyes next season.  As Coach Markell said, "Steve's coming
over to the dark side."  Too many people in the audience agreed, and without
any hint of irony.
 
Paula C. Weston
Girl Reporter
CCHA Correspondent for U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO)
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http://www.uscollegehockey.com
 
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