Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
http://www.tbrw.info/?/tbrw_Info/tbrwAwards.html
This thread will end and I will announce the results, based entirely on my whim, when I please.
Your nominations will be dutifully considered, as will your gifts of prime real estate, Cornell Hockey Peace Prizes, and rare earth elements.
Not DMs this year?
I'm in enough trouble.
Just give Castagna the MacFarlane and Walsh the Schafer already.
Quote from: RichH on March 27, 2026, 08:56:39 PMJust give Castagna the MacFarlane and Walsh the Schafer already.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hayward - Cornoyer
Natyshak - DeSantis
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - Kraft
Shippel - Major
Schaefer - Walsh
Oates - Wyttenbach
Dadswell - Veilleux / Cornoyer (I can't pick one).
Nieuwendyk - Castagna
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 27, 2026, 09:26:27 PMHayward - Cornoyer
Natyshak - DeSantis
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - Kraft
Shippel - Major
Schaefer - Walsh
Oates - Wyttenbach
Dadswell - Veilleux / Cornoyer (I can't pick one).
Nieuwendyk - Castagna
I'm torn on the Shippel - thinking Kraft for that one maybe?
I agree with the others you picked
Natyshak - DeSantis
MacFarlane - Walsh
Gage - Kraft
Shippel - Major
Schaefer - Castagna
Oates - Syer
Dadswell - Veilleux
Nieuwendyk - Castagna
Natyshak - DeSantis (idk if there are any great candidates this year)
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - O'Brien
Shippel - Kraft
Schafer - Walsh
Oates - Arthur Smith (Princeton)
Dadswell - Veilleux (my apologies, Cato and Courns)
Nieuwendyk - You could give it to either Walsh or Casty and have it be equally valid. I think the majority will say Casty so I'm gonna give Walsh some love here.
Can't believe y'all want to give Wyttenbach the Oates for (checks notes) being a Cornell legacy who scorned us (only half joking here)
Quote from: stereax on March 27, 2026, 10:51:04 PMCan't believe y'all want to give Wyttenbach the Oates for (checks notes) being a Cornell legacy who scorned us (only half joking here)
You aren't giving the Dadswell to Cato?
Who are you and what have you done to Stereax?
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 27, 2026, 10:55:11 PMQuote from: stereax on March 27, 2026, 10:51:04 PMCan't believe y'all want to give Wyttenbach the Oates for (checks notes) being a Cornell legacy who scorned us (only half joking here)
You aren't giving the Dadswell to Cato?
Who are you and what have you done to Stereax?
I have it on record that Cato is the third best freshman in this class!
I love him but still. X and Alexis are more valuable.
Natyshak - O'Brien
MacFarlane - Major
Gage - Stanley
Shippel - Kraft
Schaefer - Walsh
Oates - Wyttenbach
Dadswell - Veilleux / Cato tie
Nieuwendyk - Castsgna
For transparency, my initial picks before being convinced otherwise:
Natyshak - O'Brien (the award should be renamed to him)
MacFarlane - Major
Gage - Keoppel
Shippel - Kraft
Schafer - Walsh
Oates - Ben Syer
Dadswell - Veilleux
Nieuwendyk - Castagna
I was close to going O'Brien for Natyshak myself.
Also, Syer for Oates is a great pick.
Natyshak - O'Brien
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - Stanley
Shippel - Kraft
Schafer - Walsh
Oates - Syer
Dadswell - Veilleux
Nieuwendyk - Castagna
I'm going throw something out there because Gage always seems to be misunderstood.
Gage isn't necessarily a stay at home "guy whose work doesn't show up on the scoreboard" defensive forward or defensive defenseman award. Gage is a guy who is a likely otherwise cusp performer or even healthy scratch whose hustle and work ethic make him play better than he is, regardless of his role.
That could be an elegantly twirling oak tree who worked so hard on his skating it became enough of a non-liability he made the bench one guy longer.
It could be a Tiffany vase who took hits we thought would shatter him yet still gamely got on the ice 17 games a year between MRIs to thread perfect passes to the workhorses.
It could be a lunch pail backbencher (like Terry Gage, my favorite player as an undergrad) lacking any apparent skills (er... like Gage) who still earned far more ice time than guys with twice his natural ability because every week when the bubble players sorted he just. Wouldn't. Die.
I thought about Syer for the Oates, but felt it really should go to a player.
Quote from: stereax on March 28, 2026, 12:36:54 AMI was close to going O'Brien for Natyshak myself.
I'm kinda serious about renaming the award after O'Brien. The award namesakes may have grandkids born before you, and the percentage of fans who know them drops every year due to... waivers.
I tried hyphenated awards with the original and then a 90s guy to freshen the awards about 15 years ago. I think I may just rechisten them with the guy who most typifies the award from my 45 seasons, and who I would like to honor.
Moeser -- Matt Moulson and Morgan Barron have potential.
Norton -- Mark McRae is a great choice who also did this one thing this one time (http://www.tbrw.info/seasons/2003/box20030322.pdf).
Hayward -- So many great possibilities. Matthew Galajda was denied his chance at immortality in 2020.
Natyshak -- Matt Nuttle deserved and won this award
twice, which is nearly impossible. But O'Brien is
the perfect embodiment and the inspiration to rename the awards.
MacFarlane -- It will always be Randy MacFarlane. IYKYK.
Gage -- Well, I might be able to better define the award by renaming. In microcosm it might be Jimmy Rayhill. But among examples that would be more helpful: Alex Nikolic, Mike Iggulden and Mitch Carefoot stand out for me.
Shippel -- The little engine who could award. Three guys for me: Shaun Hannah, Topher Scott, and a certain Fan Favorite.
Schafer -- Carve it on Rushmore, muthafucka.
Oates -- Sean Backman is the only repeat winner, but there are guys who shine brighter for me: Joey Juneau, Todd White, Reid Cashman (sue me), Shayne Gostisbehere (throws up in mouth). Dom Moore, a phenomenal college opponent, is the mawkish choice. I don't do mawkish.
Dadswell -- David LeNeveu had a particularly impressive freshman season, unless I am missing somebody. I have mellowed, I only considered Ben Robertson for a few seconds.
Nieuwy -- No rename ever. Ever. You'll have to carry me out the door feet first before you rename it to Caton, stere.
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 28, 2026, 06:38:14 AMI thought about Syer for the Oates, but felt it really should go to a player.
Had there been anybody who truly stood out for me. And somebody may make a great case.
Quote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:28 AMI tried hyphenated awards with the original and then a 90s guy to freshen the awards about 15 years ago. I think I may just rechisten them with the guy who most typifies the award from my 45 seasons, and who I would like to honor.
Your call, of course. but personally I like the idea of hyphenation with the original and a new player. That preserves honoring the first player and in a way also honors the younger player even more than a complete renaming would. Also tradition. :)
Quote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 06:29:52 AMGage is a guy who is a likely otherwise cusp performer or even healthy scratch whose hustle and work ethic make him play better than he is, regardless of his role.
(https://www.collegehockeynews.com/images/hs/team/018/056800_jack_obrien.jpg)
Quote from: andyw2100 on March 28, 2026, 08:52:09 AMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:28 AMI tried hyphenated awards with the original and then a 90s guy to freshen the awards about 15 years ago. I think I may just rechisten them with the guy who most typifies the award from my 45 seasons, and who I would like to honor.
Your call, of course. but personally I like the idea of hyphenation with the original and a new player. That preserves honoring the first player and in a way also honors the younger player even more than a complete renaming would. Also tradition. :)
I will always preserve the original namesake on the list. The hyphens were awkward, like the rich hippie children with two last names we went to school with in the 80s because don't privilege the patriarchy.* It's a nice idea theoretically but in execution it's cringe.
* Just give the brat the mother's name. At least that parent we're sure of.
Quote from: stereax on March 28, 2026, 09:09:48 AMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 06:29:52 AMGage is a guy who is a likely otherwise cusp performer or even healthy scratch whose hustle and work ethic make him play better than he is, regardless of his role.
(https://www.collegehockeynews.com/images/hs/team/018/056800_jack_obrien.jpg)
I do not know what that is, but I would not like my daughter dating it (https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/national-lampoons-animal-house/images/5/50/ChipDiller.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20220918165915).
Quote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 09:38:16 AMQuote from: stereax on March 28, 2026, 09:09:48 AMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 06:29:52 AMGage is a guy who is a likely otherwise cusp performer or even healthy scratch whose hustle and work ethic make him play better than he is, regardless of his role.
(https://www.collegehockeynews.com/images/hs/team/018/056800_jack_obrien.jpg)
I do not know what that is, but I would not like my daughter dating it (https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/national-lampoons-animal-house/images/5/50/ChipDiller.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20220918165915).
Broken link.
Also that's Jack O'Brien.
Quote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 09:34:49 AMQuote from: andyw2100 on March 28, 2026, 08:52:09 AMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:28 AMI tried hyphenated awards with the original and then a 90s guy to freshen the awards about 15 years ago. I think I may just rechisten them with the guy who most typifies the award from my 45 seasons, and who I would like to honor.
Your call, of course. but personally I like the idea of hyphenation with the original and a new player. That preserves honoring the first player and in a way also honors the younger player even more than a complete renaming would. Also tradition. :)
I will always preserve the original namesake on the list. The hyphens were awkward, like the rich hippie children with two last names we went to school with in the 80s because don't privilege the patriarchy.* It's a nice idea theoretically but in execution it's cringe.
* Just give the brat the mother's name. At least that parent we're sure of.
could be cool to have like, an extended blurb of each award explaining what it's for (in some cases where it's not super obvious) and you could probably jam in previous namesakes there too
Hayward - Cournoyer
Natyshak - O'Brien
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - DeSantis
Shippel - Kraft
Schafer - Walsh
Oates - A.Smith
Dadswell - Veilleux
Nieuwendyk - Castagna
Natyshak: O'Brien
MacFarlane: Castagna
Gage: Kraft
Shippel: Major
Schaefer: Walsh
Oates: Syer
Dadswell: Veilleux
Nieuwendyk: Castagna
Quote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:28 AMI'm kinda serious about renaming the award(s). ... The award namesakes may have grandkids born before you, and the percentage of fans who know them drops every year due to... waivers.
Dadswell -- I think you should change Freshman to First Year Player and then name it after the most obvious, most important first year player-
Dryden. No one comes close. I don't think it matters that he played so long ago, everybody that will participate will obviously know him.
Quote from: Jim Hyla on March 28, 2026, 12:09:05 PMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:28 AMI'm kinda serious about renaming the award(s). ... The award namesakes may have grandkids born before you, and the percentage of fans who know them drops every year due to... waivers.
Dadswell -- I think you should change Freshman to First Year Player and then name it after the most obvious, most important first year player-Dryden. No one comes close. I don't think it matters that he played so long ago, everybody that will participate will obviously know him.
On the topic of changing freshmen to first year, if you need another idea for the Shippel you can always call it the Katie Chan... :)
Quote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:55 AMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 28, 2026, 06:38:14 AMI thought about Syer for the Oates, but felt it really should go to a player.
Had there been anybody who truly stood out for me. And somebody may make a great case.
It went to Brent Brekke two years ago, so precedent has been set.
Quite frankly, I think Ben Syer is going to be out biggest obstacle in the ECAC for years to come, and by extension at the national tournament as well, since we'll have to overcome Princeton to get there.
I was willing to say the loss in Hobey Baker Rink was an aberration of them playing in front of their fans for senior night, but then they did it again at Placid. And Syer knows our program from the inside. This could become quite the rivalry if he can maintain the trajectory he's established with the team. And I think he can.
Quote from: pjd8 on March 28, 2026, 12:52:10 PMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:55 AMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 28, 2026, 06:38:14 AMI thought about Syer for the Oates, but felt it really should go to a player.
Had there been anybody who truly stood out for me. And somebody may make a great case.
It went to Brent Brekke two years ago, so precedent has been set.
Quite frankly, I think Ben Syer is going to be out biggest obstacle in the ECAC for years to come, and by extension at the national tournament as well, since we'll have to overcome Princeton to get there.
I was willing to say the loss in Hobey Baker Rink was an aberration of them playing in front of their fans for senior night, but then they did it again at Placid. And Syer knows our program from the inside. This could become quite the rivalry if he can maintain the trajectory he's established with the team. And I think he can.
Hey, I'm all for more Ivies being competitive. Would love another fun rivalry.
I also really appreciate that Princeton plays relatively clean hockey, all things considered. Not crimebaggery like some ECAC opponents. Makes it more of a match of skill, which is more fun.
I voted for Arthur Smith in part because of that - and in part, because I mentioned it many times during the ECAC final, that man deserved better than that OTL. Splendid player, gave it his all both nights in Placid.
Natyshak: O'Brien
Macfarlane: Major
Gage: Keoppel
Shippel: Castagna...given 110% effort every shift I've seen in 3 years. As scrappy as they come
Schafer: Walsh
Oates: Syer
Dadswell: Ryan
Nieuwendyk: Castagna
Natyshak - O'Brien
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - O'Brien
Shippel - Kraft
Schafer - Walsh
Oates - Syer
Dadswell - Cournoyer
Nieuwendyk - Cournoyer
Many will have disputes with the last two, but when you get named as ECAC GOTY it's hard not to list him.
Sure we had a good back up, but does anyone think that we'd have gotten as far without him?
Quote from: Jim Hyla on March 28, 2026, 01:55:32 PMNatyshak - O'Brien
MacFarlane - Castagna
Gage - O'Brien
Shippel - Kraft
Schafer - Walsh
Oates - Syer
Dadswell - Cournoyer
Nieuwendyk - Cournoyer
Many will have disputes with the last two, but when you get named as ECAC GOTY it's hard not to list him.
Sure we had a good back up, but does anyone think that we'd have gotten as far without him?
I think Courns is super valid for Dadswell and imo it's either him or XV. Nieuwendyk is a surprise but you're not wrong - Keopple is great but Courns when on his game is another level.
Quote from: stereax on March 28, 2026, 09:48:32 AMBroken link.
Fuck, really?
Look for Chip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuFCaIAnETk).
Quote from: pjd8 on March 28, 2026, 12:52:10 PMQuote from: Trotsky on March 28, 2026, 07:01:55 AMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 28, 2026, 06:38:14 AMI thought about Syer for the Oates, but felt it really should go to a player.
Had there been anybody who truly stood out for me. And somebody may make a great case.
It went to Brent Brekke two years ago, so precedent has been set.
Quite frankly, I think Ben Syer is going to be out biggest obstacle in the ECAC for years to come, and by extension at the national tournament as well, since we'll have to overcome Princeton to get there.
I was willing to say the loss in Hobey Baker Rink was an aberration of them playing in front of their fans for senior night, but then they did it again at Placid. And Syer knows our program from the inside. This could become quite the rivalry if he can maintain the trajectory he's established with the team. And I think he can.
Syer had a flawless game plan against us in Placid and his staff got Princeton to execute it.
I used to think Syer would replace Pecknold after the inevitable auto-erotic asphyxiation tragedy, but now that Cashman will obviously get Q my plan is Casey coaches us to the national title in the next 5 years and then when he retires Syer takes the gig. We can stock the ECAC as our coaching development hatchery, the way some F1 teams have a junior team they ostensibly compete against which they raid when they find a tasty salmon.
While it's nice to have the Norton Award for the top-scoring defenseman, you should add an award for the best defensive defenseman (Ratushny Award?) and, while you're at it, best defensive forward.
if we're putting in award requests can I ask for one for most memorable play?
Quote from: Trotsky
replace Pecknold after the inevitable auto-erotic asphyxiation tragedy,
LMAO
Nice interview (https://youtu.be/V-xYZl4vUPo?si=82jTqBpDR05T8zIE) with Jon Castagna from before Lake Placid. Definitely worth watching. Hope he comes back for his senior year, but he has to do what's best for his professional future.
Quote from: George64 on March 28, 2026, 07:44:51 PMNice interview (https://youtu.be/V-xYZl4vUPo?si=82jTqBpDR05T8zIE) with Jon Castagna from before Lake Placid. Definitely worth watching. Hope he comes back for his senior year, but he has to do what's best for his professional future.
No, he has to do what some fans on a message board want.
Quote from: RichH on March 28, 2026, 07:48:43 PMQuote from: George64 on March 28, 2026, 07:44:51 PMNice interview (https://youtu.be/V-xYZl4vUPo?si=82jTqBpDR05T8zIE) with Jon Castagna from before Lake Placid. Definitely worth watching. Hope he comes back for his senior year, but he has to do what's best for his professional future.
No, he has to do what some fans on a message board want.
Exactlyyyy :)
No but being for real, I think we'd all love to have him back for his senior year, but he's gotta make the decision that's best for him, whether that's going pro now or not. And that's not an easy decision, much as some of us like to think it is. Obviously you want to have one last ride with the Big Red, but there's a cost to that too and it isn't insignificant.
In either case, I know he's gonna make us proud, whether that's at Lynah next year or the Saddledome.