Let's dive on in and check out what a few select members of the BRHL have actually done well this season so far, or will likely do well the rest of the way...

Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award: Presented annually "to an individual who - through the game of hockey - has positively impacted his or her community, culture or society."

Winner: GREG ALMEIDA from the Boston Bruins.  There are so many toiling teams littering the BRHL these days with absolutely no hope of competing this season, and Greg seems to be the only GM who has jumped out as someone who is doing something about it.  The description “positively impacting his or her community” is extremely fitting in this scenario, as Greg’s “community”, the Atlantic Division has been where he’s redistributed almost all his wealth. 

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: An annual award that is given to the player (or GM in this scenario) who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Winner: SUMIT PURBA of the San Jose Sharks.  In a world where tanking is the common way to rebuild a franchise, that word is not in Sumit’s vocabulary.  Despite all the prognosticators predicting he’d ruined his franchise by going all in with veteran stars last season, Sumit made many savvy moves, was the clear winner of free agency, and has vaulted himself into 1st in the Pacific.  He’s persevered somehow and taken all the criticism in stride. 

Jim Gregory GM of the Year / Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year.  

Winner: JARED MITCHELL of the Buffalo Sabres.  Who would’ve predicted Jared competing for home ice this season?!  He quietly added around his maturing core by signing Marc-Andre Fleury and David Perron this past offseason.  Then he went out and acquired OEL and Connor Murphy to shore up the backend.  And added some needed leadership in Joe Pavelski via the waiver draft.  He even picked Jonathan Dahlen back up off waivers who he had lost to Sumit in that same waiver drft.  

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Given to the player (or BRHL GM) adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.  

Winner: STEVE VARDY of the Montreal Canadiens.  Not sure how to quantify this one. Or even whether to award it to a player or a GM, but in other sim leagues I’ve seen it awarded to GMs, so we’ll do the same here.  Vardy has engineered more trades this season than anyone (not including deals involving only cash or picks).  I have not dealt with him directly in a transaction this season, but he did take lots of time to help GMs learn the retro league sim system.  So he is obviously an all round good guy despite his poor taste in hockey teams. 

The President’s Trophy: An annual award to the club finishing the regular season with the best overall record.  

Current Leader/Winner: BRYCE SHUCK of the Colorado Avalanche.  Bryce and his squad finished the 1st half with 68 points.  One more than yours truly had at the 41 game mark.  My Red Wings, Leon’s Oilers, and Joe’s Isles should stay in the mix down the stretch, but with the Avs dominant goal differential, they are the team to beat for 1st overall as we charge into the 2nd half. 

The Prince of Wales Trophy: His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, donated the trophy in 1924. Since 1993-94, the trophy has been presented to the playoff champion in the Eastern Conference.

BRHL Predicted Winner: JOE BUBANJ of the New York Islanders.  While I could see Jesse maybe putting up a good fight if he and Joe meet in the Metropolitan final, I don’t see Joe’s high end talent being ousted too easily in a best of 7 series.  And if my Wings were to come out of the Atlantic, they would definitely be in tough against the experience and goaltending of the Islanders.  Likely Joe’s conference to lose at this point in time.  

Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: Presented by the member clubs for perpetual competition in recognition of the services of Clarence S. Campbell, and awarded to the playoff champion in the Western Conference.

BRHL Predicted Winner: LEON YU of the Edmonton Oilers.  I don’t see Sumit having the depth to knock off Leon in a long playoff series.  Kevin and his Flames have the assets to improve even more, but I doubt he goes balls to the wall.  McDavid and Matthews will finally rise to the challenge, and along with all the other star power the Oilers feature, will find a way to defeat whoever the Central Division throws their way.   

The Stanley Cup: The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the playoff winner.

BRHL Predicted Winner: LEON YU and the Edmonton Oilers.  McDavid and Matthews haven’t even begun to heat up yet.  But they will.  It’s not just about them though, as the Oilers have tons of grit and experience (key ingredients come playoff time) elsewhere in players like Marchand and JT Miller.  With Hellybuck in goal, look for Leon to take a big run at it this season.  

Conn Smythe Trophy: The Conn Smythe Trophy is an annual award given to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs. The winner is selected at the conclusion of the final game in the Stanley Cup Final.

BRHL Predicted Winner: JT MILLER of the Edmonton Oilers. Miller is just built for the playoffs.  With an 87 checking rating and an 81 defensive rating, look for him to be a force at both ends of the ice.  You just can’t teach GRIT!  Offensively gifted and killer faceoff skills will add to his value even more when the postseason arrives.