HOFFMAN WINS MVP

Mike Hoffman won big at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Golden Puck Awards Gala Wednesday night in Montreal.

The Saint John Sea Dogs sniper took home the big one, as he was awarded the Michel-Brière Trophy as Most Valuable Player.

“Hoffman scored 46 goals and added 39 assists in 46 games,” read a QMJHL press release. “Moreover, he registered 15 game-winners. Finally, he posted a +38 rating and helped the Sea Dogs win the Jean-Rougeau Trophy.”

The Ottawa Senators prospects 46 goals were good for a Sea Dogs team record, eclipsing Scott Howes’ 42-goal campaign in 2007-08.
The Kitchener, Ont. native didn’t stop at MVP though, picking up the Frank-J.-Selke Trophy as Most Sportsmanlike.

“Along with his 85 points, Hoffman received only 38 penalty minutes in 56 games,” read the release.

But Saint John’s success would not have happened if it was not for the outstanding coaching job by Gerard Gallant.

"Turk" was given a big task when he entered the Dogs organization, having to battle through his rookie coaching year in junior hockey with a relatively young and inexperienced team. He proved a lot of doubters wrong and lead the Sea Dogs to a regular season championship and 22-straight wins along the way.

Gallant was awarded for his efforts, winning the Ron-Lapointe Trophy as Coach of the Year.

“Gallant led the team to the regular season championship after a 109-point season; the first in franchise history,” stated the league.

"We have a lot of depth on our team," said Gallant to the Canadian Press. "Our three 20-years olds - Hoffman, (Nicholas) Petersen and (goaltender Marco) Cousineau - that's a big part of our club.

"But we had a great draft last year. Seven of our kids 17 or younger are playing on our club and they're good players, so our depth is amazing and a big reason we won so many games."

Tomas Jurco and Stanislav Galiev fell short in their dream of being named rookie of the year. Petr Straka of the Rimouski Oceanic, who lead the league in rookie scoring, took home the RDS Cup as the top first year player.

Brandon Gormley of the Moncton Wildcats also beat Galiev for the Top Proffesional Prospect award.

To view the full list of award winners click HERE.

Hoffman was also named to the first all-star team. Forward Nicholas Petersen was named to the second all-star team and Galiev was named to the all-rookie team.

The three all played on the same line throughout the regular season.

"We were fortunate to have them because they probably could have had NHL contracts or an AHL job this year," said Gallant.