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StadiumGambler · 04-29-2019, 06:52 PM

(Word count is 509, just a quickie article to help pay the bills since I haven't had much to write about lately.)

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At the SMJHL awards show in [LOCATION UNKNOWN], a Colorado Raptor took home one of the most respected individual awards in the game, as Nick Brain won the Zach Miller Trophy.

The Zach Miller Trophy is awarded to those who best represent the quality of dedication to the sport, and Nick Brain took it home, narrowly edging out Anaheim Outlaws defenseman Mathias Seger and Vancouver Whalers forward Borromini Cannellini in what was said to be a close vote.

Nick Brain accepted the award via video call (like many other award-winning players, most of whom are currently on the road to their next game). He graciously thanked the award committee and fans for nominationg him and ultimately selecting him for the award, and praised Cannellini and Seger for being worthy nominees of the award, and for being rivals that Nick could count on to push himself forward and improve his performance on-ice.

A young power forward from the town of Shrewsbury in England, Nick Brain was part of the loaded Season 45 SMJHL Entry Draft class, getting picked in the middle of Round 3 by the Colorado Raptors. Nick was regarded from day one as a quiet leader amongst the rookies and a potential future captain, helping rookies with the transition process of moving away from home and cooking meals regularly for his teammates.

Nick's career has had a rough start in the SMJHL, as the Raptors power forward registered jsut 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points in 100 career SMJHL games during his first two years with the club. However his third year performance has shown improvement, with 11 points in the first 11 games of the season, and was preceded by a strong preseason with 49 points in 50 games.

Despite times both good and bad in his career to date, the dedication of Nick Brain was apparent, with his effort levels and work ethic never being questioned during training camps and practises, both for the Raptors and for his pro team, the Winnipeg Jets (who picked him 11th overall in the Season 46 Entry Draft). Nick has also been noted for his dedication to the community, being involved in some local charities and being a part of the Denver Fighting Game Community, a group that hosts video game tournaments in the local area with some proceeds going to charity. All of these moments proved to be the basis of his selection for the Zach Miller Award.

Nick Brain wasn't the only Raptor to take home hardware at the SMJHL Awards, as teammate Jakub Novak (now playing in the SHL for the Manhattan Rage) won the Brandon Holmes Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward in the SMJHL. Novak blocked 12 shots, had a plus/minus of +4, and logged significant time on the Raptors 2nd-ranked penalty kill units. This, combined with decent advanced defensive metrics, gave him the award over tough competition in the form of highly-rated forwards Raino Kyllonen and Ty Hoover, among others.

jason97 · 04-29-2019, 08:43 PM

Congratz Nick!! Raptors

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