8. Written, 50 to 200+ words. The Teammate One

Trevor Lahey was an obvious choice to go to the all star game for the Hamilton Steelhawks. There are a couple of good reasons, but the main good reason is that he was far and away the best player on the Steelhawks this season. The secondary good reason is that the committee has to nominate someone from each team. It's no secret that Hamilton didn't have a great season, but don't tell Trevor that, cause he kinda popped off. 97 points, with almost an even split of 43 goals and 54 assists, would be a GREAT season on any team. But I feel like that kinda holds a bit more water when you take into account that Hamilton was not a great team. Hell, they weren't even a good team. Hamilton finished with the 3rd worst record in the league, yet Trevor Lahey almost hit 100 points and only was -10 on the season for a team that scored 231 goals and had 340 goals scored against. I don't think I need to really explain how impressive that actually is. Trevor scored close to 20% of the teams goals BY HIMSELF. So yeah, he belongs in the all star game not because he's a mandatory shoo-in by the committee, but because he is ELITE. (200+ words, 4 TPE)

10. Written, 50 to 200+ words. Last Player In

Look, I know that people get into the all star game based on their performance stat-wise throughout the regular season. That's how it should be...typically. What I'm getting at is that every now and then there's a generational talent that defies any sort of typical reasoning. A talent that requires you to defy any norm in judging criteria and just throw your hands up while letting them take what is rightfully theirs. Of course, the talent I'm referring to is Olof Karsikko. The legendary Wolfpack goaltender may have put up some seemingly pedestrian numbers at first glance. He started 28 games, winning 15 with a respectable save percentage of .909 and 1 shutout. But one thing that doesn't show up on the stat sheet is championship pedigree. All Olof has ever known is winning. You think Five Hole Sieve would've been the goaltender he is without Olof's support? You think New England would've entered the playoffs as a favorite (losing in the first round ultimately, but in upset fashion) without Olof's imposing aura? Hell, maybe they'd have gone all the way with Olof in between the pipes for the playoffs! You never know. But what I do know is that Olof deserves to be in every all star game as long as he draws breath, and maybe even some after that. (200+ words, 4 TPE)

8/8