One of the hardest trophies to give out every year to any league is typically the Rookie of the Year trophy. Choosing 1 above the rest can be one of the easiest or hardest choices you ever make in a league. It does not help when you have a draft class as stacked as this rookie class, displaying top Forwards, Defenseman, and Goalies all in 1 season.

The SMJHL has officially made it halfway into the regular season. So now the questions will start to come to us. Who deserves this trophy? These are my 3 candidates for Rookie of the year

Finalist #1 - David Corrigan
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Being one of two forwards on this list, David Corrigan has shined more than the rest of his class offensively. With 20 Goals and 46 Points in only 35 games, David has quickly shown a fit into the Knight’s top 6, and will continue to shine in his next years in the SMJHL. A difference in David Corrigan compared to the rest, is his defense. Only being responsible for 15 blocks, and a 65 Defensive Rating, one of the worst ratings in his class. The biggest offensive player in his class, who will continue to do big things.

Finalist #2 - Hetaksh
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Like David Corrigan, a huge offensive player. Scoring 19 goals and 40 points in 35 games. The difference between the 2 is their special teams qualities. Hetkash is much less of a shooter on the power play, only responsible for 3 Power Play goals this season, However, he is also responsible for 11 Power Play assists. Which makes him a super player to have on your special teams units. Another weakness Hetaksh has is his defense. Also responsible for 15 blocks and a 66 rating. While Hetaksh may not be performing at the highest level of his class, his qualities and skill at offense & special teams makes him quite a special player to have.

Finalist #3 - John Gibson
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John Gibson is a very unique player to have as a goaltender. He is one of 10 rookie goaltenders in his class, and is outperforming all of them. John was not drafted, but he quickly got put in a starting role for the Detroit Falcons, which has shown several signs of misfortune. Gibson currently has played 15 games, with a 2-9-2 record, the worst of the rookie class. Where his 2 win season shows misfortune. There is something unique about his season. Gibson sits at a 90.8% Save Percentage, the highest of his class of a mile, it also is 5th in the entire SMJHL.  He also sits at a 3.78 Goals against average, which is currently 14th in the league, and 4th in his rookie class. While his defense may not make his other stats look good. John Gibson has proven hes the best in his class, and is ready for a trophy.

In The Hunt #1 + #2
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These 2 next players are both special players I believe have a good shot at any of the 3 finalists spots. With another half of the regular season coming up. Anything can happen

For my first honorable mention. It has to be Joe Primeau. Primeau is a guy who is not needed to be reliable on just offense, but defense too. With only 5 goals and 23 points in 36 games, it makes him one of the lower candidates in the class. However, he is responsible for 30 blocks and 65 hits, the most well rounded in his class. He is only responsible for 26 goals against, which is one of the lowest for goals against among 2 way players.

For my second honorable mention. Baldur-Ulysse Soderberg has played the 3rd most games in the SMJHL currently. Except he seems to have trouble performing at some times, even with the Tidal defense, that has been very strong. Baldur currently has a 89.8% Save Percentage and 3.78 Goals Against Average. Being tied with Gibson at 14th in GAA, and 14th iin Save Percentage in the SMJHL. If he can continue to play strong around his defense, im sure he is able to stay In the Hunt, or make his way to the podium.

@o1playz , approved.