WHAT A YEAR for the boys at The Morning Skate. Just wanted to thank you all for following along and enjoying the ride. The coolest part about doing this is making connections through the hockey world and realizing that you’re not the only hockey loving lunatic out there. I’d like to thank the entire crew for an outstanding job. Who would’ve thought that a small blog in Upstate NY would have bloggers from PEI, Seattle, Long Island, Virginia and Chicago. It’s all very surreal and I appreciate it.

Tomorrow night we’ll be having a podcast discussing recent news in the NHL, the draft and our first Award show. This award show is sort of like the Dundies in that it doesn’t really care about stats or politics. Our award winners will be based off of what we think they have contributed towards the regular hockey fan. So without further adieu, I present the nominees.

 

The Mats Sundin Award

This award will be given to one of the best players in the league that cannot seem to raise a Stanley Cup. Shout out to Mats for rocking TPS gloves by the way. Glad to know I’m not the only one.

Henrik Lundqvist

The King. I love this man but it’s starting to feel like he’ll never raise one. The guy has carried the New York Rangers for years and time is not on his side. I wouldn’t bet against him, but fuck it’s going to be an uphill battle.

Steven Stamkos

The new Ovechkin. OV played tag you’re it with 91 and people are starting to talk. How does he do in elimination games?

Not great.

Joe Thornton

I just want to drink a beer with this guy. I’ll never forget how he said he’d take his cock out and stroke it if he scored a 4 goal game to the media. Natural born leader. Will he have another shot at Lord Stanley? I don’t know, it’d be a god damn shame if he didn’t get the opportunity.

 

 

 

The Clout Award

2018 is the age of social media and we have 4 worthy nominees who have done nothing but get their clout up.

Olly and Jacob

These two canadien boys took the world by storm this year. There comedy is on another level. When you have the entire community talking ‘Fundies’, you’re doing something right.

Mike Commodore

Commie is an absolute savage. If you listen to Spittin’ Chiclets you realize how #InOne this guy is. From the Babcock stories to kicking some guy in the chest outside a restaurant, Commodore is a personality that needs to get more air time.

Las Vegas Twitter

Hal wont like this but the Vegas Twitter account did some special things this year. In a world where everything seems to be cookie cutterish, Vegas went against the grain and the hockey community embraced it. Whether it was chirping the Kings or letting us know all the historic firsts, the Vegas Twitter account became a star.

 

 

The I Fucking Hate You Award

This award goes to the player that pisses you off the most. Like it or hate it, you have to respect an individual that can get your blood pressure soaring while breaking your TV remote.

Brad Marchand

The rat! Love him or hate him he’s one of the best in the league. Having said that, after about a million questionable acts Marchand just might be the fans dirtiest player in the league. Bonus points, because he embraces it.

Tom Wilson

Much like Marchand, Tom Wilson again and again hit the NHL news with hits deemed ‘scumbaggy’. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t stop Tom Wilson from stepping over the line.

Radko Gudas

Whats fun about Radko is that he will do it to his own teammates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=401GwWxnA9Q

Just kidding, sort of. What do Philly fans think?

 

The Memorable Moment Award

This award is given to the most memorable, funny moment of the year. There were a bunch of good nominations however, these three nominees stole the show.

Scott Foster

Accountant by day, NHL goalie by night. We probably will never seen anything like this again. What makes it extra hilarious? He looks better than any goalie the Sabres have had in the past few years. ZING.

Boobiegate

Straight out of Slap Shot. What a time to be alive, guys. The reaction from the players is priceless and we still haven’t found out who this is. Welcome to hockey history my friend, you will be remembered forever.

SNOW MUST GO

Listen, I hate the Islanders and their fans. Having said that, this is one of the most badass things I’ve seen a fan base do. And guess what! They got their wish. Kudos to you guys. I still hate you, but you’ve gained my respect.

 

 

Beer League Jersey of the Year

We’ve been doing Beer League Jersey of the week for the entire year and it’s about time to name a winner.

New Haven Raiders

 

Dirty Mike and The Boys

 

Hot Dog Phil

 

Top Gun

 

 

Be sure to vote on these awards and tune in Monday morning when myself and Hal crown our award winners. Thanks again to everyone who has followed along. Year 1 has been lit as a clit and we’re only getting started!