NHL Hands Out Awards

The NHL came to town in Las Vegas as the league handed out hardware for the 2008-09 season. Alexander Ovechkin won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. Ovechkin, along with Pavel Datsyuk was a multiple award winner. Goalie Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets was chosen as the Rookie of The Year taking the Calder Trophy after his incredible play in his first season. Bruins' Zdeno Chara, as expected, took the Norris as the best defenseman edging out Mike Green and Nicklas Lidstrom. Teammate Tim Thomas also took home his first Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best netminder and their coach, Claude Julien, won the Jack Adams Trophy as top skipper, coaching the Bruins to their best regular season finish in years. One major highlight was when legendary player Jean Beliveau received a standing ovation when presented with a lifetime achievement award.

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) - Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Lester B. Pearson Award (MVP, selected by NHL players) - Ovechkin
James Norris Memorial Trophy (defenceman) - Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Jack Adams Award (coach) - Claude Julien, Bruins
Frank J. Selke Trophy (defensive forward) - Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie) - Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets
Rocket Richard Trophy - Ovechkin again
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (gentlemanly conduct) - Datsyuk
Vézina Trophy (goaltender) - Tim Thomas, Bruins
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance, dedication) - Steve Sullivan, Nashville Predators
King Clancy Award (for charity work) - Ethan Moreau
Mark Messier Leadership Award - Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames

Guy Lafleur Receives Fines And Suspended Sentence

Hockey great Guy Lafleur was found guilty of giving "contradictory testimony" at the bail hearing of his son Mark who had been granted bail on condition he sleep at his parents' house. Lafleur senior had driven Mark Lafleur 23, and his 16 girlfriend to a hotel for the night so they could have "some private time." Lafleur had been convicted 6 weeks ago of misleading the court by telling the court that he had overseen Mark Lafleur's court-mandated curfew.

Apparently, the younger Lafleur and his youthful girlfriend spent the night cavorting at a hotel. Guy could have been convicted for a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison for the crime of giving contradictory testimony. Luckily for "The Wilted Flower", he only is required to pay a small $100 fine along with donating $10,000 to a charity. Hopefully it will be a charity that assists violence against women.