With just 2 games of the regular AIHL season left to play, it’s time to start thinking about end of season awards and specifically the 2011 Blue Tongues MVP.  The MVP and other awards are chosen by those involved with the team, so any discussion or thought is naturally pure speculation.

In my mind there are 4 nominees for the team MVP this season, each bringing a different aspect to the game.  Here they are with my thoughts.

Matt Amado (41G 27A 68Pts)

Matt Amado set a new AIHL scoring record this season, breaking the previous record he set in 2007.  His 41 goals are 7 more than Newcastle’s Peter Cartwright so he should hold onto that record this season.  Matt’s scoring ability is unquestionable as is his value to the Blue Tongues.  For ever upside there has to be a down of course, and Matt does have Flaws on the ice.  At times he can be selfish with the puck and there have been multiple games this season where his inability to pass the puck has cost the team valuable scoring chances.  In a recent game he also took a bad penalty that ended up costing the team the game (documented in a previous blog post).

Tobias Falk (27G 34A 61Pts)

Tobias Falk has quite possibly been the most consistent player on the team all season.  A valuable playmaker turned sniper, Falk started the season setting up Amado but of late has started putting shots on goal which has seen his goal tally increase exponentially.  Falk has a solid 2-way game and leads the Blue Tongues in shorthanded goals.  He also has the lowest penalty minutes (26) of all my MVP nominees, highlighting his Lady Byng qualities on the ice.   Falk has often been criticized for not shooting the puck, however that has changed over the latter half of this season.

Mike McRae (18G, 32A 50Pts)

McRae has the same points-per-game s Tobias Falk (2.3) but has played less games (22).  Macca, as he’s known on the team has a fantastic shot but is often overshadowed by Falk and Amado who lead the team offensively.  McRae’s biggest downside is his penalty count which stands at 83 PIMs, 2nd highest in the team.  With the Blue Tongues having a less than impressive Penalty Kill this season, McRae’s visits to the box have more often than not cost the team vital goals.

Dave Upton (8G 19A 27Pts)

Dave Upton has been the Blue Tongues brightest local player since he joined the team as a 15yr old in the 2005 season.  His goals and points are down on his average this season, but if you were at the final home game vs the Mustangs you would have seen a classic Dave Upton style goal; undress defenders and then make a fool out of the opposition goalie.  Unfortunately this is the last season we will see Upton in the Blue jersey as he is moving to Sydney at the end of the year.  His points may not be at an MVP level, but to the loyal Blue Tongues fans, Upton will always been a team MVP.

Tobias Falk is the fan favorite for team MVP by a long shot.  The vast majority of fans of the team would pick Falk over Amado due to his team-first style of game.

Who would you pick?  Leave comments below.