Mvp

[outcold]

Who are the finalist for the MVP of the League? I think the MVP should be Josh Laricchia from Phoenix, He was third in the league in scoring and lead his team to the Finals. Id would also put John Pinheiro, He was a leading scorer and also lead his team to the Finals.

Whats everybody else's thoughts?

[hbgragintic68]

what i seen from j.p i would have to give it to him wish i could have stayed to see the finals in maryland i heard he waz all over the rink.

[minutemen]

tough one to call. so many guys that can be on the list. I have to say Jeff goulet from Blaze should receive some consideration. He is the key to any team he plays on. He always leads in assist and is great on defense. Such a solid two way player. Yes you have Yingling, Yoder, Pinheiro, etc but I am a true believer that an MVP doesn't have to have the best stats in the league. In most cases that is what happens, best stats MVP or by name recognition.

[alex]

Obviously it's hard to judge this since most of us see very few teams actually play and there's always some bias toward your own team, but still I think it should go to Josh Laricchia.

Everyone knows he put up ridiculous numbers, 3rd in scoring with far fewer games played than those ahead of him. He was clutch, most game winning goals in the league, when the team struggled he'd step up and carry us. When everyone was on their game, he'd sit back and let it happen. He's also a real good defenseman if need be. I don't see many players having as much of an impact on a team as he did for us.

With that said, definitely other candidates out there. Pinheiro for sure. A lot of great players to be considered. But I think Laricchia stands out for his ridiculous numbers and leading a young expansion team to the league finals.

[ifyouonlyknew]

I think that it is obviously John Pinheiro. Look at the division that they played in compared to the other players on the top of the scoring list. He led his team to a great record, and if you think that he is only a scorer then you have never seen him play. I think that it is safe to say that he is one of the top 3 players in the league who plays hard and never stops every game. Besides being one of the best offensive players with some of the best moves you will ever see on a hockey rink he is the KEY to the Blaze winning any game this season and I don't think you will get an argument from anyone on that team.

If the MVP is going to be givin to the Most Valuable Player then he most certainly deserves that award, there is a reason that there are top scorer awards and if his schedule was as easy as the Carolina's, Arizona, or Colorado then Johnny would for sure be on top of the scoring list for the league. He only led the toughest two divisions in scoring while leading HIS team to the finals while all along making people look like they don't know how to skate and being what is good for the league and the sport of roller hockey. Now I know that there are going to be other opinions but anyone that plays or has played or even seen Johnny play will agree and I'm sure he will leave his lasting impression on the Finals this weekend.

[RichardGraham]

Hi outcold,

For what it's worth, here's an article I wrote about Pinheiro and posted on IHC on February 18, 2007:

JACK OF ALL TRADES
Johnny Pinheiro does it all for the Connecticut Blaze.
by Richard Graham

Johnny Pinheiro is a busy guy. In addition to playing for the Professional Inline Hockey Association’s Connecticut Blaze, Pinheiro is a referee, works at a clothing store, takes classes at the New England Technical Institute for auto body work, and does security work for the Rhode Island Bureau of Investigation.

“We do security for different places like old folk’s homes and homeless shelters,” Pinheiro said. Pinheiro patrols buildings, sometimes in a car, sometimes on foot.

With the Blaze, at team that plays in the PIHA’s Northeast Division in the league’s Eastern Conference, the 25-year-old forward patrols the entire rink, dishing out assists, scoring goals, and staying out of the penalty box.

Pinheiro, who lives in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, played the previous three seasons with the Philadelphia Growl, helping that team win championships in 2005 and 2006. With the Growl, Pinheiro played with such top PIHA players as Sean Sullivan, Jimmy Vivona, J.D. Davidson, Bobby Beauchamp and Brian Fischer. He scored 37 points in 14 games in 2006, 55 points in 18 games in 2005, and 61 points in 11 games in 2004.

With the Connecticut Blaze, who were 9-7-0 at the time this article was written, Pinheiro is having another good season – he is tied for fourth overall in league scoring with 17 goals, 18 assists and 35 points in 14 games. He’s done it all for the Blaze, scoring three short-handed goals and three game-winning goals, while spending just eight minutes in the sin bin.

Pinheiro says that there are several teams that give the Blaze good battles.

“The top-four teams this year should be the Growl, us, the Roller Rats, and it’s a toss-up between Grizzlies and the Minutemen,” Pinheiro said. “We play the Growl four times next month.”

On the weekend of February 3 and 4, the Blaze were handed twin defeats by the Boston Roller Rats at the Blaze’s home rink – getting revenge for the two losses they’d suffered to the Blaze earlier in the season. That result showed the high degree of parity in the PIHA, and emphasizes how much each game matters.

Pinheiro thinks that the Blaze will finish second or third in the league and make the playoffs. “We shouldn’t have more than 10 losses on the season,” he said.

One thing about PIHA that Pinheiro would like to see changed is the varying sizes of rinks that teams play on in the league.

I hope that all the rinks will eventually have a standard size – rink sizes vary so much for everybody,” Pinheiro said. “Our rink in Connecticut rink is huge; it’s 200 feet by 85. The Harrisburg rink is big, too, but the Grizzlies and Roller Rats have really small rinks – you have to adjust to everything. Home teams have an advantage because there are more small arenas. My team is quick, and we can use our speed as an advantage in a big arena. The Grizzlies, Minutemen and Growl have all small rinks; they practice in them and play in them all the time, so they can adjust to the other small rinks. They only come to our rink once a season.”

With an almost even number of goals and assists, is Pinheiro a goal scorer, playmaker, or both?

“I consider myself both a goal scorer and a playmaker – it depends on what team I play for,” Pinheiro said. “On the Blaze, they depend on me a bit more for goal scoring than anything else. Overall, I’d rather be a playmaker than a goal scorer; either way, the points come.”

His father was a big ice hockey fan, and the family lived close to an ice rink when he was growing up, so Pinheiro began playing ice hockey when he was six years old. He got on wheels at age 15, and he hasn’t given up on the ice version of the sport.

“I play pickup ice hockey here and there when I have chance,” he said.

Additionally, Pinheiro plays in tournaments with a team called the Savage Wolves.

“We’ve played the NARCh Winternationals three times and gone undefeated,” Pinheiro said. “Last year, I broke my ankle and the Wolves lost in the TORHS finals.”

Pinheiro says that the Blaze have a lot of new players this season, and five – Pinheiro, Frank Morris, Mario Lucibello, Jimmy Dehm and Anthony Guisto – formerly played together for the MLRH Hartford Thunder.

Pinheiro gives a lot of credit to Blaze coach Bill DiNapoli.

“Our coach is a big hockey fan, and he knows a lot about the game. He’s been a big help this year, and he’s paid for everything.”

Pinheiro likes the competition and camaraderie in the PIHA, and he has high hopes for the league’s future.

“The PIHA is going to continue to grow and get more teams as people realize what it is,” Pinheiro said. “The league has now expanded with a Central Division, there are teams in Colorado, and they plan to put teams in California soon, where the sport is strong. I think the league will get really big.”

Pinheiro says that there was a transition period for him when he went from MLRH to the PIHA.

“It’s different, because you’re going from a league with hitting to a league without, and your style has to change a bit,” he said. “?You have to be more aware when it’s a checking league; otherwise, everything else is the same except for offsides and icing – MLRH has a center-line rule.”

Pinheiro says he enjoys the competition and camaraderie in the PIHA.

“It allows me to meet new teammates and learn different ways of playing the game.”

Now, if he can only find time for a little sleep.

[Doug Jones]

Lee Cannon, SC Pirates.

Look at his age, the number of shots faced and his save percentage. Not to be biased, but let's look at some goalies too...

[Wingman]

Lee Cannon, SC Pirates.

Look at his age, the number of shots faced and his save percentage. Not to be biased, but let's look at some goalies too...wouln't that be mvg instead of mvp?

[GROWL]

League MVP: John Pinheiro hands down!

[Doug Jones]

way to call people back Flynner. I think that new video of the popcorn kernel popping is scaring you from answering your cell phone....

[DCbullets14]

Pinheiro has to take it in my opinion. Anyone who was at the eastern finals has seen the show he puts on while on the rink. He is the most exciting player i have ever seen on a roller rink (maybe with the exception of Itan). There is no question that Yoder and Yingling are great players but I doubt eigther could have dominated the Growl the way that Pinheiro did (especially game 5). If Lariccha can slow Pinheiro down then he should deserve MVP. Maybe its just me but i would love to see the finals played with regular season overtime rules. Could you imagine if the finals became a 1 vs 1 with Pinheiro and Lariccha?

[JLambertUMSL]

Laricchia was awesome in San Jose. He's obviously a solid pick.

Pinheiro is one of my favorite players, so I wouldn't mind seeing him win it either.

Am I banned from posting about PJ Tallo?

[Dave Garland]

Am I banned from posting about PJ Tallo?


Yes. Just kidding. He is a great pick considering he was huge in knocking off the Tornados and Thunder. Johnny P is an awesome pick as well...last time I talked to him I think I understood maybe one out of five words, haha. Josh L was awesome against us. I'm sure every division has someone strong who will be up for consideration.

Good luck to everyone in Colorado.

[alex]

Seems like Laricchia and Pinheiro have to be the leading candidates.

I think that Tallo or Bruce from Southside Snipers should be considered for helping that team upset Tornados and Thunder on their way to another conference finals appearance. They both played tons of minutes against us that series. If I had to pick one I'd say Bruce.

Someone from the Growl could be thrown in there, not sure who'd you pick as the standout leader on that team though. Many to choose from.

[GROWL]

While I appreciate the mention of our team, our success was not based on any one player. Certainly Sullivan and D'Aloisio are top notch candidates for this award, but our team was well rounded as you can see from the season scoring totals of our team.

Not to discount the efforts of anyone on the Blaze, but without Pinheiro they would not have been as successful as they were.

[SpiderRat]

Not to discount the efforts of anyone on the Blaze, but without Pinheiro they would not have been as successful as they were.

I take huge exception to that comment. Although Johnny is an amazing player, no one player is great without a supporting cast. Mario and Rich scored a combined 16 points in the conference finals. Scott St. Cyr had two huge goals. Jeff Goulet is pivotal on almost every one of Johnny's goals, that fact is supported in his amazing assist totals this year. Eric, Jay, Jimmy, Juice and Dan on defense shut down your offense. Tony had a couple goals to boot. And my goals against were better and enough, despite how poorly I played, to send us to the finals. Your comment would be like us saying the Growl is only as good as Sean. I'm sure the rest of the Growl players would argue that wasn't true. You know what Johnny can do on the floor, yet were unable to stop him. Double team, triple team him, do whatever it takes. Under-estimating Johnny and the rest of the Blaze is what put you on the golf course early. How's this, we play an exhibition game, you without Sean, us without Johnny, I say the results will be the same.

[growl89]

You make no sense as usual, if we underestimated him then why would we double and triple team him? Johnny is the reason hands down you guys are in the finals. Just accept that, it's fine, everyone knows it, nobody cares.

[SpiderRat]

Apparently you didn't double and triple team him now did you Bill? You are the one not making sense. Now again excuse me, I'm going to enjoy my day, go home and hang with my son, tell him I love him, give him a kiss goodbye, then fly out to Colorado and hopefully win the cup. Your day will consist of pouting and making excuse why you let one guy and the rest of the Blaze players end your season early, again. Except it Bill, life is full of winners, and life is full of losers. Move on and promise yourself to try really really hard next year. For one day, with hard work and determination, you too will be able to bask in the joy of playing for the Founders Cup, two years in a row.

[Phelan96]

Apparently you didn't double and triple team him now did you Bill? You are the one not making sense. Now again excuse me, I'm going to enjoy my day, go home and hang with my son, tell him I love him, give him a kiss goodbye, then fly out to Colorado and hopefully win the cup. Your day will consist of pouting and making excuse why you let one guy and the rest of the Blaze players end your season early, again. Except it Bill, life is full of winners, and life is full of losers. Move on and promise yourself to try really really hard next year. For one day, with hard work and determination, you too will be able to bask in the joy of playing for the Founders Cup, two years in a row.

Bill, didn't you win back to back cups already?

[SpiderRat]

If he did, it was when there were like six teams in the league, so that doesn't really count. Plus if it wasn't for Sean, they wouldn't have won anything. Right? Sorry, just in a really great mood today. LMAO!!!!!

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

If he did, it was when there were like six teams in the league, so that doesn't really count. Plus if it wasn't for Sean, they wouldn't have won anything. Right? Sorry, just in a really great mood today. LMAO!!!!!

Actually they won the cup out in Colorado one of those 2 years in a row Rog! You were to busy playing MLRH then!

By the way Roger is it just me or do I seem to be jumping all over your case again!

[AFan99]

I usually would not even comment on this. Here is my .02. Johnny is a great player we all know that, would the blaze be as good without him, no. I think we all agree on that too. Here is the difference, last year at this time Johnny was sitting at home not getting ready to go to Colorado. This year he is on his way there, so what has changed. I would say the 7 players from last years champion Boston Roller Rats probably had something to do with that.

This is a team sport and you cant dismiss the other great players on the CT team. Just as you cannot dismiss the other great players on the Growl. Without Sully you guys are still a great team.

Thanks
Paul Rogers
Boston Swamp Rats

[ifyouonlyknew]

I have to agree with Anthony and Bill, without Johnny the Blaze probably wouldn't be going to the finals. Roger you can argue that all you want but it is clear to everyone but you or anyone else that played for the Roller Rats last year. Yes, you guys had a good last year and it is true that many of those players are on the Blaze this year and again you guys had a great year again. Now to say that if you were to play without JP you would have the same success just does not make sense, where are his 80+ points coming from? Jeff Goulet is a great player and assist man but again an assist man, he needs someone to finish those passes and Johnny is one of the best in PIHA and in the world when it comes to finishing (no argument there from anyone). Instead of getting defensive, be grateful that Johhny is on your team, accept that he is the MVP of your team and most likely the league and not bash everyone else when they are giving one of the most overlooked players in the sport of roller hockey credit for what he accomplished, leading the two toughest divisions in scoring and CARRYING his team to the finals. Now I'm not taking anything away from Tony, Jeff, Eric, Juice, Mario, etc.. but lets face it Johnny makes them all better, hell, he even makes you (Roger) better so stop trying to make a point that you guys would be as good without Johnny becuase you wouldn't. No team would, that is just facts, you take one of the most talented Hockey players in the sport off your team you are not going to be better, that is just common sense. So let down your guard alittle, accept the fact that Johnny is that good and move on. And when you get to Colorado thank him for getting you there.

[SpiderRat]

Point well taken. And believe it or not, I agree with mostly everything you said. I know we are a much better team with Johnny. But as AFan99 pointed out, Johnny's team was home last year at this time. How did he not CARRY the Growl to the Championship game? All I'm saying is that yes, Johnny is a great player, but no one player can win a Championship. Are you saying that Edmonton would have won all those cups without the Great One, probably not, but he helped. Yet he didn't do it alone, and couldn’t have done it alone. Some good players needed to get him the punk, defense and goaltending needed to do their jobs. Coaches had to coach. This isn’t tennis man, it’s a TEAM. We did it without him last year, and I am one who IS thankful that he’s with us this year. Yes, Johnny has helped us get to the finals, just as we, not the Growl, has gotten Johnny to the finals. See my point?

[imasieve30]

ifyouonlyknew,

Well said and I agree whole-heartedly. Bias aside, stats don't lie. I can recall 9 goals JP scored out of a 21 (I think) in the series. Thats 43% of the Blaze's goals! By one player! I can personally only recall 1 that was a back door tap in. The rest were typical JP goals. That's basically carrying a team. Sure the other 57% had to be scored by other players that contributed but to say that JP didn't carry that team to the finals based on that stat alone is ludicrous.

Do people argue on message boards just for arguments sake? Everyone is entitled to their opinions on who, how and why. If you wanna argue with stats, you're going to lose every time.

If you don't want to give the guy league MVP, you'll have a tough time denying him playoff MVP unless he misses the flight to CO.

Rog, Johnny was NOT with the Growl last year. Infact it was his effort and lone goal in the 3rd mini-game that eliminated us. Must be bad karma somewhere.

-Joe

[SpiderRat]

Now hold on Joe, aren't us tenders supposed to stick together?! lol. I stand corrected, he was with Conn. last season. My point nonetheless, still stands. And I personally think he should win MVP this year, season and playoffs. With me coming in second, for having the smarts to play with him, not against him. :)

[ARHA]

If he did, it was when there were like six teams in the league, so that doesn't really count. Plus if it wasn't for Sean, they wouldn't have won anything. Right? Sorry, just in a really great mood today. LMAO!!!!!

So the original six in the NHL never counted I guess? I respect anyone who wins a championship no matter how long the playoffs are.

[mrrinkrat15]

I have my nominees for MVP in the over 40 age group

Doug Jones
Michael Hunt
Bob Jordan

Not only 3 of the best looking players in the league but an amazing group of talented players.

I am going to nominate Doug Jones as 40+ MVP, No not because he's the best player in the league but because he has the best hairstyle!

Congrats Dougie!!!

Johnny Pinerho should be the MVP, He was the most Valuable to his team. Love Roger but the Blaze have to have Johnny play to be where they are. Take Johnny away and the blaze are Great but not elite!

If Johnny is on the Swamp Rats, Bombers or Growl I would dare to say one of those three teams are in the finals! Thats how good he is!

The reason why the Blaze couldn't do it last year is Johnny didn't have the support staff as he had this year. Syl, Gouls and Jay (ALONG WITH THE OTHER BOSTON GUYS) brought strength, finess and all around toughness.

Throw Johnny into the mix and you have a pretty unbeatable team as seen though out the year!

I have known Johnny since he was 13 years old and its nice to see JP finally get recognized for the talent he is!

Great Job to Roger, Syl, Gouls Jay Libs and the rest of the Boston guys along with Juice, JP and their CT boys!

You deserve to represent the east and everyone in the eastern conference want's you to win it!

My pick is for Johnny Pinerho for MVP and I pick the Blaze in 5 games


Huntsy

[imasieve30]

Now hold on Joe, aren't us tenders supposed to stick together?! lol. I stand corrected, he was with Conn. last season. My point nonetheless, still stands. And I personally think he should win MVP this year, season and playoffs. With me coming in second, for having the smarts to play with him, not against him. :)

We can stick together Rog, but just remember if you take a shot at someone else's team, that team has tenders on it too. ;)

A championship is a championship any way you slice it. If someone thinks it "counts" well, thats subjective. At the end of the day, if you beat all comers in that playoff run, you've earned it.

I'm a little torn on who to root for (being that two weekends ago still stings a little bit) but if I go by my NHL rooting mentality, if you beat my team and go on to win it all, atleast that means we lost to the best. No pressure. :D

-Joe

[old_donkey_14]

"Johnny Pinerho for MVP and I pick the Blaze in 5 games"

I'll with you on this...

Also MIKE HUNT for PRESIDENT ...hey if Schwarzenegger can be Governor why not a filthy 'Nuck' for Pres

[dan sangiorgio]

out of the teams in the northeast and the teams i played against in the atlantic, the blaze were the deepest team we played i didn't get to play against the growl but have played against everyone of there players at some point. and i would say the growl are pretty close but the blaze are more of a team and yes Pinerho is a big part of that but i think if you took the top player off any other team that made it past the divsional finals you could say the same for. early this year when the blaze came to marple pinerho dominated, we saw a quick 3-0 lead evaporate because of pinerho we wound up tying the game late on the oddst goal ever and winning in ot. in the second game we thought ok just key on pinerho and they got nothing wrong although we did a good job of backchecking and covering him the rest of the team picked it up and took it to us in game 2