Hawks Claim Second Title

With a 5-2 game 6 victory the heavily favored Chicago Blackhawks seized the MRFHL cup, marking their 2nd league championship. While the first title was won largely due to the play of all-world goalie Roberto Luongo, This time around it was the teams unmatched offense that fueled the victory, evidenced by the team having 5 of the top 6 playoff league leaders in scoring. Heading the charge was young superstar Mike Richards who elevated his play to a whole new level in the playoffs notching 15 goals and 35 points in just 25 games. He will undoubtedly bring home the Conn Smythe. Also putting out terrific performances were other franchise cornerstones Eric Staal, Milan Michalek, Anze Kopitar and Jarome Iginla, as well as the entire defence corps led by Duncan Keith and Jay Bouwmeester.

"This was a total team victory, everyone did the jobs they needed to do and our young leaders stepped up in a big way. Mike Richards showed why he will one day captain this team, and our young blueline really came into its own." Oddly Semonick also made a point to mention the contribution former captain Joe Sakic made to this years victory, despite the fact Semonick traded Sakic early in the season. "Joe really showed our young leaders the way when he was here, there is no question he helped to mold guys like Richards, Staal, and Bouwmeester into the players they are today."

Semonick added that there will be no time to sit back and savour the victory as he will be right back to work shaping the team that will defend the title. "As is the case every year for our team there will be changes and players will need to step into new roles". He did not allude to who specifically may be moved, however looking at the financial reality it is clear that moves will be made to accomidate the new contracts of young stars Mike Richards, Jay Bouwmeester, Braydon Coburn and others.