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October 22/07 - Pontiac Firebirds Season Seven Recap
Regular Season Record - 43-23-15-1 (5th POW Conference; 2nd Patrick Division)
Playoffs Round 1 - Defeated Yorba Linda Yowlers 4-2
Playoffs Round 2 - Defeated Valhalla Vikings 4-3
Conference Finals - Lost to Gotham City Knights 1-4
Season Seven Leaders:
Goals - Jim Rockford (27 - T2nd in MLD)
Assists - Ty Rehonen (42 - 1st in MLD)
Points - Rehonen (45)
+/- - Jeremy Tuurela (+31)
PP Goals - Rockford (5 - 2nd in MLD)
SH Goals - Leroy Copekinus, Max Unger (1)
PIM - Bingo Jumpanen, Karlis Ottavainen (20)
Shots on Goal - Rob Sack (307 - 2nd in MLD)
Shooting % - Tuurela (13.5%) - min. 50 shots
Games, Goalie - Vlastimil Morton (73)
Shutouts - Morton (11 - T3rd in MLD)
Wins - Morton (36 - 2nd in MLD)
GAA - John Thatcher (1.52 - 4th in MLD
Sv% - Thatcher (95.18 - 2nd in MLD)
Awards
MVP + Top Forward - Jeremy Tuurela
"Mr. Perfect" became only the second MLD skater to attain maximum performance levels, leading the Firebirds as first-line center and playing PP and PK. Tuurela led the team in +/- playing against the opposition's top center every game, while also ranking third in goals and a close second in scoring to Ty Rehonen.
Top Defenceman - Ty Rehonen
A close vote between Rehonen and Firebirds franchise player Ilya Moltsi, but Rehonen takes it while anchoring the second defence pairing. Rehonen's steady play allowed him to overtake the more offensive-minded Moltsi and Leroy Copekinus, and to somewhat surprisingly lead the MLD in assists.
Top Goalie - Vlastimil Morton
In his retirement season, Morton became the first MLD goaltender to attain maximum performance levels.
Top Rookie - Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
He cooled off after a hot start, but Apu was on the rookie leaderboards for most of this MLD season. An unheralded rookie who stepped into the only open spot in the Firebirds' veteran lineup, Apu's season compares to the earlier ones of Rob Sack. Hopefully he may mature into a goal scorer.