BALL HOCKEY NEWS PLAYER OF THE YEAR (W)
VANGIE PLATON
as chosen by the Ball Hockey News selection commitee (10 people)

2000 biography

1999/2000 CASC Women’s Division: guided the Black team to a first place finish (13-5-3) and a championship.Finished second in league scoring with 36 points in 21 games and second in goals with 24. Tied for first for most points in the playoffs (4)

2000/2001 CASC Women’s Division: is currently 9th in league scoring (32pts), 2nd in goals against average (4.31), first in wins (9) and first in save percentage (85.5). Her team stands in first place (9-5-0)

Missed only 1 Women’s Division game for the entire year. Is first on the all-time scoring list (119 pts) and tied for first in goals (84).


The finesse game

Vangie is a wonderful package of skills and smarts. Playmaking and accurate shooting are Vangie’s strong suits. Vangie has wonderfully soft hands, and she has one of the most accurate shots in the league, that will often beat the goalie through the 5 hole. From the goalie’s front porch, Vangie has long been one of the most dangerous snipers in the league. Her 84 goals in 51 regular season games are a tribute to her goal scoring mastery.

She handles the ball well in traffic and creates a lot of scoring chances. She has great vision, hand-eye coordination and passes well to either side. Vangie isn’t as quick as some of the other superstar players in the league, but she’s nonetheless very dangerous in the open floor because of her ability to extend the floor and make a perfect tape to tape pass to an open teammate. Vangie is a clever forward who utilizes her teammates like nobody else can.

Not only is Vangie an offensive wizard, but she also understands the importance of total floor coverage by always rolling back into the defensive zone to help out the rear guards. She’s also a great stand-up goalie who angles herself well and is unafraid to challenge the shooter. Her glove hand is outstanding



Overview

Vangie hasn’t missed a beat since the early days of the CASC Women’s Division in September 1998, (only 1 game missed in 2.5 seasons) and has been one of the major influences behind the development, promotion and nurturing of the league. She makes other players around her better, which is the mark of a superstar. Vangie is a positive role model to have on hand to teach players the game of ball hockey. She’s by far the strongest influence in the league on the players bench and in nets, always encouraging her teammates and offering helpful advice. Not only is Vangie a great teacher but she’s also a great listener, who is genuinely interested in what others have to say. Vangie is a very relaxed person and you can feel her calm demeanor as soon as you engage in a conversation with her. Vangie’s quality, character, leadership and dedication to ball hockey and her teammates are impeccable.

But the most impressive thing about Vangie is not all of the goals and assists she has amassed, the saves she had made or the regular season and playoff games she has won; a lot of players have broken records and won championships. No, the most impressive thing about Vangie is the number zero. Yes, that's right zero.

Yes, that's right zero. That number stands for the number of bad things that others have to say about Vangie. Every player who has come in contact with Vangie over the course of her CASC career can find nothing bad to say about her. Vangie is a wonderful human being and a true ambassador to ball hockey.



"Vangie has become somewhat of a den mother to the women's division. As a captain, as a goalie, she is a veteran player with many years of experience in the sport, she has one of the best attitudes in the league. Her team has remained in 1st place for 3 years."

"Vangie is the ultimate ball-hockey player. She is a great forward who can both set up play and score, as well as a play solid defence. She is also an amazing captain who can bring the best out of players. Moreover, she has proven this year that she is an incredible goalie too. What more could one ask for?"

"She’s not only and excellent player, but also a remarkable leader. She holds the record for most points in a season, and has been able to coach the black team to victory after victory. not only does she make a great offensive player, but her goaltending is also impressive leaving her with the best save percentage at this season's xmas break."

"Vangie is a great player and a real team leader, is good at helping the new players and led her team to the championship. And she’s also a top goaltender."

"She's a leader, she knows how to handle her players, she's a great playmaker, and not so bad as a goalie too."







PLAYER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP (W)
CYNTHIA DESANCTIS
as chosen by the Ball Hockey News selection commitee (10 people)


2000 biography

1999/2000 CASC Women’s Division: played for the Monkland Mavericks and participated in the championship game. Won the offensive player of the year award. Tied for first for most points in the playoffs (4). Finished 4th in league scoring (34 pts), second in assists (17) and first in points per game (3.8)

2000/2001 CASC Women’s Division: currently leads the league in scoring with 65 points. Is first in goals (42), second in assists (23) and first in points per game (5.4)

Is second on the all-time scoring list (118 pts), first in assists (47) and first in points per game (4.54)

2000 World Cup of Ball Hockey: played with Asia-Africa and participated in the championship game. Finished with 4 points in 6 games

2000 Concordia League: played for the Screaming Maniacs in the Monday Division and participated in the semi-final. Collected 2 assists in 9 games


The finesse game

Opponents know they have one assignment when they play the Bruisers: stop Cynthia. Few teams can do it. Cynthia's exceptional skills and extraordinary "ice" time make her tough to shadow, even when the opponent keys on her. Cynthia is as close to a perfect ball hockey player as there is in. She is one of the best players in any ball hockey league, whose skill level is top notch in every department.

Cynthia has control over her body and exceptional lateral mobility. She dazzles with her footwork and can stick handle the ball through an entire team. Cynthia has a range of shots, including a hard slapper that she can release from the point, and a deadly wrist shot that can pick all 4 corners of the net, whether she is standing still or on the fly. She is just as good a playmaker as she is a scorer, and can thread a pass through traffic right onto the blade of a teammate. She will find the open player because he soft hands and superior vision. When the opponent overplays her, she makes smart decisions about whether to shoot or pass.


Overview

A majority of players would classify Cynthia as the most skilled player in the CASC Women’s Division. She lives and loves to play ball hockey and always puts on a "cynthillating" performance. Her stats are unbelievable. She is as competitive as any of the elite players and her presence greatly enhances the caliber of any league. Cynthia is focused on making the players around her better and can sometimes be guilty of not shooting enough. She loves to practice, always looking to improve her skills and will gladly lend advice to other players.

At 21 years of age, Cynthia already owns several CASC offensive records and nobody else is on pace to rewrite the record books more thoroughly than her. With her dominating performances, week in and week out, Cynthia will undoubtedly change the Women’s Division landscape for years to come

"Cynthia is by far the best player in the league. Her presence or absence from a match can make or break the game. Her training session last year during the "ball hockey clinic" did wonders for this player in learning how to actually run with the ball among other things."

"Probably not only THE superstar in CASC, but also one of, if not the best player in the whole Montreal area. And all this energy she has... I have 2 theories about her : either she is bionic, or she is god. Either way, she is amazing"

"Cynthia has shown extreme talent in both the women's and men's division, and is the only player I know of who is regularly asked to stop scoring and give the other team a chance. I'm sure she could take on a whole team on her own"

"Cynthia has great skills, makes beautiful plays and always gives 100%. She knows the game."







2nd RUNNER-UP (W)
JENNIFER JONES-PATULLI
as chosen by the Ball Hockey News selection commitee (10 people)


2000 biography

1999/2000 CASC Women’s Division: won the MVP to her team award. Finished 6th in league scoring with 31 points in 17 games. Tied for second in goals (24) and tied for fourth in points per game (1.8)

2000/2001 CASC Women’s Division: is currently third in league scoring (50pts), third in goals (33), fourth in points per game (3.6), third in goals against average (4.33), second in save percentage (84.9) and second in wins (8).

Missed only 4 Women’s Division games in the last 2 seasons. Is fourth on the all-time scoring list (87 pts).

2000 World Cup of Ball Hockey: plafed for Greco-Romans and participated in the semi-final. Collected 2 assists in 3 games

2000/2001 CASC Tuesday Division: has played 6 games for Freezer10 and collected 2 assists

1999/2000 CASC Men's Division: collected 3 assists in 4 games [Bluedogs (2), Dragons and 4Aces]


The finesse game

Jennifer is the complete player who can play any style of hockey at a high level. There is nothing she can't do. If you want an offensive catalyst with touch around the net capable of threading passes in heavy traffic, ask Jennifer. If you want an unassuming shot-blocking machine who can stand in front of howitzers unflinchingly, ask Jennifer. If you need a speedster to play end to end firebrand hockey, someone who can flat out run without pausing, ask, well, you get the idea.

Jennifer is blessed with a great first step to leave defenders behind and drive in on the breakaway. Her hand skills complement her running game. Jennifer excels at getting open and driving down the right hand side of the floor. She is the best in the league at releasing a shot on the fly, with a radar-like accuracy. Jennifer loves to pick the bottom corners rather than go 5 hole. Her shots often bank off the post before going in. Jennifer looks at the net, not down at the ball on her stick, and simply finds the openings. She releases her shot quickly without telegraphing its direction, which makes it a nightmare for goalies. She is poised and cool with the ball in the offensive zone, holding it until she finds an opening instead of just firing blindly.


Overview

Jennifer will be part of CASC for as long as she wants. She is an integral part of the league's fiber, both in her capacity as a CASC official and player, and for the goodwill and automatic respect her presence engenders.

Jennifer brings a versatile portfolio of physical ability and personality to the table that allows her to fit in perfectly wherever she plays, whatever the position, whatever the circumstances, whoever the teammates. Jennifer is an inspirational player who competes hard night after night; she wasn't deterred or intimidated when playing in the men's Friday division and in the World Cup of Ball Hockey. She can take a hit without being bothered, and bounce right back into the play.

Jennifer is easy to talk to, polite, respectful towards others, never complains and thrives on responsibility. She is also a talented writer, having contributed game recaps to the Ball Hockey News, and thus promoting and popularizing the CASC Women’s Division. Jennifer can light up a room with her cute, yet shy smile, enthusiasm and upbeat attitude. Everyone loves Jennifer.

"Jennifer is a great forward with a lot of speed and talent. She was Backdraft’s best player last season, and is setting the pace for them this year. She is also an amazing goalie, and she definitely has a great attitude."

"Jennifer is "Cynthia number 2" because she's just as good a player as her. She is also the best goalie in the league."

"A versatile two way player, who is comfortable at any position. Plays with heart and is never intimidated by physical play."







3rd RUNNER-UP (W)
CARINE CONTRERAS
as chosen by the Ball Hockey News selection commitee (10 people)


2000 biography

1999/2000 CASC Women’s Division: won the scoring title (45 pts) and led the league in goals (33). Finished second in points per game (2.1). Was one of only 4 players to have participated in all 21 regular season games.

2000/2001 CASC Women’s Division: is currently second in league scoring (52pts), second in goals (40), second in points per game (4.0), fourth in goals against average (4.86) and third in save percentage (83.1).

Missed only 1 Women’s Division game for the entire year. Is third on the all-time scoring list (110 pts) and tied for first in goals (84).

2000 World Cup of Ball Hockey: played on Europa and collected a championship ring. Led all women in goals (2), assists (4), points (6) and points per game (1.0).

2000/2001 CASC Tuesday Division: leads all women in all major categories: goals (2), assists (9), points (11) and points per game (1.6)

2000 Concordia League: played for the Screaming Maniacs in the Monday Division and participated in the semi-final. Collected 3G and 2A in 10 games. Finished 6th in team scoring.

1999/2000 CASC Men's Division: collected 5 goals and 7 assists in 16 games for the Dragons



The finesse game

Carine is a smooth and fluid hockey player whose movements appear effortless. She has a beautiful running stride. Her game is based on speed, control and accurate shooting.. She’s among the fastest players in the CASC Women's Division, blessed with quickness in both the open and cluttered spaces.

Carine holds possession of the ball very efficiently, darting in and out of traffic while creating room for her wrist shot which is deadly in its precision, and precise in its deadliness. The release on her shot is excellent. She has great hands to go along with her speed and seems to get a shot on goal or a dangerous scoring chance on every shift. Carine prefers to stickhandle down the right side of the floor and will change direction on a dime at the most opportune time. She can go end to end and can turn a defender inside out on a one-on-one rush.

Carine uses her speed defensively, too, and is quick on the backcheck to break up passes. She's very strong with her stick.



Overview

Carine is a pioneer. She is the 1st woman to play regularly in the CASC Men's Division, having played in 17 games for the Dragons during the 1999-2000 season, including playoffs.

Carine is an important, well-respected figure in CASC circles, seen as both a dependable, ultra capable human being and an innovative administrator unafraid of taking chances. Carine is always looking for ways to improve a league that is already first class. She's an organized, mature and sweet person, who listens with empathy.

As talented a player as she has always been, Carine is a great student of the game and has pushed herself to improve her skills since the beginning of the 1999/2000 season...and it has paid off. Her wristshot is so much deadlier because she can now go top shelf with a precise touch. Carine has also improved her vision to make a play or feather a perfect pass to an open teammate. She's also a great cheeleader on the players' bench.



"Carine is one of the best players in the league, has taken on organizational duties and has truly turned the division into a "can't miss" fun evening for a bunch of women ball hockey players, of all abilities"

"Carine possesses so much natural talent that it makes you wonder if she's been playing ball hockey her whole life (yet mysteriously she hasn't). She plays with skill and aggression both in the women's and men's divisions, and also plays very well as a goalie."

"Carine has excellent offensive skills and has a major impact on any game. She has improved her defensive play over time."