American Hockey League playoffs offer local angle

While Beaconsfield native Marc-Édouard Vlasic of the San Jose Sharks remains the only West Islander still playing in the National Hockey League playoffs, several recognizable names can be found in the American Hockey League playoffs.

Those include Kirkland native Josh Tordjman, a goaltender who has been involved in a tight-collared series with the San Antonio Rampage against the Toronto Marlies, and Dollard des Ormeaux native Joey Mormina, a strapping defenceman who has been part of an exciting series between his Albany River Rats and the Philadelphia Phantoms. Tordjman, a Lakeshore Hockey Association product, registered a 3-0 shutout on Sunday afternoon in Toronto to help the Rampage even the series at three games apiece. Game seven was set to take place on Monday night, also in Toronto.

Others players you might remember from days gone by who have participated in this year’s AHL post-season play include Stefano Giliati of the Marlies, Maxim Noreau of the Houston Aeros and Shawn Collymore of the Hershey Bears. Each of the latter three played for the West Island/Lac St. Louis Lions.

Davidson caps off wonderful year with another award

It’s been quite a year for Kirkland’s Vanessa Davidson. Perhaps the most important and satisfying event for the high-scoring junior occurred in March, in Ottawa, when her McGill Martlets hockey team won its first-ever national championship. On an individual level though, Davidson has certainly received her share of accolades, including being named most valuable player at the McGill women's hockey awards banquet last Friday night at the McGill Sports Centre.

Davidson, a 23-year-old centre, was second in the Quebec league’s scoring race with 14 goals and 29 points in 18 games. Overall, the physical education major notched 29 goals while adding 39 assists for 68 points in 42 contests. She was chosen as conference Most Valuable Player en route to earning All-Canadian honours and also received the Gladys Bean Trophy at the 31st annual McGill intercollegiate sports awards gala held on April 17. The trophy is awarded to the female student-athlete who brings the most credit to the university through their athletic achievement.