Blueliner named Avalanche MVP

WASILLA — Short of sharpening skates or zamming the ice, Jake Parenteau did just about everything for the Alaska Avalanche.

The second-year defenseman scored goals and helped shut down opponents’ top scoring lines. He produced on the power play and killed penalties.

Parenteau was Mr. Everything for the Avs during the 2009-10 season. And appropriately, Parenteau was named the Avs’ most valuable player during the team’s awards banquet Sunday evening.

“He really contributes to our team,” Alaska head coach Dave Boitz said. “He plays on special teams. He plays good defense. He’s tough.”

Parenteau, who has committed to play for the University of Minnesota’s storied Division I hockey program next season, led all NAHL defenseman in scoring with 47 points (16 goals, 31) assists during the regular season. He finished second on the Avalanche in scoring, and led the league in goals among defenseman for the second straight season.

Parenteau was potent on the power play, tallying 10 goals and 13 assists while the Avs skated with the man advantage. Parenteau also scored a pair of shorthanded goals and a team-high five game-winners.

If his scoring wasn’t enough, the Shafer, Minn., native also finished the season with a team-high +27 rating.

Parenteau was one of four players to earn major awards during the banquet. Forward Zach Smith was named the offensive player of the year, defenseman Jake Williams earned rookie of the year honors and captain Logan Maly earned the Avalanche Award.

Smith was stellar during his second year with the organization. The Anchorage native finished the regular season with a team-high 48 points (30 goals, 18 assists). Smith was one of only three players to hit the 30-goal mark in the 19-team NAHL this season.

“It’s not surprising to me at all,” Boitz said of Smith’s production during the 2009-10 season. “He gets (goals) from all over, the gritty tough and the perimeter goals.”

Williams, a first-year NAHL player, established himself as one of the most consistent defensemen the Avalanche had during the regular season.

“He’s really, really talent both defensively and offensively,” Boitz said. “He’s a great kid who works hard.”

Williams finished ninth on the team in scoring with 5-22-27 totals, and 13th in the league in scoring among defensemen. The Duluth, Minn., native was also second on the squad with a +20 rating.

Boitz said Maly was the obvious choice for the Avalanche Award, an honor given to the player whose contributions go beyond just goals and assists.

“It represents what we’re all about,” Boitz said of the honor. “It’s pretty obvious who the heart and soul of this team is.”

Maly, Alaska’s team captain, posted 5-13-18 totals during the regular season, but Boitz said Maly’s leadership and toughness were vital to the team’s success.

“He’s the guy who’s going to get very verbal in the locker room when things aren’t going well. When somebody picks on one of the younger kid, he’s the guy who steps in and takes care of business,” Boitz said. “He’s a no nonsense kid. There’s no better team captain.”

Contact sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.