Hello NWBHL! Now that we have got "Cream of the Crop" nicely under way, I thought we should change it up entirely.... well, maybe just for one week. I received a great idea on the NWBHL forum and I thought I'd have a go. Without further ado, I present the NWBHL All Stars 2012!

First Team A All Star

Forwards
Marcel LaFortune - A no-brainer here. He's the A division leading scorer and he is the Jack of all trades. He's a sniper, a playmaker, an agitator, a grinder. He can do it all and he's won everything there is to win and he's only 29 years old. Scary.....
Mont Saran - The Jaguar's have put together a great lineup but I don't think they were expecting Mont to have such a breakout year. He's been carrying the Jags this season and he's been doing with little or no fanfare. He has a very deceptive shot and excellent vision. He should be a big scorer in this league for years to come. ( Mont and Marcel on the same line sounds like a good reason to actually have an NW All Star game!)
Shane Khan - Shane has always had big-time skills but he has added some grit to his game in the last few seasons making him even more difficult to play against. With a few championships under his belt, Shane is still young and it appears that the sky is the limit as to how much he will acheive

Defense
Jay Dove - Dove is putting up great numbers again this season but lost in all that is his defensive ability. He is one of the best, if not the best, shot blocker in the league. He makes an excellent first pass and his slapshot is feared. Currently, he's in a dogfight with Daniel Lafortune for top spot in defenseman scoring. It should be interesting down the stretch
Craig Houle - Craig is putting up modest numbers this year but he continues to be one of the toughest Dmen to play against. He has speed and agility in spades and an uncanny sense of where the ball is going to go. One of the many reasons why the Barons are the stingiest team in the NW.

Goalie
Tony Ferreira - Tony has excellent reflexes and is rarely out of position. He's putting up great numbers again this year. The Barons have the lowest goals against of any team this year. Tony stops the ball like a pro!


Second Team A All Stars

Forwards
Rob Sangha - I am not super familiar with Rob but he is putting up great numbers in the NW and in Arenex. Just another one of the many weapons the Wolfpac possess.
Steve Mulholland - People are becoming more aware of Steve's shot but they may not know how well he can defend. In his first season with the 'Pac, he actually played Defense. (Subsequently, the Wolfpac won the Championship that year) Steve has all the tools to be an All Star in this league for years to come.
Chip Gill - A crafty veteran who makes his linemates better. Super soft hands and sick vision.

Defense
Mitch Miller - One of the many young guns the league has to offer. Mitch is having an outstanding year with 28 points in 16 games and he rarely loses a battle in the corner.
Daniel LaFortune - The only thing keeping him off the First team All Stars, is that he has only played 9 games this year. Dishes the ball like a pro. He gets points in bunches.

Goalie
Alan Cheema - Alan is having a breakout year as the number 1 keeper for the Execs. He makes up for his lack of size, with great agility and unreal reflexes. He never gives up on a play.


First Team B All Stars

Forwards
Lloyd Weir - Lloyd has always put up great numbers, but not at the rate he is this year with the Stingrays. He has really found some chemistry with his linemates Trent and Taylor Plul. He has amazing vision and loves ripping one-timers from the top of the circle.
Taylor Plul - NW leading scorer. He's not just a product of his linemates success. He makes them better. He's got great hands, a nose for the net and he is surprisingly durable for his size as well. Expect big numbers for seasons to come.
Jeremy Skinner - Jeremy can do it all. He's got the ball on a string most nights. Skinner has a rare combination of skill and grit. He can crush a slapshot or feed someone back-door with with a behind-the-back pass and then win a vicious corner battle and take it hard to the net. He is posting modest numbers this year but he has a different roll on the Bullies. He's a warrior!

Defense
Laurence Mey - Larry will lead the rush and then break up a 2-on-1 on the way back. Great shot blocker and Power Play specialist. He's putting up great numbers this year and logs big minutes for the Bullies. He has a seemingly never-ending gas tank and he dominates physically. What else can you say??
Jim White - Jim is an excellent shot blocker and has a cannon of a shot. The most consistent performer for the Riders in the past few seasons, Jim has the team on his back this year and they look like they are in good hands.

Goalie
Cristian Campeanu - I may be biased, but, in my opinion, he is the best big game goalie in the division. I've seen him make game saving saves with seconds left to go in numerous games. Amazing compete level and insane reflexes and he is just getting better.


Second Team B All Stars

Forwards
Trent Plul - Check out Trent's numbers in the past 5 seasons. How about 117 points in 60 games! He is just getting better with age. He's got a tricky wrist shot, uncanny vision, great faceoffs and loads of grit. What can't this guy do?
Sunny Sahota - Again, I may be biased, but I have seen what a team is like with and without Sunny. He seemlessly keeps his teammates clicking with pinpoint passing and he is quick in the faceoff circle as well. The Bullies are not the same without him.
Harneil Lilly - Quiet consistency would best describe Harniel's work with the Warhawks. He's a team leader for sure and they will need him to continue to produce if they have any chance of making the playoffs.

Defense
Gugan Gill - Let's see...He is second on the Entourage in points, and first in powerplay points and game winning goals. You don't want to be in front of the net with Gugan around and offensively, he's got a cannon from the point. All star??? I think so.
Paul Cardillo - The consensus is that Paul is underrated but word is slowly getting out that he is a beast to play against. His first pass is great, but it is his defensive work that should be praised. He rarely makes mistakes and is tough as nails. Paul Cardillo GETS IT DONE!

Goalie
Jay Albanese - It is obvious Jay has improved his game. He has always had good reflexes but it is his positioning that has improved. His GAA is tops among goalies with over 3 games played. He has remained very consistent this year and gives the Stingrays a chance to win every night.

...and there it is! I for one, would love to see an actual All Star game in the NWBHL. Make it happen Statman! Remember..YOU ARE ALL WINNERS!