Evan Greer named Empire league’s MVP

Evan Greer

Picton Pirates forward Evan Greer has been named the Empire’s Most Valuable Player for the 2012-2013 season.
Greer has exploded offensively in his third campaign with the Pirates.  He has registered 28 goals and 38 assists, for 66 points in 35 games played this season.  A player his coach describes as the “total package”, Greer has earned the responsibility to play in all situations this season for the patch eyes.

“Evan is asked to play 5 on 5 against the other team’s top players on a nightly basis – he is on the power-play, he and Mitchell Smith spark our penalty kill and he is asked to close out games with his strong defensive play”, said Ryan Woodward, GM and Head Coach.  “I couldn’t be happier for Evan. He has really matured as a hockey player since my first season with him.  He has all the tools a player needs to dominate at this level and Evan has put it all together this season.”

“I was caught off guard when coaching staff told me I had won the award,” said the newly crowned MVP when asked about being recognized by league members. “It’s a great honour and it’s nice to be recognized by the people I play against every night.  We have a lot of players on our roster that can make a difference in a hockey game and could be recognized as well.  It’s been a fun year for all of us and we are looking forward to making noise in the playoffs.”

Currently Greer sits in 4th in the Empire scoring race with 66 points and only trails teammates Ryan Sizer (77pts), Jack Davison (73pts) and Mitchell Smith (70pts).

Woodward said it’s rare to see a high end offensive player like Greer that doesn’t focus on his offensive game and takes pride in shutting teams down and making a difference defensively and short-handed as well.

Greer leads the league in short-handed goals with five.  Woodward said his tireless pursuit of the puck always makes him a threat while down a man.
“Evan and Smitty have been a lightning rod while shorthanded this season. They are always pressuring the puck and creating turnovers.  They have been able to maintain or swing momentum of a game many times throughout the season by counter attacking on the kill this season.”

Greer is one of many veteran leaders on the Pirates this season that entered the year as motivated as ever to get back in the hunt for a championship.

“We have a great group of guys in the dressing room and we are all really close and hungry for the same thing.  We have brought in a ton of experience and leadership and we want nothing more than to win a championship together.”