Baudette Bay Classic was the highlight of the hockey season; Clark is double award winner

The Baudette Bay Hockey Classic was the highlight of the season for the Lake of the Woods hockey team, according to head coach Mark Fabian. It gave Lake of the Woods statewide exposure on a day when the team played its best, and a spectacular goal by senior defenseman John Clark made highlight broadcasts all around the nation and was featured on ESPN.
Fabian, who had brothers playing for state Class AA champion Roseau and for the University of North Dakota this season, made his remarks at the annual hockey awards program held at the school Monday (April 2) night.
UND is in the national hockey Final Four scheduled in St. Louis this weekend.
Fabian was also a member of the state Class AA championship Roseau team back in 1999. He knows what spectacular moments in the sport are all about.
The Baudette Bay Classic was played January 20 in the great outdoors on Baudette Bay, and it featured St. Paul Johnson against Lake of the Woods. Johnson had clobbered Lake of the Woods 7-1 in St. Paul the week before the Classic was played, but Lake of the Woods rose up to smite Johnson 5-3. The game was carried on Fox Sports Net throughout Minnesota and good shares of North Dakota and Wisconsin.
“It was a pretty amazing day,” Fabian said.
Clark is MVP
Senior defenseman John Clark was a double winner in post-season awards handed out Monday night.
Clark was named the Hobey Baker Award winner by coach Fabian. The award goes to that senior hockey player who combines hockey accomplishment with superior character. In addition to his contributions as an athlete, Clark is a National Honor Society member and is very heavily involved in general school activities.
“When you talk about character, this award means a lot,” Fabian said.
Clark was also voted the most valuable player on the team by his teammates.
Kam Kuzyk of Rainy River was named most dedicated player, and two younger players -- sophomores Jalen Stay and JonCarlo Westerlund -- were named rookie of the year and most improved player respectively.
In addition, Fabian honored his seniors with special presentations. They were Anders Moen, Vince Scott, Ethan Leiding, Kuzyk, Clark and Travis Anderson.
Clark presented framed photos to Fabian and assistants Derek Olson and Keith Block on behalf of members of the team.
Fabian described the 11-14-1 season as successful. “At one time, we stood 3-9-1,” said the coach. “We came a long way this season.”
Team awards
Hobey Baker award -- John Clark, senior.
Most valuable player -- Clark.
Rookie of the Year -- JonCarlo Westerlund, sophomore.
Most improved player -- Jalen Stay, sophomore.
Most dedicated player -- Kam Kuzyk, senior..