Player of the Game
Game #16 vs Young Guns
Mohammad Bilal is the player of the game on this night. He was the lone goal-scorer for the ‘Birds and played a good game offensively. He enjoys pushing the ball and being creative on the ball. He has a knack for scoring and has put together a good year overall offensively.
Game #15 vs Red Army
Rugged defenseman Omar Choudhry is tonight's player of the game. Choudhry has had a solid season, played hard in his own end, while unleashing his powerful slap shot when given the opportunity. He was able to let one go after a clean faceoff win from Rizwan Kalair and he made no mistake with it. Choudhry will be counted upon during the playoffs to play his hard nosed style, while keeping with his shots on the opposing goalie.
Game #14 vs Nordiques
For the first time in his career, Rizwan Kalair ha missed the majority of the Greenbirds season due to personal reasons. He was teaching overseas in the middle east in Doha, Qatar. His absence was in fact greatly missed as his experience, defensive capabilities and the team’s lack of true natural centers made him even that more valuable. On this night Kalair put together a great night, notching his first goal of the season on a fantastic one-time snap shot, while playing his regular up and down game, providing freedom to his wingers. Kalair will be looked upon for a strong playoff push, as he is the freshest forward of the group and in great shape to help lead them offensively.
Game #13 vs Young Guns
To be perfectly honest, this writer should have named Osman Buttar Player of the Game earlier in the season, he could have actually been POG on a few nights. However this team looks to #66 for leadership and productivity on every game night. He bleeds green and is the center-stone of the team. So his performance is expected to be POG caliber on every night, so it's actually tough for him to garner the recognition. But on this night, after weeks of frustrated play and under achieving, Buttar came out of the gates quickly and set the tone for the rest of his team in the early going. When it was over he had 1G & 2A in a very important game. The team hopes this is the end to his funk and it gives him the confidence needed to lead the team to a trophy.
Game #12 vs Dragons
Whenever he has been called upon to replace regular Nayyar Razvi between the pipes, youngster Mohammad Sibtain has been brilliant and confident for the 'Birds. On this night many players noticed his rebound control, and ability to find and secure loose balls before the opposing forwards were able to jump on them. On this night, Mohammad Sibtain is the player of the game, securing a shutout making 20 saves in only his second start of the year.
Game #11 vs NY Leafs
Tonight's player of the game is none other than the captain Ijaz Chaudhry who was able to withstand the pressure of the Leaf's fore check for most of the night, while causing havoc in the offensive zone on the the power play, ultimately leading to a goal. Chaudhry has the ability to jump in the play and be successful, which puts opposing wingers on their heels, knowing they have to keep their heads on a swivel and taking a look for the pinching d-man.
Game #10 vs Blue & White
A veteran that has years of experience and a player that has been with the Greenbirds right from the beginning, Azhar Kalair expemplies the meaning of a GB player right to the core. He never complains, never talks about his playing time and never asks for more than what he is given. He simply wants to win at all costs and will do what it takes to help the team. On this night he began a sweet passing play which led to the tying goal and ultimately helped the 'Birds secure one point at the end of the game. Tonight's player of the game is forward Azhar Kalair.
Game #9 vs Islanders
Game #8 vs Devils
Tonight’s player of the game is Aadil Khan. Khan is a new member of the Greenbird team, a versatile forward who can play all three positions up front and help out on defense when required. On this night he played a solid two-way game, defensively responsible, while chipping in with the eventual game winning goal on a hard working shift, causing havoc in the offensive zone. Khan brings even more depth on offence, especially at a time when the team is facing injury concerns, while also waiting the arrival of veteran Rizwan Kalair from overseas. Khan has been a pleasant surprise for the team and has put the bar of his own capabilities high, something the Greenbirds hope he can keep up for the remainder of the season.
Game #7 vs Nordiques
Tonight’s player of the game is Bilal Buttar. The very talented forward who has soft hands and is known as a creator on the floor scored 2G and had 1A in the win versus the Nordiques. Buttar is unable to play the entire season, however when he does play he makes a difference offensively for the team. His size, ball handling skills and experience creates defensive mismatches which allows for scoring chances of his own as well as his teammates. Any chance at a title will rely on his effectiveness and health during the playoffs.
Game #6 vs Dragons
There could have been many candidates for player of the game tonight, but with solid defensive coverage, providing a physical presence while also chipping in offensively with 2 assists, tonight’s player of the game is assistant captain Ahmed Chaudhry. The big bruising defensemen has been playing very well this season on both ends of the floor. However it is usually his experience which allows him to play all facets of the game at an extremely high level. Chaudhry much like his older brother is very much liked in the dressing room and provides leadership within the game and outside the rink.
Game #5 vs Blue and White
On this night it was a newcomer who stole POG honours. Taha Ali who is playing his first season with the Greenbirds put together a great night finishing with 1G and 2A, along with a hard forecheck and blistering speed. Ali will definitely be leaned upon throughout the year and in the playoffs to provide additional scoring punch and speed to add to the veteran mix. Ali could be a star in the making if he continues to progress as he currently is, all he needs is the experience of the higher levels and continue to play alongside players that will help him mature.
Game #4 (Tournament) vs Toronto Sharks
As described in the game summary, Safi Ahmed put together a great offensive game, notching 2G and 4A which make him tonight’s player of the game. However we must point out that he does have a way to go to polish up his defensive zone coverage and also back checking responsibilities, but you simply cannot teach the hand-eye coordination, the quick snap shot release and the scintillating stick moves of the young prospect. The team will need him to continue putting up the offensive numbers, and being a menace to opposing defensemen, however, his career in the higher tiers will only reach as far as he decides to commit to the defensive nuances of the game, something he is more than capable of doing.
Game #3 vs Red Army
Tonight’s player of the game is goaltender Nayyar Razvi. Razvi turned away all the shots he faced for the shutout and made a few big stops in only a two-goal contest. Razvi originally played for the Greenbirds during the franchise’s early years and he is happy to be back and amongst friends once again. The Greenbirds will need stellar goaltender all year long as every game is crucial towards trying to secure a first round bye and in essence what would seem to be easier road to a championship.
Game #2 vs Islanders
Tonight's player of the game is Dilawar Alvi. The stay at home defenceman has always been a steady rock on the blue line, whom opponents always despise playing against. He is very much valued in the Greenbirds dressing room and usually flies under the radar of recognition. His speed, strength and never give up attitude is simply unmatched, and he rarely comes up a loser after a battle out of the corner. He will be looked upon to lead the Greenbird defence, alongside veterans Ijaz and Ahmed Chaudhry.
Game #1 vs Folkway Devils
Tonight's player of the game is forward Emmad Khawaja, who finished the game with the team's lone goal on the powerplay. Despite playing center, not his natural position, Khawaja seemed to not miss a beat. His numerous forechecks caused havoc in the offensive zone, but he also did a great job of getting back on defence and picking up the third man. Khawaja will be asked to play many positions this year, due to his versatility, but it is his relentless attack and quick snap shot which the team loves to see and loves him to use night in and night out.
