Knights goalie is OHL's most outstanding player

Houser named Red Tilson winner
John Gibson, Jack Campbell, Scott Wedgewood, Petr Mrazek, Mark Visentin and Michael Houser are likely the top six goalies in the Ontario Hockey League.
Two weeks ago, Houser is named the goaltender of the year. Today, he's named the most outstanding player in the OHL and picks up the Red Tilson Award. I think the debate has been decided in favour of the London Knights goalkeeper.
Here's the story I submitted to The Canadian Press:

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By Mark Schadenberg
LONDON -- A goalie's job is to be the last line of defence and find a way to win games.
After tying the Ontario Hockey League record for regular-season victories, Michael Houser of the London Knights was named Wednesday as the recepient of the Red Tilson Award as the league's most outstanding player.
The announcement was made just one day before the Knights begin the OHL championship series against the Niagara IceDogs.
It is safe to point out that one of the reasons London is still playing, including 12-2 in the playoffs, after a first overall regular season (49-18-1), would be the workload and abilities of Houser.
In a 68-game schedule, Houser made 62 appearances, earned 46 wins (tying the OHL record of Andrew Engelage with Windsor in 2009), led the OHL in minutes played (3,698), was tied for second in shutouts (6), third in GAA at 2.47, and fourth in save percentage (.925). Houser's best stretch was Dec. 30 to Jan. 22 when he won nine straight starts, including shutouts over Sarnia and Owen Sound during that time.
Already recognized two weeks ago as the OHL goaltender of the year, Michael Houser admits he has no time now to enjoy winning the Red Tilson trophy.
"I can enjoy the awards in the summertime. Now, it's about winning hockey games," said Houser at a press conference hosted at his home rink, the John Labatt Centre.
"I play with a great supporting cast," Houser added. "I have guys blocking shots or killing penalties in front of me. (My teammates) play hard every night and they make my job a lot easier."The most outstanding player award is voted on by the media -- broadcasters and writers. The earlier top goaltender recognition, meanwhile, was voted on by the clubs.
"(Michael) is a leader both off and on the ice," said London head coach and general manager Mark Hunter. "He is definitely one of our hardest workers setting an example for the rest of the team. He is one of the biggest reasons we finished first overall and have made it all the way to the OHL championship series."
In the voting process, players received five points for a first-place selection, three points for a second-place vote and one for a third-place selection. On the 80 ballots received, Houser was first on 30 of them for a total of 182 points. The second highest total of 164 points went to Michael Sgarbossa of Sudbury, who won the scoring title (with 102 points), while Tyler Toffoli of Ottawa was third (106) and Mark Visentin of Niagara was a close fourth (104).
The prolific season of Houser included making 30 consecutive appearances from Oct. 16 to Jan. 17, and also passing Gene Chiarello as the franchise's career all-time leader in wins. Back in the 2009-10 campaign, Houser was named to the OHL's all-rookie team.
London captain and defenceman Jarred Tinordi noted how important Houser's most valuable player status is."The defence worked hard in front of him, but he certainly bailed us out a few times."
In attendance at the press gathering -- to also kick off the OHL finals -- was commissioner David Branch, who talked about Houser's ability to thrive in the league after arriving in London from Wexford, Pennsylvania as an undrafted free agent. As time moves forward, Houser's resume now includes not being drafted after two opportunities by NHL clubs as well. Houser has attended prospects camps operated by Vancouver (2010) and Philadelphia (2011), but is still unsigned.
"Micheal is a great story. He will continue to show hockey experts what a special person and special player he is," said Branch.
The last goalie to win the Tilson honour was Andrew Raycroft with the Kingston Frontenacs in 1999-2000.The most recent London Knight to claim this hardware was Corey Perry in 2005. Although he ended his OHL career with London in 2009, John Tavares won the Tilson in 2007 with the Oshawa Generals.
For the award, which the OHL bills as its most prestigious individual accolade, each club was permitted to nominate one player.
London's championship opponent, the IceDogs, gave its nod to goalie Visentin, who earned a league-record 10 shutouts and sparkling 1.99 goals-against-average.
The award is named in honour of Albert 'Red' Tilson who died in action while serving in the Second World War. Tilson had won the league scoring title in 1942-43 with the Oshawa Generals.
Among the other nominees from around the OHL were: Tanner Pearson (Barrie), Brandon Saad (Saginaw), Stefan Noesen (Plymouth), Mike Halmo (Owen Sound), Brendan Gaunce (Belleville), Tobias Reider (Kitchener), Kerby Rychel (Windsor) and Nail Yakupov (Sarnia).
The award was won last year by Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires, who was just the fourth defencemen to win in the now 68-year history of the trophy and played in 32 games as a NHL rookie this past season with the Nashville Predators.
Other recent and noteworthy recepients include Tyler Seguin (2010) and Cody Hodgson (2009).