The Midwest Junior Hockey League today announced that Trevor Pode of the Motor City Monarchs has been named Rookie of the Year, as voted on by the league’s seven head coaches.

Pode finished first among all MWJHL rookies and second overall in league scoring with 33 goals and 43 assists for 76 points in 36 games this season – an average of more than two points per game.

The 1996-born forward out of St. Clair Shores, Mich., also sat second in game-winning goals with six and was named Rookie of the Month for October and Rookie of the Week on two occasions (Oct. 7, Feb. 24), in addition to being Forward of the Week on Nov. 11.

Pode was held pointless in just five games and also recorded 22 multi-point games, highlighted by a two-goal, five-assist game Oct. 24 against the Alpena Flyers and a six-point game (two goals, four assists) on Nov. 1 versus the Berkley Bruins.

He also tallied a four-goal game Feb. 18 against the Detroit Fighting Irish and two additional hat tricks on Oct. 11 versus the Soo Firehawks and Nov. 8 against the Traverse City Hounds.

“Pode was our diamond in the rough,” Motor City head coach Jason McCrimmon said. “We knew he was a great kid and a solid player, but definitely did not expect the numbers he put up this season. Trevor is not only an offensive threat, but has worked hard from day one to become just as effective on the defensive end as well. Pode is also a great locker room guy and it reflects that in the friendships he has created with our players outside of the rink. I believe this is just the start for Pode – his upside has no ceiling.”

Motor City owner-GM Mark Gilman was equally impressed with Pode coming in as a rookie and making such a positive impact.

“When you start a brand-new team like we did, you don't expect to find a Trevor Pode falling through the cracks,” said Gilman. “Because of some personal health issues, he was actually planning on playing Midget house hockey when he showed up to a tryout. I remember asking Jason why the heck we were asking Midget BB players to a junior tryout and all he said was, "just watch." I've been watching him all season rack up goals and points. He's become a much better passer and the physical part of his game, which was missing early on, has improved. At the beginning of the year he was pushed around a lot. Not any more.”

Gilman added that Pode brings a strong element of character to the Monarchs.

“He's also the only junior player in the league with two Twitter accounts – his own (@podetrevor) and @trevorpodesego, which was started by a friend as a joke,” Gilman said. “Trust me, when he scores, everyone in the building knows it and if you didn't see it, he'll tell you about it. I love the kid like he's one of my own and he gets picked on accordingly."

Pode is also a member of the 2014-15 MWJHL All-Rookie Team, which also includes forwards Cam Givens (Traverse City Hounds) and Brandon Bihn (Alpena Flyers), defensemen Stan Swiderek (Traverse City) and Shane Dawson (Alpena Flyers) and goaltender Cody Call (Soo Firehawks).

The Monarchs swept the Michigan Ice Dogs in the first round of this season’s Veteran’s Memorial Cup Playoffs last weekend and host the Fighting Irish this weekend in the semifinals. Game 1 is Friday night at the Jack Adams Ice Arena in Detroit, while Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) will be at Fraser Hockeyland.

The MWJHL Goaltender of the Year will be announced later Wednesday, Defenseman of the Year on Thursday, Forward of the Year on Friday and Organization of the Year next week.

Photo/Kenneth Demmers