Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin capped off his rookie campaign by winning the Calder Trophy at the NHL Awards in Vancouver last night (The Post).

The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the end of the regular season.

Ovechkin had an amazing season, scoring 52 goals on the way to a 106-points. He recieved 124 of 129 first place votes, easily beating over-hyped Penguins rookie (and serial whiner) Sidney Crosby for the award. In a season of many highlights, none was more exciting than his goal aganist the Coyotes.

Ovechkin was not the only Cap to bring him an award. Long-time (and some say, long-suffering) goaltender Olie Kolzig was awarded the King Clancy trophy.

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

Yup, that’s Kolzig, the unofficial captain of the team and all-around great guy. Kolzig founded Athletes Against Autism. the Carson Kolzig Foundation, Olie’s All-Stars, and Olie’s and Elliot’s Great Saves.

Congratulations to both!

More

Ovechkin, Kolzig capture awards – The Wash. Times

NHL to honor Kolzig – The Wash. Times

Super Ovie Wins the Calder – washingtoncaps.com

Caps owner Ted Leonsis will almost certainly have something to say later today.