HODGMAN NAMED IHL PLAYOFF MVP
It was a long season for Justin Hodgman, but after the year he just had, one might wonder if he ever wanted it to end. It started with a breakout season for the OHL’s Erie Otters. The nineteen year-old centre posted a 29 point improvement over his 2006-07 campaign, despite playing in three fewer games. He was named to the Western Conference All-Stars, won an OHL Player of the Week award, and finished the season with 37 goals and 43 assists.
While Hodgman was able to achieve a dramatic personal improvement, the Erie Otters were not able to make the same jump as a team. The squad struggled to win games and was never a threat to make the playoffs, however, Hodgman would get a chance to see some post-season action. After Erie’s final regular season game, Hodgman signed a contract to finish the season with the IHL’s Fort Wayne Komets.
Hodgman continued to score when he got there. He played in the Komets’ last 11 regular season games, posting 4 goals and 4 assists, but it was the playoffs that saw Hodgman excel. The post-season appearance had been a long time coming.
In three seasons with the Otters, Hodgman had never played in an OHL playoff game. His last playoff action was in 2004-05 with the Hunstville Muskoka Otters of the OPJHL. Maybe it was all the pent up frustration of springs spent watching the playoffs instead of playing in them, but more likely, Hodgman’s success is the result of the emerging NHL prospect finally realizing just how good he can be.
“The biggest difference in Hodgie’s play this year was his confidence,” said Mike Torchia, colour commentator for OHL broadcasts in Kitchener and Varsity’s Head Goaltending Instructor. “The more he believed in himself, the more he dominated.”
In Fort Wayne, Hodgman’s impact was undeniable. His jersey recently set a franchise record in a charity auction when it commanded $5,500. For a late-season addition that has only played a total of 24 games for the franchise, he sure found his way into the hearts of the fans quickly. Scoring the overtime winner in game 7 of the finals might have helped.
In 13 playoff games, Hodgman led the Komets by recording 14 points, none bigger than the goal that ended it all 23 seconds in to the third overtime of game 7. The win completed a dramatic comeback against the Port Huron Icehawks, who had held a 3-1 lead in the series, and the goal cemented an MVP award for Hodgman.
With the IHL's Turner Cupin hand, Hodgman’s season finally came to an end. Thankfully, all the extra hockey means the off-season will be shorter than usual. After a year like that, it’s no surprise Hodgman can’t wait to see what he can do next year. 
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