WHL: The West’s mid-season player awards

The Western Hockey League started their Christmas break last Tuesday and won't be back in action until Dec. 27.

This break of action is a perfect opportunity to look back and determine who would be taking home the hardware if the season was cut in half.

Here's a look at the Dub's mid-season player awards with a twist.

MVP: Emerson Etem, wing, Medicine Hat Tigers — There's lots of players who can consistently make an impact, but there's very few who can take over a game like Etem does on a nightly basis.

The 6-foot-1, 197-pound wing, who has scored 30 goals and 61 points in 34 games, looks like a man among boys on the ice. He constantly makes bluelines look silly by out thinking defenders and making it impossible for them to contain him with his impeccable strength and foot speed. This dominant play makes it seem the Anaheim Ducks prospect is ready for the pros right now, let alone next year.

Most believe the likes of the Portland Winterhawks, Edmonton Oil Kings, and Moose Jaw Warriors have much greater odds than the Medicine Hat Tigers for representing the Dub at the Memorial Cup. However, with the Tigers having arguably the strongest one-two scoring punch in the league (Etem and Hunter Shinkaruk), not to mention one of the top goaltenders in Tyler Bunz, one can't rule them out as a realistic contender.

Top scorer: Mark Stone, wing, Brandon Wheat Kings — This award obviously isn't up for debate since Mark Stone leads the league in points with 27 goals and 65 points in 33 games.

Stone's point production shouldn't be a surprise at all. The Ottawa Senators prospect scored over 100 points last season, finishing tied with now Edmonton Oilers star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for third in the league in points.

There's no doubt Stone has a strong shot at finishing the year first in points. However, with Etem and Winterhawks' star Ty Rattie not far behind, Stone can't skip a beat or he'll surely be passed by the league's other top scorers.

Top defenceman: Ryan Pulock, Brandon Wheat Kings — One would think the Dub's top defenceman would be one of their best NHL prospects or top blueliners of this year's bumper draft crop; but Ryan Pulock's unbelievable start to his sophomore season has edged the play of these elite talents.

What makes Pulock a special player is he can be the best player on the ice at both ends of the rink. He can quarterback a power play and transition the puck smoothly out of his own zone as well as anyone in the Dub.

The 17-year-old's offensive abilities have really stood out this season. He currently leads all defenders in points, with nine goals and 35 points in 35 games. Not bad for a player whose day on the draft floor is still over a year away.

Top goaltender: Nathan Lieuwen, Kootenay Ice — Despite losing star forward Cody Eakin and team captain Brayden McNabb to the pros, the Ice have remained a contender because of Nathan Lieuwen's net presence.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder has been between the pipes for 16 wins this season, including two shutouts and eight games with only one goal against. If the Buffalo Sabres prospect continues to stand on his head in net, one can't rule out the Ice to repeat as WHL champions. After all, Lieuwen is a proven playoff performer.

Top rookie: Sam Reinhart, centre, Kootenay Ice — Most 16-year-olds are getting their drivers license, sneaking into R rated movies, and downing their first wobbly pops, but Sam Reinhart isn't your typical teenager. This 16-year-old is spending his teen years dominating players up to four years older than him in Western Canada's best junior hockey league.

The 6-foot-1, 177-pound centre is only seven points behind his 19-year-old brother, Max, in points, with 10 goals and 31 points in 34 games. This early outstanding play has already rumbled talk of Reinhart possibly being the top talent of the 2014 draft class.

Unsung hero: Dylan Willick, wing, Kamloops Blazers — He may not be the fastest, strongest or most talented, but everyone takes note of Blazers winger Dylan Willick when he's on the ice. He's a type of player who's willing to do whatever it takes to help his team get the win. This admirable style of play entails killing penalties, blocking shots, religious back checking, and making smart decisions with the puck on his stick.

Willick, who has scored 18 goals and 27 points in 35 games this season, was passed over in last year's draft, but did receive a tryout from the Minnesota Wild. If the 5-foot-10, 192-pound winger continues to give 110 percent every game, there is a strong possibility he could be drafted as a 19-year-old or at least receive another NHL tryout.

Breakout player: Matej Stransky, wing, Saskatoon Blades — It only took Matej Stransky 23 games to top his previous season's 26 point total. The Dallas Stars prospect has blossomed this year into an elite goal scorer, notching 17 goals and 36 points in 34 games.

There's no shortage of reasons for why Stransky has broke out this season. The most obvious being his complete game has vastly improved. The 6-foot-3, 201-pound winger is stronger, faster, and more confident. This also can be credited to having a full WHL season under his belt this year, essentially making the Czech Republic native more familiar with the North American ice surface and style of play. A lot more opportunity in Saskatoon is another reason. Brayden Schenn, Curtis Hamilton, and Marek Viedensky moving on to the pros this past offseason led to Stansky being promoted to the Blades' top-line.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen (image credit WHL.ca)