Jeff Skinner is Triangle's Sports Person of the Year

by Jamie Kellner on Feb 16, 2012 8:32 PM EST

Carolina Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner becomes the youngest player in NHL history to participate in an NHL All-Star Game on January 30, 2011. (author's photo)

Tonight at the Greater Raleigh Sport Council's annual Evening of Champions event, Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner was honored as the Capitol Broadcasting Company Sports Person of the Year.

Skinner faced stiff competition for the local award with finalists included Duke University men's basketball head coach Mike Krzyzweski and PGA Tour professional golfer Webb Simpson.

The press release from the team follows.

Hurricanes Press Release: Skinner Named Triangle's Sports Person of the Year

RALEIGH, NC – The Greater Raleigh Sports Council tonight announced that Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has been named Capitol Broadcasting Company Sports Person of the Year. Skinner received the honor at the organization’s annual Evening of Champions event, held tonight at the RBC Center.

Skinner, 19, became the first player in Carolina’s franchise history to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2010-11, ranking first among league rookies in points (63), second in assists (32) and third in goals (31). The Markham, Ont., native was tied for second among NHL rookies in power-play assists (12) and power-play points (18), and trailed only Eric Staal among Hurricanes skaters in goals and points. Skinner (5’11", 193 lbs.) scored his 30th goal on April 6 against Detroit, becoming the youngest player in franchise history and the seventh-youngest player in NHL history to score 30 goals (18 years, 325 days).

In January 2011, Skinner became the youngest All-Star in NHL history when he skated for Team Staal at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game at the RBC Center at the age of 18 years, 259 days, breaking the record set by Steve Yzerman (18 years, 267 days) in 1984. He made his NHL debut for the Hurricanes on Oct. 7, 2010, against the Minnesota Wild in Helsinki, Finland, and became the youngest player in franchise history to earn a point the next night. He became the youngest player in team history to score a goal when he beat Jonathan Bernier for his first NHL goal on Oct. 20 in Los Angeles. Skinner’s 31 goals ranked as the second-most by a rookie in franchise history, behind Sylvain Turgeon’s 40-goal rookie season in 1983-84.

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Well deserved. He’s a rock star in Raleigh.

by Gillimus on Feb 16, 2012 8:42 PM EST reply actions

He beat Coach K. As if I needed another reason to like that kid!

The only easy day was yesterday.

by CoastalCane on Feb 16, 2012 10:21 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

His first and not his last

This could happen a few times before he hangs up the skates!

In Kirk we Trust

by Mullett on Feb 17, 2012 9:45 AM EST reply actions

and i gave my wife a “odd” look as she said..seeing he is a canadian citzen and here on a work permit/visa “legally” speaking…she was wondering out load if he’ll ever consider getting “dual citizenship” ?? i smiled and hugged her and expalined…some players in the past have…some don’t…but asked her would she disappointed if he never did say retire here & etc…and she looked at me “odd” and said in a not to pleasent tine.."don’t get stupid steven,he’s just 19 years old..he has a long way to go to retirement…Gee isn’t love grand ?? Nice Work Miss Jamie and we thank you !!

9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on Feb 17, 2012 9:55 AM EST reply actions