Brooks Laich - an excellent, if way-below-the-radar, choice. Having met him a couple of times at Caps' fan events, I can say he's every bit the good guy, even when having to deal with large crowds of demanding hockey nuts. Whether he wins the award or not (I don't think you can "lose" in this circumstance), it's a great way to recognize something positive happening in the sports world.

It's refreshing to see an athlete be recognized for his work of the ice. In an age when so many of the athletes we look up to deviate from the path of simple humility, we need to remember the men and women in the spotlight that are simply good people that play by same rules aw the rest of us.

It's gotta be Brooks Laich. Such an underrated player and a great guy off the ice.

BROOKSIE. He's great. He's two-way player Caps really need and great guy. Difinitely a player I'd love to meet by person.

Brooks Laich should be both Sportsman of the Year and Hottie of the Century. Seriously. A stand-up dude and some good eye/ice candy.

I think Brooks is an excellent choice!!

Usain Bolt - should have got it last year

Roy Halladay, is the man! Ask Carlos!!!!!!

It???s refreshing to FINALLY see Brooks Laich be recognized for something. He is an underrated player who is truly an asset to the Washington Capitals on and off the ice. As a season ticket holder for the past three years, seeing Brooks grow as a player over the past three seasons has been exciting to watch. Off the ice, he is humble and welcoming of his fans. This story just shows you what a wonderful person he really is. Thank you, Brooks for all that you do for Washington. EXCELLENT CHOICE!!!

The Butler Bulldogs are an outstanding choice for sportsmen of the year. This is a team that won with class and lost a heartbreaking game, displaying the same class and sportsmanship that is rare in athletics today. Their team first approach to basketball and their commitment to scholastics were refreshing reminders of the way college sports were intended. The poise of the young coaching staff also carried through to the team and was impressive to watch. Honoring this team with the sportsmen of the year award would send the message to schools throughout the country that you can emphasize the right things with young athletes and win.

This became a done deal when Drew Brees led New Orleans to the Super Bowl.

It would be a refreshing choice for Sports Illustrated to name Brooks Laich Sportsman of the Year. I find that every time this honor comes around, the honored athlete is always quite redundant. The star football player, the star baseball player, or the star basketball player. Typically an American athlete being heralded for an accomplishment within his sport. Brooks Laich would fall completely outside the box and perhaps introduce the great sport of hockey and the great people who play it, to nontraditional markets. I would be much more interested in reading about something I was unfamiliar with, then reading further analysis on a subject that has been beaten to death, like Roy Halladay's no hitter and perfect game. No disrespect to Mr. Halladay, as not only is he a tremendous athlete, but also a stand up person, but going outside the box would be a unique thing. Here you are awarding a guy who is by no means a superstar or even a star, but is a consistent quality player, in a sport that is the least popular in the country. In awarding Laich for his grace off the playing surface, you are in effect showing fans that there are still decent, classy professional athletes. In a year where we have all witnessed gross acts of narcissism broadcast on live television, and other examples of poor, classless behavior from other pro athletes, showcasing the class and humility that is an abundant trait amongst professional hockey players, would be a tremendous choice! Step outside the box, cover something new and different, and celebrate a great act of kindness by a sportsman. Brooks Laich would be an excellent choice for Sportsman of The Year!

This is the hardest working guy on the Caps--first to practice, last to leave, clearing out the pucks at every warmup so the guys can get their shots in, always at the optional skates. The fact that he is humble enough to look outside of himself at the end of a disappointing playoff exit--as the only guy who "produced" in that last game--and see what needed to be done for others is a testament to why he IS the Sportsman of the Year, regardless of how the polling comes out. Go Brooks!

I realize the honor will go to someone for what they've done on the field of play. But thank you, merci, mucho gracias, etc. for pointing out to the wider world what the Washington, DC area has known for some time about the class act that is Brooks Laich.

How about two no hitters, one perfect and one only a single walk away from being perfect in the same year. Tack on that the latter was only the second no hitter thrown in post season history. Halladay's stats also include leading the league in Innings pitch, K/BB, wins, and he walked less than a batter per start. Laich had a great year and it would be nice to see hockey get some recognition but he would of had to put up Gretzky numbers to beat our the Doc.

Brooks is a great choice. He is the role model that all sports players should look up to. Not simply for changing a tire, but for his work ethic every day. He is committed, dedicated and an Iron Man.

QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 09:36 AM ET  11.05 by Wingman

This is the hardest working guy on the Caps--first to practice, last to leave, clearing out the pucks at every warmup so the guys can get their shots in, always at the optional skates. The fact that he is humble enough to look outside of himself at the end of a disappointing playoff exit--as the only guy who "produced" in that last game--and see what needed to be done for others is a testament to why he IS the Sportsman of the Year, regardless of how the polling comes out. Go Brooks!

I can't say it any better than Wingman!!!!!

Laich is an interesting choice...but I hafta agree with Jack McCallum. In my mind, it's easily Roy Halladay.

Armando Gallaragha - he changed the environment for the better. It has been re-swallowed by such as the NCAA and Moss, but for a while there his approach was heartening.

My choice emphasizes sportsmanship, which I why I choose Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce. I've seen fights break out at slow pitch softball games over close calls when the outcome didn't really matter. These two showed how conflict should be handled, with class and respect.