Leave The Masterton For The Heroes

Jason Blake, 2007-08 Masteron Trophy Winner. Via post-gazete.com

The story of Bill Masterton is a sad one. While playing his first NHL season in 1967, Masterton was hit with a heavy blow from two opponents simultaneously that sent him flying to the ice head first. He was not wearing a helmet at the time and his brain injuries were too severe to operate on. Two days later, Masterton was dead and the NHL world was grieving. But however short his career was, his legacy lasts until this day in two forms. One was the immediate adoption by many players in the NHL to wear helmets, something that was virtually unknown before his time. And the second was the introduction of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, perseverance and a dedication to hockey.

In many ways the Masterton trophy is often overlooked by the hockey world. People spend hours debating who will win the Hart as league MVP, or the Vezina as the top goalie. Fans love to see their favorite player making a late season charge for the Art Ross as top scorer in the NHL. But to me, there is no greater trophy that I would want one of my favorite players to win than the Masterton.

When you think about what makes hockey players so amazing, it's more than just what shows up on the score sheet. The ones we tend to appreciate the most are those who come to the rink every day, who battle hard game in and game out, who leave every last bit of effort on the ice to help their team win, and who overcome great odds to succeed at the NHL level. The type of guy that commands respect for what he's been able to accomplish in the face of great adversity. Everyone loves an underdog, and everyone loves a great comeback story.

Consider for a moment some Masterton winners from the past. Bobby Clarke, who overcame diabetes to become a Hall of Famer. The great Mario Lemieux, who was able to put up 160 points and win the scoring race despite missing 24 games mid-season while battling Hodgkin's disease. Bryan Berard, who overcame a serious injury that left him legally blind in one eye. Jason Blake, who despite being diagnosed with leukemia, still managed to play a full 82 game schedule. And last year's recipient Max Pacioretty, who came back from a gruesome looking hit that left him with a concussion and fractured vertebrae in his neck, to lead his team in scoring the following season.

This year's nominees are starting to trickle out, and there are some very deserving people on that list. Front runners include Marian Hossa of the Blackhawks who suffered through 7 months of concussion hell to return to his all-star level form, Patrick Eaves of the Detroit Red Wings who's own concussion recovery was even worse, and Carolina Hurricane Dan Ellis, who had a serious muscle tear and needed multiple surgeries during the offseason.

So let Ovi have the Rocket Richard trophy. Crosby can take home the Hart. Give Bobrovsky the Vezina.

But leave the Masterton for the heroes.


Snap Shots:

• Miikka Kiprusoff may have played his last home game for the Calgary Flames, and if it is indeed to be his last, he went out in style picking up 32 saves in a 3-1 win. For his efforts Kipper received a massive ovation from the Calgary faithful and it won't be long before #34 hangs in the rafters at the Saddledome.
• Lost a bit in the 8-4 thumping of the Sabres by the Rangers last night was Brad Richards who picked up his first career hat trick. Though often thought of as a play maker, I was still surprised he hasn't gotten one yet. It only took 896 games for him to get it.
• Last year's Norris trophy winner, defenseman Erik Karlsson, was back at practice for the Senators yesterday. Looks like he'll be back for the playoffs, an unbelievable comeback considering his injury, and a huge boon for the Sens.
• And finally, Edmonton snapped a 6 game losing skid with a 4-1 victory over the Avs, thanks to Jordan Eberle who had a great night, picking up a goal and two assists. I guess the Oilers don't want Seth Jones that badly after all.
• Thanks for reading, and as always if you like the content here at WAAP, please comment and share. I'll be back later with a preview of tonight's key games around the NHL, but to tide you over until then, here's a gif of Chris Higgins performing the rarely seen anti-dive: