The National Hockey League has announced the finalists for the 2013-2014 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Dominic Moore of the New York Rangers, Jaromir Jagr of the New Jersey Devils, and Manny Malhotra of the Carolina Hurricanes are the three nominees. This award is presented to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
This award is voted on by team nominees of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The top three vote-getters at the conclusion of the regular season make up the three finalists. The winner will be announced at on June 24th at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas.
The Professional Hockey Writers Association also awards a $2500 grant to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund in the name of the Masterton Trophy winner.
Dominic Moore, New York Rangers
Dominic Moore returned to the NHL this season after taking a year off to care for his wife Katie. Katie was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. She passed away at the age of 32 in January of 2013. Moore resumed his career with the New York Rangers this season, and played a very important part of the teams successful second place division finish.
Manny Malhotra, Carolina Hurricanes
After suffering a terrible eye injury in 2010, Malhotra returned to the league in 2011-2012 to play with the Vancouver Canucks. The next summer Malhotra was not signed by the Canucks, and was without a place to play. He refused to give up on professional hockey and signed with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. He later signed with the Carolina Hurricanes just four weeks into the season, and played 69 regular season guys with the Hurricanes. He assumed a leadership role with the team and continued his great success as a face-off specialist.
Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils
The man just keeps going and going at a high level. The 42 year old Jaromir Jagr played for the New Jersey Devils and led his team in assists with 43, and points with 67. It is amazing that he is able to play at a level this high when most players his age are retired. His constant hard work at practice, and in the gym has allowed him to remain sharp, and at the top of his game.
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