The Chicago chapter of Professional Hockey Writers’ Association announced Friday it has nominated Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa as the team’s candidate for the 2016-17 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The Masterton is awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Hossa will now be in contention with the league’s 29 other nominees for this award.
Hossa, 38, has scored 24 goals and 42 points in 66 games this season. The winger has bounced back between the first and third line to provide a veteran presence for the Hawks, who have several rookies playing.
The winner is selected by a poll among the 30 chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season. The trophy commemorates the late Bill Mastertson, a player with the Minnesota North Stars, who lost his life following an NHL game on Jan. 15, 1968.
Two Blackhawks players have been awarded with the Masterton in league history: Pit Martin (1969-70) and Bryan Berard (2003-04).