I debated putting this in the Alums in the Pros, but I thought it warranted its own thread.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=78690
[Q]TORONTO (CP) - Veteran centre Joe Nieuwendyk has been chosen as Toronto's nominee for the NHL's Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Nieuwendyk, 37, has 47 points (19-28) in 62 games in his first season with the Maple Leafs.
``I'm excited about (the Masterton nomination),'' Nieuwendyk told reporters after Thursday's practice. ``I've really enjoyed coming to Toronto this year and being part of this team and this community.
``It's something I've really embraced. I really enjoy it, coming to the rink and seeing the way people on the street are talking about the team. It makes it exciting to play that way.''
He's been credited by many for the strong seasons his young linemates Nik Antropov and Alexei Ponikarovsky are having.
Off the ice, Nieuwendyk, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, is a respected leader on a veteran club. He was made Matt Stajan's roommate on the road at beginning of season so that his influence would rub off on the rookie forward.
``He's been a pleasure to have, on and off the ice,'' said Leafs head coach Pat Quinn. ``I knew when he came in he would be a big addition and he's even been more than I expected.''[/Q]
The Masterton Trophy has gone to some of hockey's finest citizens, including one of my personal favorites, Adam Graves. This would be a well-deserved award for Nieuwy.
Dave Taylor, one of my very very personal favorites won it also in...'93 or '94 I beleive.