drwFischerFan2
06-04-2003, 08:52 PM
Berard, Rucchin and Yzerman named
Finalists for Masterton Trophy
June 4, 2003
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NEW YORK - Boston Bruins defenseman Bryan Berard, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim center Steve Rucchin, and Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman are the three finalists for this year's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The award, under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, is presented annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. This year's finalists qualify on all accounts.
Berard, 26, is in his second full season since suffering a career-threatening eye injury as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1999-2000. Berard continued to build on the comeback he began last season with the New York Rangers. Averaging over 21 minutes per game with the Bruins, Berard's 10 goals and 38 points led Boston's defense in scoring and bettered the 2-21--23 totals he produced in 82 games last season.
After missing most of the past two seasons because of hand, leg and severe facial injuries, Rucchin, 33, has returned this season to his starring role with the Anaheim. Rucchin's absence the past two seasons cannot be underestimated when seeking reasons for the club's dismal past campaigns. Similarly, his presence this season is a huge reason why the Mighty Ducks reached the Stanley Cup Finals. In addition to his own physical problems, Rucchin endured the death of his older brother, Larry, who died of cancer last summer. Rucchin handled the ordeal with class and grace.
Yzerman won an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup in 2002 - both on a compromised right knee. Many players in his position would have retired. At 38, he had three Cups, more than 600 goals and 1,000 assists. His doctor wished he would have retired because of his knee. Instead, had an osteotomy, a knee realignment procedure, never before done on a professional athlete. He rehabbed for months, and he came back Feb. 24 against Los Angeles.
The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards on Thursday, June 12 in Toronto.
Finalists for Masterton Trophy
June 4, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK - Boston Bruins defenseman Bryan Berard, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim center Steve Rucchin, and Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman are the three finalists for this year's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The award, under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, is presented annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. This year's finalists qualify on all accounts.
Berard, 26, is in his second full season since suffering a career-threatening eye injury as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1999-2000. Berard continued to build on the comeback he began last season with the New York Rangers. Averaging over 21 minutes per game with the Bruins, Berard's 10 goals and 38 points led Boston's defense in scoring and bettered the 2-21--23 totals he produced in 82 games last season.
After missing most of the past two seasons because of hand, leg and severe facial injuries, Rucchin, 33, has returned this season to his starring role with the Anaheim. Rucchin's absence the past two seasons cannot be underestimated when seeking reasons for the club's dismal past campaigns. Similarly, his presence this season is a huge reason why the Mighty Ducks reached the Stanley Cup Finals. In addition to his own physical problems, Rucchin endured the death of his older brother, Larry, who died of cancer last summer. Rucchin handled the ordeal with class and grace.
Yzerman won an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup in 2002 - both on a compromised right knee. Many players in his position would have retired. At 38, he had three Cups, more than 600 goals and 1,000 assists. His doctor wished he would have retired because of his knee. Instead, had an osteotomy, a knee realignment procedure, never before done on a professional athlete. He rehabbed for months, and he came back Feb. 24 against Los Angeles.
The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards on Thursday, June 12 in Toronto.