NHL's 2010 Masterton Trophy finalists

 The NHL released its finalists for this year’s Masterton Trophy. Boston Bruins 42-year-old forward Mark Recchi was the team’s finalist for the award this year, but didn’t make the top-3.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Kurtis Foster, San Jose Sharks forward Jed Ortmeyer, and Washington Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore are the three finalists for the 2009-10 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

“The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season.”

From the NHL News release: NEW YORK (April 26, 2010)

Kurtis Foster, Tampa Bay Lightning

Foster’s NHL career was nearly shattered as he fell into the end boards in a game between his Minnesota Wild and San Jose on March 19, 2008. The next day Foster underwent surgery in which a rod was inserted into his left femur to help stabilize a badly broken bone. Following a year of extensive rehabilitation, Foster was back in the game, appearing in 10 late-season games with the Wild. Signed by Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season, Foster posted career-best totals in games (71), assists (34) and points (42) in 2009-10, topping Lightning defensemen in scoring.

Jed Ortmeyer, San Jose Sharks

Ortmeyer not only has to work hard each shift to ensure he has a place in the NHL, but he also battles a challenging health condition that requires daily attention. At some point each day, Ortmeyer must use a needle to inject a blood thinner directly into his stomach to combat a hereditary blood-clotting disorder that has threatened not only his hockey career but also his life. Ortmeyer first experienced clotting problems in 2001 following knee surgery and has nearly walked away from the game twice, most recently in 2008 when he played for the Predators.

Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals

Theodore had to deal with some adversity on the ice at the end of last season, but that was forgotten when his infant son Chace passed away this summer from complications stemming from his premature birth. Theodore not only regained the starting job, he had his best season since winning the Hart and Vezina Trophies in 2002, capped by a 20-0-3 run over the final three months. What’s of greater importance is the way he has handled himself in the dressing room, with fans and the media, and with his new charity “Saves for Kids” which benefits the NICU unit of the hospital Chace spent his entire brief life in.

Announcement Schedule

The NHL will announce the three finalists for each of its awards daily. The remaining announcement schedule:

Tuesday, April 27: NHL Foundation Player Award (contributions to charitable causes)
Wednesday, April 28: Jack Adams Award (top head coach)
Thursday, April 29: Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)