NHL announces Masterton Trophy finalists

by Dirk Hoag on Apr 30, 2009 11:28 PM EDT Comment 4 comments

Picking just three finalists out of a surprisingly high number of viable candidates this year, the NHL announced that Nashville's Steve Sullivan, Florida's Richard Zednik, and Detroit's Chris Chelios are in the running for the Masterton Trophy, given to the player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."

Steve Sullivan

#26 / Left Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 5-9

Weight: 165

Born: Jul 06, 1974

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008 - Steve Sullivan	41	11	21	32	2	30	3	0	2	0	83	13.3

Returned as a dynamic offensive force after missing nearly two years due to a back injury and subsequent surgeries.

Richard Zednik

#20 / Left Wing / Florida Panthers

Height: 6-0

Weight: 200

Born: Jan 06, 1976

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008 - Richard Zednik	70	17	16	33	2	46	3	0	4	0	153	11.1

Came back this season after nearly losing his life when a skate blade cut his carotid artery in a game on February 28, 2008.

Chris Chelios

#24 / Defenseman / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 6-0

Weight: 191

Born: Jan 25, 1962

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2008 - Chris Chelios	28	0	0	0	1	18	0	0	0	0	14	0.0

As the "cranky old man" of the NHL, Chelios is the 2nd-oldest player in the history of the league, behind the legendary Gordie Howe. Mr. Hockey would probably suit up again if he thought Chelios had a shot at unseating him.

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