2011 NHL Awards: Philadelphia Flyers Veteran Forward Ian Laperriere wins Masterton Trophy
Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers' forward player, who did not play a single game in the 2010-2011 season, was awarded the Masterton Trophy at the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Awards on Wednesday at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
The 37-year-old faced a career ending injury during the 2010 NHL Playoffs when he blocked the puck with his face, causing a severe concussion and fractured orbital bone along with damaged nerves behind his right eye.
His dedication led him to try and make a comeback in the Stanley Cup Finals against Chicago Blackhawks, but was advised not to by doctors looking after him.
The Masterton Trophy is awarded to those players by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA), who shows perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey which accurately describes Laperriere.
“I was a little bit surprised (to win)”, Laperriere said. “After not even playing a game, but the writers know I’ve been around the league for a while so I think that’s part of the reason, but no matter it’s a huge compliment and a privilege to be recognized for what I do and the way I play”.
Another reason for him gaining the reward is that 158th overall pick of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft was advised to announce his retirement last since due to the severity of the injury and the consequences it could have if it was aggravated.
Laperriere still carried hope and denounced any plans to retire and hopes to continue, but it is evident that his status is clear on only one thing, and that is retiring.
“There’s no rush for me to say I’m going to retire,” he said. “If my eye can clear up, you’ll see me back on the ice”.
Laperriere became the third Philadelphia Flyer in its franchise history to win the Masterton Trophy.
Bobby Clarke won in 1972 and Tim Kerr in 1989.
Not only that, he became the first Flyer to win any major award since Eric Lindros won the Hart Trophy back in 1995.
In the upcoming 2011-2012 season, Laperriere might retire if his condition does not get any better, but this award will certainly be a motivational factor if he can return.
Tags: