NHL Awards 2011: Ryan Kesler awarded Frank J. Selke Trophy for outstanding defensive forward
It might not have been one of the most star studded awards like the other ones which were being handed out, but Ryan Kesler made it all that more exciting as he was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy for being an outstanding defensive forward in the previous
series, at the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Awards at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on Wednesday.
It might be hard for Kesler, who had worked a great deal for this, and Vancouver Canucks' first Stanley Cup, but nevertheless, he was the fun and happy person he usually is.
His dad played a big part in him playing hockey and still remains up till today.
"Everything kind of happened for me this year — 41 goals and to win the Selke is a season I'll never forget", said Kesler. "It's nice to get acknowledged. I guess all those years my dad was yelling 'backcheck' at me finally paid off".
Canucks might not have won a Stanley Cup, but its hard work sure did not go unrecognised.
Kesler’s nomination was a contribution to making the team the most nominated franchise out of all the other clubs on Wednesday night, which just goes to show how big of an impact Canucks' best season in history made on everyone.
Kesler was especially appreciative of the fact that he had been acknowledged.
“I pride myself on the defensive part of the game, and it’s nice to be acknowledged”, said Kesler.
He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, but if Vancouver had won the Stanley Cup, Kesler would have certainly been the front runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy as well.
There were talks throughout the series of him being nominated, but things turned out in a different way. Now that everything is done with, he is hopeful of the upcoming season.
“It’s going to be some good rest and get ready for the next season”, he said on his future plans.
Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings was on his way to winning the award for the fourth consecutive time, but Kesler cut his celebration short and won by a landslide victory (1,179 votes) against his competitors including Datsyuk (348 votes) and Jonathan
Toews (476 votes), captain of Chicago Blackhawks.
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