Justin Kirkland’s story is one of grit, heart, and unwavering determination — and now, it’s being recognized on one of the NHL’s most meaningful stages. The Calgary Flames forward has been named the team’s nominee for the 2025 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Calgary chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
The annual award honours the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of hockey.
For Kirkland, the nomination is a reflection of a journey that has been anything but easy.
After years grinding it out in the minors, Kirkland finally scored his first NHL goal this past October — at age 28, no less — on a national stage against the Edmonton Oilers on Hockey Night in Canada. It was a feel-good moment not just for him, but for every fan who’s ever rooted for the underdog.
And for a brief stretch this fall, Kirkland was becoming a regular contributor for the Flames, showing off a shootout move that made him nearly automatic in extra time, going 3-for-4 on attempts.
But Kirkland’s path took another tough turn in November when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury. It was just the latest hurdle for the resilient winger, who had already battled back from a 2023 car accident that left him with life-threatening head trauma and other injuries while he was with the Anaheim Ducks organization.
Still, he remains undeterred. In a message to fans via the Flames' official press release, Kirkland wrote: “My path has never been a smooth one, so best believe I will take this challenge head on.”
The Masterton Trophy is one of the NHL’s most emotionally resonant honors. Named in memory of Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton, who died in 1968 following an in-game injury, the award has long recognized the kind of spirit that fuels the game behind the scenes.
If selected as this year’s winner, Kirkland would become the third Flame to take home the award, joining Lanny McDonald (1983) and Gary Roberts (1996).
And whether he wins or not, he’s already proven exactly what the Masterton is all about.