Nominees for the Bill Masterton Trophy are selected and voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association
Nominees for the Bill Masterton Trophy are selected and voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association
Patric Hornqvist has been a big part of the Florida Panthers this season, even if he’s been out of the lineup for a while.
One of the most popular and hard-working players to ever don a Panthers sweater, Hornqvist’s impact on the team was felt almost immediately after he was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins in September of 2020.
His contributions on the ice have been constant, logging 51 goals and 99 points during his first two seasons with the Cats.
Off the ice, however, Hornqvist has been integral in shifting the culture around a team that had been mired in mediocrity for decades.
Florida has not missed the playoffs since Hornqvist arrived.
His impact during the current season, one in which he hasn’t played a game since early December, has been immeasurable.
Fans who only get to see the Panthers on television unfortunately don’t have the opportunity to see the work Hornqvist has put in behind the scenes.
Those of us around the team on a regular basis see Coach Horny putting in the work, day after day.
Hornqvist was placed in the concussion protocol for the second time this season back in December and has not been cleared for contact since, but that hasn’t stopped him from being with his teammates every single day, pushing them both on and off the ice.
He’s been credited with playing a crucial role in helping other injured players train and rehabilitate while maintaining his upbeat, positive attitude without fail.
On Monday, the South Florida chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association announced Hornqvist as its nominee for the 2022-23 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
It’s the first time during his 15-year career that Hornqvist has been nominated.
Every season the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.
Nominees are selected and voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Each local chapter nominates a player from their respective team.
The full list will be narrowed down to three finalists.