Included amongst this year’s nominees for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, is Zach Hyman of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy rewards perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs, along with every NHL team, have a player nominated by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association’s local chapter.
Three finalists are then determined, with one ultimately being selected as the winner. A $2,500 grant is also awarded from the PWHA, to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund, in the name of that year’s trophy winner.
Bill Masterton was a professional hockey player for the Minnesota North Stars. He only had the opportunity to take part in the 1967-68 season. Even in that short time, his qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication did not go unnoticed.
Developing the Honour
Bill Masterton passed away in 1968, following an injury he sustained during a game. Later that year, the NHL Writers’ Association presented the trophy to commemorate Masterton.
This year’s nominee from the Toronto Maple Leafs is Zach Hyman. He is amongst elite company in the category. Each year’s winner presents a storyline like no other.
The list of the most recent players awarded, includes:
2018-19 – Robin Lehner
2017-18 – Brian Boyle
2016-17 – Craig Anderson
2015-16 – Jaromir Jagr
2014-15 – Devan Dubnyk
These athletes illustrated an unparalleled level of resiliency and determination. All with their own set of unique circumstances, each of them well beyond deserving of the award.
Zach Hyman suffered a torn ACL during the opening round in last year’s playoffs. It is noted that he sustained the injury in Game 4 of that series, yet he played in all seven games.
Surgery was required and it was predicted that he’d miss at least six months. This meant he’d be unable to take part in the team’s training camp for the following regular-season.
Hyman played in his first game of this past season on November 13, 2019. Participating in only 51 contests this year, he was on pace to achieve career highs in a number of categories.
| Scor | Scor | Scor | Goal | Goal | Goal | Goal | Assi | Assi | Assi | Shot | Shot | Shot | Ice | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Tm | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | EV | PP | SH | GW | EV | PP | SH | S | S% | TSA | ATOI | FO% | BLK | HIT | TK |
| 2015-16 | TOR | 16 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 10.8 | 68 | 15:41 | 33.3 | 8 | 31 | 9 |
| 2016-17 | TOR | 82 | 10 | 18 | 28 | 2 | 30 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 156 | 6.4 | 232 | 16:42 | 37.9 | 43 | 109 | 42 |
| 2017-18 | TOR | 82 | 15 | 25 | 40 | 22 | 37 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 148 | 10.1 | 238 | 17:21 | 42.9 | 55 | 117 | 36 |
| 2018-19 | TOR | 71 | 21 | 20 | 41 | 16 | 65 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 144 | 14.6 | 241 | 17:17 | 47.1 | 39 | 102 | 30 |
| 2019-20 | TOR | 51 | 21 | 16 | 37 | 13 | 23 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 106 | 19.8 | 189 | 19:06 | 43.8 | 23 | 52 | 32 |
| Career | 5 yrs | 302 | 71 | 81 | 152 | 53 | 173 | 61 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 77 | 3 | 1 | 591 | 12.0 | 968 | 17:22 | 44.5 | 168 | 411 | 149 |
Provided by Hockey-Reference.com: View Original Table
Although he is rarely touted for his offensive skill set, Hyman has continually displayed persistence and passion that is hard to ignore.
Perseverance. Sportsmanship. Dedication.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 9, 2020
Congrats to @ZachHyman on being nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy!#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/TxeIKFJFOi
He is known to put in the work, find himself in the less desirable areas of the game, and drive the play where it needs to go. Zach has become a key factor in complementing the production of those around him.
Hyman’s value for the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to increase, as he consistently displays a dedication to the organization and its overall success.
Even after such a severe injury, and the intensive rehab that followed, it has not slowed down his drive to impact and contribute.
Zach Hyman is a deserving recipient of the 2019-20 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Not only has he displayed the fortitude to get back to a position where he can help his team, but he continues to exemplify that hard work pays off.