A Shining Star To Remember

The NHL has many player trophies but there is one that is in memorium to a Stars player – the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award that is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Who was Bill Masterton?
Bill was the first and only player to die in an NHL game. On January 13, 1968, 4 minutes into a game against the Oakland Seals at the Met Center, Bill was checked by Larry Cahan and Ron Harris of Oakland, and fell backwards onto the ice. Bill died from what doctors described as a "massive brain injury." His death would result in more intense lobbying for hockey players to wear helmets, which were uncommon in professional hockey at that time.
No other North Star ever wore his No. 19, and it was officially retired in 1987, six years before the North Stars left Minnesota. The Bill Masterton Trophy is named in his honor. The trophy goes to dedication, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
Previous years winners are:
2006 Teemu Selanne - Anaheim Ducks
2004 Bryan Berard - Chicago Blackhawks
2003 Steve Yzerman - Detroit Red Wings
2002 Saku Koivu - Montreal Canadiens
2001 Adam Graves - New York Rangers
2000 Ken Daneyko - New Jersey Devils