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Calgary Flames’ Oliver Kylington Named Finalist for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
One of the most prestigious honors in the world of professional hockey, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, has revealed its finalists for this year’s award. Among the distinguished names announced by the NHL on Thursday is Calgary Flames’ defenseman, Oliver Kylington.
At 26 years old, Kylington’s journey to this recognition has been marked by immense challenges. Having missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season and the beginning of the following season due to mental health issues, Kylington showcased remarkable resilience upon his return to the Flames’ lineup on Jan. 25. In the remaining 33 games of the season, he contributed significantly, tallying eight points with three goals and five assists, while maintaining an average ice time of 17 minutes and 14 seconds.
Joining Kylington as a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy are two other exceptional talents in the NHL. Carolina Hurricanes’ goaltender Frederik Andersen, 34, overcame blood clotting issues that kept him sidelined for the initial four months of the season. Upon his return on March 7, Andersen displayed remarkable skill, boasting an impressive .932 save percentage and 1.84 goals-against average over 16 games.
Another noteworthy contender, 27-year-old Connor Ingram of the Arizona Coyotes, made his mark after being claimed off waivers by the team in 2022. Throughout his two full seasons with the Coyotes, Ingram consistently maintained a .907 save percentage. However, his journey has been one of personal triumph as well. In early 2024, he bravely disclosed his struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which led to battles with alcoholism. Seeking assistance, Ingram entered the NHL-NHLPA’s player assistance program in 2021, demonstrating his commitment to his well-being and professional growth.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: An Emblem of Excellence
Established to honor individuals who epitomize leadership, perseverance, sportsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to the sport of hockey, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy garners immense respect within the hockey community. Voted upon by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the award recognizes not only exceptional on-ice performance but also the remarkable personal journeys and sacrifices made by players in pursuit of their passion.
Previous recipients of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy include esteemed names such as Kris Letang, Carey Price, and Oskar Lindblom. Their legacies serve as an inspiration to current finalists and aspiring athletes, underscoring the values of resilience, character, and commitment that define the essence of the sport they hold dear.
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