Lady Byng Memorial Trophy - Sportsmanship and Gentlemanly Conduct

Unlike most other National Hockey League awards, the Lady Byng has less to do with points or percentages than it does persona. The player that takes home this award each year is likely to be a favourite amongst his peers for his leadership and on-ice conduct. The trophy is annually awarded to the player judged to have exhibited the highest level of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct while maintaining a high standard of playing ability.

Lady Byng was the wife of Vimy Ridge war hero and former Governor General Sir Julian Hedworth George Byng. Lord and Lady Byng were huge sport enthusiasts, and especially enjoyed ice hockey. According to his official biography, Lord Byng rarely missed a game played by the Ottawa Senators. In 1925, Lady Byng presented a trophy to the National Hockey League, which continues to recognize sportsmanship and excellence in play. 

Until 1935, the trophy was presented to one annual recipient, but after Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won the award seven times in eight seasons, he was given the original trophy to keep, and Lady Byng donated another trophy in 1936. Following Lady Byng's death in 1949, the National Hockey League presented a new trophy, changing the name to the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. 

To date only two Oilers have won the award—Wayne Gretzky in 1980 and his linemate, Jari Kurri, in 1985. Gretzky went on to win the trophy four more times, three while with the Los Angeles Kings and his last as a member of the New York Rangers in 1999.

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