Bill Masterton Trophy—Perseverance, Sportsmanship and Dedication to Hockey

Winners of the National Hockey League's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy are selected in a poll by the Professional Hockey League Writers' Association (PHWA) at the end of the regular season. The award is presented to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. 

The award is named for former Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton, who died in 1968 from injuries he received during a game. During his career, Masterton exemplified the traits his award recognizes in others. He was a member of Team USA from 1966 to 1967, and the Minnesota North Stars from 1967 to 1968. 

On January 13, 1968, he received a head injury during a game with the Oakland Seals and died 48 hours later at the age of 30. In his memory, the Professional Hockey Writers' Association established the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1968, and after his death, the Minnesota North Stars officially retired his #19 jersey.

A $2,500 USD grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund—based in Bloomington, Minnesota—in the name of the Masterton Trophy winner. 

Despite the talent and grit displayed by the Edmonton Oilers, no player from the team has been recognized by the Masterton award. 

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