MALHOTRA NAMED AS 2012 MASTERTON NOMINEE

In an official press release the Vancouver Canucks have announced that Manny Malhotra was been nominated by the Vancouver chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association as the Canucks nominee for the Masterton Trophy.

This is the award given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“It’s obviously very special — especially with what the Masterton stands for,” said Malhotra. “You look back at the guys who have won in the past and what they’ve overcome and triumphed over in very serious situations.

To be thought of in that regard, is very humbling to me. Whether I win or not is irrelevant. Being held in that regard is pretty special to me.

“It’s been a special challenge for Malhotra to recover from a March 16, 2011 incident when a deflected puck struck him during a game against the Colorado Avalanche and four subsequent procedures on the injured eye.

He has maintained dominance in the faceoff circle with 58.2 per cent efficiency — sixth in the NHL — and has seven goals and 18 points in 73 games.

“Manny as a person, is one of the best individuals I’ve ever met in my life as far as dealing with and getting it,” said Canucks coach Alain Vigneault.