The National Hockey League announced today that Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan is the 2019-20 recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Ryan is the second Senator to take home the award in its history, following Craig Anderson’s win in 2016-17.

When Ryan left the Senators to seek assistance from the Players Assistance Program in the Fall of 2019, the question wasn’t when he’d be back with the Senators, but rather if he’d be back in the National Hockey League at all. For Ryan, it was that perseverance and dedication to hockey that led him back to the sport’s highest level against so many odds. And, Ryan’s redemption story this year made for one of the more emotional and memorable moments of the campaign:

Fine, I'll watch it again. #BFR #Sens https://t.co/9W1BY6lzZu

— Spencer Blake (@spencerdjblake) July 16, 2020

Beyond the hat trick that he scored in his return to the Canadian Tire Centre – and what a moment that was – it was the honesty and openness with which Ryan spoke about his struggles with alcohol dependence that really stuck out. This is someone with a platform, and he used that platform for good.

In one final nod to the spirit of the Masterton Trophy, Ryan demonstrated true dedication to hockey in accepting the award. Due to a power outage in his hometown, he drove 40 minutes so that he could get a reliable internet connection for the virtual ceremony and media availability. His comments, words of thanks, acknowledgments, and continued open communication during the event were yet another example of why he is so deserving of the Masterton Trophy this year:

Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine speaks with Bobby Ryan on winning this year's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/HnfEPlWKrt

— NHL (@NHL) September 8, 2020

Regardless of what happens on the ice for Ryan moving forward, he’s already won in so many ways.

While Ryan was the ultimate winner of the Masterton Trophy, his fellow nominees are equally deserving of praise. Oskar Lindblom fought to return from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Stephen Johns returned after nearly two years away due to a head injury. All three finalists represent the definition of perseverance and dedication to hockey.

Congratulations to Bobby Ryan, and his fellow finalists! As always, thanks for reading.

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