Every year local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Associate nominate players for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.
Garland did not have an easy route getting to the NHL. At 5’ 10”, 165 pounds the 123rd overall pick was far from a lock to make it to the NHL. After two excellent seasons in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats which saw him surpass 100 points, he didn’t have an immediate impact in the NHL.
In his first two seasons as a professional player with the Tucson Roadrunners, Garland played in 110 games, had 13 goals, and 28 assists.