Not many NHL players make their debut at age 29, as Derek Ryan did last season for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Not many players are asked to play 11 games in 14 days, the ultimate grind, as Ryan did in earning his chance in the NHL.
Ryan’s determination and persistance have made him the Hurricanes’ nominee for the 2017 Bill Masterton Trophy by the Carolina chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
The Masterson Trophy is presented annually by the PHWA to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.