Ever since Steven McDonald passed away in 2017, the award presented in his honor at the end of the season to the New York Ranger who went above and beyond has taken a higher meaning. The team gave the award for the first time for1987-1988 season as a way of honoring the sacrifice of New York City Police detective Steven McDonald.
While investigating a series of bike robberies in central park, McDonald stopped and questioned 15-year-old Shavod Jones who had something suspect sticking out of his sock. When the officer tried to see what it was, Jones pulled for a weapon and shot McDonald three times.