OTTAWA — Zack Smith received yet another welcome surprise Monday in a season which has been full of unexpected bonuses.
The Ottawa chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association nominated Smith as its Bill Masterton Trophy nominee, an award which goes to the NHL player deemed to have best combined perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
Last season, Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond finished as runner-up for the Masterton, which went to Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk.
“It’s cool to be acknowledged for that,” said Smith. “It’s a nice little surprise, a feather in the cap. Just being nominated is an honour.