As voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, the San Jose chapter of the PHWA has named Joe Thornton as a nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The nominees are selected by the PHWA chapters in each NHL city.
This award is given to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.” The trophy is so named to honor former Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton, who died on January 15, 1968 after sustaining an injury during a game. A $2,500 grant is made by the PHWA to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, on the winner’s behalf each year.