Girardi named Rangers' Masterton nominee
March, 21, 2012
3/21/12
12:33
PM ET
By
Katie Strang | ESPNNewYork.com
Defenseman Dan Girardi has been selected as the Professional Hockey Writers Association New York Chapter's 2012 Masterton Trophy nominee.
The 27-year-old Welland, Ontario native has gone from an overlooked, undrafted free agent to the cornerstone of the Rangers' defense in his six seasons with the team. Girardi, who leads the team and ranks fifth in the NHL with an average of 26:28 in ice time per game, was also selected to the 2012 All-Star Game in January.
Girardi, who has five goals, 21 assists and a plus-13 rating in 72 games this season for the Rangers, beat out fellow blue-liner Marc Staal and captain Ryan Callahan for the nomination. The Masterton Trophy is awarded each year to the player that "best exemplifies the perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey."
"Everything about him falls in line with that," coach John Tortorella said before the game. "It's really good for him."
The 27-year-old Welland, Ontario native has gone from an overlooked, undrafted free agent to the cornerstone of the Rangers' defense in his six seasons with the team. Girardi, who leads the team and ranks fifth in the NHL with an average of 26:28 in ice time per game, was also selected to the 2012 All-Star Game in January.
Girardi, who has five goals, 21 assists and a plus-13 rating in 72 games this season for the Rangers, beat out fellow blue-liner Marc Staal and captain Ryan Callahan for the nomination. The Masterton Trophy is awarded each year to the player that "best exemplifies the perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey."
"Everything about him falls in line with that," coach John Tortorella said before the game. "It's really good for him."
Katie Strang
ESPNNewYork.comKatie Strang covers the Rangers, Islanders and Devils for ESPNNewYork.com. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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Katie Strang
After spending two seasons as the Islanders beat writer for Newsday, Katie Strang joined ESPN New York to cover the Rangers, Isles and Devils. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
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