Through Mark Spector and Twitter, it was announced this afternoon that the Edmonton chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association has named Matt Hendricks as the Oilers' nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The Masterton Trophy is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey, a definition that is certainly appropriate when talking about Matt Hendricks. So accurate in fact, that this is the second season in a row that Hendricks has received this honour.
The Edmonton Chapter of @ThePHWA names winger Matt Hendricks as the @EdmontonOilers nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
— Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) March 28, 2016
In 64 games this season, Hendricks has five goals and seven assists, is a +3, and has 68 penalty minutes. He's also one of the Oilers top penalty killers and is not afraid to put himself in harm's way by blocking a shot whenever necessary. In that aspect he leads the team's forwards in both total blocked shots (68) and blocked shots per game (1.1), including one block in particular that drove Twitter nuts and made him somewhat famous earlier this year.
Id like to thank Bike & @RussellAthletic for saving my bacon tonight! #closecall pic.twitter.com/heGYVlQnqr
— Matt Hendricks (@MattHendy26) January 22, 2016