Hall emerges as MVP
LAS VEGAS Taylor Hall was a nervous wreck as the NHL Awards approached its climax.
When 10 surviving Humboldt Broncos, including two in wheelchairs, took their place on stage ahead of an emotional video tribute to the 16 team members that didn’t survive April’s horrific bus crash, the feeling quickly melted away.
Hall, a winger with the New Jersey Devils, won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player Wednesday as the NHL honoured this season’s individual achievements and recognized three tragedies that touched the hockey world.
“When you’re on a stage and the whole night is culminating at that very moment, it’s easy to get wrapped up in it,” Hall said afterwards. “But when you see that (Humboltd) video, the tribute (and) talking to some of the kids yesterday and the parents ... it puts everything into perspective and it’s not all about you. It’s not all about winning awards. It’s about enjoying life and doing what you love.
“To see those kids, their dreams ripped apart, and their families have to heal from that, it just puts everything in perspective.”
Broncos head coach Darcy Haugan, one of those killed when Humboldt’s team bus collided with a truck while en route to a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoff game on April 6, was posthumously awarded the inaugural Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. Ten of his players died in the accident, while 13 survived.
There were also tributes to two other tragedies — the Las Vegas massacre on Oct. 1 and the shooting in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14.
“After those tragedies, I think the hockey community shows that everyone is together,” said Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman, who won his first Norris Trophy as the league’s top blue liner. “That’s something I wanted to try to hit home in my speech.
“This is more than just a game.”
Hall, who beat out Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon and Los Angeles Kings centre Anze Kopitar, had 39 goals, 54 assists and 93 points for New Jersey.