Masterton nomination ‘special’ to Borowiecki
Mark Borowiecki considers himself just an average, run-of-the-mill guy who put in the hard work necessary to turn himself into an NHL regular.
Accordingly, the news the rugged Ottawa Senators defenceman is the club’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy — as selected by the Ottawa chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association — came as a shock.
“To be thought of in that regard is special to me,” said Borowiecki. “I’m beyond grateful for (the selection). I always try to tell people I talk to that there are some things more important than the game and it’s about your legacy around the rink and how you treat others.”
Named after the only player to have died as a direct result of injuries suffered during a game, the Masterton Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player best showcasing the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
Last year, Senators goaltender Craig Anderson won the honour while helping his wife Nicholle fight a cancer diagnosis.
Borowiecki, 28, was a long shot to make it to the NHL. He was drafted 139th overall in 2008 and put in his share of kilometres in the American Hockey League before getting his big-league shot. This season, he fought through personal issues and a concussion, but has become a fixture on the blue-line. It’s not necessarily about offence — he has three goals and seven assists in 45 games — but about being a presence for his teammates. His physical game makes it imperative for opponents to know when he’s on the ice.
“I’ve had a few ups and downs and a pretty serious injury that was tough,” he said. “There were times when I was questioning stuff a little bit. But the way I was raised was to keep battling and work through it. In the end, I think I’ve played some of the best hockey of my career this season.”
Away from the rink, Borowiecki has become involved with Soldier On, a program that helps veterans recovering from mental and physical issues. Borowiecki will host a group of 30 people from the organization in the Senators’ final home game April 2 against the Winnipeg Jets.
Growing up in Stittsville as a Senators fan, Borowiecki feels fortunate to have lived out a dream of playing for the team he idolized.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky and fortunate in my career,” he said. “I understand the players’ perspective, the fans’ perspective because I was one once. I was just kind of a normal kid in Ottawa. I grew up in Ottawa, I did what every other minor hockey player in Ottawa does and I think people can relate to me in that regard.”