Dorsett unanimous choice for award
MASTERTON NOMINEE: Canuck forced to officially retire following discovery of a cervical-disc herniation
Derek Dorsett played in pain but never complained.
The agitating, aggressive and amazingly effective winger has been named the Canucks’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy by the Vancouver chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
The 31-year-old Kindersley, Sask., native, who was forced to officially retire Nov. 30 after discovery of a cervical-disc herniation that was separate from a fusion procedure the previous year, was a unanimous choice as the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.
Limited to 20 games this NHL season, the 2006 seventh-round draft pick had seven goals, 39 hits and, of course, four memorable fights. The lasting impressions he made on the ice and in the room resonated with wide-eyed rookies and seasoned veterans.
However, the shock of being forced to the sidelines hasn’t totally subsided.
“I guess it (award) is a little bit of a shock and I wish I wasn’t up for it — I wish I was still playing,” Dorsett said Monday. “It’s been tough to try and get used to life after hockey. It’s great to get recognized for coming through the initial surgery and having a great start to this season and having my best year to that point.
“There’s a lot going on in my mind. I never thought it would be easy to leave the game. It’s a lot easier after the doctor’s opinion, but you sit back and reflect and I always thought I’d be a guy who was prepared.
“I have a lot of other interests and passions outside the game, but it’s still really tough from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. I feel a little lost. I try to stay busy, but you do get bored and a little stir-crazy. But I have a young family (Dylan, four, and Ethan, two next month) and they’re keeping me busy.”
The good news is Dorsett’s checkup from his second surgery went well.
For now, he doesn’t require another procedure. Additional fusions would reduce his mobility and resting has allowed flare-ups to subside. He’ll need everyday maintenance for the rest of his life and needs to maintain a level of health so he can consider remaining in the game in some respect or pursue one of his passions.
Dorsett’s family is entrepreneurial. His dad owns a construction company in Calgary and Dorsett is intrigued by real estate. He even did a night ride-round with the Vancouver Police Department last year to gain an appreciation for how the world functions outside his hockey bubble.
“It’s not hard going to the rink,” said Dorsett. “The guys have been great and the organization has been awesome. I have free rein if I want to hang out or work out or whatever. That has made it easier, but it’s hard leaving the rink.”
The pugnacious plugger was on pace this season to easily eclipse a career-high 12 goals with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 201112 season. He finished his career with 127 points (51-76) and 1,314 penalty minutes in 515 regular-season games. He also appeared in 43 playoff games.
And he also showed the kids the way.
“As young guys, we looked up to him and his rehab process was pretty inspiring and to see the way he came back and the effect he had on this team,” said Troy Stecher. “He was definitely a mentor in that aspect.
“And you could have a good time with him and joke around. You might feel intimidated because he’s one of those guys who kept it loose. But when things needed to be said, he said them and I’d like to be like that one day.
“He’s not the biggest guy, but he put his body on the line. And not just fighting. He was straight line and direct and finished every check and he did it with no visor.”
Ben Hutton knew Dorsett would hold everyone accountable because he didn’t differentiate from veteran to rookie. And for Hutton, whose season would deteriorate with seven scratches in a 15-game span and then a foot infection, it meant everything.
“He always had my back,” said Hutton. “There were a couple of times where I really got smoked and the next shift he’d be out their fighting the guy or running guys and telling them to back off.
“He meant the world to me. There was a lot of 1-on-1 time. We talked about everything from the game to life away from the rink. You don’t get that with every team.”
Or every player.