Marleau a finalist for prestigious NHL award
The plaudits keep coming for Sharks center Patrick Marleau, who was named one of the three finalists for the 2020-21 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced Tuesday.
The 41-year-old Marleau, who broke Gordie Howe’s NHL alltime games-played record this past season, joins Minnesota defenseman Matt Dumba and Philadelphia left wing Oskar Lindblom as finalists for the award.
The winner will be announced during either the Stanley Cup semifinals or final, with an exact date, format and time still to be announced.
Dumba’s resume includes co-founding the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which spoke out against racism and intolerance in hockey. Lindblom is a finalist for the second year in a row while in the midst of a comeback. In 2019, Lindblom was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer that sidelined him for a year.
Marleau is the fourth Sharks player to be named a finalist, joining Joe Thornton (2018-19) and Jed Ortmeyer (2009-10), who were runners-up, and Tony Granato (1996-97), who won the award named after the only player to die from injuries suffered during an NHL game.
While only one Bay Area hockey player has won the award presented to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, two former Bay Area players have an
unfortunate link to it.
Masterton’s Minnesota North Stars were playing the Oakland Seals on Jan. 13, 1968 when he carried the puck across the blue line before encountering Oakland defensemen Larry Cahan and Ron Harris. As Masterton was passing the puck, his skates got tangled with the stick of one of the defensemen. He then fell forward and didn’t see Harris, who cleanly checked him and knocked Masterton backward.
In those days, NHL players didn’t wear helmets and the back of Masterton’s head slammed against the ice.
Masterton was carried off the ice on a stretcher and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors there could do little for the 29-yearold Masterton, who died nearly 30 hours later after being taken off life support.
Five years ago, ESPN writer John Rosengren investigated what led to Masterton’s death and, through interviews with doctors and former players and coaches, concluded Masterton had likely been suffering from a concussion even before the tragic game.
One doctor said Masterton’s fall itself wouldn’t have been enough to kill him, and that a previous head injury was the likely catalyst for his death.
Harris, who declined to be interviewed by Rosengren, later sent a note to the writer after the story was published.
“I read the article. You did great work. I will be more at peace. Thank you,” the former Oakland player said.
GABRIEL’S LGBTQ ACTIVISM EARNS HUMANITARIAN AWARD NOMINATION >> Kurtis Gabriel became the first San Jose Sharks player to be named a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy last week, an NHL award presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne and New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban are the other finalists.
Among NHL players, Gabriel, 28, is perhaps the most visible advocate for the LGBTQ community, using his social media accounts to amplify messaging and educate fans and fellow players.
his year, Gabriel supported the local San Jose nonprofit, the LGBTQ Youth Space, by donating a custom, game-worn skate to be auctioned by the Sharks Foundation. Featuring the colors of the Pride flag and the message “Love is Love,” the item raised $1,600 in support of the nonprofit.
Gabriel has been an ongoing advocate for You Can Play, a nonprofit working to ensure the safety and inclusion of all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans. He also has supported the African American Community Service Agency, Las Lomitas Education Foundation, Housing Industry Foundation, San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation, Girls on the Run Silicon Valley, and the Sharks Foundation.
On June 22, Gabriel will be a part of the 2021 49ers PRIDE LGBTQ+ Activism in Sports Panel about LGBTQ+ activism in sports. The winner will be announced sometime during the Stanley Cup semifinals or finals.