Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
Congratulations go out to all winners of NHL Awards. A bit of history was made with the selection of the first-ever U.S.-born Hart Trophy winner. As someone who broke in playing pro hockey at a time when American players were few and far between, and regarded with subtle and not-so-subtle disdain, it is amazing to see how far things have come since then. I was also happy to see Jaromir Jagr win the Masterton Trophy.
I am also in Las Vegas this week, but not for the NHL Awards. I came here as part of a group invitation on behalf of the world-class Children's Hospital of Nevada at UMC. It was an opportunity to meet some of the patients and their families. With all due respect to Jags, these folks represent TRUE perseverance and devotion.
The honor of being involved and hopefully bringing some happiness and smiles to others is a reward greater than any trophy could ever be.
For more information on the work of CHNV, click here.
*********
Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart is the director of hockey officiating for the ECAC.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.
In addition to his blogs for HockeyBuzz every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Stewart writes a column every Wednesday for the Huffington Post.