Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Shea Theodore Nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy

June 9, 2020, 3:22 PM ET [0 Comments]
Jeff Paul
Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


June 9 - This morning, the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) came out with their list of Bill Masterton Trophy nominees and the man chosen by the Vegas Golden Knights comes as no surprise. Defenseman Shea Theodore was chosen and it was a no-brainer.

null

null



This past summer, Theodore found himself in a battle with testicular cancer. He made it back for another stellar season, on his path to eventual Norris Trophy contention. In an act of obvious divine intervention, numerous wild events occured, leading to Theodore's potentially life-saving diagnosis.

First, there was the whole "not a major" fiasco. It's widely accepted that the Golden Knights were bounced too early from the 2019 playoffs, due to a crucial 5-minute major penalty assessed to center Cody Eakin, in Round 1 - Game 7. The penalty-killing ace in Eakin got five minutes, was kicked from the game, and was forced to watch his team lose a big lead and their Stanley Cup chances.

At that time, the Golden Knights were in the driver's seat, up 3-0 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. Naturally, San Jose went on to expose the Golden Knights penalty kill, taking a 4-3 lead in those five minutes. Eventually they forced OT before Barclay Goodrow sealed their fate.

Next, Theodore joined Team Canada for the IIHF World Championships. He is a fast-rising name in the NHL and one of the best young defenseman in the league. Since the Golden Knights were booted from the playoffs, he was available to play when his country came calling.

In the IIHF Worlds, the drug testing is quite stringent. The federation requires many random checks and in Theodore's, they discovered the cancer. Who knows how long it could have gone undetected, if he weren't a player of World Championship caliber.

In his well-written article for The Players Tribune Theodore spoke of the events surrounding his diagnosis. It was a scary time for the then soon-to-be 24-year-old.

Although he was not ready for the start of the 2019-20 season, Theodore persevered and returned to his high level of play. He showed the dedication and courage needed to get past cancer and was able to share a beautiful ceremonial puck drop with his grandmother, during Hockey Fights Cancer night in Vegas.

null

null



One of his newest teammates was the recipient of the 2019 Masterton Trophy for his battles with mental health. In Robin Lehner's acceptance speech, he memorably stated, "I'm not ashamed to say I'm mentally ill, but that doesn't mean mentally weak".

Theodore is certainly worthy of following in Lehner's Masterton footsteps. The award is given to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey" and Theodore embodies it.

Due to returning from his ailment and posting a great season, I give him the nod of Philadelphia Flyer Oskar Lindblom. Lindblom was conversely having a breakout season, but has been out of action since being diagnosed mid-season with Ewing's Sarcoma.

Many awards are debated and argued over, but regardless of who wins the Masterton, it's well earned. Just know, when these awards are decided upon, Theodore's name will be engrained in the conversation.

You can find me over on Twitter, each and every day, bringing you all the VGK info you could ever want. Come and say hi!

Follow, Download, and Subscribe!
* Twitter
* Facebook
* Insta
* YouTube
* Podcast: The Vegas Hockey Buzz: A Golden Knights Pod


Join the Discussion: » 0 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Jeff Paul
» What is Happening in Vegas?!
» Game Six: Fleury or Lehner?
» Golden Knights 2 - Canadiens 2: How Did We Get Here?
» Game Three: It’s Tuch Time
» Round Three Primer: Golden Knights vs Canadiens