In what was a long season for the Ottawa Senators on the ice, there is one moment that stands out above all the rest.
In the standings, it was a game that meant very little. On February 27th, the Vancouver Canucks visited the Ottawa Senators. The Sens were long out of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference and the visiting Canucks were sitting pretty comfortable in the West.
But sometimes, in sports, magic happens when you least expect it.
That night, Bobby Ryan was playing his first game back at the Canadian Tire Centre. His long road back to the Ottawa line up and the struggles along the way had been well-documented going into that home ice return.
You knew it would be a meaningful night for Bobby, regardless of the outcome. Just the opportunity to be back out there, in front of friends and family, playing the game he loved made it special enough.
Not even Bobby Ryan himself could have imagined it playing out like this though.
It really was one of the best moments in Ottawa’s season and a moment that captured the attention of sports fans around the world. To see a guy go through so much, and be rewarded in such a unique way, was really as good as it gets.
Today, the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association announced that Bobby Ryan is one of the three finalists for this year’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The Masterton Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game.
And that certainly describes Bobby Ryan.
Stephen Johns, who missed 22 months with post-concussion syndrome before returning to the Dallas line up in January and Philadelphia forward Oskar Lindblom- who was diagnosed with bone cancer in December and completed his final treatment in July- were also nominated.
Certainly three well-deserving nominees for this year’s award.
