LCS: NHL Daily

NHL Daily Report
by Zippy, Wonder Chimp

Masterton Finalists Announced
Tony Granato of the San Jose Sharks, Sheldon Kennedy of the Boston Bruins and Joe Mullen of the Pittsburgh Penguins have been named as the finalists for the Masterton Trophy by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
The Masterton Trophy is awarded annually to the player who displays perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
Tony Granato, who had brain surgery in February of 1996, made a remarkable recovery and returned to the NHL six months later after signing as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks
Sheldon Kennedy missed the first two months of the season after confronting years of sexual abuse he suffered from former junior coach Graham Jones. Kennedy has made his story public, hoping his experience will give others courage to confront similar abuses. In addition, he has started a foundation to help abused children.
"Slippery Rock" Joe became the first American-born player to score 500 career goals and announced that he is now entering retirement after a 16-year NHL career. Mullen had serious knee injuries in 1983 and 1991, and he has twice had surgery in the past six years to repair herniated discs in his neck. Following surgery Mullen even wore those cool horse collars to protect his neck.
The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards in Toronto on June 19th. Last year's winner was LCS hero Gary Roberts of the Calgary Flames, who retired in 1996.

Roenick Out 4-6 Weeks
The Coyotes announced today that Roenick has suffered a third degree medial collateral tear of his left knee and will be sidelined 4-6 weeks.
Roenick injured his left knee when he collided knee-to-knee with Anaheim's Ted Drury in the second period of in Sunday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Mighty Ducks in Game Six at Phoenix.
J.R. suffered a similar injury on April 5th, 1996 following a knee-to-knee collision with Dallas defenseman Derian Hatcher.