Flames Justin Kirkland honoured for his perseverance with Masterson Trophy nomination

Calgary Flames' Justin Kirkland (left) celebrates after scoring a goal as Vancouver Canucks' Aatu Raty skates past during first period NHL hockey action in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, November 12, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam) (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press)

Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

The award, handed out by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA), goes to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Kirkland scored his first career National Hockey League goal this season at the age of 28.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“It was a well-deserved reward after spending most of the previous eight seasons in the minors and recovering from head trauma and other injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident as he was driving to a game with the Anaheim Ducks in 2023,” the Calgary chapter of the PHWA said in a news release.

Flames fans likely also remember Kirkland for his shootout proficiency earlier this season, burying three out of four attempts.

Kirkland’s season was cut short by an ACL injury in November.

Two Flames have won the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy: Lanny McDonald in 1983 and Gary Roberts in 1996.