CALGARY — For a guy four months into a nine-month knee surgery recovery, any good news is welcome.
So when Justin Kirkland learned he was Calgary’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, his reaction was completely understandable.
“Finding out, I was pretty speechless,” said the Calgary Flames centre about the award given annually to the player who best shows perseverance, sportsmanship, and commitment to hockey.
“And when I had time to reflect, it’s amazing to see where I am now compared to two years ago. I always believed in myself, but I didn’t know I’d ever get to this point.”
“So, being nominated for an award like this is definitely special, and it means a lot.”
Kirkland’s story set an underdog mood in Calgary this season when he capitalized on an early-season call-up by scoring his first NHL goal after an eight-season journey through five minor league stops.
He was 28 years old.
