NEWSLETTER
Goaltender Alex Stalock has been named the Chicago Blackhawks nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Chicago chapter members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (of which I am one).
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to “the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.”
Stalock, 35, signed a one-year contract with the Blackhawks last summer. He missed nearly the entire 2021-22 season with myocarditis after testing positive for COVID-19 in November of 2020; Stalock appeared in only one NHL game for the Sharks last season and was pulled after allowing six goals. He also appeared in 17 AHL games.
This season, Stalock has missed time because of concussion issues but has been a wonderful addition to the dressing room and solid netminder when healthy. He has a .911 save percentage and two shutouts in 24 appearances this year.
Since returning from his time away from the team to deal with his concussion issues, Stalock has been open about his struggles and how unique concussions can be — especially for a goaltender. He’s never been shy around a camera or microphone this season and has been willing to answer questions whether his performance as good or bad. And his teammates love playing in front of him.
Only two Blackhawks have won the award since its inception in 1968: Pit Martin after the 1969-70 season and Brian Berard after the 2003-04 campaign. The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season.
