Masterton Trophy means a lot to Theodore

LAS VEGAS — José Theodore says winning the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy means more to him than the Hart and Vezina Trophies he won when he was playing for the Montreal Canadiens in 2002.

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for the players who won this award because it recognized that has come back from injury or overcome some adversity,” said the 33-year-old Laval, Que., native, who won the award which goes to a player who demonstrates perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Theodore, who plays for the Washington Capitals, established the charity Saves for Kids to benefit the neonatal intensive care unit at the Washington hospital where his infant son, Chace, was being treated before passing away from complications after he was born prematurely.

“It’s something I’m dealing with every day,” said Theodore. “Yesterday would have been his first birthday and I’m glad that I do something that might help other kids.”
Theodore, who said hockey provided him with a respite from “reality,” had a 30-7-7 record with the high-powered Capitals and was particularly strong down the stretch when he posted a 20-0-3 record.

Montreal Gazette
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