Bowling Green State University Athletics
Former Falcon NHL Finalist For Norris Trophy
May 05, 2000 | Ice Hockey
May 5, 2000
Earlier this week, the National Hockey League announced the three finalists for each of seven annual awards - the Hart Memorial Trophy, James Norris Memorial Trophy, Calder Memorial Trophy, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, Frank J. Selke Trophy, Vezina Trophy and Jack Adams Award.
The winners will be announced Thursday, June 15 at the 17th Annual NHL Awards Television Special, "A Celebration of Excellence," at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The Awards show will be broadcast nationally in Canada on CBC and in the United States on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. EDT.
Voting for the awards is conducted at the conclusion of the regular season. The Professional Hockey Writers' Association votes for the Hart Memorial Trophy, the James Norris Trophy, the Frank J. Selke Trophy, the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy. Voting for the Jack Adams Award is conducted by the NHL Broadcasters' Association, while the Vezina Trophy is voted upon by NHL General Managers.
Former Bowling Green blueliner Rob Blake, currently of the Los Angeles Kings, was one of the three finalists for the JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (Outstanding All-Around Defenseman). Joining Blake as finalists are Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings) and Chris Pronger (St. Louis Blues), brother of former BG icer Sean Pronger.
The James Norris Trophy is awarded annually "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position," selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
ROB BLAKE
* His second nomination as a Norris Trophy finalist, he captured the award in 1998 * Finished third in scoring among defensemen with 57 points (18-39-57) * Logged the fourth-highest average ice time per game this season (28:29)
NICKLAS LIDSTROM
* Earned his third consecutive nomination as Norris finalist, finished second to Rob Blake in 1998 and to Al MacInnis in 1999, also a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy * Led all NHL defensemen in scoring with a career-high 73 points (20-53-73) * Posted a plus-minus rating of +19, logged 28:44 of ice time per game, third in the NHL
CHRIS PRONGER
* Voted a Norris finalist for the second time, finishing third in 1998, also a Hart Trophy finalist * At 25, could become the youngest Norris Trophy winner since Edmonton's Paul Coffey (24 in 1985) * Posted the NHL's top plus-minus rating (+52), also led in ice time per game (30:14) * Finished second in scoring among defensemen with a career-high 62 points (14-48-62)
