Conor Garland nominated for Masterton Trophy

Every year local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Associate nominate players for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.

This year, the nominee for the Arizona Coyotes is forward Conor Garland.

Garland did not have an easy route getting to the NHL. At 5’ 10”, 165 pounds the 123rd overall pick was far from a lock to make it to the NHL. After two excellent seasons in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats which saw him surpass 100 points, he didn’t have an immediate impact in the NHL.

In his first two seasons as a professional player with the Tucson Roadrunners, Garland played in 110 games, had 13 goals, and 28 assists. After the 2017-18 season, he would redefine his game, and in his final 21 games in the AHL, he had 12 goals and 13 assists.

This past season has been Garland’s first full season in the NHL. He leads the team with 22 goals and is third on the team with 39 points. He has become a fan favorite for his willingness to go to the front of the net, his determination, and his willingness to score by any means necessary.