Parros is Ducks' Masterton nominee.
The Anaheim chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' association today officially nominated George Parros for the Masterton Trophy, given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Even though "sportsmanship" is not the first word associated with the league's frequent fighters, neither is Parros ever associated with the league's dirtiest players.
In his fourth NHL season, the 29-year old right wing has cemented his reputation as a force in the community as well as on the ice. His five goals and 10 points are both career highs, and in January the Ducks rewarded his perseverance with a three-year contract extension that will keep him in Anaheim until 2012.
Parros' value to the team transcends hockey. Each year he shears his shoulder-length hair and donates it to children's charities. This season, Parros was joined by 30 shaggy-haired men, women and children inspired to do the same. Parros-inspired fake moustaches, available in the Ducks' team store, also benefit charity organizations with each sale.
Though Parros is the Ducks' leader, and among the league leaders, in fighting majors, he is articulately conscious of the "code" of engagement. His statistics merely hint at this: 0 misconducts, 0 game misconducts and 0 instigator penalties.
About J.P.
J.P. Hoornstra has been covering the Anaheim Ducks since 2007. Eight months after the University of Wisconsin won its third NCAA hockey championship, he was born in a frigid Madison winter. He betrayed his blue-blooded beginnings by graduating from UCLA in 2003, and welcomes any and all dialogue on the finer points of hockey.
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