Victor Hedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s personal Thor/pirate/reacher-of-things-on-the-top-shelf, has taken home the 2017-18 James Norris Trophy for Defenseman of the Year.
With 63 points (17 goals, 46 assists) in 77 games, Hedman had a season to remember. As the quarterback of the league’s most dangerous power play, Hedman led his team all over the ice, including the shakey defense behind him at times, to an Eastern Conference title and Final Four finish in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Victor Hedman named a Norris Trophy Finalist
At the awards show in Vegas, Hedman shook hands with a puppet after recieving the award.
Hedman tried to shake the dummy’s hand pic.twitter.com/LdrBLx6YI3
— HockeyKot (@hockeykot) June 21, 2018
It was a close race between Hedman and Doughty for the award, but Victor’s 94 first place votes gave him the clear edge in voting by the PHWA.
Hedman shared first place among NHL defensemen with a career-high 17 goals and received nearly twice as many first-place votes as his closest competitor. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/yXfZ7zJvLn
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 21, 2018
In his acceptance speech, Hedman eloquently spoke about what it meant to have the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Humboldt Broncos players in the building. “First of all, I just want to say how special it is for me to accept this award in Vegas and in front of the guys from Parkland High School and the [Humboldt] Broncos. It goes to show that hockey is more than a sport. It’s a family. You guys are a true inspiration.”
He went on to tell fellow nominee PK Subban that he’s going to steal some of his moves. “To P.K. and Drew; tremendous hockey players. And it’s an honor for me to be nominated with you guys. I love watching you guys play and try to learn a thing or two. I think I’m gonna pull out of P.K.’s playbook and put the ‘spin-a-rammy’ in my playbook next year.” If Heddy pulls off a spin-o-rama next year, I’ll lose my mind.
Victor Hedman and former Bolt Brian Boyle walking the red carpet next to each other. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/etzOcD74L8
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) June 20, 2018
Heddy didn’t forget to thank his #squad, including the best owner in the game Jeff Vinik, local wizard Steve Yzerman, the coaching staff, and the pirates players. “To the Lightning organization, Mr. Jeff Vinik, Steve Yzerman, and the coaching staff; thank you for believing in me and putting me in a position to succeed. To my teammates; obviously, I love you guys. I wouldn’t be here without you. To the Tampa Bay community and Lightning fans; you guys are the best and thanks for all your support throughout nine years.”
And finally, Hedman thanked his family, including his parents, wife, and brother. “Obviously, to my family, to my two brothers at home watching, to my parents, my wife, I wouldn’t be here without you guys.”
You can read a transcript of the speech below brought to you by our lovely GeoFitz4. Give him credit if you use it!!
“Wow, this is pretty amazing.
“First of all, I just want to say how special it is for me to accept this award in Vegas and in front of the guys from Parkland High School and the [Humboldt] Broncos. It goes to show that hockey is more than a sport. It’s a family. You guys are a true inspiration.
“To P.K. and Drew; tremendous hockey players. And it’s an honor for me to be nominated with you guys. I love watching you guys play and try to learn a thing or two. I think I’m gonna pull out of P.K.’s playbook and put the ‘spin-a-rammy’ in my playbook next year.
“To the Lightning organization, Mr. Jeff Vinik, Steve Yzerman, and the coaching staff; thank you for believing in me and putting me in a position to succeed.
“To my teammates; obviously, I love you guys. I wouldn’t be here without you.
“To the Tampa Bay community and Lightning fans; you guys are the best and thanks for all your support throughout nine years.
“[Nervous laughter] I’m a little nervous. Sorry guys.
“Obviously, to my family, to my two brothers at home watching, to my parents, my wife, I wouldn’t be here without you guys.
Thank you.”
