Forward is a finalist for Foundation Award, Lady Byng Trophy
The National Hockey League announced on April 30 that New York Islanders forward Matt Moulson was named a finalist for the NHL Foundation Award, given annually to the player who applies the values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community.
Moulson is one of three finalists, along with Mike Fisher (Nashville Predators) and John-Michael Liles (Toronto Maple Leafs), who will attend the 2012 NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 20. Moulson is also a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded annually to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Moulson, 28, recorded career highs in goals (36), assists (33) and points (69) this season, while recording only six penalty minutes. He led the Islanders in goals for the third consecutive season, surpassed the 30-goal mark for the third straight year, and also maintained his “iron man” games-played streak, appearing in all 82 regular season games for the third year in a row.
Some of Moulson’s community initiatives this season included the creation of the 326 Foundation, which includes a “goals for charity” program; the Matt Moulson Wounded Warrior Program, in which he hosts military personnel at every Islanders home game; and the Islanders Fight Cancer campaign and “Movember” – the mustache-growing initiative and prostate cancer campaign.
Moulson has already received a pair of Islanders awards this season. On Thursday, April 5, during the Islanders home season finale, he was honored with both the Islanders Community Service Award and the Islanders Good Guy Award. The Islanders Community Service Award is presented annually to the player who makes the strongest impact on the Long Island community throughout the year. The recipient is selected by the Islanders organization and serves as the team’s nomination for the NHL Foundation Player Award. The Islanders Good Guy Award is presented annually to the player who best displays professionalism, courtesy and cooperation with the media.
In 275 career NHL games with the Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings, Moulson has scored 180 points (103 goals, 77 assists). Selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the ninth round, 263rd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Moulson signed with the Islanders as a free agent prior to the 2009-10 season.
The National Hockey League’s elite will come together with celebrities from music, stage and screen for a celebration of hockey at the star-studded 2012 NHL Awards on Wednesday, June 20, from Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The 2012 NHL Awards will be broadcast by NBC Sports Network in the United States and CBC in Canada.
