COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus Blue Jackets center has won one of the most prestigious NHL awards and received the trophy during an emotional surprise visit from Meredith Gaudreau.
Sean Monahan, 30, was named the winner of this season’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is given to the NHL player that “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” The first-year Blue Jackets player found out he won when Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of the late Johnny Gaudreau, came over to his house in Toronto to deliver the trophy.
He specifically came to play for Columbus this season to be with his friend Johnny, who played with Monahan in Calgary for nine seasons.
“Sean stood by my side for every tribute, every walkout,” Meredith Gaudreau said. “I dragged him out there to cry with me on national television so many times.”
Monahan’s wife Brittany was in on the surprise and told Sean they were taking family photos. Instead, Meredith showed up with the trophy that has been won by such NHL greats as Henri Richard, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr.
“I know John is so proud of you,” Gaudreau said emotionally when giving Monahan the award.
“John knows I don’t like the spotlight or attention, so I feel like he’s, he was probably watching down on that moment laughing at me,” Monahan said.
Monahan is the fifth Blue Jackets player in franchise history to win an individual NHL award.The others include Steve Mason, Nick Foligno, Rick Nash, and Sergei Bobrovsky. He’s the first Blue Jacket to win the Masterton Trophy.