Carlo Leafs Masterton Nominee

(March 28, 2007) -- The Toronto chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association has chosen defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo as its nominee for the 2007 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded for ‘perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey'.

The 24-year-old has recovered from numerous injury setbacks to become a regular in the National Hockey League this season. He suffered a serious concussion in January of 2006 that ended his season. He made up for lost time and established himself as one of the club's top six defencemen with his strong two-way play after missing the first 31 games of the ‘06-07 schedule. Colaiacovo, Toronto's first choice, 17th overall in the 2001 draft, had 14 points in his first 43 games and was a plus 9.

Recent Masterton nominees for the Leafs include Ed Belfour, Jason Allison, Steve Thomas and Yanic Perreault. Last year's Masterton winner was Teemu Selanne of the Anaheim Ducks.

Each NHL city's PWHA chapter nominates a Masterton candidate and the winner is voted on by the entire PHWA at the end of the season. The Masterton is part of the NHL's televised awards ceremonies in June.