Josh Harding Nominated for Masterson Award April 24, 2013 – St. Paul, Minnesota

After backing up Niklas Backstrom last night in the Wild’s 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, Josh Harding is an early favourite in the race for the Bill Masterton Memorial award. The 28-year-old netminder was diagnosed last September with multiple sclerosis, an ailment that blurs the vision and affects balance and coordination. Still, Harding had hoped to make a full recovery, and even returned to action for 4 games early in the season, highlighted by a shutout in his first start. Before last night, however, he had not played in a game since February 7^th, as doctors attempted to figure out the right medical regime to stabilize his condition.

Hope had been renewed at the beginning of the month when Harding returned to the ice to talk to teammates and reporters about the progress he had made, but there was still no timeline for his return at that point.

Only one other player has ever successfully made a return to the ice with MS, and in that instance it was very short lived.  Harding completing his comeback thus marks an outstanding achievement in determination and dedication. 

It came as very little surprise, therefore, that the Minnesota Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association nominated Josh Harding for the Masterton award.  His rollercoaster journey fits the trophy’s description to a tee:

“An NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey”.

Whatever lies in the future for Harding, making the bench in last night’s contest was

an incredible feat, something that no one could have predicted 6 months ago, except maybe the player himself.

Here is hoping that this fantastic story continues!