Dedication and Perseverance

The other day it was announced that Capitals defenseman Brian Pothier was chosen as a nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, given to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey"

Pothier returned to the Caps lineup recently after a 14-month layoff with post-concussion syndrome. He scored his first goal since December 2007 in the game I went to, the Caps 5-3 win over Tampa Bay. Below is a picture of Pothier I got when the three stars of that game were announced. He was the third star.

From the Washington Post: "Dedication and perseverance," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He missed 14 months with his fourth concussion. To be able to come all the way back, through all the pitfalls he's had, I can't find another person more suited for that. He sort of officially came all the way back when he scored a goal and now he's playing regularly on our blue line. That's a tremendous feat."

ESPN the Magazine did a feature on Pothier that is worth the read.
'Miracle' brings Pothier back to the ice