Nick Piccone
Shayne Gostisbehere has been named a finalist for the Calder Trophy for NHL’s Rookie of the Year Award. Here’s a press release from the Flyers:
SHAYNE GOSTISBEHERE NAMED A FINALIST FOR CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
The National Hockey League announced tonight that Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has been named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, joining Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.
A third-round selection of the Flyers (78th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Gostisbehere recorded 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points, which set a new franchise record for goals by a rookie defenseman and came up just three points short of Behn Wilson’s franchise record for overall points by a rookie defenseman.
Gostisbehere, 23 (4/20/1993) was recalled from the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, on November 14 and went on to assemble one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in Flyers history. He had an immediate impact upon joining the lineup, recording his first NHL point with the primary assist on the game-tying goal in that November 14 game at Carolina, and then recording his first NHL goal in the Flyers’ next game three days later vs. Los Angeles. On November 23, Gostisbehere recorded his first of five game-winning goals on the season, the first four of which came in overtime periods, with an OT winner against Carolina. Of his 17 goals this season, 16 of Gostisbehere’s tallies either tied the game, gave the Flyers the lead, or became the game-winning goal.
Gostisbehere posted a 15-game scoring streak from Jan. 19 – Feb. 20, which established several Flyers and NHL records. It was the longest scoring streak in Flyers history for a rookie or for any defenseman, and was the longest streak in NHL history for a rookie defenseman. Only three players – Eric Lindros, Bobby Clarke and Brian Propp – have had longer scoring streaks in Flyers history.
On April 7, Gostisbehere was named the winner of the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers’ best defenseman, as voted by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. He became the youngest Flyer ever to win the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers’ best defenseman, doing so two weeks before his 23rd birthday. The previous youngest winner was current Flyers assistant coach Gord Murphy, who was a few weeks past his 23rd birthday when he won the award in 1990.
The Flyers have never had a Calder Trophy winner in their history. Two Flyers have been runner-up for the award – Ron Hextall in 1987 (behind Luc Robitaille) and Bill Barber in 1973 (behind Steve Vickers).
The Calder Trophy winner will be announced at the 2016 NHL Awards on Wednesday, June 22 at The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s state-of-the-art concert and entertainment venue. It will be hosted by world-renowned actor Will Arnett.
The Philadelphia Flyers will celebrate 50 years next season, and season ticket memberships are available now. Call 215-218-PUCK or visit PhiladelphiaFlyers.com for membership options.
Wait, what!? The Flyers have never had a Rookie of the Year!? Seems like it’s time to break that trend now. SHAYNE WINS OR WE RIOT!