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Roman Josi, Captain of the Nashville Predators. Bild: AP
“The dream comes true” – Josi receives the Norris Trophy as the best defender in the NHL
A great honor for Roman Josi: the Bernese received the James Norris Memorial Trophy. It honors the most valuable defender of the season. The 30-year-old captain of the Nashville Predators is following in the footsteps of record winner Bobby Orr (8 trophies), Ray Bourque, PK Subban, Drew Doughty, Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns. He is the first Swiss ice hockey player whose achievements are honored with one of the most important trophies in the NHL.
“That means a lot to me,” Josi said happily. “I’ve always dreamed of winning this trophy and it’s quite surreal that I won it.” As a player, the ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup. “But I think personally you always try to be the best player you can be. If everyone tries that, the team will succeed. “
The best season personally
If you look at the names of previous winners, you will come across players who were once your idols. «Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Chris Chelios, lots of guys. When I grew up in Switzerland, they seemed so far away. It’s amazing that my name is now next to hers. “
His idols used to play like this: Josi sometimes without a helmet. Image: imago images / Icon SMI
In addition to Josi, John Carlson (Washington Capitals) and Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) were nominated. “Roman is the leader of our team, on and off the ice,” said Predators head coach John Hynes. “He is an exceptional player who plays hard in every game and sets a good example in every situation.” In the canceled regular season, Josi scored 16 goals and 49 assists, a personal record. In the playoffs, Nashville was eliminated at the first opportunity against the Arizona Coyotes.
Honors for Merzlikins and Kubalik
Josi was also chosen for the NHL All-Star team. His “teammates” there: goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg), Carlson and forwards Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton), David Pastrnak (Boston) and Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers). For all six players, it is the first date for the All-Star Team.
Hockey Switzerland can also look forward to more awards. Because on the rookie squad of the season’s best newcomers are two players who moved from the National League to North America: goalkeeper Elvis Merzlikins (HC Lugano) and forward Dominik Kubalik (HC Ambri-Piotta).
The Hart Memorial Trophy for the MVP of the regular season goes to Germany’s Draisaitl. With 110 scorer points he was by far the best scorer.
