Steve Mason Named a Finalist for Vezina Trophy as NHL's Top Goaltender
Syracuse, NY, (Monday, April 27, 2009)
Syracuse, NY (April 27, 2009) – The Syracuse Crunch announced today that former Crunch member and current Columbus Blue Jackets rookie goaltender Steve Mason has been named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given annually ‘to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position.’ Mason joins Boston’s Tim Thomas and Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom as finalists.
Mason, 20, appeared in three games with the Crunch this season, going 2-1-0 with a 1.63 goals against average and .937 save percentage, making his professional debut in a 2-1 shootout win over Grand Rapids on October 29, 2008. He was recalled by Columbus on November 4 and appeared in 61 games for the Blue Jackets, going 33-20-7 with a 2.29 goals against average and .916 save percentage.
In addition, Mason was also named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy on April 22, given annually ‘to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL.’ He led all NHL goaltenders in shutouts (10), ranked second in goals against average and was twice named the league’s Rookie of the Month (November, December).
A native of Oakville, Ontario, Mason was drafted by Columbus in the third round, 69th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Season tickets for the 2009-10 season are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473- 4444 or by stopping by the Crunch office in the War Memorial at Oncenter.