Dougie Hamilton wins the 7th Player Award

Mar. 31, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) skates with the puck against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Last night before the Bruins-Lightning game, the fans of Bruins Nation found out who won the coveted 7th Player Award. This award, which has been given out for forty-four years now, goes to the player that has exceeded expectations throughout the season. This year’s winner was rookie defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

In his first season with the Bruins, The 6’5″, 200lb. Dougie sure has exceeded my expectations. Hamilton has earned sixteen points so far this season(five goals, and eleven assists in 42 games) He also has a +/- of a +6. The rookie defenseman ranks second among Bruins D-men(behind captain Zdeno Chara) in points, and goals. The 19-year old Hamilton is tied for third in the NHL among rookie defensemen in points and goals, while holding third for assists by himself.  Hamilton is from Toronto, Ontario (Canada) and he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round (9th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

In one of those moments of irony that you have to appreciate in Boston sports, the player voted by the fans was sitting out due to a healthy scratch. Apparently, he was told a few minutes before hand, and had to go throw on a jersey and some skates so he could accept the award. Later, as the Bruins were playing one of their better games of the season, he was up on the ninth level watching the game with the other members of the scratch line.

When I commented on this situation, a fellow member of the Nation gave me the skinny on Dougie’s situation: