Anthony Mantha has been selected as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, according to an announcement on Apr. 8. The award is given each year to a player who best demonstrates perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Mantha’s journey back from injury has drawn attention this season. After tearing his ACL last year while playing for the Calgary Flames and missing the rest of that season, he was unsure if he would secure another contract. Instead, Mantha signed with Pittsburgh and went on to lead the team with 31 goals so far this season.
“I think it’s the first time I got nominated for something in the NHL. So, obviously, that’s awesome,” Mantha said. He added about his recovery process: “There were some doubts (I could get here). I was kind of mentally preparing myself for a PTO (professional tryout contract). When it happens, and you play 13 games, and Calgary was kind of a prove-it deal – that’s kind of where the head goes to. And I knew I still had some in me. Obviously, I knew I was going to work to get back. And here we are.” After initially being told by doctors that he might miss only a week due to his injury last year before learning he would be out for the entire season, Mantha described it as “probably the low point.” He said regaining focus took weeks but ultimately led him through rehab toward what became a career-best performance.
Mantha credited working with mental coach Matt Caldaroni during both recent and previous injuries as key in rediscovering his passion for hockey: “Our sole focus was to be the best version of myself this year… Obviously, best results of my career for stats-wise, but I think just also as a person and as a dad of three now.” Head coach Dan Muse also set clear goals when signing Mantha: “The first conversation we had was, he wanted to get me to 30 goals,” said Mantha.
The Penguins have established themselves as an important part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture with strong fan traditions and community ties according to their official website. The organization is recognized not only for its Hall of Fame players but also consistent competition in National Hockey League playoffs over many seasons according to their official website.
Home games are held at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh according to their official website, while Fenway Sports Group oversees business operations according to their official website.
Looking ahead at team ambitions beyond individual awards this season, Mantha said: “I think the sole focus for myself and this team is to get into that playoff feeling great.”
