Hall wins Hart Trophy as NHL MVP on a night hockey reflects on three tragedies
LAS VEGAS — Taylor Hall was a nervous wreck as the NHL Awards approached its climax.
When 10 surviving Humboldt Broncos, including two in wheelchairs, took their place on stage ahead of an emotional video tribute to the 16 team members that didn’t survive April’s horrific bus crash, the feeling quickly melted away.
Hall, a winger with the New Jersey Devils, won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player Wednesday as the NHL honoured this season’s individual achievements and recognized three tragedies that touched the hockey world.
“When you’re on a stage and the whole night is culminating at that very moment, it’s easy to get wrapped up in it,” Hall said afterwards. “But when you see that (Humboltd) video, the tribute (and) talking to some of the kids yesterday and the parents … it puts everything into perspective and it’s not all about you. It’s not all about winning awards. It’s about enjoying life and doing what you love.