James Norris Memorial Trophy

The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League defenceman who demonstrates the greatest ability, by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

Related Topics:
National Hockey League - Defenceman

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The trophy is named in honour of James Norris Sr., owner of the Detroit Red Wings franchise from 1932 until his death in 1952. It was first awarded in 1954.

Related Topics:
James Norris Sr. - Detroit Red Wings - 1954

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The first winner was Red Kelly of the Detroit Red Wings. The most frequent winners are Bobby Orr of Boston (eight trophies from 1968 to 1975), Doug Harvey (7, Montreal and New York, 1955-58 and 1960-62), and Ray Bourque (5, Boston, 1987-88, 1990-91 and 1994).

Related Topics:
Red Kelly - Bobby Orr - Doug Harvey - Ray Bourque

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Currently, there is a feeling amongst hockey fans and media about the Norris trophy being awarded only to those defencemen who are offensively skilled. There is some debate about creating a separate trophy for defencemen who are not as offensively skilled, but play good, solid defence for their respective teams. Examples that are often used include Zdeno Chara, Adam Foote, and Mattias Ohlund, who are considered top, solid defencemen for their teams but may never be considered for the Norris trophy due to their mediocre offensive numbers.

Related Topics:
Zdeno Chara - Adam Foote - Mattias Ohlund

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