Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, formerly known as the Lady Byng Trophy, is presented each year to the National Hockey League hockey player voted to have shown the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with performance in play. The winner tends to be favoured by peers for leadership and on-ice conduct. To choose a winner, the Professional Hockey Writers' Association conducts a poll at the end of the regular season.

Related Topics:
National Hockey League - Professional Hockey Writers' Association

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The trophy is named in honour of Lady Byng, wife of Viscount Byng of Vimy, a Vimy Ridge war hero who was the Governor-General of Canada in 1925. Lord and Lady Byng were big sports fans, with a special interest in ice hockey. Lord Byng rarely missed an Ottawa Senators game and Lady Byng frequently accompanied him. Lady Byng presented the first Lady Byng Trophy in 1925.

Related Topics:
Lady Byng - Viscount Byng of Vimy - Vimy Ridge - Governor-General of Canada - Ice hockey - Ottawa Senators - 1925

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After New York Rangers player Frank Boucher won the award seven times in eight years, he was given the trophy to keep. Lady Byng donated a second trophy in 1936.

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When Lady Byng died in 1949, the NHL presented another trophy and changed the name to the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

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Some consider it telling that the NHL is the only professional sports association with an award for sportsmanship. Although violence in sports is not uncommon, NHL violence has warranted special attention, with a few players being investigated, charged, and convicted for their on-ice antics.

Related Topics:
Violence in sports - NHL violence

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