The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award presented by the NHL to honor the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. It was established in 1968 in memory of Bill Masterton, a player who tragically died after suffering a head injury during a game. The trophy is awarded based on votes from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of each regular season. It recognizes players who overcome adversity, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their teams and the sport, making it a prestigious accolade in the world of professional hockey.