Fitzpatrick, Howe, Tinordi Finalists for Masterton Trophy

NEW YORK —  Goalie Mark Fitzpatrick of the New York Islanders, defenseman Mark Howe of the Philadelphia Flyers and defenseman Mark Tinordi of the Minnesota North Stars are the finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, presented by the Professional Hockey Writers Assn.

The winner will be announced at the NHL awards ceremony June 16 in Toronto.

The award is named for Masterton, who died on the ice while playing for the North Stars in 1968. It honors perserverance, sportsmanship and dedication.

Fitzpatrick, 24, overcame eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, a serious blood disorder, to play in 30 games last season. Howe, 37, coming back from back surgery, missed 23 games this season with a broken thumb, but remains one of the Flyers’ best defensemen. Tinordi missed 17 games after sustaining nerve damage when he was struck in the back of his left knee by a puck.

Last year’s Masterton winner was Dave Taylor of the Kings.