National ice hockey player Moritz Seider is the first German professional to be voted the best newcomer in the North American professional league NHL – even though he doesn't play up front.
Moritz Seider was on the ice in all of the Detroit Red Wings' NHL season games
National ice hockey player Moritz Seider has to digest the whole thing first. “It's crazy,” said the 21-year-old after being named Newcomer of the Year by the North American professional league NHL. “I'll definitely have some time to reflect and I'll probably do that when I'm home with my parents. Just sit outside and have some great conversations. It's all moving really fast right now.”
It is the first time that a German professional has been voted “Rookie of the Year” in the best ice hockey league in the world – and by a clear margin ahead of the two next-placed Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks and Michael Bunting from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who, unlike the German, both play up front.
In every game on the ice
Seider received the “Calder Memorial Trophy” for his strong debut season with the Detroit Red Wings. The defender, who was trained at the German first division ice hockey club Adler Mannheim, had 50 points and 43 assists, more than any other NHL rookie last season.
Seider was also on the ice in all 82 games of the season and played more minutes than any other rookie.
Praise from the national coach
“He showed a remarkable presence in his first year and that played well all year. He works very hard for what he wants to achieve and stays focused,” national coach Toni Söderholm praised the honored national player .”
Matthew's Most Valuable Player of the Season
The journalist's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The attacker scored 60 goals and was also voted the NHLPA's best pro of the season. Leon Draisaitl was ninth in the voting. He was the first German to win the “Hart Memorial Trophy” for the MVP two years ago.
sn/asz (sid, dpa)