The MJHL is honouring one of its alumni, renaming its Top Goaltender Award the Ed Belfour Top Goaltender Award, announced Commissioner Kim Davis.
“Ed is acknowledged as one of the best goaltenders to ever play in the NHL,” said Davis. “His accomplishments and awards are many, highlighted by his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. The MJHL is proud to pay homage to Ed by renaming this trophy.”
Belfour, best known as Eddie the Eagle, played three seasons with the Winkler Flyers (1983-86). The native son of Carman went on to be a two-time MJHL all-star and goaltender of the year.
Belfour went on to accept a scholarship to the University of North Dakota, where in his only year he led the Fighting Sioux to the NCAA National Championship, while being named the best Goaltender.
He was signed, undrafted, by the Chicago Blackhawks, where in his freshman year he won the Calder (Top Rookie) Trophy, the Vezina (Best Goaltender) and the Jennings Award. He followed that with his selection to Team Canada for the Canada Cup, and a Stanley Cup final (losing in seven games to the Pittsburgh Penguins).
In 1997, Belfour signed with the Dallas Stars and three years later backstopped them to their first and only Stanley Cup. In 2002, Ed was selected to Team Canada which went on to win an Olympic Gold Medal.
Following the Olympics, Ed signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs and continued his stellar goaltending and outstanding playoff performances until his departure to Florida.
In total, Belfour played 963 regular season games, highlighted by 76 Shutouts. In total, Belfour won the Calder Trophy, two Vezina Trophies, and four Jennings Awards, along with three All Star Selections. He represented Canada at the Canada Cup, The World Cup and the Olympic Games.
“Ed is still fondly remembered by MJHL fans,” said Davis. “It’s only fitting the league rename it’s Top Goaltender award in honour of one of the best goaltenders in the world.”
