Mason, Ryan, Versteeg vie for Calder honors (best rookie)

In a season where rookies excelled, culling the field for the Calder Trophy to three finalists was tough business. But when the votes from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association were counted Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason, Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan and Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg emerged.

The 2009 NHL Awards will be broadcast live from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas on June 18 on VERSUS in the United States and CBC in Canada.

In addition to being Calder finalists, another common bond among the trio is they want to make a difference for their clubs.

Based on their play during the regular season, they did just that. All three played important roles in helping their teams make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It's doubtful that the Ducks or Blue Jackets would have made the playoffs without their rookie stars, while Versteeg was the key to the Blackhawks' sharp start this season.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419551