Ottawa Senators' Zack Smith nominated for NHL Award

Maple Creek, Sask.'s Zack Smith has been nominated for the 2015-16 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

It's not because Smith scored the most goals or racked up the most points for the Sens, but rather the nomination reflects Smith'sperseverance and dedication to hockey, said the Ottawa chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, which nominated him. Itoften nominates players who have a come-back season from injury or a serious illness.

In 2015 Smith, 27, suffered a wrist injury, keeping him on the sidelines for nearly four months. As the 2016 season winds down, Smith has already reach career highs in goals (21) and points (32) in 75 games.

Speaking to reporters, Smith said the nomination came as a surprise and it's a feather in his cap just to benominated.

"You never expect to get acknowledged for something like that especially when guys are going through injuries all the time and it's part of the game," Smith said. "Personally it was a tough season last year and a tough injury timing- wise so it was good to get back into it and it's nice to be acknowledged for it."

$100 bet he wouldscore 20 goals

In a Senators mediarelease on Monday the team divulged a bet Smith made with his cousin just before the All-Star break. Smith's cousin bet him $100 he'd score 20 goals this season.

"It's the best $100 I ever spent," said Smith after scoring No. 20 in mid-March.

Smith added after last year's injury, hefelt he needed to prove himself to his coaches and his teammates once again.

"I was lucky enough to have a much better season this year. I came in not having played too many games last year so I had to work for my opportunities this year," Smith said.