Nashville’s Sullivan wins Masterton Trophy for NHL perseverance, sportsmanship, dedication

Nashville’s Sullivan wins NHL’s dedication award

LAS VEGAS — Steve Sullivan has won the NHL’s Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey after returning to the ice after missing nearly two full years.

Sullivan thanked his teammates, coaches and fans Thursday night for sticking with him after he sustained a back injury in February 2007.

Sullivan topped Detroit’s Chris Chelios and Florida’s Richard Zednik in voting for the award.