Blake among Masterson finalists

May 9, 2008 - 6:00 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Jason Blake was one of three finalists named for the Bill Masterson Trophy on Friday.

The trophy, which will be awarded June 12, is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios and Edmonton Oilers right wing Fernando Pisani are the other finalists.

In October, Blake was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer. Despite the illness, Blake appeared in all 82 Maple Leafs games, tallying 15 goals and 37 assists.

Chelios, 46, became the second-oldest player in league history this season, trailing only Gordie Howe. In his 24th season, the three-time Norris Trophy winner played in 69 games, scoring three goals and adding nine assists.

Pisani missed the first 26 games of the regular season due to ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation of the large intestine. The Edmonton native returned to the Oilers' lineup December 2 and played in all of the club's remaining games.