Congratulations to a truly great young man who was a major impact player during his time with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Ryan Callahan. Tuesday night, Callahan was awarded the New York Rangers 21st Annual 2008-09 Steven McDonald Award. The Rochester, New York native was voted for by the fans as the player who performs “above and beyond the call of duty.” Since 1988, the award has been given annually to the player who fans believe plays with extra effort on the ice. Joining Steven McDonald for the presentation before the Rangers and Canadiens contest was his wife Patti and son Connor.
If you’re unaware of the origin of this award, it’s named after New York City police officer Steven McDonald who was shot and injured in the line of duty in November of 1988. A check was presented to the McDonald family in the amount of $25,000 by EmblemHealth to the Steven McDonald Foundation.
The ex-Pack, Callahan, has recorded 21 goals and 15 assists for 36 points in 78 games. Callahan is 24 years of age and in his third year with the Rangers. He has established career-highs in goals, assists and points, and he leads the Blueshirts with 257 hits.
Steven McDonald Award Winners
| Jan Erixon | 1987-88 |
| Tony Granato | 1988-89 |
| John Vanbiesbrouck | 1989-90 |
| Kelly Kisio | 1989-90 |
| Jan Erixon | 1990-91 |
| Adam Graves | 1991-92 |
| Adam Graves | 1992-93 |
| Adam Graves | 1993-94 |
| Mark Messier | 1994-95 |
| Mark Messier | 1995-96 |
| Brian Leetch | 1996-97 |
| Wayne Gretzky | 1997-98 |
| Adam Graves | 1998-99 |
| Adam Graves | 1999-00 |
| Sandy McCarthy | 2000-01 |
| Sandy McCarthy | 2001-02 |
| Matthew Barnaby | 2002-03 |
| Jed Ortmeyer | 2003-04 |
| Henrik Lundqvist | 2005-06 |
| Jed Ortmeyer | 2006-07 |
| Brandon Dubinsky | 2008-08 |
| Ryan Callahan | 2008-09 |
