By Joe Haggerty
CSNNE.com

NEW YORK Shawn Thornton was honored and a little humbled after being named the Boston Bruins' nominee for the Masterton Trophy, given to the player who shows perseverance and dedication to hockey while overcoming odds or giving back to charity in numerous ways. Thornton qualifies on any number of fronts for the honor, and was truly appreciative for the consideration following Mondays morning skate at Madison Square Garden.In addition to the myriad charity endeavors Thornton has become involved in as a full-time resident of Boston over the last four years and the professional attitude he takes in the Bs dressing room, hes also enjoying his best season in the NHL with a career-high 9 goals and 18 points. Not too shabby for a 33-year-old whos had to punch and grind his way into a full-time NHL job, and was certainly deserving of a nomination for the prestigious award.Ageless wonder Mark Recchi was the Boston nominee last year after putting up a fantastic individual season as a 42-year-old wonder to the hockey world.Its an honor. Id like to thank the writers for thinking of me, said Thornton, who is doubtful for Monday nights game against the Rangers because of the 40-stitch cut he suffered on his head last week against the Blackhawks. Its certainly been a long grind for me getting here. Its finally paid off.Thornton was happy to get rid of the visor on his helmet for the morning skate at Madison Square Garden, and said he wasnt going to be playing with it when he does return to the ice. The Bs enforcer also expected that the stitches will be removed from his forehead on Tuesday when the team returns back to Boston.Joe Haggerty can be reached at jhaggerty@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Joe on Twitter at http:twitter.comHackswithHaggs