Mark Borowiecki may not be the Senators’ most-talented player, but the rugged rearguard brings a lunch pail mentality to every game. Whether it’s defending himself after handing out a heavy hit, or stepping in to protect a teammate, the 28-year old plays a throwback style reminiscent of a bygone era.
So when Borowiecki was named Senators' 2017-18 Bill Masterton Trophy nominee by the Ottawa chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, he was genuinely humbled.
“I’m very grateful that you (media) thought of me. I’m really thankful in that regard. I try to be a normal guy who plays hockey. I’m really appreciative,” said Borowiecki. “I always try to tell people I talk to there’s always something more important than the game; your legacy around the rink, how you treat others. To be recognized for that means a lot to me. Guys like me don’t get all the press.”
The Masterton is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.
Borowiecki checks all the boxes.
Mark Borowiecki talks about being nominated by the Ottawa chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association for the 2017-18 Masterton Trophy. pic.twitter.com/1DugzJWx4V
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 27, 2018
A late-bloomer, the former Central Junior League Smiths Falls Bear took the long route to the NHL. Selected in the fifth-round of the 2008 Entry Draft, the Kanata resident saw his name pop up on his computer while puttering in his parents’ garage on Draft Day. The teen quickly put on a suit and made his way to the Canadian Tire Centre where the Draft was being held.
Borowiecki spent three years at Clarkson University, and another three toiling with Senators’ American League affiliate Binghamton prior to becoming a fixture on the club’s blue line.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky in career. I’m fortunate to play for a team I grew up idolizing. I understand the players and fans perspective. I was a fan. It makes me relate to people in Ottawa,” noted Borowiecki. “It’s an opportunity that’s been given to me. People relate to me in that regard. It’s been a great situation for me.”
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Borowiecki has had a string of unfortunate injuries the past few seasons. The 6-foot-1, 207-pounder suffered a freak injury in 2014 while playing pregame soccer outside the Senators dressing room, lacerating his leg on an exposed electrical outlet. Sixty stitches were required to mend the wound. He’s had serious knee and shoulder injuries, the latter causing him to miss the majority of last season’s playoff run. Not to mention the one time he dislocated a rib, which he incredibly put back into place himself.
This season, Borowiecki missed 22 games with post-concussion syndrome when the back of his head struck the boards at Madison Square Garden in November. He also missed time due to personal reasons.
“I’ve had a few ups and downs. I missed a bit of time for personal reasons. Obviously, I had a pretty serious injury. It was tough for sure. There were times I was questioning things a little bit. I was raised was to keep battling, keep working through it. I’m playing the best hockey of my career here,” Borowiecki explained.
Not known for his offence, the stay-at-home d-man is displaying confidence this season, jumping into the play. While three goals doesn’t seem to be many, it’s a career high. Despite appearing in 45 games, Borowiecki is one point shy of matching his best year offensively, 11 points in 2014-15.
Senators coach Guy Boucher concurs with the media’s selection. “On the ice, he’s a lot like tough guys I’ve coached at all levels. Those on guys on the ice are tough guys. You’d probably be scared of them if you met them in the street, they’re actually the opposite. In real life, they’re usually the nicest people, most respected,” commented Boucher.
“He’s a terrific individual that’s always there to help people, always thinks of somebody else rather than himself. It’s a great honour for him. He deserves it.”