Borowiecki, a Kanata native, has posted a career-best three goals and is one point shy of matching a career high in scoring (11 points) despite being limited to only 45 games with the Senators this season.
From the Ottawa chapter of PHWA's biography of Mark Borowiecki's 2017-18 season:
Borowiecki, 28, who grew up a slapshot away from the Canadian Tire Centre, and who is in his fifth full season with the Senators, has not only had to battle the odds to become a full-time NHL player, he gets the job done on and off the ice.
The rugged blueliner was a fifth-round pick in 2008 (No. 139 overall) and wasn't even expecting to be drafted so he was in the garage of his parents' home when he got the call that he'd been selected by his hometown team. He put on a suit and headed straight for the Canadian Tire Centre.
A Clarkson University graduate, Borowiecki spent three seasons with the club's AHL affiliate before earning a spot in Ottawa. A tough competitor, he's hard to play against and gives a solid effort every game. He's also not afraid to drop the gloves and come to a teammate's defence if necessary.
Borowiecki's had to overcome some pretty serious injuries in his career including a knee issue two years ago and a serious freak injury he suffered in 2014 while playing soccer outside the team's dressing room when he sustained a severe gash to his leg from an electrical outlet.
This season, Borowiecki returned to the lineup in January after missing more that a month with post-concussion syndrome after being knocked unconscious during a game in November against the New York Rangers.
Off the ice, Borowiecki plays an important role in the community as well.
He has been active in his involvement with Soldier On -- a program that is part of the Canadian Armed Forces.
According to the Soldier On website, the organization "supports serving members and Veterans overcoming mental health or physical illness or injury through sport and other physically challenging activities. This re-introduction to an active lifestyle provides opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence and meet peers with similar challenges."
Last year, Borowiecki donated a set of season ticket to welcome two members of Soldier On for every game, showed them around the dressing room and took pictures. His role was limited this year because of the injuries but he will host a group of 30 people from the organization at his final home game.
"It's just been an awesome opportunity for me," Borowiecki said. "I've been really privileged to meet a lot of these people.
"It gives you perspective on life a little bit. Yes, this season (has been a disappointment), things aren't going our way and we're all moping around a bit but you hear some of the stories and some of these things these past and current members of the Armed Forces have gone through and, honestly, it's just eye-opening. I honestly feel selfish sometimes because I get a lot out of it as well."
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award under the trusteeship of the PHWA and is given to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Goaltender Craig Anderson was the first recipient of the award in Senators history last season.
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