May 16--Andrew Shaw's recent suspension for using a gay slur seemingly hasn't done much to diminish his standing with Blackhawks fans: The Hawks forward was voted the team's unsung hero by fans, the Hawks announced Monday.
Shaw received a one-game suspension from the NHL in April after directing a homophobic slur at officials during Game 4 of the Hawks' first-round series against the Blues. He later apologized for using "a hurtful word."
The scrappy winger has been a popular player among teammates and fans. He finished last season with 14 goals, 20 assists and 69 penalty minutes.
The Hawks posted a narrated video of Shaw's highlights on Monday as part of his award announcement. "It's not only his offense that has made Shaw a fan favorite," the narrator says. "He'll battle in the corner for a loose puck and he's not afraid to throw around his 5-11, 185-pound frame."
Shaw was one of four candidates for unsung hero, along with Artem Anisimov, Scott Darling and Trevor van Riemsdyk.
Fan choice candidates for best newcomer, best social moment and other categories were posted between May 2 and 6. Fans voted online and a winner has been announced each day since May 9. The final winner will be revealed Thursday.
plthompson@tribpub.com
