the award was first presented at the conclusion of the season, and was named in honor of former detroit red wings, buffalo sabres and washington capitals goaltender roger crozier, a calder and conn smythe trophy winner who played in the nhl from 1964 to 1977. it was presented by the mbna corporation in memory of crozier, who worked for the mbna america bank after retiring as a player, and died on january 11, 1996. the winner of the trophy received a commemorative crystal trophy and was given us$25,000 to donate to a youth hockey or other educational program of their choice.