page_title: James Norris Memorial Trophy
section_title: Winners
hierarchical_section_title: James Norris Memorial Trophy / Winners
caption_attribution_description: English: Boston Bruins' defenseman Ray Bourque, at the Bruins' 1981 home opener.
context_page_description: The James Norris Memorial Trophy, or simply the Norris Trophy, is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position". It is named after James E. Norris, the longtime owner of the Detroit Red Wings. The James Norris Memorial Trophy has been awarded 61 times to 26 players since its beginnings in 1953–54. At the end of each season, members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association vote to determine the player who was the best defenseman during the regular season.
caption: Ray Bourque, five-time winner.
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