Detroit Red Wing Kris Draper finally got the credit he deserves after winning the Selke Trophy Thursday night.

Draper, 33, was the only Red Wing finalist at the National Hockey League's year-end awards ceremony in Toronto, Local 4 reported. Draper was named the best-defensive forward, beating out New Jersey's John Madden and San Jose's Alyn McCauley, according to reports.

"I'd like to thank my friends, my family," Draper said in his acceptance speech. "I don't think anyone would be here right now without great teammates. And that's exactly what I have in Detroit."

Draper -- who wears jersey No. 33 -- has been a Red Wing since 1993 and was part of the Stanley Cup championship teams in 1997, 1998 and 2002.

Draper credited the role he played on Team Canada at the 2003 World Championships in Helsinki for giving him confidence to take his game to another level, according to an NHL.com report.

Draper had a career-high 24 goals and 40 points for the Red Wings this season, according to the NHL report.