"Steve Mason, who turned 21 last month, flew to Las Vegas yesterday. But this won't be the typical young guy's first-time soiree through Sin City.

For one thing, the Blue Jackets rookie goaltender will have his mother, his girlfriend and a slew of family members in his traveling party, not to mention his boss, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson.

And contrary to the slogan "Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," Mason is hoping to bring something home.

"It'll be a different kind of fun," Mason said. "But it's going to be a blast, for sure."

Mason is the favorite for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given annually to the NHL's top rookie, at tonight's awards show in the Palms Casino Resort.

It could be a big night for the Blue Jackets.

Mason is also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the top goaltender, and Jackets captain Rick Nash is a finalist for the NHL's Foundation Award, which recognizes a player's commitment and service to charities in his community.

"It's a great night for our organization," Howson said. "It's our continuing quest to become more legitimate in other people's eyes, and Steve and Rick have given us some of that.

"It's hard to say who's going to win the (Vezina) and Foundation awards. But Mase should win the Calder, in my opinion. He had the biggest impact of any rookie on his club this season.""