NHL announces six finalists for Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

Six finalists have been revealed for the 2023 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award.

The six finalists are split between the United States and Canada. Jason McCrimmon (Detroit), Karen Ota-O’Brien (Coconut Creek, Fla.,) and Marty Richardson (Littleton, Col.,) represent the U.S. finalists, while Derek Klein (Shellbrook, Sask.,), Dean Smith (Halifax) and Saroya Tinker (Toronto) were chosen from Canada.

A winner from both countries will be selected by weighted votes from O’Ree, the NHL and — on the Canadian side — representatives from Hyundai Canada. Fan voting begins Monday April 3 and runs until April 16 on NHL.com

The award is presented as recognition for individuals who have positively impacted their community, culture or society through the sport of hockey. O’Ree, 87, is known as being the first Black player in the NHL when he broke in with the Boston Bruins in 1958 and is a recipient of the Order of Canada.

Each winner will receive $25,000 while the finalists get $5,000, which they can put towards a charity of their choice.

McCrimmon works as the president and founder of Detroit Ice Dreams Youth Hockey Association, which is a nonprofit youth hockey organization aiming to break down barriers preventing under-represented communities from participating in hockey.

Ota-O’Brien is the founder of different hockey projects, including the South Florida Women’s Hockey Program and the Lucky Pucks Hockey Club, and is also the co-founder and president of the Florida Women’s Hockey League.

Richardson founded the Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation as a nonprofit that gives back to North American families affected by hardships.

Klein is the CEO of Big River First Nation working to promote and grow the game of hockey through the Cree Nation reservation by increasing funding and support for all Big River Youth.

Smith is a lawyer who has taken on roles as chair of Hockey Nova Scotia’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and is on the board of directors as their chair of diversity and inclusion. Smith also serves as secretary to the Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame Society.

Tinker is the executive director of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada and a defenseman for the 2023 Isobel Cup-winning Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey League.

from Sportsnet.ca https://ift.tt/f9Gjoau