The New Jersey Devils announced on Wednesday their nomination for the 2019 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Each team in the NHL nominates one player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."
In 2016, Kyle created a military recognition program named Squad21 where Kyle hosts service members at Devils' games. In the 2018 off-season Squad21 expanded into The Kyle Palmieri Foundation, a full-fledged charitable organization that supports three military nonprofits. The foundation will continue to develop special events to raise funds. The original Squad21 program still lives within the foundation.
"There are endless challenges facing our nation's military service members and veterans," said Palmieri. "We hope to help ease some of these challenges by providing support through The Kyle Palmieri Foundation and through our partnerships with National Military Family Association (NMFA), Service Women Action Network (SWAN), and Pets for Vets. Each of these organizations provides invaluable support and services, and the Foundation looks to help expand their incredible work. We're proud to offer our help as a way to say thank you to the brave men and women who are serving and have served our country."
Kyle regularly meets active military and veterans at regular season Devils games as part of the Squad21 program during the season. Kyle treats his guests to complimentary tickets, a special Squad 21 t-shirt and a post-game meet and greet with the group. Kyle does not stop short of meeting military personnel at his home arena, he also makes the effort on the road to meet with members of the military, regardless of their team affiliation.
He also hosts a number of big events in support of the foundation during the season.
One of those events is a Military Ball. On February 23rd, 2019, The Kyle Palmieri Foundation hosted its inaugural Ball at Nanina's in the Park in Belleville, NJ. Attended by all of his teammates, as well as active and retired military members, the evening raised over $100,000 to benefit the foundation and the causes that it supports. The night hosted a silent auction, where several NHLplayers and teams from around the league supported Kyle with the contribution of signed memorabilia.
BLOG: Palmieri named as Devils nominee for King Clancy Trophy
Palmieri recognized as player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."
© Andrew Mordzynski
