The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award presented by MassMutual honors former NHL forward Willie O'Ree, who on Jan. 18, 1958, became the first black player to compete in the League when he stepped onto the ice for the Boston Bruins. Last night, on Jan. 18, 2022, O'Ree's No. 22 was officially retired by the Bruins.
For more than two decades O'Ree has been an ambassador for Hockey is for Everyone and a force for inclusion and social change, using hockey as a platform to build character, teach life skills, and share the values of the game - perseverance, teamwork, and dedication.
"Help us celebrate those who, like Willie O'Ree, make a positive impact in their community, culture, or society through hockey," said Jennifer Halloran, head of brand and marketing with MassMutual. "We applaud those who live mutual and are positive forces in their community, sports teams and lives."
Last season Kevin Hodgson, executive director of HEROS (Hockey Education Reaching Out Society) received $25,000 USD as the recipient of the award. The donation helped fund the launch of three new SuperHEROS programs, providing free hockey to 72 boys and girls living with physical and cognitive challenges with an adapted on-ice curriculum in a safe and inclusive environment. The funds were also used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, to help keep kids on the ice safely.
"This award recognizes the men and women in the hockey community doing the real work, day in and day out, to deliver on our mission to make hockey for everyone," said Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. "These champions, through their leadership, persistence, and love for the game, provide the right conditions for people of all backgrounds and life experiences to learn and grow through the sport."
All legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) or Canada who are at least thirteen (13) years of age or older - i.e.: fans, community leaders, NHL Clubs, minor hockey associations, can submit a candidate for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award presented by MassMutual.
The candidates will be narrowed down to three finalists, to be announced in April. A winner will be selected and announced in June during the NHL Awards™ ceremony. The winner will receive a $25,000 USD prize and the two finalists will each receive a $5,000 USD prize, each of which will be donated to a charity of their respective choice. The finalists, and ultimate winner, will be determined by fan vote and weighted votes from Willie O'Ree, the NHL and MassMutual.
For more about the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award presented by MassMutual, including past winners,
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