2022-23 Rick Martin Memorial Award finalists: Dahlin, Okposo, Tuch

The final round of voting for the 2022-23 Rick Martin Memorial Award is now live.
The finalists for the "The Rico," which is presented annually to the player fans believe best embodies what it means to be a Buffalo Sabre, (in alphabetical order) are:
Click here to vote now.

These three players had the most votes after the first round of voting closed Sunday.
Fans are encouraged to visit Sabres.com/RicoVote and cast their ballot for the player they believe best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and a dedication to the community.
Voting closes following Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Tickets for that game are on sale now.
The award is presented by the Sabres' Gold Ring Partners: KeyBank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and LECOM.

Here is a little bit more on each finalist:

Rasmus Dahlin

Dahlin is in the midst of one of the best offensive seasons by a defenseman in franchise history with 67 points (14+53) through 71 games played. He was named to his second NHL All-Star Game in February.
Dahlin (2022-23, 53), Phil Housley (1984-85, 53; 1989-90, 60) and John Van Boxmeer (1981-82, 54) are the only three Sabres defensemen who have recorded 53 or more assists in a single season.
He started the season strong, being named an alternate captain. He then became the only defenseman in franchise history to record at least one goal in each of the first three games of a season. He also became the only defenseman in NHL history to record a season-opening goal streak of five or more games when he did so from October 13 to 22.

Dahlin has also been involved in community events like the SABAH family skate at KeyBank Center, and has helped rally the team off the ice as captured in an episode of "Sabres: Embedded" from earlier this year:

Kyle Okposo

Okposo was the fans' choice for The Rico last year. Since then, his role on the team has officially expanded as he was named the 20th full-time captain in franchise history in October.
"It's impossible to overstate what Kyle has meant to this group - he is patient, he is a lifelong learner, he is levelheaded, and most of all, he is proud to be a Buffalo Sabre," general manager Kevyn Adams said at the time of the captaincy announcement.
"When times get difficult, Kyle knows when to speak up, and when he does, the team takes it to heart. Kyle and his family have made Buffalo their home and want to see our organization succeed, both on and off the ice. I am proud that Kyle will represent our organization with class and dignity."
He's backed up his leadership skills with 26 points (11+15) through 68 games this season, carving out a role on the team's checking line.
He's also made Buffalo his home and has seen his family grow through his seven years with the organization:

Okposo has been an advocate for the team's community initiatives including supporting the residents of East Buffalo in the wake of the mass shooting on May 14, 2022:

Alex Tuch

In his first full season with the Sabres, Tuch made it a point of emphasis to establish himself as a member of the community.

The Baldwinsville native purchased 20 tickets to 10 games this season and donated them to various groups such as Best Buddies, GiGi's Playhouse, and the Make Lemonaide Foundation for CP. He did a meet-and-greet with the groups following each game.
Tuch was also on hand when the Buffalo Sabres Thunder, a team for athletes with developmental disabilities, were surprised with brand-new royal blue jerseys.
"He embodies Buffalo," Chris Polisoto, who plays on the Thunder, said. "That's what I love: Someone who embodies the city for what we represent here."

Tuch is also having a career year on the ice. He's posted personal bests in goals (35), assists (37) and points (72) through 67 games, including eight game-winning goals and the first two hat tricks of his career.
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