Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba was named the King Clancy Memorial Trophy on Sunday. The trophy is awarded to the player who shows “leadership on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.” Along with the trophy, Dumba will also receive $25,000 which he can donate to a charity of his choice.
Dumba, a co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, became the first NHL player to kneel during a hockey game. Dumba did so after making a powerful speech to protest police brutality and systemic racism.
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The NHL cited Dumba’s work with the Rebuild Minnesota initiative that assisted Minneapolis businesses impacted by riots and protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and custom-painted skates to raise money for Black Lives Matter.
Dumba also donated money to Australia wildfire relief efforts, gave COVID-19 support to more than 60 families who are part of Athletes Committed to Educating Student, and was behind a surprise Hockey Fights Cancer tribute for a family friend who was diagnosed with lymphoma.
The other finalists were Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and PK Subban of the New Jersey Devils, who get $5,000 each for charity.
Your winner for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy is @matt_dumba! #NHLAwards
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— NHL (@NHL) September 6, 2020
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EDMONTON (Sept. 6, 2020) – Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba is the 2019-20 recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded for “leadership on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.” Dumba will receive a $25,000 donation from the National Hockey League Foundation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice.
Each NHL team nominated a player for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, with the three finalists and winner chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.
The selection committee applies the following criteria in determining the finalists and winner:
* Clear and measurable positive impact on the community
* Investment of time and resources
* Commitment to a particular cause or community
* Commitment to the League’s community initiatives
* Creativity of programming
* Use of influence; engagement of othersIn response to social unrest across North America and recent stories about racism in hockey, Dumba – along with several other current and former NHL players – co-founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which aims to eradicate systemic racism and intolerance in hockey. Dumba, who delivered a powerful message on the subject during the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, also spearheaded the Rebuild Minnesota initiative to assist Minneapolis businesses impacted by riots and protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The fundraiser, which aims to raise $500,000, will donate all funds to Lake Street Council in Minnesota and ActionDignity in Canada. Dumba’s other efforts during the 2019-20 season included COVID-19 support to more than 60 families who are part of ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students), a surprise Hockey Fights Cancer tribute for a close family friend and a donation to Australia wildfire relief efforts.
Other finalists for this year’s honor were Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and P.K. Subban of the New Jersey Devils. Both receive a $5,000 donation from the National Hockey League Foundation to benefit a charity or charities of their choice.
