The Vegas Golden Knights have nominated Jack Eichel for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The trophy is presented to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community. If that doesn’t describe Jack for Vegas, then I don’t know what does. Eichel’s journey to Vegas was challenging. Many said Vegas had gotten a bum deal and wasn’t worth it. Jack has since proved them all wrong.
The nominees were selected by their respective NHL teams, and the winner will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of Commissioner Gary Bettman and, for the first time, former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the historic NHL Foundation Player Award. In determining the winner, the selection committee will consider the criteria of a nominee’s inspiration, involvement, and impact to benefit his community positively. The winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy will be given a $25,000 donation to spend on the charity of charities of their choosing. The winner will also have the opportunity to let their team receive a grant of up to $20,000 to help with their humanitarian contributions.
Since joining the Golden Knights, Jack has been a community pillar in Las Vegas, whether hosting a Trick or Treat or becoming the newest Captain for the Battle for Las Vegas Softball charity game. Jack has poured his heart and soul out to the Valley; in return, they have loved him. Vegas’s front office has quoted him as the first Knight to Volunteer to help with the city’s free Boys’ and Girls’ hockey clinics.
The biggest recipient of the love Eichel has for his community is Best Buddies Nevada, a branch of a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies is one of Jack’s favorite supports, and he has a history with Best Buddies, which traces his days as a Northeasterner. Last year, he donated 40,000 dollars and tickets for this season. The $40,000 donation for Best Buddies came from a hockey skills camp hosted this past summer at City National Arena. JE9 Hockey Camp is a premier youth hockey camp founded by Eichel. The camp allows young hockey players to learn from the star NHL forward and other top-level coaches and participate in on-ice drills and games designed to enhance their skills and understanding of the game.
The other Nominees for the award are Anaheim Ducks-Cam Fowler, Arizona Coyotes-Nick Bjugstad, Boston Bruins-Linus Ullmark, Buffalo Sabers-Alex Tuch, and Calgary Flames -Andrew Mangiapane. Carolina Hurricanes -Jaccob Slavin, Chicago Blackhawks -Connor Murphy, Colorado Avalanche -Cale Makar, Columbus Blue Jackets- Zach Werenski, Dallas Stars -Jake Oettinger, Detroit Red Wings -Dylan Larkin, Edmonton Oilers -Darnell Nurse, Florida Panthers -Aleksander Barkov, Los Angeles Kings -Kevin Fiala, Minnesota Wild -Marc-Andre Fleury, Montreal Canadiens -Nick Suzuki, Nashville Predators -Roman Josi, New Jersey Devils-Jack Hughes, New York Islanders -Anders Lee, New York Rangers -Jacob Trouba, Ottawa Senators -Brady Tkachuk, Philadelphia Flyers -Scott Laughton, Pittsburgh Penguins -Bryan Rust, San Jose Sharks -Luke Kunin, Seattle Kraken -Jaden Schwartz, St. Louis Blues -Brayden Schenn, Tampa Bay Lightning -Nicholas Paul, Toronto Maple Leafs -Auston Matthews, Vancouver Canucks -Quinn Hughes, Washington Capitals -Tom Wilson, Winnipeg Jets -Josh Morrissey
More must-reads: