Penguins Nominate Forward Kevin Hayes For King Clancy Memorial Trophy

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins nominated forward Kevin Hayes for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award given annually to the NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

Hayes, 32, is well-known for his personality on and off the ice, as his peers also just voted him most likely to have a career in broadcasting for the annual NHL Players Association (NHLPA) Players Poll. But his humanitarian efforts are really what distinguish him.

After each home game this season, his initiative, “Hayes’ Heroes,” recognizes a first responder and their family. For each game in Pittsburgh, Hayes purchases tickets for a first responder and their family, and he meets them after the game.

The initiative began during his playing days with the New York Rangers, when he honored families affected by the 9/11 attacks. He carried the program over to Philadelphia, then St. Louis, and now Pittsburgh, and first responders as a whole have become a focus.

If Hayes would win the Clancy trophy, $25,000 would be awarded to a charity of Hayes’ choice. Every NHL team announced a nominee on Tuesday, and a winner will be chosen by a selection committee that includes former winners of the trophy.

No Penguins’ player has ever won the award.

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