The NHL has named Canadian and U.S. finalists for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, celebrating hockey’s community impact.
Hockey’s power to strengthen communities is back in the spotlight, with the NHL unveiling the nominees for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award.
The league announced three Canadian finalists on Monday, recognizing community leaders who positively influence their surroundings through the sport. The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is presented to individuals making a difference in community life, culture, or wider society through hockey.
Doug Grandy of Fredericton is one of the Canadian nominees.. He is the founder and coach of the Rink Rebels Female Hockey Organization. described as community-driven and supported by families. volunteers. and local leaders who share a vision of using hockey to help shape confident young people who then give back to their communities.
Vinnie Matteo of Montreal also made the Canadian list.. Matteo founded Avalanche Kidz. a hockey organization offering programs for children aged 4 to 13. including youngsters with autism. neurodivergent conditions. and developmental challenges.. The initiative is designed to build confidence. encourage social connection. and create a real sense of belonging both on and off the ice.
Sonny Sekhon of Edmonton rounds out the Canadian nominees.. He founded the Punjabi Elite League. a competitive ball hockey program open to people of all skill levels. built around promoting physical fitness and connection within the Punjabi community.. The program reportedly includes more than 200 athletes. with half of participants being youth. and Sekhon is also noted as a member of the planning committee for the South Asian Canada Cup.
Alongside the Canadian finalists, the NHL also confirmed American nominees for the 2026 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award: Steven Thompson (Seattle), Bill Tobias (New York), and Kendal Troutman (Los Angeles).
Under the award format, two winners will be selected—one in the United States and one in Canada. Each winner will receive $30,000, delivered as a donation to a charity of their choice, underscoring the program’s emphasis on turning community impact into continued support.
The award carries deep historical meaning. named in honour of Willie O’Ree. the former forward who made history on Jan.. 18, 1958, as the first Black player to compete in the NHL.. O’Ree’s long-lasting impact on hockey has been recognized through a Congressional gold medal and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. and he is also a Member of the Order of Canada.
For the NHL, the nominations offer a window into how the game continues to reach far beyond the rink.. The organizations highlighted across Canada range from youth development and female participation to inclusion-focused programming for children with different needs. as well as community-centred sports that connect identity and fitness.
The choice of nominees also reflects how local initiatives can scale through volunteer support and family involvement.. Whether it’s building confidence for young players. expanding access to hockey or hockey-adjacent sports. or creating structured opportunities for youth athletes. the common thread across the finalists is an effort to make participation meaningful and lasting.
With winners in both countries to be awarded donations to charities of their choosing. the announcement points toward an outcome that goes beyond individual recognition.. The charitable component is likely to extend the reach of each nominee’s mission. translating the spotlight of the Willie O’Ree award into further assistance for the communities they serve.
NHL Willie O'Ree Award community hockey Canadian nominees youth hockey autism programs