Brother Nick Foligno also previously won same award, with both brothers committed to raising funds for breast cancer research in memory of mom Janis Foligno
Former Sudbury Wolves player Marcus Foligno has been presented with the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
The award is presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
The Minnesota Wild forward was touring the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota with his wife Natascia and their three daughters when he was surprised with the trophy by Nick Foligno, his brother, teammate, and 2017 recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
Alongside his family, Marcus Foligno, who played with the Wolves from 2007-2011, helped establish the Janis Foligno Foundation, created in loving memory of his mother Janis, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009.
This season, Marcus and Nick participated in Foligno Face-Off, a fundraising campaign part of Hockey Fights Cancer powered by the V Foundation, with 100 per cent of donations going toward life-saving breast cancer research.
What began as a sibling rivalry when the brothers played on different teams, the Foligno Face-Off fundraising campaign evolved into a joint effort when Nick was traded to the Minnesota Wild, joining Marcus as a teammate for the first time in their NHL careers.
The Foligno Face-Off raised more than $200,000, funding a new research grant for breast cancer research that will be named in honor of their mother, creating a legacy in her memory. The fundraising campaign was a joint partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Minnesota Wild through Hockey Fights Cancer™ presented by AstraZeneca and powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
As a Hockey Fights Cancer Champion, Marcus Foligno dedicated his time to meeting breast cancer patients and survivors.
Throughout the season, he spent time listening to their stories, offering encouragement, and expressing admiration for their strength and resilience.
These interactions went further than brief introductions and instead created genuine moments of connection and support between the Wild forward and members of his community.
“Foligno’s compassion and commitment to honoring his mother’s legacy created a meaningful difference in the lives of many,” said a press release.
Foligno will receive a $25,000 donation from the National Hockey League to benefit a charity or charities of his choice.
In addition, the Wild are eligible to receive a grant of up to $20,000 from the NHL, as directed by Foligno, to organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.
Each NHL team nominated a player for the King Clancy Trophy. The winner was chosen by a selection committee consisting of Commissioner Gary Bettman as well as former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the historic NHL Foundation Player Award.