NEW YORK\u00a0\u2013 The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced Doug Grandy as the Canadian winner of the Willie O\u2019Ree Community Hero Award\u2122 presented by Hyundai. The Award is given to an individual who \u2013 through the sport of hockey \u2013 has positively impacted their community, culture or society. The winner was revealed during the first intermission on Sportsnet.<\/p>\n
Grandy is the Founder and Coach of the Rink Rebels Female Hockey Organization, where his leadership has expanded access to hockey for girls through a culture rooted in inclusion, encouragement and belonging. The organization is intentionally community\u2011driven and is supported by families, volunteers and leaders who share a vision of using hockey to shape confident, young people who give back to their communities. Click here to watch a feature on Grandy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other Canadian finalists for this year\u2019s award were Vinnie Matteo<\/a>, Founder of Avalanche Kidz, a hockey organization that has programs for children aged 4 to 13 with autism, neurodivergent conditions and developmental challenges, and Sonny Sekhon<\/a>, Founder of the Punjabi Elite League, a competitive ball hockey program for people of all skill levels, promoting physical fitness and connection within the Punjabi community.<\/p>\n \u201cDoug Grandy\u2019s passion for the game of hockey and his community personifies the spirit of this award,\u201d said Willie O\u2019Ree. \u201cHe has created a space where young athletes feel empowered to succeed. It\u2019s an honor to celebrate his contributions and the lasting impact he\u2019s making in Fredericton and beyond. Congratulations to Doug and this year\u2019s finalists.\u201d<\/p>\n Grandy will be awarded a $30,000 prize, to be granted as a donation to a charity of his choice. Matteo and Sekhon will each receive $10,000, also provided in the form of charitable contributions.<\/p>\n \u201cDoug Grandy\u2019s commitment to creating more inclusive and accessible pathways in hockey is truly inspiring,\u201d said Steve Flamand, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada. \u201cThrough his leadership with the Rink Rebels, he is helping to build confidence, foster belonging, and open doors for the next generation of players. We\u2019re proud to support initiatives like the Willie O\u2019Ree Community Hero Award that recognize individuals who are using the game to make a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities. Congratulations to Doug and this year\u2019s finalists.\u201d<\/p>\n Named in honor of Willie O\u2019Ree, the Willie O\u2019Ree Community Hero Award celebrates the legacy of the former NHL forward who made history on Jan. 18, 1958, as the League\u2019s first Black player. Across a 21-year professional career, O\u2019Ree inspired generations through his perseverance, leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusion. O\u2019Ree\u2019s impact on hockey has also earned him numerous awards and accolades. He is the first hockey player in history to receive a Congressional Gold Medal; his achievements earned him an induction into the\u00a0Hockey Hall of Fame<\/a> and he is a\u00a0Member of the Order of Canada<\/a> \u2013 an honor given to those who \u201cmake extraordinary contributions to the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n