Willie O’REE Award Finalists Announced
- NEW YORK - The NHL on Monday revealed the finalists for the annual Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, recognizing individuals who leverage hockey to positively impact their communities,...
- Fans are invited to vote for their chosen hero at NHL.com/oreeaward until May 25.
- For the third straight year, the award will recognize two winners, one from the United States and one from Canada.Each winner will receive $25,000, donated to a charity...
NHL Announces Finalists for 2025 Willie O’ree Community Hero Award
Table of Contents
- NHL Announces Finalists for 2025 Willie O’ree Community Hero Award
- NHL Announces Finalists for the 2025 Willie O’ree Community Hero Award: Your Questions Answered
- What is the Willie O’Ree Community hero Award?
- Who is Willie O’Ree?
- When will the winners of the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award be announced?
- How many winners will be selected, and what do they receive?
- How can fans participate in the selection process?
- who are the Canadian Finalists for the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award?
- Who are the U.S. Finalists for the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award?
- What are some of the key initiatives of the finalists?
- Why is this award critically important?
NEW YORK – The NHL on Monday revealed the finalists for the annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, recognizing individuals who leverage hockey to positively impact their communities, cultures adn society.
Fans are invited to vote for their chosen hero at NHL.com/oreeaward until May 25.
For the third straight year, the award will recognize two winners, one from the United States and one from Canada.Each winner will receive $25,000, donated to a charity of their choice. The remaining four finalists will each receive $5,000 for donation to a charity of their choice. the winners will be announced in June.
Canadian Finalists (Presented by Hyundai Canada)
The Canadian finalists are listed in alphabetical order:
- Arjun Atwal (Edmonton, Alberta): Atwal founded Az1 Hockey, an elite development program providing mentorship, skill development, and hockey camps. Az1, pronounced “As One,” supports its diverse community with coaches fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, aiding players and parents within the hockey system.
- Brent Dodginghorse (Calgary, Alberta): Dodginghorse is the founder of the Hockey Tsuut’ina 7 Chiefs program, an educational initiative promoting respect and understanding among hockey players of all backgrounds. Since 2019,nearly 4,000 individuals have participated. Tsuut’ina,meaning “many people,” uses the symbolism of the horse to teach indigenous culture and history,fostering harmony among teammates,classmates,friends,and neighbors.
- Mackenzie Janes (Ottawa,Ontario): Janes is the founder and president of Next Shift Hockey,an association providing free equipment to players in need. In its fourth year, Next Shift Hockey has equipped over 1,000 players and 200 goalies, removing economic barriers to participation. They also offer technical support, and physical and health training programs.
U.S. Finalists (Presented by Discover)
The U.S. finalists are listed in alphabetical order:
- Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson (Howell, Michigan): Dunkel-Jackson founded Hockey challenge Camp, an ice hockey program tailored for children with unique learning abilities and medical needs. Recognizing a need for inclusive sports, Dunkel-Jackson created an accessible and adapted program, enabling more children to experience the benefits of hockey.
- Toni Gillen (St. paul,Minnesota): Gillen directs Minnesota Diversified Hockey,offering programs and equipment for various forms of hockey,including sled hockey,hockey for the blind,hockey for the deaf and hard of hearing,special hockey,and warrior hockey.
- Andrew Sobotka (Chicago, Illinois): Sobotka is the former president of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA), a position he held for 15 years.During his tenure, he oversaw the CGHA’s growth into a safe and inclusive space for nearly 100 hockey players of all skill levels, ages 20 to 65.
About Willie O’Ree
The award is named for Willie O’Ree, who broke the NHL’s colour barrier on Jan. 18,1958,when he skated onto the ice for the Boston Bruins. for over two decades, O’Ree has championed inclusion, using hockey to build character, teach life skills, and promote perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. O’Ree’s impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Congressional gold Medal, induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and membership in the Order of Canada, awarded to those who make remarkable contributions to the nation.
NHL Announces Finalists for the 2025 Willie O’ree Community Hero Award: Your Questions Answered
What is the Willie O’Ree Community hero Award?
The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is an annual recognition presented by the NHL. It celebrates individuals who use hockey to positively impact their communities,cultures,and society. The award honors those who embody the spirit of inclusion and community engagement.
Who is Willie O’Ree?
Willie O’Ree is a significant figure in hockey history. He broke the NHL’s color barrier on January 18, 1958, when he played for the Boston Bruins. Beyond his on-ice achievements, O’Ree has dedicated over two decades to promoting inclusivity, using hockey to instill life skills, and encouraging perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. he’s a true hero who has received numerous honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal, induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and membership in the Order of Canada.
When will the winners of the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award be announced?
The winners of the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award will be announced in June.
How many winners will be selected, and what do they receive?
For the third consecutive year, the award will recognize two winners: one from the United States and one from Canada. Each winner will receive $25,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Additionally, the four remaining finalists will each receive $5,000 for a chosen charity.
How can fans participate in the selection process?
Fans are invited to vote for their chosen hero at NHL.com/oreeaward. Voting is open until May 25.
who are the Canadian Finalists for the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award?
The Canadian finalists, presented by hyundai Canada, are:
Arjun Atwal: Founder of Az1 Hockey in Edmonton, Alberta, an elite growth program that provides mentorship, skill development, and hockey camps. Az1 caters to a diverse community with coaches fluent in multiple languages.
Brent Dodginghorse: Founder of the Hockey Tsuut’ina 7 Chiefs program in Calgary, Alberta. This educational initiative promotes respect and understanding among hockey players of all backgrounds, using the symbolism of the horse to teach Indigenous culture and history.
Mackenzie Janes: Founder and president of Next Shift Hockey in Ottawa, Ontario, which provides free equipment to players in need. Next Shift Hockey also offers technical and physical/health training programs.
Who are the U.S. Finalists for the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award?
The U.S. finalists, presented by Discover, are:
Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson: Founder of Hockey Challenge Camp in Howell, Michigan, an ice hockey program tailored for children with unique learning abilities and medical needs.
Toni Gillen: Director of Minnesota Diversified Hockey, offering programs and equipment for various forms of hockey, including sled hockey, hockey for the blind, the deaf and hard of hearing, special hockey, and warrior hockey.
Andrew Sobotka: Former president of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA), a role he held for 15 years, creating a safe and inclusive space for hockey players of all skill levels.
What are some of the key initiatives of the finalists?
| Finalist | Key Initiative | description |
| :————————— | :———————————————————————————————————————- | :—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Arjun Atwal | Az1 Hockey | An elite development program providing mentorship, skill development, and hockey camps for a diverse community. |
| Brent Dodginghorse | Hockey Tsuut’ina 7 Chiefs program | An educational initiative promoting respect and understanding, teaching Indigenous culture and history. |
| mackenzie Janes | next Shift Hockey | Provides free equipment, technical support, and physical/health training, removing economic barriers to hockey participation. |
| Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson | Hockey Challenge Camp | An ice hockey program tailored for children with unique learning abilities and medical needs, promoting inclusion in sports. |
| Toni Gillen | Minnesota Diversified Hockey | Offers programs and equipment for various forms of hockey, including sled hockey, hockey for the blind, hockey for the deaf and hard of hearing, special hockey, and warrior hockey. |
| andrew Sobotka | Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) | The former president of CGHA, creating a safe and inclusive space for nearly 100 hockey players of all skill levels, ages 20 to 65. |
Why is this award critically important?
The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is important as it highlights the positive impact hockey can have beyond the rink. It recognizes individuals who use the sport to promote inclusion, build character, and support their communities. This award serves as an inspiration to others,demonstrating the powerful role sports can play in fostering positive social change.