The NHL award season is nearing its peak, and that continued with Wednesday’s announcement for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy finalists. Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse was included in that list of three finalists for the award.
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. Each team nominates a player, which Nurse was previously noted for, and then a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly have the final selection.
The committee looks for a number of items when making their final selection including clear and measurable positive impact on the community, investment of time and resources, as well as a commitment to community and initiatives.
Nurse has been named a finalist in back-to-back seasons and is heavily involved in a number of key community programs such as Free Play for Kids, Right to Play, as well as the establishment of the Darnell Nurse Excellence Scholarship in 2021. He is heavily involved in ensuring underrepresented communities have an opportunity to be involved in the hockey community, often referring back to his own heritage and using his platform for good to inspire the wider community.
Nurse is an extremely well deserved finalist and although recognition isn’t required, here’s to hoping that he takes home the trophy this season.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
