Awards

Award ledger

Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

Impact on Community, Culture or Society / 8 seasons awarded

Description: First awarded in 2017-18, the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is presented annually “to an individual who – through the game of hockey – has positively impacted his or her community, culture or society.” Since 2022 23, there has been two winners: one in Canada and one in the U.S. Voting: Fans submit candidates for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. In consultation with the NHL and Willie O’Ree, the field is narrowed to six finalists – three in Canada and three in the U.S. The finalists, and ultimate winners, are determined by fan vote and weighted votes from O’Ree, the NHL, Hyundai (for the Canadian award) and Discover (for the U.S. award). History: The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award honors former NHL forward Willie O’Ree, who on Jan. 18, 1958, became the first black player to compete in the League. O’Ree, who lost sight in his right eye at a young age, went on to play professional hockey for 21 years. His perseverance is unrivaled, and his impact on the game and the lives of young players still is felt today. For more than two decades, O’Ree has served as the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador, traveling across North America to schools and hockey programs to share his story and experiences as well as to promote messages of inclusion, dedication and confidence. O’Ree has used hockey as a platform to build character and teach life skills, and has used his influence to foster positive values through the sport. Charitable Donations: Both winners will receive a $25,000 USD prize and the four remaining finalists each will receive a $5,000 USD prize, each of which will be donated to a charity of their respective choice. 2024-25 Winners: Brent Dodginghorse (Calgary, Alta.) won the 2024-25 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Hyundai. Dodginghorse is the co-founder of the DH Ranch, which has an educational program to promote greater respect, understanding and appreciation for fellow hockey players regardless of race, ethnicity or ability. The program has been taken by nearly 4,000 people since 2019. Tsuut’ina – which has two traditional meanings: ‘the beaver people’ and also ‘many people’ – uses the spirit of the horse to teach students about Indigenous culture and history, encouraging greater harmony among teammates, classmates, friends and neighbors. Click here to watch a feature. Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson (Howell, Mich.) won the 2024-25 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Discover. Dr. Dunkel-Jackson is the founder of Hockey Challenge Camp, an on-ice hockey program for children with unique learning abilities and medical needs. Dr. Dunkel-Jackson recognized a need in her community for children with various needs to participate in sports alongside their peers, so she created accessible and adapted hockey programming, allowing more kids to enjoy the benefits of playing hockey. Click here to watch a feature.