In what has been a difficult 2020 for everyone in general and the Devils in particular, some good news was announced yesterday.
Defenseman PK Subban has been named as a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy according to Amanda Stein on the “Inside the Devils Blog” on the Devils’ official app.
The King Clancy Trophy is given “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.” He is a finalist with the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba and the New York Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist.
Subban’s contributions to the community around him, be it Montreal, Nashville or Newark, are legendary. In addition to what he does for the city he plays in, Subban also made a $50,000 donation to George Floyd’s daughter through a fundraiser, according to the NHL’s media release. With Subban leading the charge, other athletes contributed as well, eventually raising $1.5 million for her.
Subban also has the PK Subban Foundation, “which aims to create a positive change through building a community of people who are passionate about helping children around the globe.” The Blueline Buddies program is a part of this, bringing together Newark-area police and youth to attend a Devils game and get a meet-and-greet with Subban himself.
Subban also donated $10 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital through the foundation and he also “created the Subban Defence League” which is a summer hockey camp that “is dedicated to helping and guiding tomorrow’s leaders.” He and his coaches strive to give kids “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to be a champion in sport, as well as in life.
The foundation also created “PKSFWEEKMTL,” which is “a weeklong fundraiser that generated more than $500,000 and is set to again take place in August.” This event helps raise money for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The winner of the award will be announced in time for the NHL Awards in late-September/early-October.