Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has been nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The prestigious award is given out annually to the NHL player who "best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant contribution in his community".
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy was presented in 1988 by the NHL’s Board of Governors in honor of Frank “King” Clancy, a beloved figure in the NHL as a player, referee, coach, manager and goodwill ambassador. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and 1958 inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Clancy was voted as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League’s Centennial Celebration in 2017.
In his 16 seasons with the organization, Hedman's impact in Tampa Bay, both on and off the ice is part of who he is. When the Tampa Bay Area was devastated by hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall, Hedman and his wife Sanna pledged $150,000 in relief efforts. The donation was split between the Tampa Police Benevolent Association and the Coast Guard Foundation.
When Hedman was announced as the 11th captain of the Lightning back in September 2024, the team released a special collection, featuring Hedman's 13-year old dog Harry. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, an organization he's actively been a part of since 2014.
The nominee with the most votes will be named the winner and receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The winner will also be eligible to elect that his Club receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.
A selection committee consisting of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman as well as former winners of the award will select the winner, the criteria of a nominee’s inspiration, involvement, and impact to positively benefit his community will all be considered.
