Rinne of Predators wins King Clancy Trophy

Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators on Monday won the King Clancy Trophy, awarded annually to the player or players who best exemplify leadership qualities on and off the ice and have made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in their community.

"This award means a lot to me and my family," Rinne said. "It's a huge honor. I've always loved working in local charities and in my community and will continue to do so."
The goalie has been committed to Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint initiative of the NHL and NHL Players' Association. He and former Nashville captain Shea Weber, now of the Montreal Canadiens, spearheaded the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund, which raises money and awareness for cancer research. The fund has raised more than $3 million since being established in 2012-13.
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Rinne is active in the Best Buddies program in Tennessee, interacting with cancer patients, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping to grant wishes to those with terminal illnesses. He also takes part in fundraising events to help aid those with Parkinson's disease and was a big part of the Feed the Frontline initiative. Introduced by the Predators during the coronavirus pandemic, it delivered meals to Nashville police precincts and fire stations and Vanderbilt University Medical Center doctors. The initiative also helped local restaurants stay in business and keep their staffs employed.
"Obviously it means a lot," Rinne said of giving back to a community in need. "I mean, 2020 has been a rough year for everyone and for us, when we went on the (NHL season) pause, not playing hockey, I was able to travel back home. Just seeing firsthand the front-line workers and health care workers, it's what it's all about. These guys are real heroes and I mean, it was awesome, it was a pleasure to work with them and being able to provide something small to them. It's a little thank you and I think all of us as a team in Nashville really appreciate the front-line workers."

A first-time finalist for the award, Rinne is the first Predators player to win it. He has 369 wins and 60 shutouts in 683 games, each the most in Nashville history, during 15 NHL seasons since he was selected by the Predators in the eighth round (No. 258) of the 2004 NHL Draft.
"It is special being 15 years in the same organization, same city and the opportunities I've had through local charities and in my community," Rinne said. "It's very special to me."
Rinne credited former Predators coach Barry Trotz, now coach of the New York Islanders, for getting him started helping in the community early in Rinne's NHL career.
"He was always encouraging guys to get involved and he was very close with Best Buddies here in Nashville," Rinne said. "Also, when you're a young player, you don't always believe in yourself, that you can make a difference. Once you start putting yourself out there, you recognize and realize it really can make a difference."
Rinne, who was chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, received a $25,000 donation from the National Hockey League Foundation.
New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban and San Jose Sharks forward Kurtis Gabriel, the two runners-up, each received a $5,000 donation.
"I want to congratulate P.K. and Kurtis for your nominations and for everything you do in your communities and around the League," Rinne said.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report