A first-time finalist for the trophy, Dumba donated to more than 60 families in need during the coronavirus pandemic, gave more than $11,000 to Australia wildfire relief, has participated in ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students) in Minneapolis for several seasons, and has been a big part in the Wild's Hockey Fights Cancer night.
He is the second consecutive Wild player to win the award; forward Jason Zucker, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 10, won it last year while playing for Minnesota.
"I think I figured that out my first couple years in the League, just being able to kind of break that barrier that comes with being a hockey player and what a stereotypical hockey player looks like," Dumba said about when he realized he could be a role model for younger players. "I don't really fit into the mold, so when I did my first ACES stuff, I come to the schools and I'm just someone that you can relate to, whether it's my skin being a little darker, the tattoos I have, earrings. Some of these kids can relate to that. I think Chris Webber said it the other day: 'If you can't see it, you can't be it', and I hope I empower those kids who look up to me. I'm trying to be as great a role model as I can for this next generation."
Dumba, 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 that he will split between ACES and the HDA.