Backlund, Lee, Nurse named King Clancy Trophy finalists

NEW YORK -- Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund, New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse are the three finalists for the 2022‑23 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, presented "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community," the National Hockey League announced today.

Each NHL team nominates a player for the King Clancy Trophy, with the three finalists and winner chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

The selection committee applies the following criteria in determining the finalists and winner:

* Clear and measurable positive impact on the community
* Investment of time and resources
* Commitment to a particular cause or community
* Commitment to the League's community initiatives
* Creativity of programming
* Use of influence; engagement of others

The King Clancy Trophy winner will be revealed live during the 2023 NHL Awards at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Monday, June 26 (8 p.m. ET, TNT, SN, TVAS). The winner will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of their choice.

Following are the finalists for the King Clancy Trophy, in alphabetical order:

Mikael Backlund, C, Calgary Flames

Backlund, who was drafted by the Flames in 2007 and has spent his entire NHL career in Calgary, has used his platform as a professional athlete to bring attention to many worthy causes. He supports the ALS Society of Alberta in honor of his mother-in-law, who succumbed to the disease when his wife, Frida, was just 19 years old. It also is of importance for Backlund as Flames Assistant General Manager Chris Snow has been battling ALS for the last four years. Backlund and his spouse have raised more than $400,000 for the nonprofit and have welcomed nearly 100 families affected by ALS to home games. As an ambassador for both Kids Cancer Care and Special Olympics Calgary, Backlund - who had a childhood friend diagnosed with cancer and another who was born with Down syndrome - has invited an additional 500 guests to attend Flames games and meet with him afterward. Most recently, Backlund and his wife partnered with Parachutes for Pets to create Lily's Legacy, named after their dog who passed away in 2021. This first-of-its-kind program allows children in foster care to keep their pets while they are transitioning into care. "I've always been inspired by people who help others that struggle," Backlund explained. "I am aware that I have been given the opportunity to live a privileged life and know that a small gesture from me can mean the world to other people."

Anders Lee, LW, New York Islanders

Lee, who has served as the Islanders' captain since 2018, is a fixture in the local community and at team fundraising events. He became a "Jambassador" for Jam Kancer in the Kan, a foundation that helps individuals and families battling cancer, after watching a speech by and later befriending 15-year-old cancer patient Fenov Pierre-Louis in 2016. Inspired by Pierre-Louis' words, Lee hosted his first "Kancer Jam" event - which raises money while playing the game Kan Jam - less than a year later. Prior to Lee's involvement, the nonprofit had generated a total of $130,000 in its first two years of existence. The fundraising total now stands at more than $2 million, with support from various NHL players. Pierre-Louis passed away from the disease in 2018, but Lee continues his friend's legacy both through "Kancer Jams" and by funding academic scholarships in his honor. "His friendship is something I'll never forget and I'll cherish every day that we had," Lee said. "Now we get to honor him as we continue to do this foundation event and do our best to not only help kids with cancer, but their families [too] and try to find a cure for this disease." Lee since has expanded his efforts by inviting families affected by cancer to Islanders games and assisting those struggling financially during the holiday season.

Darnell Nurse, D, Edmonton Oilers

Nurse, a finalist for the second straight season, has been active in several community initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion through the power of sports. As an ambassador for Free Play for Kids, he helps provide marginalized children - many of whom are refugees, new Canadians or Indigenous youth - with the opportunity to play sports in a safe, accessible and inclusive environment. Nurse also serves as an ambassador for Right To Play, which aims to protect, educate and empower children to rise above adversity through sports. "As a professional athlete, a Canadian, a father and the son of an immigrant, I truly believe that it is up to me to use my position and platform to help others like me," Nurse shared. "Like standing up for my teammates on the ice, I am here for the kids who need me - that's what is important to me and that will never change." Nurse expanded his humanitarianism by creating the Darnell Nurse Excellence Scholarship in 2021, teaming up with his alma mater in Hamilton, Ont., to award two scholarships each year to deserving students pursuing post-secondary aspirations. He also has been a prominent youth mentor, sponsored players in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), and supported food banks and various healthcare initiatives during the pandemic.

History

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 League for decades 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.