The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award is given to an individual who, through hockey, has positively impacted his or her community culture or society. The award honors O'Ree, the former NHL forward who became the first Black player to play in the NHL on Jan. 18, 1958, and has spent more than two decades as the NHL's diversity ambassador. The winner is determined by a fan vote, which is from April 3-16, as well as a judging panel with weighted votes from Willie O'Ree, the NHL and, for the award in Canada, representatives from Hyundai. New this year, there will be a winner from the United States and one from Canada.Today, a look at one of three U.S. finalists, Marty Richardson.
O'Ree finalist spotlight: Marty Richardson
His Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation has raised more than $4 million for families in need since 2012
![Marty Richardson 1](https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_ratio16_9-size20/f_auto/prd/xbsj8srve1zp4kshmndn.jpg)
![Marty Richardson 2](https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_ratio16_9-size20/f_auto/prd/gy2my6c3ksjt2vpc5isb.jpg)
Community Hero Award: Marty Richardson
![Marty Richardson 3](https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_ratio16_9-size20/f_auto/prd/wddln0r7e0ul4bkxqq2x.jpg)