Juuse Saros Nominated for King Clancy Memorial Trophy

This week, the NHL announced that Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros has been nominated 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 King Clancy Memorial Trophy was first 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. Pekka Rinne became the first and only player in Preds franchise history to win the award when he did so in 2021.

Saros is passionate about giving back to members of the Nashville community, particularly those of the four-legged variety. He partners with Wags and Walks Nashville, a non-profit "dedicated to reducing euthanasia in local shelters and increasing awareness of rescue dogs being wonderful pets." Saros and his fiancee, Minna, even fostered one of their dogs, Nala, from Wags and Walks last year before they ultimately ended up adopting her.

At the start of the 2022-23 season, Saros introduced the "Saros Saves Puppies" campaign. For each save he made this season, he donated $5 to Wags and Walks Nashville (up to $10,000). His season-end total donation was $9,640 (1,928 saves). The Nashville Predators Foundation matched the $10,000 donation and encouraged fans to donate after games Saros played. This year's total donation to Wags and Walks is $30,000. Additionally, both Saros and the Preds Foundation each donated $10,000 last year, resulting in a grand total of $50,000 after 18 months of fundraising.

All funds raised during the season will fund the brand-new Wags and Walks Adoption Center in the Donelson-Hermitage area. The facility will consist of over 5,000 square feet dedicated to continuing their lifesaving work. The center will allow their staff to double the impact of dogs saved while also being a resource to learn about the importance of rescue and the benefits of adopting.

"It's almost kind of natural for me," Saros said. "I've always loved dogs, and I think it's important here, especially with so many rescue dogs [who need homes]. So I just kind of want to help them and chip in there."

Juuse and Minna, who will be married this summer, are also excited to carry on the work of the Preds Pet Club Presented by PetSmart, putting their own spin on the initiative with a focus on animal rescue and foster organizations. Preds Pet Club Members receive special Preds pet merchandise and have the opportunity to be featured on the Preds Foundation's social media accounts as the Pet of the Game. Membership in the club costs $30, and the proceeds benefit various local animal rescue and foster organizations.

Saros is one of the 32 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominees selected by their respective NHL teams. The winner will be chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. The selection committee will apply 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 first-place finisher 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.