Okposo named 2021-22 Rick Martin Memorial Award winner

Kyle Okposo has been named the winner of the 2021-22 Rick Martin Memorial Award.
Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and 2022 Fan of the Year Michael Leonard presented Okposo with "The Rico" during an on-ice ceremony Friday night before the Buffalo Sabres' regular-season finale at KeyBank Center.
As voted on by the fans, the award is presented each season to the player fans believe best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and dedication to the community.

Through 74 games played this year, Okposo has 21 goals and 45 points for his first 20-goal season as a member of the Sabres. He has put together his best offensive campaign since 2016-17.
He played in his 900th NHL game on April 5 and is currently tied for 58th in the NHL for games played among active players.
As an alternate captain, he's helped usher in a new culture in the locker room and serve as a role model for his teammates.
After opening night, he penned a letter to the fans, thanking them for the support they showed during that game.
"I know the opportunity we have here. I made Buffalo my full-time home three years ago," he said. "My family and I spend summers exploring the area and getting to know people around town. My kids have grown up here. This Minnesota guy can even call himself a Bills fan now. I know how much what we do means to you."
Following Rick Jeanneret's banner night, Okposo presented Buffalo's Hall of Fame announcer with the team sword:

Okposo was also named Buffalo's nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Buffalo chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The Masterton is awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication.
The Rick Martin Memorial Award is named in honor of Sabres great Rick Martin. "Rico" was a two-time 50 goal scorer who played 10 seasons in Buffalo from 1972-82 and remained an active member of the community until his death in 2011.
Martin played 681 games for the Sabres (3rd in franchise history) with 382 goals (2nd) and 695 points (3rd). His number 7 hangs from the rafters alongside Gilbert Perreault and the late Rene Robert, his linemates on the famed French Connection.
Okposo was one of three finalists along with Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch after an initial round of fan voting.
The award is presented by the Sabres' Gold Ring Partners: KeyBank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and LECOM.