Humboldt coach wins NHL's inaugural Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award
Humboldt Broncos coach Darcy Haugan won the inaugural Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, presented to the person who best utilizes hockey as a platform for participants to build character and develop important life skills for a more positive family experience, at the 2018 NHL Awards in Las Vegas on Wednesday June 21.
Haugan, 42, was one of 16 people killed when a bus carrying the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team to a playoff game was involved in an accident in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, on April 6. He was a unique coach at an elite hockey program not just focused on wins and losses but helping his players become better people.
Haugan also wanted his players to give back to the community. In 2015, Haugan earned Hockey Alberta's prestigious Meritorious Award for his contributions to hockey. He strongly believed that hockey is not about making players, but human beings, and was a frequent attendee at fundraisers, minor hockey clinics, and spoke with community leaders and schools about family, integrity and respect.
The award brings awareness to anonymous and uplifting stories of community, making it strong by using hockey as platform. Haugan did that by building young leaders and died doing what he loved, surrounded by the young people to whom he dedicated his life. The emotional tribute and presentation to his team can be viewed here.
In April this year, the NHL announced the creation of the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which recognizes the commitment of those improving lives and strengthening communities through hockey.
The three finalists for the first Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award were announced in early June, and included Debbie Bland of Etobicoke, Ontario, co-founder/builder of the Etobicoke Dolphins Girls Hockey League; Neal Henderson of Washington, founder of the Fort Dupont Hockey Club; and Darcy Haugan, the late coach of the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
O'Ree, the NHL's Diversity Ambassador, and his committee chose the finalists from a pool of nine semifinalists based on their demonstration of impressive leadership, collaboration and behavior that has transcended the sport, improved lives and helped others reach their potential.
"I believe we are three individuals within ourselves," said O'Ree, the NHL's Diversity Ambassador for the Hockey is for Everyone initiative and the first black player in the NHL. "We're a person who we think we are, we're a person who other people think we are and we're a person who we really are. And to find that real person within yourself and staying focused on what you want to do, that's a big factor."
To find out more about the award and the shortlist, visit the NHL website here.
The NHL is one of the Founding Supporters of Beyond Sport United, which is taking place this year on September 12-13.