On Wednesday morning, the NHL announced the 32 team nominees for the 2023-24 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is 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 nominee for the Chicago Blackhawks is defenseman Connor Murphy for the fourth consecutive season.
From the Blackhawks’ story on Murphy’s nomination:
Every month throughout the 2023-24 season, the veteran visited police and fire stations across the city, surprising those on staff with lunch for the day, while spending time engaging with first responders on the front lines of serving Chicago every day. Murphy is often accompanied on visits by his wife, Kristina, who is a nurse
From each visit, Murphy would also recognize one exemplary individual — someone who demonstrated leadership within their station or district, went above and beyond their role by inspiring others or stepped in when support is needed — and invited him or her to a Blackhawks home game, with a personalized experience to showcase his gratitude for their work.
From the NHL’s release:
The nominees were selected by their respective NHL teams. The winner will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of Commissioner Gary Bettman and, for the first time, former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the historic NHL Foundation Player Award.
In determining the winner, the selection committee will consider the criteria of a nominee’s inspiration, involvement, and impact to positively benefit his community.
The nominee with the most votes will be named the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. New this year, the winner will also be eligible to elect that his Club receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.
Here is the full list of nominees: