Today, the NHL announced that the San Jose Sharks right winger Kurtis Gabriel, along with Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne and New Jersey Devils defenseman PK Subban, are the three finalists for the 2020-21 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities. on and off the ice and has made a remarkable humanitarian contribution in his community.

Gabriel is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ + community. He uses his social media accounts to amplify posts and educate fans and fellow gamers, while supporting LGBTQ + causes by attending events and having candid conversations.

He supported the local San Jose nonprofit LGBTQ Youth Space by donating a custom skate, worn by the game auctioned by the Sharks Foundation. Displaying the colors of the pride flag and the message “Love is love”, the object raised $ 1,600 for the benefit of the non-profit organization.

Reflecting his interest in racial and social justice awareness, Gabriel’s second skate in the custom set, which features the messages “BLM” and “Hope, Empathy, Change,” will be auctioned off by the Sharks Foundation at its June auction this summer, with proceeds going to a nonprofit focused on diversity.

Gabriel is a lifelong advocate for You Can Play, a non-profit organization working to ensure the safety and inclusion of all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ + athletes, coaches and fans.

He has also supported the African American Community Service Agency, Las Lomitas Education Foundation, Housing Industry Foundation, San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation, Girls on the Run Silicon Valley and the Sharks Foundation.

The 28-year-old recently appeared on the Sharks Teal For Change podcast with Brock McGillis. Listen part one and second part of the conversation.

Each NHL team nominated a player for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, with the three finalists and the winner being chosen by an NHL Senior Executives Committee led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

The selection committee applies the following criteria to determine the finalists and the 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
• Programming creativity
• Use of influence; engagement of others

The winners of the 2021 NHL Awards presented by Bridgestone will be announced in the Stanley Cup semi-finals and finals, with exact dates, format and times to be announced. The winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy will receive a donation of $ 25,000 to benefit one or more charities of their choice. The two finalists will each receive a donation of $ 5,000 to benefit one or more charities of their choice.