The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the player who “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.” The winner is chosen by members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.
Chris Tierney has been nominated for his work in the San Jose community. For the second consecutive year, Tierney was the Sharks’ ambassador for Hockey Is For Everyone, an initiative to promote the sport among marginalized groups, in partnership with the You Can Play Project, a nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate homophobia in sports.
Per the press release, here are a few of the activities Tierney has participated in as ambassador:
Tierney has lived his role every day of the year, not just during Hockey Is For Everyone month. He has participated in the Sharks Special Olympics Floor Hockey Game in November, playing a unified game with 60 special needs athletes, while their families cheered them on. In addition, he coached a Special Needs Hockey Practice in February and is a regular at annual hospital visits, including a Capes4Heroes trip in January. Some of the contributions include:
LGBTQ Youth Space (Caminar): As the Hockey Is For Everyone Night 50/50 beneficary for the past two seasons, Chris’ visit has helped the Sharks Foundation donate over $15,000.
Served as a celebrity coach for the Special Hockey class at Solar4AmericaIce as part of Hockey Is For Everyone Month.
Participated in the Special Olympics Northern California Floor Hockey Program for the second annual floor hockey game
2016-17 Goals For Kids: Helped raise $12,100 through individual goals scored.
2017-18 Goals For Kids: Helped raise $17,000 through individual goals scored.
2016 Holiday Assist: Purchased $300 worth of gifts for adopted family.
2017 Holiday Assist: Purchased $400 worth of gifts for adopted family.
Capes4Heroes Hospital Visit: 20 patients visited, 35,000 views on Facebook 2017, 9,200 views 2016.
This is the 23-year-old Tierney’s fourth season with the Sharks. He’s one of three players to play in all 82 games this season. He set a career high in goals (17), assists (23), points (40), and shots (118).
This is his first time being nominated for the King Clancy Award. No Sharks player has ever won.
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