(Photo Credits: Ralph Freso/AP)
By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88
As the Boston Bruins look to even out the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, the team announced this afternoon that Captain Zdeno Chara had been nominated for the 2018-2019 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the “player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” And for fans that have followed the team know firsthand that the Bruins organization is very keen on helping out the Boston community. For the Slovak transplant, Zdeno Chara is no stranger in having a heavy-handed involvement within the community.
Recently, the 6-foot-9 Chara was at the forefront (in his fourth year) at the Boston Bruins 12th annual PJ Drive benefiting Massachusetts children. The Drive announced that a total of 21,000 pairs of PJ’s were the collected-the largest amount ever in their history. Collections were held throughout the state with an in-game collection this past February.
(Photo Credits: WCVB.com)
This past year, New Balance teamed up with the Bruins Captain to spearhead a shoe drive for those in need here in Boston and Slovakia. The charity, Soles4Souls, is a non-profit charity based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Not only do they provide many with shoes they also aim to create sustainable jobs. Chara personally bought and donated $7,500 worth of New Balance shoes. Drop boxes were set throughout the area-one at New Balance stores, Warrior Ice Arena and an in-game shoe drive on the TD Garden this past March. Over 2,000 shoes were donated to the charity.
During the holidays, the Captain busily teamed up with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in collecting and donating over 3,000 pairs of socks to several local shelters. Chara participated in the annual team toy shopping and delivered to local Boston hospitals. For the teams’ annual Thanksgiving pie delivery, Chara once again lead the way. Aside from purchasing $2,000 worth of pies, he also invited fans to donate in an online effort to raise more money. It worked. The effort raised an additional $3,500 that went to purchasing more pies.
(Photo Credit: Dr. Bryan Hoertdoerfer)
Chara is also involved in The Big Z Challenge, an annual charity headed by the Bruins team dentist, Dr. Bryan Hoertdoerfer. The event was held this past February, giving fans a chance to not only meet the captain but to square off with the defenseman in “competitions.” The event has raised over $150,000 and it was announced that this year’s funds went to benefit the expansion of the Elliot Regional Cancer Center in Southern New Hampshire.
(Photo Credits: Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Last season, Chara joined social media and had quickly used his celebrity to shed light on the charitable efforts undertaken by the Bruins organization. As Captain, Chara knows that being a Bruin is more than just being a player on the ice. Now playing in his 13th year in Boston, his leadership role has continued to extend to the community while inspiring those around him.
On April 23rd, the three finalists will be announced with the winner being revealed at the 2019 NHL Awards. The awards will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. $40,000 in donations from the NHL Foundation will go the first-place winner, which will go to a charity of the winner’s choice. The runner-ups will each receive a $5,000 donation that will also go to a charity of their choice.
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