Andrew Ference has won the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy. He is just the third Oiler to win the award, sharing the honor with Ethan Moreau and Kevin Lowe. Here is part of the Oilers’ report:
Edmonton Oilers captain Andrew Ference has been named this year’s recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.Ference will be honored at the 2014 NHL Awards Gala, being at the world-famous Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ference's work in the community encompassed a variety of community initiatives, including several projects on behalf of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF). In addition to these endeavors, Ference was involved in many of his own charity initiatives, most notably the November Project, the Hope Mission Shelter and leading the way on a Christmas toy delivery to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
From the moment he arrived in Edmonton it was clear that being an Oiler, for him, was not just something he did on the ice. He immediately began to integrate himself into the community in a very positive and inclusive way. His November Project was one of the first visible ventures he joined bringing his enthusiasm and expertise to the free fitness project.
Naturally, as Captain of the Oilers that also means greater involvement with club sponsored charities as well as any personal ones and for all of the complaints that could be levied towards the Oiler defenseman nobody can accuse him of shirking on those duties. He has appeared extremely accessible in a time when professional athletes can be less and less so. Edmontonians can find him exercising in the River Valley, starring in “Green… initiatives with the Mayor or marching in the Pride Parade. He is approachable and conscientious of his place in the community. He understands his role and has been an active member of this community.
Ference is an Edmonton product and perhaps has a stronger bond to this city than the average NHL player but his commitment to the community goes well beyond the norm. While I’m sure the King Clancy Award is wonderful recognition of the work he has done to date, I think it might be safe to say that it’s just icing on the cake.
Congratulations to Ference, he has been an excellent ambassador for the Oilers and an even better member of this community.
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