Meet the Finalists for the 2026 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award
The NHL announced three finalists for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, recognizing individuals who make a positive impact on their communities through hockey. The Canadian finalists for the 2026 award include Doug Grandy from Fredericton, Vinnie Matteo from Montreal, and Sonny Sekhon from Edmonton. Grandy founded the Rink Rebels Female Hockey Organization, Matteo established Avalanche Kidz for children with autism, and Sekhon created the Punjabi Elite League for ball hockey in the Punjabi community.
Doug Grandy, based in Fredericton, is the founder and coach of the Rink Rebels Female Hockey Organization. Vinnie Matteo, from Montreal, founded Avalanche Kidz, a hockey program for children with autism and developmental challenges. Sonny Sekhon, hailing from Edmonton, established the Punjabi Elite League, a ball hockey program promoting physical fitness and community connection within the Punjabi community.
The American nominees for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award are Steven Thompson from Seattle, Bill Tobias from New York, and Kendal Troutman from Los Angeles. Fans can vote for their community hero until May 24 on NHL.com/OReeAward. The winners, one from the U.S. and one from Canada, will each receive $30,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is named after Willie O’Ree, the first Black player to compete in the NHL in 1958. O’Ree's contributions to hockey have led to him receiving a Congressional gold medal, induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and being named a Member of the Order of Canada.