New York Islanders captain Anders Lee has been named a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

On May 9, the New York Islanders announced that Anders Lee was their King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee. 

Today, the 32-year-old captain was named a finalist, along with Edmonton Oilers' Darnell Nurse and Calgary Flames' Mikael Backlund. 

The Clancy Award is given to the player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy contribution in his community."

Voters include senior NHL executives, as well as Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

Lee has been the captain of New York since 2018. While his leadership on the ice has been paramount, his off-ice work with Jam Kancer in the Kan started before he ever donned the "C," as he did his part in raising money for children with cancer. 

ROSNER'S RESPONSE

Last season, I had the privilege of interviewing Jamey Crimmins, the founder of Jam Kancer in the Kan. 

Lee's involvement started after he saw a speech from a 15-year-old boy named Fenov Pierre-Louis, who had battled Stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer throughout his entire life.

Fenov never once let his illness define him as a person. His speeches captivated many, including Lee.

"I want to help him. I want to help kids like him (Fenov)," said Lee in a conversation with founder Jamey Crimmins. "Can I do a Kancer Jam?"

A Kancer Jam is a Kan Jam tournament that people pay to participate in, where the profits go to the Jam Kancer in the Kan foundation.

That's how the journey for Lee started with this foundation. Lee became rather close to Fenov as the two were a dynamic duo before Fenov sadly passed away in July of 2018 at the age of 17.

"He's one of the most humble people I know," Crimmins said as we discussed Anders Lee. "He doesn't take his position lightly but knows while he's in a position to be a professional hockey player, to be the captain of the Islanders, it means he has the ability to motivate people to help others."

STAN'S STANCE

Clancy, who was a Hall of Fame defenseman with Ottawa and then the Maple Leafs, also was a popular NHL referee and later coach of the Leafs. He was easily one of the most popular personalities in major league hockey.

Lee qualifies on all counts listed by the Clancy committee. These include having a clear and meaningfully positive impact on the community and a definitive investment of time and resources.

Few NHL players are as invested in Long Island's community projects as much as Lee.

Another requirement is a commitment to a particular cause as well as the league's community initiatives.

Anders' particular -- and ongoing -- charity is called Jam Kancer In The Can, as Stefen mentioned. 

Plus, Anders has helped raise over $300,000 for childhood cancer research and established the Fenov Memorial Scholarship after Fenov Pierre-Louis' passing in 2018. The scholarship is available to five high school seniors.

The winner of the Clancy Award receives a $25,000 prize which is directed toward the charity of his choice. Further, two runners-up receive $5,000 each, which also is for charitable purposes.