Apr 8, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Kevin Hayes (13) reacts after being named first star of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena. (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3d7a94bf-a095-4e22-9b3c-5f448339ff77.jpeg] Apr 8, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Kevin Hayes (13) reacts after being named first star of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena. (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] nominated forward Kevin Hayes for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award given annually to the NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” Hayes, 32, is well-known for his personality on and off the ice, as his peers also just voted him most likely to have a career in broadcasting for the annual NHL Players Association (NHLPA) Players Poll. But his humanitarian efforts are really what distinguish him. After each home game this season, his initiative, "Hayes' Heroes," recognizes a first responder and their family. For each game in Pittsburgh, Hayes purchases tickets for a first responder and their family, and he meets them after the game. The initiative began during his playing days with the New York Rangers, when he honored families affected by the 9/11 attacks. He carried the program over to Philadelphia, then St. Louis, and now Pittsburgh, and first responders as a whole have become a focus. If Hayes would win the Clancy trophy, $25,000 would be awarded to a charity of Hayes' choice. Every NHL team announced a nominee on Tuesday, and a winner will be chosen by a selection committee that includes former winners of the trophy. No Penguins' player has ever won the award. Sidney Crosby Named 'Most Complete Player' For Sixth Consecutive Season In NHLPA Player Poll [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/85e0517f-61db-481d-abc3-5807685c53a2.jpeg] Sidney Crosby Named 'Most Complete Player' For Sixth Consecutive Season In NHLPA Player Poll For the sixth consecutive season, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> captain Sidney Crosby has earned a prestigious honor from his NHL peers. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/sidney-crosby-named-most-complete-player-for-sixth-consecutive-season-in-nhlpa-player-poll] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwquDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
