Jun 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron is interviewed during media day in preparation for game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
While the Bruins and the Blackhawks battle for the right to take home the Stanley Cup, the National Hockey League has started giving out awards for players who have demonstrated certain characteristics that place them above other professional hockey players. Once again, a member of the Boston Bruins has walked away a piece of NHL hardware. The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is the award given to the player who “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
This winner is chosen by select members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and the NHL Broadcasters’ Association. The Clancy Trophy was first presented to the NHL Board of Governors in 1988 in memory of the late Francis M. “King” Clancy, a former Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs player in the 20’s (with three Stanley Cup wins as a player), as well as a referee, a coach and general manager.
Not knowing this gentleman’s life story, I first turned to social media, and my search spread out across the internet. This man was a giant in hockey. He’s the first man in NHL history to play all six positions in one game. (Back in the day when a goalie got a penalty, the goalie served his time in the box.)
This year’s winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy is Boston Bruins forward (and future candidate for the Hall of Fame and possibly sainthood), Patrice Bergeron.
Now I know what a lot of you are thinking… Toews robbed Bergeron as repeating champ for the Selke. Yes, I’m a Bruins fanatic, and I think Bergy should have won it again. The King Clancy is not like a second place or consolation prize for the Selke. The PHWA and the NHLBA believe the same thing we do. Bergeron’s a saint. He’s got Patrice’s Pals . Can any fan here say that they have been snubbed by Bergeron….ever? Not bloody likely. (Besides Bergeron was second behind Toews by only ten points. He’ll convert them back to him in 2014.)
So, while the Bruins are fighting for the Championship, remember they’ve got a champion amongst them right now.