In an era of ever-increasing ego display

when so many of today’s athletes are sending the wrong message to our children and when success often seems measured solely by dollar signs and contract signings, it is time to call attention to individuals who embody all that is, and can be, right with sport. While the media often seem preoccupied with the antics of players after the whistle or outside the game—all the while decrying the absence of better role models for our youth—the Hockey Humanitarians want to put sports, and all of its participants, in the proper perspective. And, while team games, by definition, encompass both teamwork and the contributions of the individual to the success of the group as a whole, we want to acknowledge the accomplishments of personal character, scholarship, and the giving of oneself off the ice to the larger community as well. The Humanitarian Award is meant to be seen as a true measure of a person’s worth, not just as an athlete, but as someone who embodies those values that merit our recognition.

It is our hope that in some small way such a display will have a positive influence on future generations of hockey players. We feel an obligation to help our children find the proper balance as they confront deciding who their role models are and what values they should embrace in this increasingly complex world. Our foundation believes there are Humanitarians to be found in programs everywhere and that it is time for many in the media to reconsider their focus on the frequently destructive and selfish behavior of those athletes who often receive too much of our attention. We feel that the great majority of us share the values represented by The Humanitarian Award and that the time has come for this message to be more widely disseminated.

John R. Greenhalgh, Founding Director
Jeffrey Millman, Founding Director

History

In October of 1995, two dads were watching their sons practice with their squirt hockey team. The coach? A volunteer. But not just any volunteer. A Division I college player who had recently recovered from a life-threatening accident that left him in a coma—with little hope of ever walking or talking again. And yet there he was, returning to the ice to help kids learn how to play the game he loved.

The dads were John Greenhalgh and Jeff Millman—Founding Directors of The Hockey Humanitarian Award. After seeing this courageous, kind-hearted act, they decided to start honoring athletes who kids could actually look up to.

So in February of 1996, John and Jeff handed out their very first award to the volunteer coach—J.P. McKersie of the BU Terriers.

Within weeks, they recruited people from the world of athletics, business, education, and the media who shared their passion to create a board of directors. And just four years later, The Hockey Humanitarian Award went national. Today it’s often referred to as “one of college hockey’s most important awards.” And its message continues to resonate throughout college athletics.

Each year, nominations for young men and women from every college varsity hockey program are submitted. They represent athletes who respect the rules of the game both on and off the ice. Who give back to their communities not because it’s an obligation—but because they know enriching other people’s lives is a great way to do the same for their own.

The candidates are more than great athletes. They’re tomorrow’s leaders. And they’re exactly who John, Jeff, and the rest of The Foundation believe future generations should idolize. With blades of steel—and hearts of gold.

Trustees

Ryan Adler—Stamford, CT
TRUSTEE—BERKERY NOYES

Joe Bertagna—Boston, Mass.
TRUSTEE—AHCA

Tim Brule—Minneapolis, Minn.
TREASURER—USCHO

Ed Carpenter—Boston, Mass.
TRUSTEE—BOSTON UNIV SID (RETIRED)

Greg Copeland—Milwaukee, Wis.
TRUSTEE—CORT BUSINESS SERVICES

David Goldsmith—Boston, Mass.
TRUSTEE—ezCater

James Goldsmith—Cleveland, Ohio
TRUSTEE—ULMER & BERNE

Aleca Hughes—Boston, Mass.
TRUSTEE—CATALANT TECHNOLOGIES

Tucker Mullin—Boston, Mass.
TRUSTEE—GOLDMAN SACHS & CO.

Max Fenkell—Washington, DC
TRUSTEE—JOBY AVIATION

Matt Patrick—Minneapolis, Minn.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR—PIPER SANDLER

Peter Souris—Boston, Mass.
MEDIA RELATIONS

James Wright—Pasadena, Ca
TRUSTEE—BANK OF AMERICA-MERRILL LYNCH

Tom Wright—Minneapolis, Minn.
TRUSTEE—ABBOT DOWNING (RETIRED)

Tim Brokaw—Cleveland, Ohio
TRUSTEE—BROKAW, INC.