Columbus Blue Jackets Captain Nick Foligno Brings Home Leadership Awards
The captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets was the star of the NHL Leadership Awards ceremony last night. In Vegas, Nick Foligno won two of the top awards the NHL gives out.
The two-night NHL award ceremony kicked off last night. Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno stole the show and took home the top awards of the evening.
The captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets won the Mark Messier Leadership award and King Clancy award. Both are well earned and if anyone in the NHL deserves the recognition, it’s Foligno.
Nick Foligno wins the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice. #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Abeyx2H5Gd
— NHL (@NHL) June 20, 2017
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded to a leader on and off the ice who also has made significant contributions to his community. Foligno has clearly shown leadership on the ice as captain but his off ice actions speak louder. If you live in Central Ohio, you have probably seen Foligno at one of many charity events for any number of organizations.
Columbus Blue Jackets
He also donated $1 million to two children’s hospitals. This includes $500,000 to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. He also runs the Janis Foligno Foundation which raises money to combat breast cancer. His mother Janis, fell to this terrible disease and Nick has stepped up and raised thousands to help end breast cancer. His exploits even drew the attention of ESPN’s John Buccigross.
Mark Messier Leadership Award
The second piece of hardware has a similar description as the King Clancy but a much better name. The Mark Messier Leadership award, named after one of the best players in NHL history, is coming to Columbus thanks to Foligno as well.
Messier played for 25 years in the NHL and is 3rd overall on the points list. “Moose” is the only player to lead two teams to a Stanley Cup as a captain. To win an award with Mark Messier’s name on it is quite a feat.
Former winners include Sidney Crosby, Chris Chelios, and Mats Sundin.
The league-wide recognition of Foligno is much deserved and it thrills us at Union and Blue that he is in the spotlight. Our franchise and city are lucky to have Nick and we look forward to many more years of his leadership.