Wild defenseman Matt Dumba wins King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Kyle Brown
Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) celebrates his goal against the Dallas Stars in the first period.[AP/LM Otero]

Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, who co-founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance while the NHL season was on pause, has won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

The award recognizes outstanding leadership on and off the ice and noteworthy humanitarian contribution to community.

Dumba stepped up as one of hockey’s biggest voices for racial equity in the midst of civil unrest across the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody in Minneapolis.

Dumba gave a moving speech calling for an end to systemic racism before the puck dropped in the NHL’s first game back from the COVID-19 shutdown. He then became the first NHL player to take a knee during the national anthem.

"On behalf of the NHL and the Hockey Diversity Alliance, we vow and promise to stand up for injustice and fight for what is right," Dumba said before an Aug. 1 game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers. "I know firsthand as a minority playing the great game of hockey, the unexplainable challenges that come with it.

"The Hockey Diversity Alliance and NHL want kids to feel safe, comfortable and free-minded every time they enter an arena. I stand in front of you today on behalf of those groups and promise you that we will fight against injustice and fight for what is right."

Dumba also contributed $100,000 to Rebuild Minnesota, an initiative supporting the effort to rebuild Lake Street businesses that were damaged during the riots earlier this year.

As part of the King Clancy Trophy recognition, Dumba will receive $25,000 from the National Hockey League Foundation to donate between Athletes Committed to Educating Students and the Hockey Diversity Alliance.