HONOR AND RECOGNITION

SAKU KOIVU – NHL King Clancy Award 2006-07

On June 14, 2007, the National Hockey League awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy to Canadiens captain Saku Koivu. This honor is presented annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

Displaying exemplary perseverance and determination to succeed, Saku Koivu has already left his mark with hockey’s most celebrated franchise. After battling and beating non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Saku went on to create the Saku Koivu Foundation in 2002. Through his own financial generosity and leadership, the Foundation has raised $2.5 million, leading to the acquisition of a PET/CT scanner for the Montreal General Hospital, the first one in Montreal. The Foundation is committed to continue its fundraising to support the Montreal General Hospital Cancer and Trauma Department.

Saku regularly visits with cancer patients and signs personalized get well cards, inspiring and making wishes come true for children fighting the disease. The official spokesperson for the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer campaign since 2003, He was also the initial recipient of the Jean Béliveau Award for 2003-04.


STEVE BÉGIN –Jean Béliveau Trophy 2005-06

On September 23, 2006, the Montreal Canadiens announced the recipient of the Jean Béliveau Trophy for 2005-06 prior to a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mr. Béliveau was on hand to present the award to Steve Bégin for his outstanding community involvement and spirit.

A tireless player on the ice, Steve Bégin is just as dedicated when it comes to his involvement in the community. His generosity and genuine nature only equal his enthusiasm when he reaches out those in need, especially children. Steve was the spokesperson for the Canadiens Annual Blood Drive and co-captain of the Saputo Future Canadiens Fan Club. Equally in demand during the hockey season and the off-season Steve spent countless hours meeting with children battling illness. He also visited numerous schools, participated in hockey tournaments and several fundraising initiatives.

Not keen on being in the spotlight, Steve is nonetheless aware of his role in the community and the impact he has as a result of his hockey player status. As a father of two, he is very much at ease with children and quickly develops a feeling of trust and friendship with them. In June 2006, Steve joined the Board of Directors of the Canadiens Children’s Foundation.

Inaugurated on October 18, 2003, the Jean Béliveau Trophy is awarded annually to a Canadiens player who has demonstrated stellar community involvement and spirit. A tribute to the dedication and the community presence of the legendary Jean Béliveau, the trophy is awarded along with a $25,000 donation from the Foundation to a non-profit organization on behalf of the recipient.
Steve Bégin selected Assistance d’enfants en difficulté and the Quebec Chapter of Make-a-Wish Foundation to share the $25,000 donation.


CRISTOBAL HUET – MBNA Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award 2005-06

Prior to a Canadiens game on September 20, 2006 at the Bell Centre, netminder Cristobal Huet was presented with the MBNA Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award, a trophy awarded annually to the NHL goaltender with the best save percentage during the regular season. On behalf of Cristobal Huet, MBNA donated $25,000 USD divided equally between Club Médaille d’or and the Canadiens Children’s Foundation.