06.06.2023
The National Hockey League named Dean Smith of Halifax, Nova Scotia as the winner of the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. The honor is named after the Hockey Hall of Famer and is given to an individual who, through hockey, impacted their community, culture or the society of Canada.
Smith, a lawyer, served as Chair of Hockey Nova Scotia’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, and currently is a member of the Board of Directors as their Chair of Diversity and Inclusion. He is also the Secretary to the Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame Society.
“Dean gives back to Halifax, Nova Scotia in so many different ways to grow the game, and the work he has done with Hockey Nova Scotia over the years has been incredible to positively impact families,” stated O’Ree, a member of The Carnegie Initiative’s Board of Directors. “Dean constantly works to create a friendly and safe space for everyone to enjoy the great sport of hockey and he truly showcases what this award is all about. Congratulations to Dean on this very well-deserved honour.”
This year marked the first time that the league presented the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award to one winner in Canada and one winner in the United States. The U.S. winner will be announced during the NHL’s awards ceremony in Nashville on June 26.