Pekka Rinne Named King Clancy Memorial Trophy Winner

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Pekka Rinne. Photo: by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images

Pekka Rinne has been named the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner for his charity work with pediatric cancer, Best Buddies, Parkinson’s disease awareness, and COVID relief.

Rinne was chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. This is Rinne’s first King Clancy Memorial Trophy throughout his 15 year career. Rinne was nominated alongside former teammate P.K. Subban and Kurtis Gabriel.

“After spending 15 years with the same organization and in the same city, and with the opportunities I’ve had through local charities in my community–this is very special to me,” Rinne says. “At the same time, I was to congratulate P.K. and Kurtis on their nomination and for everything they do for their communities. I want to thank the Predators and the Predators Foundation for letting us players get involved and help in our community. I also want to recognize Shea Weber, who helped start the 365 Fund with me. This award means a lot to me and my family, and it’s a huge honor.”

The NHL made a $25,000 donation on Rinne’s behalf to benefit the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, a total that the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub will match. In honor of Rinne’s award and the commitment he’s shown to the city, the Preds are inviting fans to consider also making a donation to the 365 Fund on his behalf. Fans can help the Predators Foundation reach its goal of $36,500 in donations on gofundme.com.

“I view the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as a lifetime achievement award of sorts, and Pekka winning this year is totally reflective of what he has done on the ice, but equally, if not more importantly, what he’s done off the ice in our community,” says Predators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager David Poile. “For years, and for good reason, Pekka has been the face of our franchise and our most popular player. This is shown by the countless hours he’s spent working to make our community a better place and the sacrifices he’s made to make the lives of everyone around him better. Pekka is completely deserving of this honor, and our organization couldn’t be happier for him.”

The majority of Rinne’s charity work in the Nashville community has come through the 365 Fund, which he launched alongside Weber during the 2012-13 season. The fund works with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Additionally, the 365 Fund has a suite at Bridgestone Arena, fully funded by Rinne, which accommodates 16 special guests and family members from the children’s hospital for Predators home games throughout the season. Since the establishment of the fund, donations totaling more than $3 million have been made to the hospital and its programs.

“Everything Pekka does comes from the heart,” says Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King. “Bringing joy to others is what he is perhaps most passionate about. He is the most humble and kind-hearted person you will ever meet, and his connection with everyone he comes across is so incredibly genuine. We are so fortunate to have him in our community, and his work with the 365 Fund–in the past, now and in the future–will forever be part of his legacy.”

Steven Boero
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