January 20, 2006
Seven Finalists Named for Hockey Humanitarian Award

The Hockey Humanitarian Foundation has named seven finalists for the 2006 Hockey Humanitarian Award.

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:

Janelle Armitage, Sr., Connecticut
Eric Leroux, Sr., Princeton
Drew Miller, Jr., Michigan State
Mason Oakes, Sr., Lawrence University
Jaime Sifers, Sr., Vermont
Chris Trick, Sr., Notre Dame
Lindsay Williams, Jr., Clarkson

The finalists were selected by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Executive Committee from a group of 18 nominees. Each of the finalists have exhibited a strong commitment to their communities, their teams and their studies. Among the highlights of their many humanitarian endeavors:

Janelle Armitage organized a winter coat and clothing drive, organized a team effort to purchase gifts for teen home and organized a fund drive to aid an arena employee whose home was burned down.

Eric Leroux spent 10 weeks in Kenya working with the Foundation for Sustainable Development and six weeks in Ecuador working in a community malaria clinic. At Princeton he founded a team initiative named PUCK (Providing Underprivileged Communities and Kids) and the Princeton World Health Initiative.

Drew Miller created the Spartan Buddy Program which sends students to visit children with severe or terminal illnesses. Miller is a Pen Pal to a local elementary classroom and has worked with the Children’s Miracle Network, Teams For Toys and the Special Olympics.

Mason Oakes works with multiple Boys and Girls Clubs and is very involved in the Appleton, Wisconsin community including food drives and volunteering at retirement homes.

Jaime Sifers is the team liaison with the Jarred Williams Foundation which helps families with a chronically ill child, helped raise $20,000 to improve the lives of children, women and families at risk as well as working with the King Street Youth Center.

Chris Trick oversees the community service activities of the Irish hockey team and organized the “Buddy Walk” in addition to organizing the Robinson Center Kid’s Skate.

Lindsay Williams oversees the weekly community service efforts of the Clarkson women’s hockey team and works with the Helping Hands for less fortunate families. Williams has raised money for holiday dinners and organized the “Skate With The Knights”.

For more detailed information on the community service and humanitarian deeds of the 2006 finalists, visit www.hockeyhumanitarian.org.

The 11th recipient of the Hockey Humanitarian Award will be selected from this group of finalists and named in a ceremony held in conjunction with the Hobey Baker Award and NCAA Skills Competition on Friday, April 7, in Milwaukee, Wisc., at the 2006 NCAA Frozen Four.