Latest news with #WillieO'ReeCommunityHeroAward
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Meet Edmonton's Arjun Atwal, the hockey star who walked away from a pro career to build a diverse future for South Asian and BIPOC players
Arjun Atwal (Image via Instagram) When most athletes get the call to go pro, they pack their bags and don't look back. But Edmonton's Arjun Atwal? He did the exact opposite and it's turning heads across the hockey world. Instead of heading to Europe to chase a professional hockey career, Atwal chose to build something even more powerful at home: a community where South Asian and BIPOC players could finally see themselves thrive in a game that hasn't always welcomed them. Now, the NHL is giving him his flowers as a finalist for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award and it's easy to see why. Arjun Atwal turned down pro hockey dreams to uplift others instead Atwal isn't just a talented player, he's the real deal. Once crowned MVP in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and a standout for the University of Calgary, he had professional contract offers on the table from teams in Europe. But the 26-year-old Edmonton native saw something more important than personal stats or shiny trophies: representation. After spending years being one of the only non-white players in every locker room, he knew firsthand how isolating that could feel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Retirement Villages in Bangalore (Search Here For Results) Senior Living Communities Undo 'Usually going into teams or rooms and not really seeing anybody who looked like me,' Atwal told CTV. Instead of ignoring that, he decided to change it for the next generation. Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award 2025 Finalist: Arjun Atwal His AZ1 Hockey program is changing the game for South Asian and BIPOC athletes That's where AZ1 Hockey comes in. Founded by Atwal, the program isn't just about drills and ice time, it's about guidance, mentorship, and making sure no kid gets lost in the shuffle just because they don't fit the mold. AZ1 helps young South Asian and BIPOC players train and navigate hockey's often confusing (and expensive) system. It's a space where culture, confidence, and skill-building meet, something many kids have never had access to in the world of Canadian hockey. And it's growing fast. With AZ1 expanding across Canada, the vision is clear: hockey should belong to everyone, not just a select few. The NHL gives Atwal his flowers with Willie O'Ree Award finalist nod The NHL is recognizing what Atwal's been quietly building for years. He's one of the finalists for the prestigious Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which honors people using hockey to positively impact society. For Atwal, the nomination isn't about him. 'It's the kids that are making this happen… I'm just one part of the puzzle,' he said. But let's be real, that one piece is doing a whole lot of heavy lifting. The winner, announced in June, will receive $25,000 for a charity of their choice. Fans can vote daily on the NHL's official site. Arjun Atwal isn't chasing clout, he's creating change. In turning down pro hockey contracts to invest in his community, he's proving that leadership doesn't always come with a captain's 'C.' Sometimes, it looks like showing up for kids who never saw themselves on the ice before. Also read - Why Brad Marchand's Blizzard break is the chillest moment of the Panthers-Hurricanes series Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Finalists show Hockey's growing power beyond Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award
A detailed view of the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award (Credit: Getty Image) Hockey's influence is expanding beyond arenas and scoreboards. The 2025 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award finalists reflect this shift, showing how the sport is being used to uplift communities. Each finalist has created programs tailored to serve diverse social needs, from cultural inclusion to disability access. This year's honorees include three from Canada and three from the United States, as their projects highlight hockey's ability to break down barriers. Also build bridges in neighborhoods often overlooked by the game. Leaders serving local needs through sport Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award 2025 Finalist: Mackenzie Janes by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1940-1975 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Reassured Get Quote Undo The Canadian finalists have rooted their work in community identity. In Edmonton, efforts focus on guiding South Asian youth through hockey's complex landscape. In Calgary, hockey is used as a gateway to Indigenous education and understanding. Ottawa's nominee addresses financial inequality by providing equipment to players who can't afford it. In the U.S., the approach is just as thoughtful. One program offers adapted hockey sessions for children with special needs. Another supports players across disabilities and age groups, offering different forms of hockey. A third finalist built a strong LGBTQ+ league in Chicago, proving that the game can welcome all. Public voting open until May 25 A detailed view of the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award (Credit: Getty Image) Fans have a chance to support these heroes by voting online until May 25. Two winners, one from each country, will receive $25,000 for a charity of their choice. The remaining finalists will also receive smaller donations. Winners will be announced in June. The award continues to be supported by Hyundai in Canada and Discover in the U.S., with both sponsors backing inclusive hockey efforts. Celebrating Hockey's broader role in society Named after Willie O'Ree, the NHL's first Black player and a long-time advocate for equity in sport, the award honors those who carry forward his legacy. Read more: Details on where to catch Edmonton Oilers vs. Golden Knights Game 4 Live Each finalist this year proves that hockey can be more than competition. It can be a platform for education, support, and belonging. By recognizing these efforts, the award reminds the hockey world of its potential far beyond the rink. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings. Catch Lovlina's story unfold on Game On. Watch here!
