Oilers’ Darnell Nurse Nominated for King Clancy Memorial Trophy

EDMONTON, Alberta – Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers has been nominated for the prestigious King Clancy Memorial Trophy for the 2024-25 season. This award honors an NHL player who exemplifies leadership and humanitarian contributions within their community.

Each NHL team submits one nominee who has a significant connection to humanitarian efforts. Nurse’s story highlights his partnership with Free Play for Kids, a charity in Edmonton that provides free sports programs for youth, particularly for newcomers and those facing financial hardships.

Nurse shared how sports can transform lives during a visit to Free Play, recalling his father Richard‘s journey as an immigrant from Trinidad to Canada. “When I spend time with the kids at Free Play, they remind me of the joy that comes with playing sports,” Nurse said. He explained that his father’s love for sports helped him adjust to his new life as a child.

Free Play has empowered thousands of children in Edmonton since its inception, and Nurse has actively participated in their initiatives since 2021. He introduced the ‘Captain of the Week’ program, recognizing students demonstrating leadership qualities at various elementary schools within Free Play’s network. These students are invited to attend an Oilers game as Nurse’s guests.

Through his collaboration with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, Nurse has helped raise over $1.5 million for Free Play via the ‘Every Kid Deserves a Shot’ initiative. Reflecting on his involvement, Nurse stated, “It’s exactly what I hoped for when we started.”

Nurse’s commitment to education also shines through with the Darnell Nurse Excellence Scholarship, launched in 2021 for students at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. This scholarship provides $40,000 to two recipients each year, supporting those who overcome adversity in their academic pursuits.

“I’d much rather talk about the accomplishments of these incredible students than myself,” Nurse emphasized. His focus is on making a difference in the community and helping every child reach their full potential. “It’s about opening doors to make their dreams possible,” he added, highlighting the importance of belonging and education in the lives of young individuals.