Here it is folks, the day you’ve all been waiting for. I bet every single one of you has been waiting on pins and needles to find out who wins the Clancy. It is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. Generally, this one goes to players who do extremely awesome philanthropy. As we aren’t exactly privy to that information it took on a little different flavor. And your winner is…..
WINNER: Brandon Dubinsky
AlisonL (1): “Brandon gets my vote more for his “surprise” contribution to the organization this year. Dubi stepped up on ice – working his butt off every shift, standing up for teammates (even after the final buzzer – see LA). The organization has mentioned Dubi’s name time and time again when it comes to those who could gain the C and he wore the A as part of the CBJ’s rotation this year. He also was sure his presence was known off-ice. Dubi was in Columbus within days of being traded, consistently interacted with fans and had some of the most articulate and powerful comments immediately following the team’s final game this season (not to mention that he even kept his commitment to show up on the Fox Sports Ohio set immediately after learning we’d been eliminated. During and post season, we’ve also seen photos of #17 engaging with the Blue Jackets Foundation, visiting Children’s Hospital and attending Clippers games. Dubs is serving as an embassador for the CBJ and the city on and off ice.”
CBJProspects (1): “Due to his strong late season play Dubi has become a strong possibility for captain next season when we put the C on someone full time. Dubi stood up for Arty when Charlie Coyle hit him with an elbow.”
Runner Up: Jack Johnson
CBJProspects (2): “The guy everyone thought could have the C put on his jersey as soon as he got here last season. Jack is another player that never turned down an interview also giving the end of season speech at the season finale.”
The Coach (1): “With leadership covered in other awards, I wanted to focus on the community aspect of the Clancy. Johnson may have his flaws, but no player has embraced the Columbus community more than him. When a guy of Johnson’s stature comes to a team and endorses it the way he did, people notice. He was the first step towards rebuilding the image of the Blue Jackets around the league.”
Honorable Mention: James Wisniewski
The Coach (2): “If I nominate Johnson for the reason I did, then I have to do the same for Wiz. He was the first player of note to really show public excitement about coming to Columbus. Since then, he has been a constant ambassador for the team within the community, engaging on Twitter, and contributing philanthropically as much as anyone.”
Honorable Mention: Vinny Propsal 2pts
AlisonL (2): “The no-brainer nominee. Vinny is the constant through the past two years that has constantly challenged this team to get better and better – not only skill wise, but in mindset and attitude. Vinny played every single CBJ game, and led the team in points. At 38 years old, that’s no small feat. Vinny brought the swagger this city was clammoring for culminating in his ‘scoreboard point” versus Detroit. If you see Vinny around the city, he’ll always have a kind word and a moment for you. I shudder to think where we’d be without him on our roster.”
Honorable Mention: Colton Gillies
AlisonL (3): “Colton showed a different kind of leadership than most may think of – and that’s handling his roster role with class. Colton was always just excited to play when he got the opportunity and played his heart out on every shift – even if he wasn’t the most talented on the ice. What overshadows his on-ice skill is his off-ice behavior. Colton immediately became the darling of the CBJF Black Tie Ball this year when it was obvious his “hero” had eyes only for him. While every player was gracious to the great kids involved in this event, Colton kept up a relationship with his Lily and met her (and her family) a few times after other games. Sometimes a contribution to the community is just as powerful when it starts with one very special person – and Colton made that happen with sincerity and dedication.”
CBJProspects (3): “Okay this one is totally on the “noteworthy humanitarian contribution” part of the qualifications. Gillies seemed like he was always willing to make an appearance in the community(schools, hospitals etc.) even going to Children’s Hospital after the season.”
Honorable Mention: Nick Foligno
The Coach (3): “The Clancy tends to go to guys who have done outstanding philanthropic work. Unfortunately, I am not privy to how many of the projects initiated by the players. What I do know is that Foligno has been consistently been engaging with fans throughout his time in the NHL. No further evidence of that is needed than this video.“
So there you go everyone, your King Clancy winner for the Jackets. Stay tuned, as tomorrow we name our Front Office Executive of the Year.
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