Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson wins U.S. Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

The NHL has handed out one of its awards for important off-ice contributions.

Dr. Sarah Dunkel-Jackson was named the U.S. winner of the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award — given to an individual who, through the sport of hockey, has positively impacted their community, culture, or society — the league announced Friday.

As the founder of “Hockey Challenge Camp,” an on-ice program for children with unique learning abilities and medical needs, Dr. Dunkel-Jackson created hockey programming that is accessible and adapted, allowing more kids to enjoy the benefits of playing the sport.

The other U.S. finalists for this year’s award were Toni Gillen, director of Minnesota Diversified Hockey which provides programming and equipment for people of all ages to play blind hockey, deaf/hard of hearing hockey, special hockey, sledge hockey, and warrior hockey; and Andrew Sobotka, former president of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA), an organization that provides a safe and inclusive space for nearly 100 hockey players to play year-round.

“One person’s passion can build a stronger community, and Dr. Dunkel-Jackson is proof of that,” said NHL diversity ambassador Willie O’Ree in a release from the league. “Her dedication to her community is helping many kids learn valuable life skills through hockey. It’s also helping parents find connections and support with other families through a shared love of the game. Congratulations, Dr. Dunkel-Jackson.”

O’Ree became the first black player to play in the NHL when he stepped onto the ice for the Boston Bruins on Jan. 18, 1958. After losing sight in his right eye at a young age, the Fredericton, N.B.-born player went on to compete in professional hockey for 21 years.

Dunkel-Jackson will receive a $25,000 prize in the form of a donation to a charity of her choice. Gillen and Sobotka will each be awarded $5,000 for a charity of their choosing.