For Sharks forward Chris Tierney, the 2017-18 season was his best yet on the ice. And he wasn't too shabby off the ice.
Tierney has been nominated for the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community, the team announced Monday.
The 23-year-old Tierney, in his fourth NHL season, stepped up to take on the responsibilities of the Sharks ambassador for the Hockey is For Everyone (HIFE) campaign. HIFE is conducted in partnership with the You Can Play Project, a nonprofit committed to supporting the LGBTQ community and fighting homophobia in sports, according to the Sharks.
Tierney participated in the Sharks Special Olympics Floor Hockey Game in November, playing a unified game with 60 special needs athletes while their families cheered them on. He also coached a Special Needs Hockey Practice in February and is a regular at annual hospital visits, including a Capes4Heroes trip in January, the team said.
Tierney posted career-highs in points (40), goals (17), assists (23) and shots (118) this season. He was one of three Sharks to play in all 82 games.
The winner of the King Clancy is chosen by select members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and the NHL Broadcasters' Association, the Sharks said.
This is the first time Tierney has been nominated for the award.
