Will Bruce's acceptance speech at 2008 Hockey Humanitarian Award ceremony in Denver and more

Senior men's ice hockey player Will Bruce received the Hockey Humanitarian Award April 11th in Denver, Colorado at the NCAA Frozen Four as "hockey's finest citizen."

Below you will find Will's acceptance speech and a link to the USCHO.com profile of Will by Chris Lerch and an extended audio interview with Will that is on the collegehockeynews.com website.

USCHO.com  profile by Chris Lerch

Collegehockeynews.com audio

Video -- WRGB Interview and footage of Will receiving the trophy in Denver

Will's acceptance speeh in Denver:

Hi, everybody.

I’d like to thank the Hockey Humanitarian Foundation and BNY Mellon Wealth Management for this award. I’d also like to thank Williams College, Coach Kangas, and my parents for the opportunities they’ve given me.

I think the Hockey Humanitarian Award does much more than recognize any single individual.

I think it identifies sports in general and hockey in particular as a vehicle for making a difference in the lives of others – whether it be players serving as positive role models or teams volunteering in their communities.

I also think this award allows us to equate the concept of team with the concept of community. Successful teams and successful communities are built upon the bonds of friendship. Successful teams and successful communities are inclusive of every member. And, successful teams and successful communities thrive on selflessness.  

In hockey, the ultimate goal is winning championships. From my perspective, in service to one’s community, the ultimate goal is about more than making a difference. It is about putting into practice the idea that we are all joined together in a common bond of humanity. It is about breathing life into the notion that every person matters.

So, in closing, I’d like to encourage everyone to think of service to others in a new way. Think of it as joining a team that exists beyond the locker room walls. Think of it as playing a game in which winning is defined by making a difference in the lives of others. And, think of it as competing for a championship that is won when reality is made consistent with the belief in human dignity.