Gauthier, Potvin, and Squires nominated for Humanitarian of the Year Award
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League today announced the finalists for the Humanitarian of the Year award, which recognizes a player’s outstanding contribution to the well-being of his community.
This year’s finalists are Kaylen Gauthier of the Sherbrooke Phœnix, Frédéric Potvin of the Val-d’Or Foreurs, and Cam Squires of the Cape Breton Eagles.
As captain of the Phœnix, Gauthier has shown exceptional leadership both on and off the ice. The 21-year-old from Drummondville, QC has participated in various community initiatives, including distributing school supplies to underprivileged families and creating the Captain’s Game, which allowed less fortunate families to attend major junior hockey events together. Gauthier has also visited schools, practiced with minor hockey teams, and engaged with fans through the team’s skating activities.
Potvin, a native of Val-d’Or, has demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of getting involved in his own community. He has participated in various charity events, such as the Media’s Big Drive to raise funds for local organizations, and has regularly engaged with both fans and minor hockey teams throughout the season. What impressed the selection committee the most was his initiative to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure with his teammates after finding out that his aunt had been diagnosed with cancer. Potvin is now involved with a committee dedicated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Squires, a sophomore with the Cape Breton Eagles, has not only put up impressive numbers on the ice this season but has also made a significant impact in his community. He selected the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Breton as his charity of choice and thus created the Squires Squad, which donated four season tickets to the youth-oriented, non-profit charity to allow families to attend Eagles games. Squires has also volunteered his time at the club to provide mentorship, talk with the kids about their lives and goals, and even organized a ball hockey tournament to engage the youth.
