Dion Knelsen Named A Finalist For Hockey Humanitarian Award

Dion Knelsen Named A Finalist For Hockey Humanitarian Award

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Alaska Nanooks senior forward Dion Knelsen (Three Hills, AB, Drumheller (AJHL)) has been named one of seven finalists for the 2010 BNY Mellon Wealth Management Hockey Humanitarian Award, given annually to the college hockey player that most personifies community spirit through leadership, effort and time.

"I am humbled to be named a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award,” said Kenlsen. “While this recognition is a huge honor, I do not prefer to be singled out or given praise for anything of this sort, as I am really just a small part of a team where everyone is committed to selflessly serving the community.”

From Three Hills, Alberta, Knelsen had already developed a deep devotion to visiting senior citizens going back to his high school and junior hockey days, and he's carried that same passion and inspiration through his four years in college. He visits elder citizens at the Denali Center semi-regularly, bringing with him his enthusiasm and infectious joy.

"It's so easy to forget about them," said Knelsen, "but everybody has worth. They may be older and unable to do many of the things they used to do, but they still have tremendous value."

He also sings regularly for a local youth faith group, has served as a youth mentor, and often volunteers at a local horse farm where he has helped handicapped individuals learn to ride.

In addition, Knelsen also reads to local students ('Nooks for Books'), teaches hockey to area youth, and sponsors a child in the Dominican Republic.

A four-year letter winner for the Blue and Gold, Knelsen is second on the team in scoring this season with his new single-season career high for points with 17 goals and 21 assists good for 38 points. He is 17th on the Nanooks' all-time scorers list with 43 goals and 72 assists for 115 points through 143 career appearances. He is one of ten finalists for the 2010 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, a Hobey Baker candidate.

In the classroom, Knelsen is as sharp as his skates, maintaining a near perfect 3.984 grade-point average and having made the Chancellor's List in all seven semesters at UAF thus far. A nominee for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Joel Wiegert Award, which recognizes the school's outstanding graduating senior man. Knelsen is a strong candidate to follow in the footsteps of his former teammate Trevor Hyatt, the 2009 Joel Wiegert Award winner and a 2009 Hockey Humanitarian nominee.

Joining Knelsen in the group of finalists are: Colgate senior Ethan Cox, Amherst senior Kirsten Dier, Adrian junior Sam Kuzyk, Williams senior Zachary Miller, Connecticut College junior Brigid O'Gorman and Denver senior Brandon Vossberg.

“Looking at all the other candidates, it is easy to see that there are many other programs around the league that share the Nanooks' passion for giving back to their respective communities,” Knelsen said. “That makes me even more proud to be an NCAA hockey player. “

This year's recipient will be introduced on Friday, April 9 in an evening ceremony at Ford Field in Detroit as part of the 2010 Men's Frozen Four and NCAA Frozen Four Skills Challenge.
Print Friendly Version
Related News