REGINA, Sask. – Saskatchewan's Derek Klein has been named as one of the Canadian finalists for the 2023 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award presented by Hyundai. The annual award recognizes individuals who have positively impacted their community, culture, or society through the sport of hockey.

For more than 25 years, Klein, the CEO of Big River First Nation, 120 km northwest of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, has played a significant role in developing the sport of hockey in the region. He has put in a lot of effort to increase funding and support for all Big River children, which has led to the construction of the $42 million Jim Neilson Sports Complex.

In a special way, the Big River First Nation and the neighbouring First Nation and non-First Nation towns are served by this complex, which bears the name of the late NHL player Jim Neilson. Over 800 children and the rural communities nearby now have connections to friends to help promote the sport, which will have a lasting effect on future generations, thanks to Klein's efforts.

Through his dedication and hard work, Klein has positively impacted his community, and it's time to recognize his efforts. People can show support by casting their votes for him to win the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award by clicking HERE.

The two winners of the 2023 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award will be determined by a judging panel with weighted votes from Willie O'Ree, NHL, and representatives from Hyundai Canada. Fans 13 years of age and older are encouraged to vote for the winners until April 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. MT. There is a limit of one vote per person per day, and votes are subject to verification at any time.

The Canadian winner of the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award will be announced during a 2023 Stanley Cup Final game. The United States winner of the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award will be announced on June 26 during the NHL Awards ceremony. Both winners will receive a $25,000 USD prize, and the four remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 USD prize, each of which will be donated to a charity of their respective choice.

It's worth noting that the inaugural winner of this award was the late Darcy Haugan, who was the general manager/head coach of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's Humboldt Broncos and passed away after the tragic bus crash on April 6th, 2018. Haugan was recognized for his unwavering dedication to his team and community and for his leadership both on and off the ice.