The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Apr. 7 that Garnet Hathaway has been selected as the team’s nominee for the 2025-26 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which recognizes a player who demonstrates leadership on and off the ice and makes significant humanitarian contributions to his community.
The nomination highlights Hathaway’s ongoing commitment to supporting first responders and their families through his initiative, Hath’s Heroes. The award is given annually by a committee of senior National Hockey League executives and former winners, with the winner receiving a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity of their choice.
Since founding Hath’s Heroes with his wife Lindsay in 2019, Hathaway has developed programs offering resources and financial assistance to first responders. Inspired by his great-grandfather Garnet McElroy, a Winnipeg firefighter, the program has raised over $220,000 since its inception. Since joining Philadelphia in 2023, Hathaway expanded these efforts locally by engaging thousands of first responders through meet-and-greets at games, firehouse visits, community events such as Families Behind the Badge’s Ben to the Shore Bike Tour and Andy Chan Block Party, launching Engine 19 IPA in partnership with Dogfish Head Brewing Company and Flyers Charities—with proceeds benefiting first responder causes—and running fundraising campaigns like Hits for Hath’s Heroes.
“Garnet Hathaway is the kind of teammate every organization hopes to have. Not just for what he brings on the ice, but for the impact he makes in the community,” said Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor and Flyers Governor. “What stands out most about Garnet is the way he connects with people. He doesn’t just show up—he invests in those moments. For Garnet, this work has never been about recognition. It’s about making sure the men and women who serve our communities feel seen, supported, and deeply appreciated.”
Hathaway said: “I am extremely honored to be nominated for this award… The connections that Lindsay and I have made through Hath’s Heroes are the most rewarding part of doing this work.” Mark O’Connor from Families Behind the Badge added: “Rarely have I met someone like Garnet who is in a high-profile position and whose sole priority is to have a personal impact on everyone he meets… He uses his platform as a Philadelphia Flyer to engage with first responder families who have suffered loss with patience, kindness, and an extraordinary amount of empathy.”
The Flyers operate as a professional sports organization under the structure of the National Hockey League according to their official website. They compete as an NHL team providing professional ice hockey entertainment along with community outreach according to their official website. Their support includes programs such as cancer awareness initiatives according to their official website.
As background context from franchise history: On Dec. 11, 1977 defenseman Tom Bladon recorded an eight-point game during an 11-1 victory over Cleveland Barons—the first time this feat was achieved by an NHL defenseman according to their official website.
Looking ahead, if chosen as winner among all nominees league-wide—which are selected by each club—the recipient will also be eligible for additional grants supporting humanitarian causes related to their work.
