MINNEAPOLIS – The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation today announced 17 nominees for the 2019 Hockey Humanitarian Award, including Lake Superior State senior goaltender Nick Kossoff. The award is presented annually to college hockey's finest citizen — a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.
"It is a huge honor to be nominated," Kossoff, a kinesiology major from West Des Moines, Iowa, said, "It is not every day you get nominated for some of the off-ice stuff, so it is a huge honor."
Laker hockey head coach Damon Whitten, who was twice nominated for the award as a player at Michigan State University, thinks Nick is worthy of the nomination.
"We are proud to have Nick represent Lake Superior State University hockey as a 2019 Hockey Humanitarian Award nominee," Whitten said. "He is very deserving of the award. I cannot think of a better representative and humanitarian for our game than Nick Kossoff."
Kossoff has maintained a consistent leadership role both on and off the ice throughout his time at LSSU. Nick is a three-year member of the team's leadership council, where players are voted on by teammates to represent their class as a voice to the coaching staff along with the team captains.
"Nick is viewed as a leader and mentor by his teammates and is often the first teammate other players turn to when seeking guidance," said Whitten. "Due to his intelligence, dedication and commitment to doing things the right way, he has been an important leader in representing his teammates in discussions with the coaching staff."
The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan community has benefitted from Kossoff's involvement as well. He consistently represents LSSU and Laker Athletics in local schools and with many outreach opportunities. Kossoff has been active with the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula — helping organize and distribute food in the annual 'Giving Thanks' Thanksgiving food distribution event, assisting with their grant allocation process, volunteering in the chili cook-off event and other initiatives. Nick has also been a leading member of the team in assisting with Check.Slash.Survive, the Laker Hockey cancer awareness and fundraising event. Additionally, Nick is involved with various outreach opportunities with the youth of Sault Ste. Marie – as a Pen Pal to local classrooms and as a youth hockey coach.
Kossoff's leadership extends into the classroom as well, as he achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018 and Fall 2018 semesters. He has never received a grade lower than an A- and currently holds a 3.956 GPA, while majoring in kinesiology with a focus on rehabilitation services and human performance with a secondary major as a health/fitness specialist.
Finalists for the 2019 Hockey Humanitarian Award will be announced in February. The 2019 recipient will be honored in a ceremony on Friday, April 12 as part of the NCAA Men's Frozen Four weekend in Buffalo, New York.
The group of nominees includes 15 seniors and two juniors, along with 13 male (9 NCAA Division I) and four female candidates. The list includes nine forwards, six defenseman and two goaltenders.
The Lakers return home against Alabama Huntsville this weekend. Friday is Buck-A-Brat Night at Taffy Abel Arena. All game long, fans will be able to purchase brats for just $1 each. Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center Ticket Office or online. For additional ticket information, call (906) 635-2602.
On Friday, Jan. 25, Laker Hockey will host the ninth annual 'White Out' domestic and sexual violence awareness night, in partnership with the Diane Peppler Center and the Sexual Violence Prevention Team of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The first 1,000 fans to enter the Taffy Abel Arena will receive a free shirt to wear at the game.
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