Brett Burns wins Outstanding Community

San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns is the recipient of the 2014-15 NHL Foundation Player Award, recognizing an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey — commitment, perseverance and teamwork — to enrich the lives of people in his community.

The NHL Foundation presents $25,000 to the winner’s chosen charitable organization. Burns has selected two beneficiaries: Defending the Blue Line, affording children of military members the opportunity to participate in the game of hockey by providing hockey equipment, game tickets and unique experiences with professional athletes, and Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships for family members of injured and/or deceased military men and women.

Known as a fun-loving individual both on and off the ice, Burns is heralded for his passion for giving back to the game and fans who have treated him so well. Over the past nine years, he and his family have supported several military organizations, including Defending the Blue Line, Operation: Care and Comfort, and Folds of Honor. In addition to his support of the service sector, Burns has established “Burnzie’s Buzzcut” – a fundraiser in which he and his teammates shave their heads to raise money and awareness for charities such as the San Francisco Zoo and Katie Moore Foundation, in support of close friend and former teammate Dominic Moore.

NHL Clubs submitted nominations for the NHL Foundation Player Award and the finalists were selected by a judging panel. Other finalists for this year’s honor were Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers.

About the Author

Get connected with us on Social Media