NHL announced the 3 finalists for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. The award is given to an individual who – through the sport of hockey – has positively impacted their community, culture, or society. Fans are encouraged to vote for their community hero now at NHL.com/OReeAward.

 

Voting is open now until May 25th, 2025. The Award winners will receive $25,000 prize in the form of a donation to the charity of their choice. We invite you to not only vote each and every day but also share this with your network. We have graphics attached for sharing. If you have any questions, please contact community@wild.com 

 

We have a finalist in Toni Gillen who has served as the Director for Diversified Hockey for 18 years!

 

About Toni Gillen

Director of Diversified Hockey, Minnesota Hockey | Night Nurse, Gillette Children’s
 

Toni Gillen has been a leading advocate for inclusive hockey in Minnesota for nearly two decades. As Director of Diversified Hockey and a longtime member of the Board of Directors for Minnesota Hockey, she has played a central role in expanding access to the sport. Under her leadership, diversified hockey programs have grown from two teams with fewer than 60 players to five programs serving over 500 athletes.

The division began with sled and special hockey, designed for players with physical and intellectual disabilities, and has expanded to include Warriors hockey for injured veterans, blind hockey, and a pioneering program for deaf and hard of hearing athletes. Launched in partnership with the Minnesota Wild, this initiative is the first district-based program of its kind in the country, using visual cues and interpreters to support full participation.
In addition to her work in hockey, Gillen serves as a night nurse at Gillette Children’s, where she cares for children with complex medical needs. She holds a degree in therapeutic recreation and has spent her career creating accessible opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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Gillen grew up immersed in hockey culture in Austin, Minnesota, at a time when girls were not allowed to play. Her personal experience of being sidelined from the sport informs her deep commitment to ensuring that hockey is welcoming and inclusive for all. In 2024, she led the rebranding of the division from “disabled hockey” to “diversified hockey,” reflecting the growing range of programs and a vision for continued inclusivity. Today, her work ensures that in Minnesota, hockey is a true community sport—one that includes and celebrates every athlete.

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You can vote several times a day here - THE WILLIE O'REE COMMUNITY HERO AWARD | NHL.com