Tsuut’ina Nation community builder Brent Dodginghorse wins NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

Former Calgary Hitmen Brent Dodginghorse was named the winner of the NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award earlier this week. (Photo: [e-mail])

Former Calgary Hitmen player Brent Dodginghorse won the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award earlier this week.

The award is given to an individual who uses hockey to positively impact their community, culture or society.

Dodginghorse is the founder of the Tsuut’ina 7 Chiefs Hockey Program, which was created to promote greater respect, understanding and appreciation for fellow hockey players regardless of race, ethnicity or ability.

The program has been taken by close to 4,000 people since its founding in 2019.

The 47-year-old, who’s a consultant with the Calgary Flames and a former rodeo champion, works with his cousin Kyle Dodginghorse at Tsuut’ina, where they talk about diversity with and mentor young players at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre.

He also runs the DH Ranch on Tsuut’ina, which uses horses to run kids’ camps and design team-building programs for organizations looking to become more inclusive.

Dodginghorse had 81 points (27 goals and 54 assists) in 103 games for the Calgary Hitmen between 1997 and 1999, helping the club win the WHL’s President’s Cup in 1999.

Dodginghorse was nominated for the award by Calgary Flames Foundation executive director Candice Goudie.

“He has been such a tremendous advocate and friend and peer and mentor to our entire organization at the Calgary Flames and Calgary Hitmen,” Goudie said in a story about Dodginghorse by William Douglas posted on the NHL website.

Willie O’Ree

The award is named after O’Ree, who became the first Black NHL player in 1958. O’Ree went on to spend more than two decades advocating for inclusion and using hockey as a platform to promote values of perseverance, dedication and teamwork. O’Ree has been recognized over the years with a Congressional Gold Medal, the Order of Canada and a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“Dodginghorse draws from his own experiences to teach others about compassion and understanding. It takes a strong spirit to share personal stories with strangers, but he does it to help make his community stronger,” said O’Ree. “The domino effect of his work is commendable. Congratulations Brent Dodginghorse.”

Dodginghorse receives $25,000 to be donated to the charity of his choice.