Vilardi who is generally hard on himself when it comes to his play on the ice, was a little more relaxed when describing what the Clancy nomination means to him.
“It’s pretty cool. Honoured to get nominated for that. I think us, as a team and an organization, we do a great job. There’s a lot of guys in here that spend a lot of their time with different charities and different things with the Jets,” said Vilardi.
“P11 (Project 11) and the WJHA (Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy). I think it’s more credit to the Jets, honestly, because they make it so easy for us. So, yeah, it’s cool and something I’m proud of and something I’m going to keep doing as long as I’m here, for sure.”
From speaking about mental health and helping out on the ice with the Jets Hockey Academy, the 26-year-old works with Suzie Friesen, who is the Director for Educational Programs with the True North Youth Foundation.
“She’s someone that I reach out to throughout the season. I’ll be like ‘Hey, I come back from this road trip, tomorrow’s a day off, where do you want me? Are you going to a school? If you want, I’ll come with you.” And she replies right away,” said Vilardi.
“She’s someone that has helped me a lot and made it easy for me, and then obviously just the WJHA, the program, even my girlfriend Megan volunteering there for the last few years. It’s very easy-going and it’s fun to go on the ice and see the kids smile.”
The nominee with the most votes will be named the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The winner will also be eligible to elect that his Club receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.