The National Hockey League Foundation announced that Vancouver Canucks center Trevor Linden and Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier are co-recipients of the 10th annual NHL Foundation Player Award in recognition of their commitment and service to charities in their communities.

It is the first time that two players have been selected to receive the award. The NHL Foundation will present $25,000 to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice on behalf of Linden and $25,000 to the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation on behalf of Lecavalier.

Both players were honored at a special NHL Awards presentation on Wednesday, May 28 in Pittsburgh, prior to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

“I am honored to receive this award and share it with Vincent, knowing that two charities will benefit from this National Hockey League initiative,” said Linden.

“My profession has offered me the privilege and opportunity to give back to children, particularly those with cancer and life-limiting illnesses. My parents, Lane and Edna, instilled in my brothers and I the desire to help those around in need and I am grateful for that gift."

"My wife Cristina and I find joy in giving back to children and families of British Columbia as this is our community and the place we both live and work. The experiences of spending time and listening to the stories of children in need has had a profound impact on my life and taught me to keep my eyes open to those in need. These children have taught me the magic of living. The little things that we worry about in life seem very inconsequential when you know there are children struggling to live."

" I would like to thank the children of BC and feel very blessed to be recognized for assisting them in the obstacles they face.”

Please click here to watch a video of Trevor Linden speaking about Canuck Place.