Cox Named Finalist for Hockey Humanitarian Award
Junior Ethan Cox, a forward on the Colgate men’s hockey team, was named a finalist for the greatest award in collegiate hockey. No, it is not the Hobey Baker Award. Instead, it’s an honor that looks deeper than a player’s skills on the ice. It is the Hockey Humanitarian Award for the best citizen in college hockey. It did not come as a surprise that Cox was named as a finalist for the second year in a row. The Richmond, British Columbia native has shown himself to be a vital member of the Colgate community with his volunteer work and fund-raising efforts in support of causes that affect not only Colgate but the greater Central New York area. This, however, is something that started in an environment closer to home.
“I started volunteering and fundraising for various causes through my high school at home,” Cox said. “My parents taught me that we must do our part to help out the local community in any way possible.” Cox started volunteering with various programs that his parents and high school were involved with, and after arriving at Colgate, he wanted to continue.
“I wanted to be involved in some kind of volunteer work and help with the greater community,” he said. “Being a part of the Colgate hockey team is a great way to become involved with the local community.”
Last year, Cox was one of eight finalists for the award, which includes male and female athletes at the Division I and III levels. This year, the field has expanded to ten finalists and Cox is one of only two Division I men’s finalists.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognized for something that you never wanted to receive recognition for,” Cox said. “Being named a finalist is really an honor because all of the NCAA men and women who have won the award in the past have done amazing things within their communities. It’s just a nice feeling to know that your efforts are making a difference in people’s lives.”
After an athlete is nominated, the nominees are evaluated by a committee that then names the finalists. Once the finalists are named, they go through an interview process. The award winner will be announced during the Frozen Four Weekend, which will take place in Washington, D.C. between April 9 and 11.