Good things come to those who wait.
After being nominated for the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy in the 2014-15 season, Cochranite and Lethbridge Hurricanes captain Tyler Wong went a step further this year, taking home the prestigious award at the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Awards.
The awards, which were held in Calgary on May 4, brought together the best and the brightest from around the league to celebrate its 50th season in existence.
“It was a huge honour,” Wong said of his humanitarian award. “Obviously, everyone in the league does a lot of community work, so to be able to win this was awesome.”
The 20-year-old forward – who was voted the Eastern Conference Humanitarian of the Year for the second consecutive year – recently completed his fourth full season with the ‘Canes, and has become an integral part of the Lethbridge community.
Prior to the start of this campaign, Wong created a program in the city where he vowed to donate $5 of his own money to charity for every goal he scored.
After recruiting teammates Ryley Lindgren and Carter Folk to his cause, other businesses and individuals soon came on board to create the ‘Canes KidSport program, which saw more than $6,000 donated this season.
On top of that, Wong spends an hour each Monday with city atom hockey teams as part of his team’s mentorship program.
During his own time, every Thursday that he is available, he spends an hour and a half at Dr. Probe Elementary School where he helps tutor Grade 5 students in math, reading, and science.
“I feel so grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to play hockey in the WHL,” Wong said. “This has given me a platform to reach out to the community and help others.
“It’s my responsibility to help out and be a big part of the Lethbridge community or anywhere else.”
He was also voted the Hurricanes’ Fan Favourite Player in April for the fourth consecutive season. Does he think his off-ice work has anything to do with how the Lethbridge fans have taken to him?
“I guess that’s why they like me a little bit,” he laughed. “There’s a lot of fans in Lethbridge so, if you’re in the community, they definitely take notice.”
As to his plans for the summer, Wong is currently “working really hard to try and get faster and stronger,” and is looking forward to returning to the Toronto Marlies (the Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate) camp later this summer.
“Last time I was there it was awesome,” he said. “So, hopefully when I go back in July and the fall, everything goes well.”
