Advertisement

BOYNE CITY - Fresh off a Stanley Cup Championship and Conn Smythe Trophy award for the most valuable player to his team during the playoffs, Detroit Red Wing forward Henrik Zetterberg has added another honor to his collection.

The left winger has been named the first TSN (The Sports Network) NHL Player of the Year for the most outstanding player of the full season (regular and playoffs). More importantly, TSN donated $5,000 to Zetterberg's charity of choice in recognition of the honor. The Stanley Cup Champion chose Camp Quality Michigan in Boyne City to receive the money.

Eleanor West, the Michigan Director for Camp Quality in Boyne City was very excited to receive the donation for the kids living with cancer.

"We are so pleased that we were chosen for this award money through Red Wing MVP Henrik Zetterberg. The award will help us continue to give children who have had the experiences associated with childhood cancer a real support program," West said.Ê"The wonder of such a miracle of being chosen is beyond words and it says a lot about the programs Camp Quality Michigan is able to provide to the children of Michigan.Ê All of our programs are free to the children and it takes a lot of funding.Ê God Bless all of our supporters and volunteers."

According to West, after winning the award, Zetterberg asked the Community Relations Manager for the Detroit Red Wings, Anne Marie Krappmann, to give him a name of a charity that helps children with cancer. Krappmann recommended Camp Quality Michigan.

West heard the news about the donation while she was on her way to a staff training session at CMU a couple of weeks ago. According to West, Krappmann and the Red Wings have a history with Camp Quality.

"Anne Marie has worked with the Brendan Filzek Childhood Cancer Foundation for several years; they have a golf tournament every year for Camp Quality.ÊBrendan wanted his family to support Camp Quality because he thought it was a wonderful programÊfor children with cancer," West explained. "This year it is July 26th at the Romeo Country Club.ÊÊAnne MarieÊhad met Brendan at a Red Wings game andÊintroduced Brendan Shannahan (former Red Wing) to him and they became great friends.Ê When Brendan Filzek passed away Brendan Shanahan was a pallbearer."

The inaugural TSN NHL Player of the Year featured a showdown between playoff co-scoring leader and MVP, Zetterberg, and regular season scoring leader and MVP, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. ÊZetterberg prevailed with 97 points including 13 first-place votes, while Ovechkin was runner up with 81 points and 12 first-place nods. ÊRed Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom finished third with 38 points including three first-place votes.

Jeff Bergren can be reached at jbergren@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-582-6761.