MONTREAL, QC — On Friday, February 14, the NHL Alumni Association proudly presented the members of the 1972 Team Canada Summit Series roster with our 2025 Keith Magnuson “Man of the Year” Award.
This award is presented to NHL Alumni who have personified the intangibles of perseverance, commitment, and teamwork developed through the game into a successful post-career transition. The members of the 1972 team perfectly embody the very definition of this award. The NHLAA was honoured to present Red Berenson, Yvan Cournoyer, Ken Dryden, Paul Henderson, Serge Savard, and Rod Seiling in attendance to accept their awards on behalf of their team.
During the private reception hosted at the beautiful Maison-Principale in Montreal, Quebec in conjunction with the 4 Nations Face-Off, the event featured a hot stove hosted by Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada with musical accompaniment by the Highland Creek Pipe Band.
Our NHLAA President and Executive Director Glenn Healy began the reception with a beautiful tribute before joining his Highland Creek Pipe Band members to lead our guests of honour. A short video package was shared to honour the 11 team members who have passed, with the Pipe Band providing a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace alongside. The NHLAA was honoured to have NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh speak on behalf of their respective groups.
In support of those who came before them, the group of NHL Alumni on hand included Teemu Selanne, Mark Messier, Guy Carbonneau, Yvon Lambert, Brad May, and Pat Flatley. NHL Alumni-turned-broadcasters Kevin Bieksa and Kelly Hrudey were also amongst the crowd, being joined by their Sportsnet teammates Craig Simpson and David Amber.
When asked to summarize the event honouring him and his teammates, Rod Seiling softly stated “It was a thrill to be here today, [I am] so thankful to the Alumni, to the NHL, to the [NHL] Players’ Association for remembering us as a team,” before adding with a subtle smile “We’re very honoured and thrilled, and it’s a pleasure to be here in Montreal.”
We’d like to sincerely thank Scotiabank for sponsoring our 2025 NHL Alumni Man of the Year Award Reception, as well as our partners in Carlsberg, Peller Estates, and Wayne Gretzky Estates. We’re incredibly grateful to the NHL and the NHLPA for working with us to make this event possible. The NHLAA is extremely thankful to everyone who attended this event and shared the honour of celebrating one of the game’s most recognizable and transformative teams.
