Marcus Foligno Wins NHL King Clancy Memorial Trophy

The NHL has officially named Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno as the recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for the 2025-26 season. This prestigious honour is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership both on and off the ice, while making a significant humanitarian contribution to their community.

A Family Legacy of Leadership

The announcement came as a surprise to Foligno while he was visiting the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He was accompanied by his wife, Natascia, and their three daughters.

The surprise was delivered by his brother and teammate, Nick Foligno. Nick is also a former recipient of the award, having won the trophy in 2017.

Did You Know? Marcus and Nick Foligno once shared a professional rivalry while playing for different teams before Nick was transferred to Minnesota, making them teammates for the first time in their NHL careers.

Fighting Cancer Through Collaboration

Together with his family, Marcus helped establish the Janis Foligno Foundation. The foundation was created in memory of his mother, Janis, who passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

This season, the brothers launched the “Foligno Face-Off,” a charitable initiative under the Hockey Fights Cancer umbrella and supported by the V Foundation. The program directed 100 percent of its donations toward breast cancer research.

The campaign successfully raised more than $200,000. These funds will establish a new breast cancer research grant named in honour of Janis Foligno, ensuring a lasting legacy.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition of the Foligno brothers from on-ice rivals to philanthropic partners amplifies the emotional weight of this award. By leveraging their professional platform to create a permanent research grant, they have moved beyond temporary charity toward a sustainable medical legacy.

Community Connection and Support

As an Ambassador for Hockey Fights Cancer, Foligno spent significant time meeting with breast cancer patients and survivors. He focused on listening to personal stories and offering encouragement to those facing the disease.

These interactions evolved into genuine connections between the athlete and the community. The initiative received broad support from the NHL, the NHLPA, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Minnesota Wild via the Hockey Fights Cancer program presented by AstraZeneca.

Financial Impact and Selection Process

Following the announcement, the NHL will donate $25,000 to a charity of Foligno’s choosing. The Minnesota Wild could receive a grant of up to $20,000, directed by Foligno, to further his humanitarian activities.

Marcus Foligno wins King Clancy Trophy in Heartfelt Moment with Brother

The selection process involved nominations from every NHL team. The final winner was chosen by a committee including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, previous King Clancy Memorial Trophy winners, and recipients of the historic NHL Foundation Player Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the King Clancy Memorial Trophy?

It is an NHL award given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and makes a significant humanitarian contribution to their community.

How much money did the Foligno Face-Off campaign raise?

The campaign raised more than $200,000, which will be used to fund a breast cancer research grant named after Janis Foligno.

Who is responsible for selecting the winner of the trophy?

The winner is selected by a committee consisting of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, former King Clancy Memorial Trophy winners, and former NHL Foundation Player Award winners.

How do you think professional athletes can best use their platforms to support medical research in their local communities?