Kennewick’s Vickerman Finalist for WHL Humanitarian of Year Award

Kennewick's own Taylor Vickerman has been named as a finalist for the prestigious Western Hockey Leagues Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Announced by the team Friday, the award goes to the WHL player who has given the most of his time outside of hockey to helping various efforts in the community; through school programs, community service efforts and more.

Vickerman, who will find out if he wins May 6th, is up against the Eastern Conference finalist Tyler Wong of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Vickerman kept pretty busy off the ice this season as mentioned by the Americans:

"His big project this season was teaming up with teammates Beau McCue and Justin Hamonic to launch the ‘Americans’ Faceoff Against Bullying’ campaign, visiting local elementary schools to spread acceptance and promote the issue of bullying."

Vickerman also active in building houses for Habitat for Humanity,  helping with the Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired's 'Dinner In the Dark' fundraiser; and he often visited the Tri-Cities Cancer center, interacting with patients going through the struggles of facing this deadly illness.

General Manager Bob Tory said this about Vickerman:

“We are very proud of Taylor, His commitment to our team and community is unparalleled.”

Here's hoping he wins, but congratulations to the first ever native Tri-Citian on the Americans for being nominated for this big award!

Vickerman, who was originally drafted into the WHL by Vancouver, joined the Americans last season after a trade, and contributed greatly to the team's efforts this season.