Merrimack College junior goaltender Collin Delia has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious 2017 Hockey Humanitarian Award, which is presented annually by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation (HHAF) to college hockey’s “finest citizen” for leadership in community service.

The HHA is presented annually to a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team, but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.

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Becoming the first HHA finalist in school history after being named a nominee last year as well, Delia has been an inspiration to his coaches, teammates and the Merrimack College community over the last three years. On the ice, he has put together a stellar junior season in net despite missing time earlier in the season due to injury. His numbers now rank among the nation’s top-10 in both major goaltending statistical categories.

The Rancho Cucamonga native has developed a sense of passion and humility that is based off the knowledge that nothing in life, especially on the ice, is guaranteed. That mindset has generated enviable results: a civil engineering major, Delia is a two-time Hockey East All-Academic Team selection.

More importantly, over the last few years, Delia has become an important presence in the life of Lucas St. Onge, a child who is challenged by several major medical issues. Lucas, 5, has beaten the medical odds throughout his life and Delia has become an extension of Lucas’ family.

Delia is also part of Merrimack’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and works with CRU and Athletes in Action. He recently oversaw a project that involved the delivery of care packages to homeless shelters in Boston. Delia has also led his teammates in a number of community service initiatives, including the Lazarus House in nearby Lawrence, Mass., as well as the Challenger Program via the Woburn Youth Hockey Organization.

The recipient will be announced Friday, April 7, as part of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four in Chicago.

Additionally, the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation will make a donation to the charity most important to each finalist. These donations are made possible with the generous support of the award’s partners and donors. The award’s long-time presenting sponsor is BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

During his youth hockey career, Delia played for the California Titans and OC Hockey Club.

About Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation

The Hockey Humanitarian Award is presented annually to college hockey’s finest citizen from Divisions I, II or III, male or female, who give back to their community in the true humanitarian spirit. We seek not to simply celebrate Hall of Fame players but rather Hall of Fame human beings.

Photo/Merrimack Athletics