El Segundo’s Estela Rivas-Bryant is the winner of the NHL’s annual Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, presented by Discover.

The award is given to an individual who – through the sport of hockey – has positively impacted their community, culture, or society.

Rivas-Bryant is the founder of The Empowerment Effect, a nonprofit organization for young girls in Los Angeles that focuses on ice hockey and mentorship, providing kids with free equipment, coaching, and ice time. Rivas-Bryant is a first-generation Mexican American who grew up in Southern California. After coaching youth hockey for more than 20 years, she created The Empowerment Effect which currently welcomes more than 30 girls, the majority of whom are Hispanic, aged seven to 16 years old.

Other finalists for this year’s award were Jerry DeVaul (Colorado Springs, Colo.), president of the Colorado Sled Hockey Association who is a U.S. Army veteran, double amputee, and competitive sled hockey player, and Kelsey McGuire (Philadelphia, Pa.), founder of Philadelphia Blind Hockey, the first and only blind hockey organization in Philadelphia.

“When young kids have strong role models to look up to, the positive impact is long-lasting and powerful. This year’s group of finalists are proof of that,” said Willie O’Ree. “For so many young girls, Estela is that role model and community leader. Congratulations to Estela for her hard work and constant dedication to bringing her community together.”

“Estela’s remarkable commitment to her community and positive support to the young women in The Empowerment Effect represent what this Award is all about,” said Jennifer Murillo, chief marketing officer at Discover. “She has created an inclusive environment that provides access to hockey for individuals who may have never thought that they could play the game. Discover is proud to highlight the work Estela has done, along with the other finalists Jerry DeVaul and Kelsey McGuire. We look forward to continuing to work with the NHL to support outstanding individuals and organizations that are using hockey to make a difference.”

Rivas-Bryant will receive a $25,000 prize and DeVaul and McGuire will each receive a $5,000 prize, each of which will be donated to a charity or charities of their choice. Fans submitted candidates at NHL.com/OReeAward. The winner was determined by a committee consisting of Willie O’Ree, NHL executives, representatives from Discover, and a public fan vote.

Mark DeMontis (Toronto, Ont.) was previously announced as the winner of the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Hyundai (Canada).

The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award presented by Discover honors former NHL forward Willie O’Ree, who on Jan. 18, 1958, became the first black player to compete in the League. O’Ree, who lost sight in his right eye at a young age, went on to play professional hockey for 21 years. For more than two decades he has served as the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador, traveling across North America to schools and hockey programs to share his story and experiences as well as to promote messages of inclusion, dedication, and confidence. O’Ree has used hockey as a platform to build character and teach life skills and has used his influence to foster positive values through the sport. In 2018, O’Ree was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Photo/NHL PR

— NHL PR

(July 1, 2024)