Santa Clara native Cosentino garners NAHL Community Service Award for ’20-21 season
Aberdeen Wings forward Clayton Cosentino has been named the 2020-21 NAHL Community Service Award winner.
Costentino has spent the last two seasons in the NAHL with the Wings. He served as team captain in 2020-21 and is well known in the community for being not only a leader, but a great representation of the Wings. This season was a little more complicated with COVID regulations, but Cosentino and the Wings did what they could to continue to give back to the community with volunteer hours.
The usual focus for the team has been making a difference in the community within school programs, appearances at the School for the Blind, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, helping victims of domestic abuse, waiting tables for community theater, and spreading awareness by participating in the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention 5K.
“As a hockey player, you are always moving to new locations to play for new teams,” said Cosentino, a Santa Clara native. “This means that you have to start fresh everywhere you go and it’s not easy meeting new people when all you know is your house and the rink. Serving in the community gives me the opportunity to connect and get plugged in with people who I would never have met otherwise and create new relationships and friendships.”
During his time in Aberdeen, Cosentino was able to serve in the community by helping out at his local church and reading books for kids. While he does this on his own, he truly believes that his most important contribution of all and what he finds the most value in, was being a face for the Wings at community events.
He enjoys giving back by doing services, but more importantly he loves putting the time in and creating relationships. His goal is to put faces and personalities to the jersey numbers the fans see on the ice and also to create a deepened sense of connection between players and community.
His selfless attitude makes those around him want to give back.
“Clayton has always put others and the community ahead of his own personal time,” said Wings coach Scott Langer. “He is the first to want to be out in the community representing the Wings logo. Clay represented us with class and dignity throughout a year that was tough to navigate. Clay is the face of this team and motivates those around him to do better.”
This year, Cosentino also won the Aberdeen Wings Odde Community Service Award, named after the Odde family who has a passion for giving back to their community.
During his youth career in California, Cosentino played for the Golden State Elite Eagles, California Cougars, Santa Clara Blackhawks and Blackstars.
Photo/Aberdeen Wings
(June 19, 2021)