One of the main functions of the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association is to honor and recognize individuals and groups who have selflessly given of themselves in order to further enhance the lives of others and the sport of ice hockey. To this end, the CBAA has established six award categories. Recipients are chosen each year by members of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council based on certain criteria established for each award.
The awards are:
The "Scholarship" AwardThe Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association (CBAA) distributes college scholarships annually to the most deserving Illinois high school hockey players. Awards are determined from a candidate’s academic achievements, community & volunteer service, financial stability, character & leadership, as well as an evaluation of a written essay. Each scholarship recipient receives $7,500.00 annually over four years.
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The "Gunzo" AwardThe “Gunzo” Award is given in memory of Wally “Gunzo” Humeniak to a member of the hockey community who has unselfishly given of himself to support the vision of the Blackhawk Alumni, that of players helping players.
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The "Chief Blackhawk" AwardThe “Chief Blackhawk Award is given in memory of Jack Fitzsimmons, longtime friend of the Blackhawks and the Alumni, to an individual who has distinguished himself in assisting the Alumni Association in their overall efforts.
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The "Billy Reay Coach of the Year" AwardThe “Billy Reay Coach of the Year” Award is named for the famous former Blackhawks coach for many years and is given to a high school or youth hockey coach who has distinguished themselves in the previous season as a coach, as a mentor and an individual representing and giving back to high school hockey in the state of Illinois and the game in general.
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The "Blackhawk Player of the Year" AwardThe Blackhawk Player of the Year Award is given annually to a current member of the Chicago Blackhawks team who has demonstrated leadership skills as well as a strong work ethic on and off the ice.
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The "High School All-Star" TeamsPlayers chosen as members of the Blackhawk Alumni Association Boy’s and Girl’s High School All-Star teams are selected for their on ice skills, passion for the game of hockey and their dedication and leadershp skills both on and off the ice.
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