Tom Wilson: Villain on the ice, hero off the ice
Tom Wilson is one of the most hated men in the NHL. Many view him as just a headhunter, taking out anyone that stands in the way of the Washington Capitals. While on the ice he is the enforcer for the Washington Capitals, he lives a life that is the complete opposite.
Tom Wilson has had a history as a “dirty” player, facing many suspensions for hits on other players including a three game suspension last year in the playoffs for a hit on Zach Aston-Reese and faced a 20 game suspension this season for a hit on Blues center, Oskar Sundqvist. Wilson is notorious for making big hits and sometimes injuring players. Wilson is seen as a “goon” who just seeks to hurt people, but that’s just his role on the ice. Outside of the rink, Tom Wilson is a completely different person.
Tom Wilson was just nominated for the King Clancy Trophy. Each year, a player is nominated from every team for their leadership and service in their communities. This year, the Washington Capitals chose Tom Wilson for his increasing leadership roles as well as being involved in numerous charities.
Wilson has been involved with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, the SickKids Foundation, and So Kids Can throughout his time in Washington. Wilson created his own charity through the Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic foundation called Forty Three’s Friends. This charity works with kids who are waiting for their wishes to be granted and Tom Wilson gives them tickets, locker room tours and spends a lot of time talking to them.
Wilson teamed up with the SickKids Foundation when he had his day with the Stanley Cup. He took the Stanley Cup to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and shared his day and the Stanley Cup with the children there.
Wilson also made an appearance at Bright Beginnings which is a charity for young children who are homeless. Wilson read to the kids and helped build a playground for them. His involvement with the So Kids Can has allowed him to deliver laptops and tablets to the students of Hendley Elementary in DC alongside teammates Nicklas Backstrom and Braden Holtby.
While Tom Wilson has a role on the ice that isn’t a fan favorite, his role off the ice shows his true colors. Wilson’s leadership shows he could be the next captain when Ovechkin retires. Wilson’s work off the ice shows that he is the best nominee on the Washington Capitals for this award.
