NHL to unveil Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award

There will be one more trophy to present at this year's NHL Awards.

The NHL will unveil the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which will "recognize the commitment of those who are improving lives and strengthening their communities through the game of hockey," the league announced Friday.

"We are privileged to honor Willie with the creation of this new community award," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "He has dedicated his life to equality and inclusion; to supporting young people of all backgrounds who are following their dreams; and to using hockey as a platform to build character and teach life skills."

The award will recognize a person, team, league, rink, or association that is not tied to the league or one of its 31 clubs.

Nominations for the award can be submitted via social media or through NHL.com. Six finalists will then be chosen before a public vote decides the inaugural winner.

In 1958, O'Ree made his debut with the Boston Bruins, breaking the color barrier as the first black player to skate in the NHL.

O'Ree appeared in 45 NHL games between 1958 and 1961.