“Coach Sarah” Dunkel-Jackson of Howell and her Hockey Challenge Camp, are the 2025 U.S winners of the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award of the National Hockey League, presented by Discover.
Named for the first Black player in the NHL, the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award recognizes individuals who have had a positive effect on their community, culture, or society, through the game of hockey. Dunkel-Jackson was nominated for her Hockey Challenge Camp for kids with special needs; the program provides those who share a passion for hockey or who want to learn how to play to do so in an accessible and safe space geared toward their own learning styles.
On June 6, Dunkel-Jackson and her son, Cale (who is also a buddy in the baseball and hockey programs), were flown to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. There, Dunkel-Jackson was presented with award.
“After our Pre-Game segment aired on TNT during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals my phone was blowing up with texts and social media notifications from our supporters,” Dunkel-Jackson said.
Along with the award, Dunkel-Jackson received a $25,000 donation from the NHL, which will be donated to The Arc Livingston to go toward their Sports Are For Everyone (S.A.F.E.) challenge programs.
“I was so excited that we would be able to purchase adaptive equipment for our campers,” she said. “That way, players can try this fun, albeit expensive, sport without the full financial impact.”
Dunkel-Jackson gives thanks to the community that voted for her and Hockey Challenge Camp, as well as to those who continue to support the programs and help ensure that sports remain an inclusive space.
“Sports are for everyone and we could not do it without our team and community,” she said.
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