Kelowna Rockets forward Ty Hurley has been honoured with the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy as the WHL Humanitarian of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
While on a team road trip, Hurley noticed a man struggling in a hotel pool and wasted no time taking action. He pulled the man from the water and realized he was not breathing.
Drawing upon his CPR and lifesaving training, Hurley started chest compressions and the man began breathing on his own shortly after.
Hurley and his teammates stayed with the man, providing support until an ambulance arrived.
In recognition of his heroism, Hurley was presented with the Silver Medal of Merit and the M.G. Griffiths Award by the Lifesaving Society, B.C., and Yukon, at the Commonwealth Awards for Honour and Rescue.
Hurley acknowledged the roles his teammates, family, and friends have played in shaping the person he is today.
“I want to give a shout-out to my teammates with Kelowna, I love them all. I want to thank my parents, my family, and friends. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
The Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy recognizes the work players do to enhance the communities they play in.
It is named for former WHL and NHL player Doug Wickenheiser who died of cancer in 1999.
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