The Dallas Stars announced today that center Jason Spezza has been voted by his teammates as the club's nominee for the National Hockey League's King Clancy Memorial Trophy . The award is given annually to the NHL player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."

During the 2015-16 season, in conjunction with the Dallas Stars Foundation and Texas Land and Cattle, Spezza created the Jason Spezza Scholarship Fund presented by Texas Land and Cattle. The Jason Spezza Scholarship Fund presented by Texas Land and Cattle provides children from a wide range of ages and backgrounds the funds and equipment necessary to play the game of hockey.

The forward personally pledged $25,000 for both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 regular seasons to kick-start the scholarship fund. In support of Spezza's philanthropic efforts, Texas Land and Cattle will donate $300 to the fund for every point he records throughout the 2015-16 and 2016-17 regular seasons. During the 2015-16 campaign, he recorded 66 points (33-30=66) and donated a total of $19,800 to the fund. In honor of Spezza's commitment to North Texas, Texas Land and Cattle donated an additional $5,200 to bring their end of season contribution total to $25,000.

The Jason Spezza Scholarship Fund grants monetary assistance for ice-time or program fees to children that cannot participate in the Dallas Stars Metro Hockey League due to adversity faced in their lives or financial restraints within their family. As well as granting the scholarships, Spezza will host a hockey clinic at a Dr Pepper StarCenter to be determined, in which the recipients will learn a variety of skills and have the chance to skate with the two-time All-Star. Plans for the application process will be announced at a later date.

Spezza, 32, finished tied for 10th in the NHL and tied for second on the Stars with 33 goals. His 33 goals marked his fifth career 30+ goal season and the first time in his 13-year career where he finished a season with more goals than assists . The native of Toronto, Ont. ranked third on the squad with 63 points and second on the team with nine power play goals. His career-high seven-game winning goals this season ranked first on the club and shared 11th in the NHL.



ABOUT THE DALLAS STARS FOUNDATION:

The Dallas Stars Foundation was established to serve as a positive force throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Foundation focuses its efforts on providing support to the children of the community so they may lead quality lives and develop into contributing members of society. Through teamwork, interaction, and education, the Dallas Stars Foundation works to bring together all members of the Metroplex and build a bright future for today's youth.



ABOUT TEXAS LAND AND CATTLE:

Texas Land & Cattle takes great care in creating dishes that reflect a Texas heritage. In fact, they currently have over 60 Texas locally sourced products showcased on their menu, helping define their Texas version of craft dining. Texas Land & Cattle is also a proud supporter of the Dallas Stars and youth hockey in North Texas.

To locate the nearest Texas Land & Cattle click here: www.texaslandandcattle.com