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 seasons to kick-start the scholarship fund. In support of Spezza's philanthropic efforts, Texas Land and Cattle donated $300 to the fund for every point he recorded throughout the 2015-16 and 2016-17 regular seasons. During the 2016-17 campaign, he recorded 50 points (15-35=50) and donated a total of $15,000 to the fund. In honor of Spezza's commitment to North Texas, Texas Land and Cattle donated an additional $10,000 to bring the contribution total during the 2016-17 campaign to $25,000. In total, Spezza and Texas Land and Cattle have raised $100,000 over the last two seasons for the scholarship fund.

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 hosted a hockey clinic prior to the start of the 2016-17 season, where all the participants learned a variety of skills and had the chance to skate with the two-time All-Star.

Spezza, 33, finished ranked third on the club with 50 points (15-35=50) this season. The forward finished fourth on the Stars in assists (35) and fifth in goals (15). His four game-winning goals this season shared the club lead with captain Jamie Benn and forward Tyler Seguin.

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