In a truly emotional and unforgettable moment at the ESPY Awards, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner received the #PatTillmanAward for Service, recognizing his outstanding commitment to assisting those who have served others: military veterans and their families. Skinner’s acceptance was witnessed by other veterans who had competed in the Invictus Games, forming a tremendous union of sport, sacrifice, and the human spirit.
The award, named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, is one of sports’ most distinguished distinctions, given to athletes whose commitment to service extends beyond the field of play. Skinner, known for his calm demeanor in the cage and his developing NHL star status, has quietly spent the last few years constructing a remarkable legacy off the ice – one based on compassion, respect, and unwavering advocacy for wounded and recovering veterans.
Skinner accepted the medal with humility and tears in his eyes, joined on stage by a group of veterans who had participated in the Invictus Games, a global adaptive sports competition organized by Prince Harry that brings together injured and ill service people from all over the world. Skinner embraced each veteran and personally praised them for their strength and devotion, making the moment a remarkable display of solidarity.
“This honor,” Skinner started, “does not belong to me; it belongs to the heroes who stand alongside me tonight. The men and women who have made unimaginable sacrifices and continue to inspire us with their tenacity, fortitude, and determination.”
Skinner works closely with both Canadian and foreign military assistance organizations. He has financed mental health projects, expanded access to adapted sports programs, and personally established the “Save One More” campaign, which is a hockey-focused therapy and rehabilitation program for soldiers suffering from PTSD, trauma, and physical limitations.
He has also raised more than $2 million for veteran outreach projects such as housing, prosthetics, and suicide prevention hotlines. Many of these activities were carried out quietly, away from the spotlight, demonstrating the validity of Skinner’s objective.
Among the soldiers who joined him on stage was Retired Corporal Liam Fraser, a double amputee who credits Skinner’s foundation with helping him rediscover his love of sports and restore his mental health. “Stuart didn’t approach us as projects. “He treated us as people, as brothers,” Fraser explained. “He saved more lives than he’ll ever know.”
The Edmonton Oilers were overjoyed that their goalkeeper had been recognized. “Stuart is a leader not just on the net, but in life,” remarked General Manager Ken Holland. “He brings the same selflessness and commitment to his community that he brings to every game.”
As the event came to a close, the audience rose in a standing ovation, not for a hockey player, but for a man whose service spoke louder than any statistic could.
In honoring Stuart Skinner, the world saw more than just a goaltender; they saw a protector of humanity, a voice for the voiceless, and a real embodiment of Pat Tillman’s legacy.