MINNEAPOLIS – Augustana hockey captain Arnaud Vachon has been named one of 18 nominees for the 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award announced by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation. 

The award, celebrating its 29th season, is presented annually to college hockey's finest citizen — a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team but also to the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.

Vachon has played a key role in the inaugural season of Augustana hockey, coming in as a fifth year who cemented himself as a strong leader to a brand new team. Arnaud came into Augustana as a previous leader who captained the Colgate Raiders to an ECAC Hockey championship in the 2022-23 season. 

Head coach Garret Raboin mentioned that "More importantly than his ability on the ice, is his commitment to lay the foundation for what it looks like to be humble, kind, and appreciative as a member of our program.

"Vash was unanimously voted our program's inaugural captain by his teammates. It's easy to see why, as he excels in academics, community, and athletics."

The Ajax, Ontario native is a member of SAAC (Student-athlete advisory committee) to help offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student athletes' lives. 

In Vachon's four years at Colgate, he took a strong interest in Adopt-a-Classroom to help the local youth with various school activities ranging from reading, writing, art projects and recess time. The Raiders acted as positive role models to the students, illustrating the importance of performing well in the classroom. Including his time with Colgate, he took a strong initiative to welcome the local kids to their first day of school every year. Arnaud went above and beyond by nominating himself as a Shaw wellness advocate which facilitated monthly mental health meetings. 

During the off-season, Vachon involves himself in the community where his cottage is, volunteering for Lac Chapleau Association, an organized group whose purpose is to clean up the lake and get rid of invasive weeds for the local community to enjoy Luc Chapleau (Lake Chapleau). The group's motive is to promote eco-responsible behavior as well as safe and courteous use of Lake Chapleau.

Raboin continued "Arnaud has been a tremendous gift to our young program. His investment in our university, this community, and our hockey program have far exceeded expectations."

Finalists for the 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award will be announced in February. The 2024 recipient will be announced on Friday, April 12th during the NCAA Men's Frozen Four weekend in St. Paul, Minn.

Minnesota Duluth's Gabbie Hughes was honored as the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient last year in Tampa, Fla.

This year's nominees:

Sam Anzai, Wisconsin-River Falls, Los Angeles, Calif.
Ryan Bischel, Notre Dame, Medina, Minn.
Kenzie Hauswirth, Ohio State, Farmington, Minn.
Ryan Herpy, Albertus Magnus, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Hank Kempf, Cornell, Wilmette, Ill.
Jayden Lee, Quinnipiac, North Vancouver, B.C.
Kyle Looft, Bemidji State, Mankato, Minn.
Dylan Lugris, Penn State, Buffalo, N.Y.
Joe Molenaar, St. Cloud State, Minnetonka, Minn.
Kate Monihan, Princeton, Moorestown, N.J.
Jack Quinn, Long Island, Lancaster, Mass.
Danielle Serdachny, Colgate, Edmonton, Alta.
Hannah Squires, Stonehill, Mattapoisett, Mass.
Nick Strom, Rensselaer, Dayton, Minn.
Nolan Sullivan, Omaha, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Raice Szott, Merrimack, Daysland, Alta.
Sarah Thompson, Syracuse, Ottawa, Ont.
Arnaud Vachon, Augustana, Ajax, Ont.