MINNEAPOLIS — For a second consecutive year, Cornell men's hockey senior defenseman Hank Kempf has been named one of five finalists for the Hockey Humanitarian Award, it was announced by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation on Wednesday afternoon.

Kempf, one of three repeat finalists from last year, was selected alongside Bemidji State's Kendra Fortin, Boston College's Keri Clougherty, Merrimack's Raice Szott, and St. Lawrence's Sarah Thompson. Szott and Thompson — a three-time finalist for the award — were also named finalists last season.

Now celebrating its 30th season, the Hockey Humanitarian Award is presented annually to college hockey's finest citizen. The winning student-athlete makes significant contributions to their team and the broader community through leadership in volunteerism.

Kempf is the first member of either Cornell hockey program to become a two-time finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. This year marks the sixth time a representative from Cornell has been selected as a finalist, joining Erin Schmalz '99, Sam Paolini '03, Alyssa Gagliardi '14, and Morgan Richardson '16. Paolini remains the only Cornell representative to have won the award.
While a member of the Big Red, Kempf has been active within the Cornell and Ithaca communities, aiding several not-for-profit organizations that help various community members. His efforts have included supporting elementary school children and children with disabilities, organizing local fundraisers for charities, and raising funds for cancer research.

He has participated in the Portal de Belen Foundation, which organizes a service trip for the Cornell men's hockey team to the Dominican Republic. Founded in 2001, the Portal de Belen Foundation aims to assist those in need on the Caribbean island. The foundation has expanded its efforts to help the poorest children in the Dominican Republic improve their quality of life through providing sustenance and education.

In the summer of 2023, Kempf led the Cornell men's hockey team on a service trip to Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic, where the group focused on various community service activities, including building a community service center, distributing clothing, shoes, and food to those in need, and providing local schools with computers and supplies. They also donated sports equipment to the schools and engaged in nightly baseball games with children from the community. Those on the trip formed lasting relationships with individuals from the Don Juan Church and nearby schools.

Kempf has been actively involved with the Racker Center, which offers strength-based support for individuals with disabilities and their families. The Cornell men's hockey team has developed a relationship with the Racker Center, mainly its early childhood services site. Through this engagement, Kempf has gotten to know several children and has learned from many of the organization's staff members.

Kempf has also been involved with the Newfield Schools Mentor Program, where he has been active with the children at the Newfield Schools by reading to them and has hosted large groups at Lynah Rink and on the Cornell campus, which has included providing tours and skating with the children.

Additionally, Kempf created a fundraiser last season called "Big Red Blocks for Healing," which helped raise money for Kesem, a national 501(c)(3) organization that provides year-round programs and support for children affected by a cancer diagnosis to a parent, all at no cost to their families.

One of Kesem's key offerings is a free one-week overnight summer camp for kids ages 6 to 18 who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis. The camp creates a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows children to temporarily escape the challenges of dealing with their parent's diagnosis.

After raising over $30,000 last year, surpassing his initial goal six-fold, Kempf has brought the fundraiser back for a second season, running the campaign this year with the help of sophomore forward Ryan Walsh and junior defenseman Jack O'Brien. The entire Cornell men's hockey coaching staff has also aided Kempf in organizing the fundraiser.

This year's "Big Red Blocks for Healing" campaign will help raise funds for Kesem and the Kids with Courage Foundation, which supports children and young people battling Type 1 diabetes. As a registered 501(c)(3) charity, the foundation offers programming that empowers, educates, and creates positive outcomes in children's lives.

One of the key initiatives for the Kids with Courage Foundation is the distribution of their "Brave Boxes" to children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The boxes contain various tools, including books and supplies, designed to provide guidance and support for managing their diagnosis. The foundation also awards academic scholarships to students with Type 1 diabetes and includes caregiver education for families and school centers. They also offer a pen pal club that connects children with Type 1 diabetes, allowing them to share their experiences and support one another on their journey.

"With the impact our service project had on Kesem last year, we thought the addition of the Kids with Courage Foundation was a great way to diversify our support," the Big Red Blocks for Healing website states. "Kesem and Kids with Courage have specific programs that assist those affected, specifically children. As student-athletes, we pride ourselves on improving the next generation. When we were kids, it was the junior hockey and college athletes that inspired us to pursue our careers. Connecting the two organizations through the idea of helping kids was a key factor in this year's service project.

"As a team, our goal is to block as many shots as possible this season to raise an ultimate sum of dollars to donate to Kesem and the Kids with Courage Foundation."

Fans are encouraged to join Cornell's team and pledge a determined dollar amount (minimum of $0.10) for each shot Cornell blocks throughout the 2024-25 season, or can make a one-time donation as an alternative to the price-per-blocked shot.

As a reference, Cornell blocked 429 shots last season, which would have yielded a $42.90 donation for a 10-cent pledge. Through its first 23 games this season, Cornell has blocked 256 shots, averaging 11.13 blocked shots per game.

Cornell's goal is to raise over $30,000 — last year's total amount raised — for Kesem and Kids with Courage by the end of the 2024-25 season, which will be split evenly between the two organizations.