Monday, 27.09.2010 / 1:40 PM / News
canadiens.com
PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL –The recipient of the Jean Béliveau trophy for the 2009-10 season will be honored during a ceremony prior to the game between the Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre tonight. For the occasion, Canadiens legend and Hall-of-Famer Jean Béliveau will be presenting the award to forward Maxim Lapierre for his charitable endeavors and involvement in the community.

The selection committee, comprised of members of the Board of directors of the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation, evaluated the candidates according to their effort, enthusiasm, implication and time invested in both collective and personal initiatives. Each nominee was also evaluated on his commitment, leadership and financial assistance to the causes closest to his heart.

“It’s a well-deserved honor for Maxim,” lauded Beliveau. “I’ve seen all the work he does in the community and with different organizations in Montreal and I know the trophy is in good hands.”

Maxim’s efforts in the community are particularly felt with the youth in need throughout the province of Quebec. Since joining the NHL in 2006, Maxim has worked tirelessly when it comes to supporting charitable organizations with a generous heart. Maxim is always ready and willing whenever an opportunity to partner with community groups and individuals in need comes about. His motivation comes from the opportunity to be a positive role model for Quebec’s youth. He is motivated to give back to the community and strives to make a difference.

“It’s a great honor for me to be associated with a person like Jean Beliveau,” described Lapierre at a press conference on Monday afternoon. “It’s really special for me and I enjoy being able to give back. I think it’s important to never forget where you’re from. It was an honor when I was young to meet Montreal Canadiens players and now I’m trying to give back to kids in the same way.”

His contribution comes in part from his annual golf tournament which benefits the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. In 2010, the second edition of the Maxim Lapierre Tournament raised $50,000.

For the past two seasons, Maxim has been the spokesperson for the Canadiens game day lottery lending his name to the popular initiative in support of the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. This year, Maxim accepted to be the spokesperson for the Riverside School Board campaign against bullying and violence at school and on the school bus.

The Jean Béliveau trophy is awarded annually to the Canadiens player who best exemplifies leadership qualities in the community. In honor of Jean Béliveau’s devotion, attentiveness and commitment to the community, the award is accompanied by a $25,000 grant from the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation which Maxim will remit to organization of his choice.