Simoneau nominated for Humanitarian award

Xavier Simoneau of the Drummondville Voltigeurs is among the three nominees for the Humanitarian of the Year award, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced Monday.

Past recipients of the trophy, awarded annually to a player for his outstanding contribution to the well-being of his community, include Daniel Brière, Simon Gamache and Samuel Laberge.

Simoneau, who is eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft after going unselected in 2019, was the spokesman for the Centre-du-Québec Autism organization. He helped promote the sale of their special Voltigeurs hats throughout the season, which raised funds and created awareness for the cause.

The 18-year-old Drummondville captain also developed his ‘Amis à Simy’ (Simy’s Friends) project. The initiative was put together in order to reward kids who’ve done good deeds or to highlight the efforts of those with learning disabilities and to help kids fighting illnesses or going through tough times in their lives.

Simoneau, No. 92 in Future Considerations’ Spring ranking for the 2020 draft, was also involved in Drummondville’s minor hockey association and participated in community activities.