‘It’s been a lot of fun for me’: Jets’ Vilardi honoured by team nomination for humanitarian award

Gabe Vilardi learned plenty of valuable lessons as a child, ones that continue to guide him to this day.

His parents, Giovanna and Natale, were hard-working Italian immigrants who came to Canada in 1998 and settled in Kingston. They sacrificed plenty to ensure their two boys could pursue their athletic passions, primarily hockey, even taking on extra work such as delivering newspapers.

Older brother Francesco spent three solid years in the Ontario Hockey League before finishing his career at Queen’s University. Gabe, meanwhile, realized his big-league dream and is now in his seventh NHL season, his third with the Winnipeg Jets.

It has been his best yet, with career highs in goals (29), assists (36), points (65) and games played (79).

Vilardi is proud of all of that, of course. But last week’s team nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best “exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community,” is a particularly meaningful honour.

Upon learning of it, he couldn’t help but think of family.

“Just growing up, we were always told that there’s always someone that has less than you, there’s always someone that has more than you. So you have to know where you stand and help those (with less),” said Vilardi.

“It’s important to give back and help. The Jets make it really easy. I don’t see any reason to not do it. It’s been a lot of fun for me.”

Vilardi is a frequent contributor to the organization’s Project 11 program, named after the late Rick Rypien. He regularly volunteers to go into schools to speak with students about mental health and, in the process, is trying to erase some of the stigma surrounding the issue.

“It’s a great tribute for him. He’s gone through a lot personally, through his life and his career. He’s handled it extremely well,” said Jets coach Scott Arniel.

“When you talk about mental health, that’s something that hits home here in Winnipeg and it hits home with the Jets and the Moose, with our history here, with Rick Rypien. (Vilardi) getting out in the community and sharing and living what he’s gone through has got to be great for the kids that are listening or the adults who are listening when he speaks.”

Indeed, Vilardi has been candid about some of his own struggles, which included a raft of injuries which threatened to derail his NHL career before it really got going. And you won’t ever catch him speaking in cliches, the way so many athletes do. He’s always direct and to the point, in a way that truly connects.

“People go through (things) and they’re embarrassed by it, they don’t want to talk about it. Maybe they’re not good at talking publicly or even just talking in a group,” said Arniel.

“That’s the biggest thing, first to get help for himself and now to take it public and to spread what he’s gone through with other people, that’s just a sign of a man that’s really matured. Not that it’s behind him and not that it’s gone, but it’s still something that it’s a big step forward for him.

In our last couple of years that he’s been here, we’ve noticed it’s helped him sort of calm himself, to be able to play the games and go through the stress of the hockey season. To do all of that and to add in the community (element), that’s special.”

Vilardi credited Suzi Friesen, the director of educational programs with the True North Young Foundation, for quite literally telling him where to go.

“I’ll reach out to her throughout the season and be like ‘Hey, I just came back from this road trip, tomorrow’s a day off, where do you want me?’ She’s someone that has helped me a lot and made it easy for me,” said Vilardi.

He, along with his girlfriend, Megan Rodgers, also works with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, which involves mentoring and even helping to coach teams of young skaters, particularly those who may not otherwise have the means to play the sport.

“It’s very easy-going and fun to go on the ice and see the kids smile,” said Vilardi.

“A lot of time I’ll be leaving different events and people are thanking me and saying how big a deal it is and I’m like ‘There’s no need to thank me at all because honestly it’s fun work.” Especially when it’s with kids and you know you made a difference in their day. Myself, I’m not a kid obviously but I feel like a kid in a lot of ways.”

Indeed he is — with an admitted love of all things Lego at the top of his list. Rodgers, who is from southern California and met Vilardi when he was starting his career with the Los Angeles Kings, has also added working at Toba Centre to her resumé this year. The organization works with children and families impacted by abuse.

Just as he is always trying to find new ways to improve his on-ice performance, Vilardi is trying to expand his reach in the community as well.

“In LA it was much different. Here, community is so important. And it’s important to give back where you can do these types of things, because everyone here supports us,” he said.

“Not just as athletes, but whoever you are. Spend time doing something that matters to you to help others.”

The King Clancy winner is chosen by a committee consisting of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, former winners of the award and former winners of the NHL Foundation Player Award and will be announced in June. The recipient receives a $25,000 donation for charity and a $20,000 grant from the NHL for a special activation.

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