Jonathan Quick Cleans Up -- And Gives Back

Jonathan Quick's stellar play in goal for the Kings made him a pretty popular guy this season. When team awards were announced during Fan Appreciation Day (the Kings final home game on April 5th), he was not only lauded by his teammates, the media but the Kings fans as well.

Quick's teammates voted him Most Inspirational Player ("Ace Bailey Memorial Award"). The media named him Most Valuable Player ("Bill Libby Memorial Award"). He was also the clear fan favorite, which earned him a special "Most Popular Player" award from the Kings Booster Club.

If you've stopped by the Kings Booster Club table near section 102 at any point during the season, you've seen a little clear plastic box with a sign asking you to vote for your favorite King. Based on those votes, the Booster Club presents the Most Popular Player award. And if you've ever wondered, the Most Popular Player award isn't just recognition in name only -- it actually has it's own trophy.

But the Booster Club does something even more cool than just give out a trophy to the winner -- they throw in some cash too. They also use the money collected from "Puck for a Buck" sales during the season to make a donation to the players charity, which in Jonathan Quick's case is the 326 Foundation.

Exactly what is the 326 Foundation? It was started by Quick and his brother-in-law Matt Moulson, former King and current member of the New York Islanders. Back in February, prior to the Kings-Islanders game at Nassau Coliseum, the Kings website ran a great article about Quick and Moulson's unique combination of friendship and family ties, where I learned more about the 326 Foundation.

"A combination of Jonathan’s number 32 and Matt’s number 26, The 326 Foundation’s mission is to assist the Kings Care Foundation and the Islanders Children’s Foundation, benefiting non-profit organizations in Los Angeles and New York respectively. For every one of Jonathan’s wins, the Quicks donate $500 to the foundation, and the Moulson’s do the same for each one of Matt’s goals."

Then I found an article in a Kings game program from February 16th that gave some more information on exactly where the money goes. Quick's foundation basically contributes money to charities through the Kings Care Foundation, specifically to organizations like Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the Make a Wish Foundation, LA Unified School District's Beyond the Bell programs and other local causes. As of January 17th, Quick's 20 wins and 6 shut outs had already amassed a $10,000 donation.

Congrats to Jonathan Quick on doing great things not only on the ice, but off it. Kudos to the Kings Booster Club for supporting his efforts. And for you fans -- keep buying those "Puck for a Buck" chances. Your dollar makes a difference!

GO KINGS GO!