No one values their community more than Alex Tuch with the Buffalo Sabres. A Syracuse, New York native, Tuch talked about the opportunity of playing with his hometown team as he was traded to Buffalo in the Jack Eichel trade.
The Rick Martin Memorial Award is presented annually to the player who fans believe best embodies what it means to be a Buffalo Sabre. The award originated during the 2020-21 season in memory of late Sabres legend Rick Martin, who remained an active community member and a proud ambassador of the organization following the conclusion of his prolific playing career until his passing in 2011.
Tuch has won the award now for three straight years thanks to his impact on charitable organizations such as The Summit Center. Which provides programs to support children and adults with autism.
Tuch has been immersed in the community since joining the Sabres in 2021. He spent his first months with the organization touring the Roswell Park Cancer Center and watching games with patients.
Since then, Tuch started to host his toy drive annually and has been a part of multiple charitable organizations to attend Sabres games and meet with players after games and practices.
“He is the epitome of charitable service,” said Kara Lee, the assistant director of marketing and communications at The Summit Center. “He’s everything that you would expect from a professional athlete who is giving back to the community.”
Tuch has also been nominated for the third straight season for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Given to the individual who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.”
Tuch has also become a leader for the Sabres in the locker room. Tuch is coming off his second 30-30 season with the Sabres, as he has 35 goals and 30 assists this season. Tuch believes this Sabres team has done a lot of growing throughout the season and is excited to see what they can do next season.