Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Zach Bogosian and forward Jim Slater have been named the co-recipients of the 2011 Gilner-Reeves Community Service Award, according to Team President Don Waddell. The players received the award during an on-ice ceremony prior to this afternoon’s game at Philips Arena versus the Ottawa Senators.The award, presented annually since the Thrashers 1999-2000 inaugural season, is named in honor of Stephen Gilner and Steve Reeves, two Cobb County police officers who were killed in the line of duty in 1999. It is given to the Thrashers player who not only has made an impact on the Atlanta community, but is willing to commit his efforts and talents above and beyond the call of duty.
Gilner's wife, Elisa, and daughter, Nikki, were joined by Waddell to present the award to the players. In recognition of the award, the Atlanta Thrashers Foundation will also contribute $10,000 in the winning players’ names to Georgia children’s charities.
This season, Slater made an impactful donation to Traveler’s Aid of Metro Atlanta, and brought children with cancer to a Thrashers game. He also participated in a Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless event, in which players sorted food, toys and clothes for homeless families to enjoy during the holiday season. Bogosian made a $15,000 contribution to the Atlanta Thrashers Player Ticket Program to bring children from various charitable groups to every home game. He also took part in a Random Act of Kindness visit to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, as well as the Home for the Holidays party at Philips Arena for 100 children from local non-profit organizations. As part of the event, he interacted with the children in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, dodgeball and floor hockey.Earlier this year, the players and their teammates visited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to spread some holiday cheer by distributing Thrashers gifts and signing autographs, as well as the annual Casino Night Fundraising gala.
Last season, Slater was named a co-winner of the Gilner-Reeves Award, along with former Thrashers forward Marty Reasoner. This is the first time Bogosian has received the award.
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