The award is presented annually to a West Hartford Youth Hockey player, and this year’s recipient was Connor McHugh of Hall High School.

Connor McHugh receiving the Luke Roux Memorial award. Courtesy photo

Submitted

To honor the memory of Luke Roux, a West Hartford Youth Hockey player who began in the Learn to Skate program and played at Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink for 13 years, the Luke Roux Foundation annually awards a graduating player at the annual Hall vs. Conard hockey game who embodies Luke’s core values on and off the ice.

At Saturday’s game, after a 16-second moment of silence, in recognition of the jersey number Luke once wore, the arena remembered Luke and reflected on the serious, life‑altering consequences of impaired driving.

In the summer of 2022, just 11 days after graduating high school, Luke tragically lost his life after being struck by an impaired driver less than four miles from the rink in Farmington.

Organizers shared with the teams and spectators that Luke’s life, and so many others, could have been saved by making responsible choices:

• Have a plan before you take your first drink so you never drive impaired.
• If you plan to drink, designate a non‑drinking driver ahead of time.
• And never, ever let a friend drive while impaired.

For the past three years, West Hartford Youth Hockey has honored a former player who embodies Luke’s core values: humility, kindness, discipline, consistency, and a strong work ethic.

The Luke Roux Memorial Award, presented by the Luke Roux Foundation and the West Hartford Youth Hockey Association, recognizes a graduating youth hockey player who reflects these values both on and off the ice.

Joined by Carri and Steve Roux, Luke’s parents, on the ice Saturday were past recipients of the award, Oliver Levesque and Blake Ittelson, along with Luke’s coach, Kevin Miller.

“Our family and the Luke Roux Foundation extend our heartfelt thanks to this community for its continued presence, awareness, and shared commitment to saving lives,” said Carri and Steve Roux.

The 2025 Luke Roux Memorial Award, which includes a $500 scholarship, was presented to Connor McHugh from Hall High School, in recognition of their passion for the game of hockey and for life. The recipient is chosen by the program coaching staff.

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