Former Philadelphia Flyer Keith Primeau will be honored by Neumann University next month when he will be the first recipient of the University's Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award.

The award is presented to individuals who exemplify the development of strong character through athletics and the embodiment of the good that exists in sports.

Primeau has become a very public spokesperson about the dangers of concussions in ice hockey. He was diagnosed with the injury four times during his career, the last incident forcing his premature retirement.

He appears on behalf of “Play It Cool,” a concussion prevention program that hosts education days for minor league hockey players across North America. His message is that players can be courageous and competitive without risking brain damage.

Primeau has also agreed to donate his brain for scientific study upon his death.

After receiving the award, Primeau will speak on “The Ethical Value of Sports: Building Character through Competition.” A question-and-answer period will follow his presentation.

The presentation and special lecture will take place Wednesday Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Mirenda Center on the University's campus.

Tickets to the event cost $5 and are available by writing ISSCD@neumann.edu or calling 484-840-4707. Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is the presenting sponsor of the inaugural award.

The Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development at Neumann University is committed to the concept that sport possesses an inescapable spiritual and ethical dimension that merits academic exploration and practical application.

Led by former Delaware County basketball legend Ed Hastings, who played at Monsignor Bonner High School and Villanova University, the Institute supervises Neumann’s team chaplains, trains team captains in leadership, produces practical resources for area coaches, and teaches University courses.