ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A night honoring the moments and people in sports who embody class and character, couldn't be complete without Laila Anderson and the St. Louis Blues. The Blues' biggest fan will be honored next month at the Musial Awards in St. Louis – and for the first time in the award show's 14-year history it will air on national television.
The 11-year-old will receive the Musial Award for Extraordinary Character, which is one of two special honors bestowed at the event. It recognizes an individual who demonstrates remarkable poise, perseverance and overall sportsmanship.
Anderson's story became national news as "her boys" stormed through the NHL playoffs to capture the first Stanley Cup Championship in St. Louis history. She was flown out by the Blues to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in Boston and celebrated with them on the ice after the victory.
The Musial Awards – presented by Maryville University and produced by St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation – takes place annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the historic 3,000-seat Stifel Theatre in Downtown St. Louis.
The show is named in honor of National Baseball Hall of Famer and former St. Louis Cardinals player Stan Musial.