OHL players volunteer as Hockey Gives Blood ambassadors

Seeking to do more in the community, players across the Ontario Hockey League have teamed up with Hockey Gives Blood as volunteer player ambassadors ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Hockey Gives Blood is a non-profit society that has partnered with the Canadian Blood Services in an effort to engage and educate the hockey community about the importance of blood, plasma, stem cells, and organ & tissue donation.

 

Simon Motew, Kitchener Rangers

We are excited to announce @simon_motew46 of the Kitchener Rangers as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador.

This season Simon will be giving back in #Kitchener by hosting a blood drive and stem cell recruitment event; doing his part to have an impact in his community. pic.twitter.com/f0ovac8yyo

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) September 21, 2023

Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie Colts

Kashawn Aitcheson is partnering with @hkygivesblood as a player ambassador!

For more info ➡️ https://t.co/bK87uONyts#GiddyUp | @CanadasLifeline pic.twitter.com/iG5j59SYUf

— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) September 22, 2023

Collin MacKenzie, Ottawa 67’s

We are thrilled to announce goaltender Collin MacKenzie of the @Ottawa67sHockey as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador.

Collin is motivated to help others by raising awareness about @CanadasLifeline and the importance of blood and stem cell donation in the #Ottawa community. pic.twitter.com/tJgNnXlSlN

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) September 21, 2023

Alex Pharand, Sudbury Wolves

DAYNA BRONS HONORARY AWARD

🏆 NOMINEE

Congratulations to @apharand17 of the @Sudbury_Wolves on being named a nominee for the 2023 Dayna Brons Honorary Award for his outstanding work as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador.

Read more: https://t.co/D2R7uExUFw pic.twitter.com/EAvtqNVLsU

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) June 2, 2023

Braeden Bowman and Cam Allen, Guelph Storm

Our Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassadors, Braeden and Cam, at today’s community blood drive 🩸

We are proud of them and the 314 community members who donate on behalf of the Guelph Storm!

Link to join our team ➡️ https://t.co/iRQwDZq4Hu@CanadasLifeline | @hkygivesblood pic.twitter.com/ZPcagWIPp1

— Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) February 23, 2023

Pano Fimis, Erie Otters

I encourage everyone between the age of 17-35 to register online at https://t.co/V1fgwg2Uwg and join @CanadasLifeline stem cell registry. pic.twitter.com/d2NQhtj0Yj

— Pano Fimis (@Pano_Fimis) March 1, 2023

Donovan McCoy, Peterborough Petes

Player Ambassador Spotlight‼️

While Donovan McCoy was helping his @PetesOHLhockey win an OHL Championship in 22/23 he was also extremely active in the community.

Last season Donovan did two amazing things – He hosted the largest stem cell event by any CHL team and….(cont’d) pic.twitter.com/PJkB8hktW4

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) July 26, 2023

Ethan Burroughs, Owen Sound Attack

Player Ambassador Spotlight‼️

Ethan Burroughs of the @AttackOHL consistently stood out as a leader off the ice last season.

He was first to order his #BeAHero stem cell kits & first to send them back in. After some technical difficulties Ethan followed through on his…(cont’d) pic.twitter.com/AJ0Z0BezTB

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) July 20, 2023

Evan Konyen, Sudbury Wolves

The @Sudbury_Wolves are committed to giving back to their community.

Thanks to Player Ambassador @Evankonyen19 and his teammates plasma recipients like Heydan get to do what he loves the most; watch and play hockey.@CanadasLifeline @OHLHockey @CHLHockey @LifelineSudbury pic.twitter.com/4uytshHn2X

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) April 12, 2022

Kai Schwindt, Mississauga Steelheads

Player Ambassador Spotlight‼️

Kai Schwindt of the @OHLSteelheads had a huge impact last season through his commitment and selflessness as a Player Ambassador that helped save lives.

He played a prominent role during the national #BeAHero stem cell campaign….(cont’d) pic.twitter.com/pmmohfZSZy

— Hockey Gives Blood (@hkygivesblood) July 24, 2023

Ben Gaudreau, Sarnia Sting

It can take a team to save a life. Join @CanadasLifeline Stem Cell Registry to make all the
difference for patients waiting for their lifesaving stem cell match.

If you’re between 17-35, we encourage you to visit https://t.co/yRSj8tFBIi to register now. #BeAHero pic.twitter.com/krubbk2q6j

— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) January 24, 2023

Braden Haché, Saginaw Spirit

Honoured to have been a recipient of this award. Forever in our hearts💚💛#5 https://t.co/u1Y6Oqo3lz pic.twitter.com/tMrThlkOHf

— Braden Haché (@BradenHache) April 11, 2022

Sam Alfano, Erie Otters

 

ABOUT HOCKEY GIVES BLOOD:

Hockey Gives Blood is a non-profit organization founded by a group of former hockey players. The team is dedicated to encouraging members of the hockey community to help save lives and ensuring that patients in Canada have access to the blood products they need, when and where they need them.

The inspiration for this group came from two separate events; the first being the death of Tom Middleton (father of Stu Middleton, cofounder) and the second being the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. Stu’s father was killed on the Trans-Canada Highway while en route to one his Junior games in 2000. Stu’s teammates and the local hockey community helped him through that difficult time just as Canadians witnessed the hockey community rallying together to help those affected by the accident in Humboldt. In wake of the 2018 tragedy, Hockey Gives Blood set out to build something that is positive, is long-lasting, and is a tool for the hockey community to make a positive impact at every level.

The team is comprised of former players who believe Hockey Gives Blood has the potential to be a leader in sports benevolence. As passionate as they are about hockey, they are just as enthusiastic about this incredible movement!