Bedard Commits to Hockey Gives Blood as a Volunteer Player Ambassador
September 15, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Regina Pats News Release
Regina, Sask. – The Regina Pats Hockey Club is proud to announce that forward Connor Bedard has committed to be a volunteer Hockey Gives Blood Player ambassador for the 2022-23 season.
“I’m really excited to follow in the footsteps of former Pats captain Logan Nijhoff with Hockey Gives Blood,” Bedard said. “My mom has donated blood in the past, so this is pretty special to our family. I’m thrilled to help raise awareness in the hockey community about the importance of blood and stem cell donation and help a great cause.”
“We are thrilled to work with Connor and excited to see him following in the footsteps of Logan Nijhoff as a community leader,” Hockey Gives Blood President Stu Middleton said. “His involvement with our program will help inspire a generation of new donors to give back and support patients that rely on Canadian Blood Services.”
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 and stem cell donation.
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 sport benevolence. As passionate as they are about hockey, they are just as enthusiastic about this incredible movement!
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