If you’re disappointed by the suspension of the NHL season due to the COVID crisis, imagine what the actual players are feeling. These are some of the fiercest competitors in the world, and their season was cut short just before the always-intense playoffs were set to begin. On top of their passion for the sport, playing the game is also their career, so they are currently without work.
The good news is that just like us, NHL players are well-rounded individuals with a variety of interests and capabilities. As professional athletes, they are also in a relatively fortunate position as far as having the funds and professional networks to help with humanitarian initiatives during the crisis. Many players have been spending their time helping others and keeping fans engaged during these trying times.
Players Getting Creative with Donations
Many players have taken it upon themselves to donate to organizations to help victims of COVID and to fund research that can slow the spread of the disease. Aside from simply donating money, it is popular for players to donate signed memorabilia and other items to be auctioned off at charity events whose proceeds will be donated to COVID relief.
John Klingberg of the Dallas Stars donated a signed Winter Classic jersey to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. The CDP currently has an auction geared specifically for COVID-19 relief, and has raised over $160,000 by auctioning off jerseys, artwork, game-used goods, and other desirable items. Other NHL Stars who have donated items to this fund include Marc-Andre Fleury of the Golden Knights, Rickard Rakell of the Anaheim Ducks, and Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Many players and teams that already have their own charitable donations are expanding their funds and designated certain amounts to help COVID victims and to fund research for a cure. There are many wonderful philanthropic efforts going on across the league, and it is encouraging for young fans to see their idols stepping up and making a difference in the world.
In addition to donations directly sent to COVID relief funds, some players are making sure that team employees are taken care of. While many teams have announced that team and arena employees will be compensated during the suspension, individual players have also made contributions. Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers gave $100,000 of his own money to help pay employees of the BB&T Center, sparking all of his Panther teammates to do the same.
It is uplifting to see professional athletes going above and beyond to ensure the health and well-being of everyone around them.
Fan Interactions
Hockey players are well aware that the league couldn’t exist without the fans, so they are doing their part to keep them entertained during this time when hockey can’t be played. In a normal situation, players could host meet-and-greets and real-life events for fans, but with social-distancing guidelines and quarantine requirements, that isn’t possible. In light of this, many players have taken to social media to keep the fans engaged.
This isn’t just a way for players to stay in contact with fans, but also a good opportunity for them to spread awareness and educate people on what to do during these times. Morgan Rielly of the Maple Leafs shared a video showing proper handwashing techniques and added some humorous quips in during the video. Zach Hyman, also of the Maple Leafs, posted a video encouraging people around the world to practice social distancing and to be extra-cautious during these uncertain times.
Calgary Flames’ forward Matthew Tkachuk took to social media to post a FaceTime call he had to wish happy birthday to a fan whose party was cancelled due to Coronavirus. Many other players shared fun and informative videos of them performing impressive feats of skill in their own home or thanking the first responders and medical workers who are fighting on the frontlines of the crisis.
New Forms of Entertainment
While some players are interacting directly with fans on social media, others are taking on new forms of entertainment so that thousands of fans can join in on the fun. Just recently, PK Subban of the New Jersey Devils announced that he would be hosting a 30-minute weekly show called NHL Hat Trick Trivia.
Subban will film his part remotely from his home, while contestants every week will also be filmed in theirs, with a guest star showing up every week. For every question answered correctly, contestants will receive a prize – a hat for the first question, a jersey for the second, and two NHL tickets for the third. They must be careful, however, as a wrong answer means that they will lose everything.
Subban is a big personality who hasn’t always endeared himself to fans of opposing teams, but he makes a great candidate for a game show host as he is well known around the league and provides an energetic demeanor. Perhaps he’ll be able to make fans of contestants who formerly considered him a rival.
A Higher Level of Social Responsibility
Although hockey may be a sport that is ultimately here for entertainment purposes, many stars feel that they have a heightened responsibility to contribute to causes that will help the world. They are in the public eye and many young people look up to them as heroes. Because of their status as public figures, they should strive to make strong examples to people across the world and to do the right thing.
It isn’t just about donating part of your salary to charity, but also about taking the time to help with relief efforts and striving to be upstanding citizens now that they have the time to do so. NHL players are showing that they are truly wonderful members of society by continually interacting with their fans and encouraging proper behavior during these difficult times. These players aren’t required to do any of this, but they are exhibiting to the world that the NHL is a league with plenty of class.
