Nice Ice Guys Finish First - hockey players who donate time to charity

Hockey Digest, Jan, 2001 by Chuck O'Donnell

You won't find their charitable work in the headlines, but Adam Graves and the NHL's other good samaritans prefer it that way

ADAM GRAVES AND HIS DAUGHTER, Madison, took a ride to the local toy store a week or so before Christmas one year. As they began to stock their shopping cart with toys, her mind danced with visions of taking the toys home, ripping them open, and having a great time with them.

"No, Madison," the elder Graves said. "These toys aren't for you."

The New York Ranger left winger was stocking up on Barbie Dolls and Pokemon games as part of the Toys for Tots program in the New York area.

Every holiday season, not only does he donate a load of toys himself, but he volunteers his time, signing autographs for others who donate toys. Although hundreds of people come, forming a line that stretches out the door and down the street, Graves won't leave until everyone who has brought a toy gets a smile, a handshake, an autograph, and a heart-felt thank you. Over the years, he has helped collect 25,000 toys for needy children.

But as that cart began to overflow with everything from Batman to Barney, it was as if the proverbial light bulb went on above Madison's head.

"She got the idea, which was nice," says Graves. "There are certain times in your life where you're going to learn lessons or learn something you're going to take with you the rest of your life. Parents never know when those times are going to be so you try to take advantage of things that are important. I think that was a great case in point where she at first didn't understand and she thought the toys were for her.

"As a kid, you love Christmas and your birthday. But when you grow up, you get more enjoyment and good feelings when you give and you see people enjoy what you picked out."

"Adam was trying to teach his daughter that you need to give to others," says Rob Ingram, Graves' agent. "I refer to Adam as the gift that keeps on giving. He does so much for charities and the community. He's relentless with his work and always seems to have time to do more. To see how much he does is inspiring."

The idea of giving to those less fortunate is a principal on which the NHL seems founded. Virtually every player on every team gives of himself and his time for various causes. Whether it's donating time or equipment for an auction, raising thousands of dollars for charity, or just raising a smile on a sick child's face, NHL players seem to have a soft spot for those in need.

Some, such as the Phoenix Coyotes' Jeremy Roenick, the Carolina Hurricanes' Ron Francis, and the Colorado Avalanche's Joe Sakic sponsor golf tournaments. Others such as the San Jose Sharks' Owen Nolan and the Boston Bruins' Anson Carter, have bought seats in their home arena and invited kids who would otherwise not get the chance to come to a game. Some, like the Dallas Stars' Ed Belfour, champion one cause that hits close to home. In Belfour's case, it's the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Many, such as Graves, go to bat for several different causes.

And for their generosity they don't want headlines or spotlights. They're not looking for money or recognition. The knowledge that they are doing a good thing is the biggest reward of all.

"It's well worth it," Nolan says. "You try to give back as much as you can. When you see the happiness on people's faces, it's really gratifying. It doesn't take much time out of your day, but it means the world to them."

Nolan has spread a lot of happiness, whether he's reading books to children or working as a waiter during a charitable function. He was also a chaperone for the Children's Shelter on a trip to Sea World. During the offseason, Nolan plays a few celebrity golf tournaments. In fact, it was before a golf tournament a few years ago that he realized the impact of his work.

"I was in a charity golf tournament many years ago for sick children in a hospital," Nolan says. "Before we went to play golf, we went [to the hospital] to see the children. After you left, really didn't feel like playing golf any more. To see those kids, it really hit home. It made you think how fortunate you are with where you are, doing what you do, doing what you love for a job, yet here are these kids in the hospital tickled pink just to be in same building as you. It made you really think."

Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr knows what it's like to be in the hospital. He broke his legs in a car crash in July 1999, and some thought he would never play hockey again. But when he made a startling recovery and joined the Flames early in the season, he not only ended up one of it's best players, but winner of the team's Scurfield Award given to the player who best exemplifies the qualifies of perseverance on the ice and dedication to the community.

Regehr was typically humble. "There are many players on our current team who are deserving of this award," Regehr says. "My teammates understand the importance of giving back to the community."

But the truth is Regehr deserved it. He participated in the "Reading ... Give it a Shot" literacy program by visiting schools. He took part in clinics for the Enmax Rinklighter Program and played in the annual Townsend Tigers wheelchair hockey game. If it was for a good cause, Regehr was game--whether he was playing ball at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids or modeling for the Calgary Herald "Fashionable Friends" fundraising fashion show.