The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce a partnership with Hockey Gives Blood, a non-profit society that has partnered with Canadian Blood Services to engage and educate the hockey community about the importance of blood, plasma, stem cell and organ & tissue donation. Several active and former PHPA Members serve as ambassadors for Hockey Gives Blood.

Through the partnership, the PHPA will promote the mission of Hockey Gives Blood to its 1,800 active members as well as its Alumni Network comprised of over 11,000 alumni members, including opportunities to serve as Hockey Gives Blood Ambassadors who participate in donor recruitment and messaging campaigns. The PHPA will also assist in the promotion of donor events including blood drives and fundraising campaigns initiated by PHPA members.

“Partnering with Hockey Gives Blood has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done off the ice,” said Joe Hicketts, Hockey Gives Blood Ambassador and member of the PHPA Executive Committee. “As players, we’re eager to find ways to help our communities and this partnership provides us with a chance to make a real difference. Simply raising awareness can have a life-saving impact. I encourage all players to become involved and experience how rewarding this cause can be.”

“Since 2018 we have seen firsthand how the hockey community has stepped up to assist in patient health. The physical act of giving is an opportunity for the players to lead by example and be directly connected to a patient’s health journey. It can take multiple donors just to support one patient battling cancer, having surgery or involved in a serious accident so it is very important that we continue to educate and inspire the next generation of donors across Canada and the US,” remarked Stu Middleton, President of Hockey Gives Blood.  “We are excited for this partnership with the PHPA and the impact it will have on patients that rely on blood, plasma, stem cell and organ and tissue donation to save or improve their life.”

“The PHPA is honoured to partner with Hockey Gives Blood and provide our members with another path to make a valuable impact in their communities,” said PHPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay. “Our players understand the influence they have, and many are already using that platform to promote life-saving donation campaigns. We are proud to support their efforts and help advance this important initiative.”

About the PHPA
Since 1967, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) has served to advance and advocate on behalf of its members. The PHPA represents more than 1,800 players across 62 teams in the AHL and ECHL, while also serving more than 10,000 former PHPA Members through its Alumni Network.

About Hockey Gives Blood 
Founded in 2018 by former hockey players looking to make a meaningful difference, Hockey Gives Blood partners with Canadian Blood Services to inspire and educate the hockey community about the vital need for blood, plasma, stem cell, and organ and tissue donation.

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