Being part of something bigger than ourselves always feels enriching. When it’s for a worthy cause, like helping those who help us, the experience is all the more profound. And that’s exactly what the Ben to the Shore annual bike tour aims to achieve: To give back to the first responders and the families of the fallen. For this year’s edition, the NHL community also got to be a part of the long-standing tradition.

The 38th annual Ben to the Shore Bike Tour saw over a couple of thousand cyclists riding the 65-mile stretch between Philadelphia and Atlantic City to help raise funds. In a landmark moment, the charity event managed to raise $1.5 million for the cause, making this year’s bike ride all the more memorable. With Philly being a hotspot for the NHL, it was only natural that a local hockey celebrity took part in the endeavor.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ 33-year-old right winger, Garnet Hathaway, and his wife, Lindsey, were spotted among the cyclists, as per an article by 6abc from July 20. The bike tour kicked off from the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge, and the NHL star and his spouse were there to make sure they did their part in helping the families of the fallen and critically injured first responders know that the local communities had their backs covered.

“So many people have a connection to somebody in the first responder community. That’s who we serve, their passion is what drives us,” said the executive director of the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, the hosts of the Ben to the Shore bike tour. For understandable reasons, the NHL star wanted to lend his aid to the cause. He was joined by former Philadelphia Eagle star Brandon Graham and Villanova Basketball Coach Jay Wright, and his wife.

But the long stretch of the bike tour wasn’t an easy one to cover. “It’s tough, but you know you have got rest stops in between, they do a good job, keep a good pace. I’m just trying to make sure I stay healthy as a person and go out here, show love to the people that are going through it, that need some comfort,” Graham said about the arduous journey. However, the solidarity helps those who view the Ben to the Shore as a tribute to their loved ones.

“I live in California, so I fly back every year for this event, and it just warms my heart to see everyone in the city of Philadelphia just come together and just love each other,” said Maureen Faulkner, whose husband, Danielle Faulkner, passed away while on the line of duty in 1981. Quite justifiably, the NHL winger wanted to let people like Maureen know that they aren’t alone in remembering their loved ones.

However, it’s not like the NHL community is alien to organizing charity events to help those who need it. Among others, the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid’s philanthropic work is widely renowned. McDavid’s involvement with the team’s incredible playoff campaign this season brought $266 million in investments to the Edmonton community. But that’s not all.

While the Western Conference team’s EOCF (Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation) has a plethora of charity events going on, McDavid, in his personal capacity, adds to those. Back in 2018, he donated $85,000 to an Edmonton charity that helps indigenous youth pursue their passion for sports. But it’s not like the NHL only helps out other communities. It equally takes care of its own.

The NHL is never shy to show its love to those who need it the most

Last year was a tragic one for the hockey community. In a car crash in August, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother perished, leaving a gaping hole in the community’s heart. However, the memory of the NHL star never faded, and his teammates did their best to make sure Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, still felt like a part of the band. In April this year, the wives of the departed souls founded the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, which aims to help the sport grow.

Soon after the foundation was set up, Augusta Masters stepped forward with a promise of using its resources to help the former raise more funds. Days later, the New Jersey Devils, in a heartwarming gesture, announced the creation of the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award for college hockey players. Safe to say, once you become a part of the NHL, you’re never truly alone anymore.

So, which hockey charity do you find to be the best channel to give back to the fans and the greater community? Tell us in a comment!