Players, alums unveil renovated teen lounge at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

 NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) and St. Louis Blues unveiled a renovated teen lounge as part of the 2017 NHL® Winter Classic Legacy project. The renovated room was designed in partnership with Companions in Courage, a nonprofit charity that was founded by Hockey Hall of Famer and League executive Pat LaFontaine. All elements within the room have been donated to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, a leading pediatric facility that serves youth across the U.S. and around the world.  

“I was born in St. Louis and put on my first pair of skates in the suburb of Kirkwood. I always hoped that Companions in Courage could one day give back to the place where I was born,” said Pat LaFontaine, NHL Vice President of Hockey Development and Community Affairs. “I am thrilled that this year’s NHL Winter Classic Legacy project will introduce technology to the healing process for pediatric patients for years to come.” Continue reading »

Jim Johnson, George Ross, Lamar Jackson, Pat LaFontaine and Diane Rode

The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson of the University of Lousiville took time from his busy first weekend in New York to visit patients at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai. The youngest Heisman winner in history “gowned up” and conducted some bedside visits, and then headed to the Lion’s Den Room for a Google Hangout with patients in other Lion’s Dens across North America. 

Jackson was an inspiration for many parents and their families. He had everyone laughing when the Florida native said he decided to go to the University of Louisville because he “wanted to see snow.” When another patient asked if Jackson would like to play for his hometown Denver Broncos, he added, “we have lots of snow here!” Continue reading »

Steve Kowalski, an elementary school teacher from Trenton, MI thought long and hard about completing one of his “Bucket List” events – the New York City Marathon. He said, “I spoke with a few friends who are endurance athletes back in Michigan, and they advised that an event like this is made better when you do it for a purpose.” After doing some research, Steve decided to connect with the Companions in Courage Foundation and support their efforts with his run.

He said, “Although runners often run solo, we never run alone. We are all connected. Runners are connected by the paths we trod, by the air we breathe and through the sunshine, rain and snow on our faces. Running is bigger than all of life combined. One of the main reasons to run is not only for ourselves, but to run for others. We run for our spouses, for our children, and for many others.” Continue reading »

NEW YORK — Hockey Hall of Famers Pat LaFontaine and Luc Robitaille will represent the NHL as guests of Pope Francis during a three-day global conference focusing on faith and sport at the Vatican from Oct. 5-7.

The inaugural Sport at the Service of Humanity conference will bring together 150 athletes and executives in an attempt to promote positive values and inspire youth.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele, professional tennis player Roger Federer and retired NBA players Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo also will attend. Continue reading »