Before Blue Jacket players return to training camp, they had to take care of other business.
Nick Foligno and a large group of current and former players took to the ice in Sudbury, Ontario. It wasn't just for practice either, they came together for a good cause.
This was the second annual NHL vs Docs benefit game on behalf of NEO Kids, a foundation for specialized children’s medical care in Ontario.
A number of players came out for the event including current Blue Jackets Boone Jenner, Zach Werenski, Josh Anderson, and Scott Harington.
Former Blue Jackets Dalton Prout and Derek MacKenzie were also present. As well as Nick's brother and current Minnesota Wild forward, Marcus.
Getting the players to come up for the event was apparently much easier than one would anticipate.
“It’s always nice when you can try to give back to him and help him out any way you can,” Werenski told The Athletic. “He does so much for us during the year, especially us young guys, that it was a no brainer for me to say yes and go.”
This isn't the first time that Nick has shown his philanthropic side.
He and his wife, Janelle nearly lost their daughter Milana to a congenital heart defect. The initial diagnosis took place at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus and shortly after Milana had surgery at Boston Children's Hospital to save her life. The Foligno's then donated $1 million split between the two hospitals.
Nick continues to show leadership both on and off the ice. Not only making Columbus proud but Sudbury proud as well with events that benefit the community.
[H/T The Athletic]
