Canuck Players Lead the NHLPA Beard-A-Thon

Nothing says playoffs more than a manly beard. But this year NHL players and fans are putting a new twist on this classic tradition: using their playoff beards to raise money for a good cause.

It’s called the Beard-a-thon it looks like this event might become a new playoff tradition.

In the first round alone, the Beard-a-thon has raised over $50,000 and the Canucks have shown a strong bearded presence in the event with thousands of dollars raised by Ryan Kesler, Jeff Tambellini, Mason Raymond, Dan Hamhuis, and CHB’s very own, Chris Golden.

To date, 500 players and fans have registered and over 1,000 pledges have been made so far.

To support one of the Canucks beards (or to pledge your own), just go to Beardathon.ca. The website has some interactive features to promote players and fans, including a “Face-Off” section, which allows viewers to vote for the best beard, a leader-board featuring the NHL players with the most pledges, and a “beard of the day” competition.

The fan who raises the most money in the Beard-a-thon will win an all-expenses paid trip for two to watch Scott Hartnell and his team play next season. They will also meet Scott, receive signed jerseys, and spending money. There are also other prizes to be won, including merchandise, signed photos, and jerseys.

The money raised goes to a good hockey-cause: it will help the Heart and Stroke set up Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in hockey rinks, schools, and community centers in provinces across Canada. These devices are used to treat victims of cardiac rest and can increase the chance of survival by up to 75 percent.

To find out more or grow your own beard for a good hockey cause, visit Beardathon.ca.