Player-run charities often get lost in the noise of team based philanthropy efforts. Here is a list of several hockey player-run nonprofits that are making positive changes within hockey culture and help to grow and diversify the game.

• Can’t Dim My Light Foundation

In the wake of a bullying scandal involving Erik Karlsson’s wife, Melinda, Erik and Melinda Karlsson founded the Can’t Dim My Light Foundation. Their mission is “to combat bullying and cyberbullying with the goal of breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion, compassion, and equality.”

• My Biggest Fan Foundation

After the unexpected passing of his father, Craig, in 2020, Los Angeles Kings forward Zack MacEwen established the My Biggest Fan Foundation. Its mission is to “offer support for hockey players and their families.” The foundation offers “scholarships for hockey schools, post-secondary education, and camps, plus financial support for hockey registrations, tournaments, and equipment for players in need.” The foundation provides support in Canada with a focus in Prince Edward Island, Amherst, Moncton, and Gatineau (areas where Zack has played).

• Zhilkin’s Vision

Winnipeg Jets prospect Danny Zhilkin and his girlfriend, Lauren Shoss started Zhilkin’s Vision “to raise awareness about mental health within the sports community by destigmatizing conversations about mental health and promoting the prioritization and accessibility of mental health resources for athletes of all ages and levels of sport.” The organization hopes to “encourage athletes to speak out about their mental wellbeing while providing them with the resources and support needed to seek help when they are struggling.” Donations made to Zhilkin’s Vision go to mental health organizations in Canada.

• 3NOLANS Hockey Program

Co-founded in 2013 by former hockey player Ted Nolan, his sons Brandon and Jordan, the 3NOLANS Hockey Program specifically works with “First Nation youth to further develop their hockey skills and knowledge, but more importantly, teach them the importance of living healthy active lifestyles, how to be positive role models, and how to become future leaders in their communities.'' Their hockey program provides support to First Nation youth across Canada, through development camps and public speaking engagements, where they share their experiences and sell apparel.

• First Assist

Former hockey player John Chabot created First Assist, a hockey non-profit, “to help Indigenous students – especially those hardest to reach – find success in school by using sport as a motivational tool to promote attendance, increase classroom engagement, and promote healthy habits for life.” First Assist integrates “strategies to solve common school-related problems in Indigenous communities” and works with local schools to implement their sport integration program. The organization helps Indigenous youth in the Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island.

• Alphabet Sports Collective

Recently established by a group of people from different industries who aspire create change in hockey (e.g. Former hockey player Brock McGillis and Hockey of Tomorrow's very own, Chanel Keenan), the Alphabet Sports Collective is a non-profit whose mission is to create “a safe and inclusive environment in hockey for folks of all sexual identities and gender expressions, through education, community building, and mobilization.” The organization has a volunteer and ambassador program for LGBT+ people and allies of the LGBT+ community.