Howe Commits To Hockey Gives Blood As A Volunteer Player Ambassador
Regina, Sask. – Regina Pats captain Tanner Howe announced on Thursday that he has joined Hockey Gives Blood as a volunteer player ambassador for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
“We are excited to have Tanner Howe join Hockey Gives Blood as a Player Ambassador,” Hockey Gives Blood President Stu Middleton said. “Tanner has already donated blood and took the initiative to join Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry. His commitment as a player ambassador will certainly inspire other young hockey players to take action and learn about the impact they can also have in the community.”
Howe, 18, follows in the footsteps of other former Regina Pats players; Logan Nijhoff, Connor Bedard and Parker Berge who have served as player ambassadors with Hockey Gives Blood. The Prince Albert, Sask. product participated in Parker Berge’s blood drive in November of 2023 when the full Regina Pats donated blood.
“It is very exciting to be apart of hockey gives blood and support Canadian Blood Services,” said Regina Pats captain Tanner Howe. “I am proud to be part of the movement and give back to our communities, Saving lives and making a positive difference is important to me.”
Hockey Gives Blood is a non-profit society that has partnered with the Canadian Blood Services in an effort to engage and educate the hockey community about the importance of blood, stem cell and financial donation.
The inspiration for this group came from two separate events; the first being the death of Tom Middleton (father of Stu Middleton, cofounder) and the second being the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. Stu’s father was killed on the Trans-Canada Highway while en route to one his Junior games in 2000. Stu’s teammates and the local hockey community helped him through that difficult time just as Canadians witnessed the hockey community rallying together to help those affected by the accident in Humboldt. In wake of the 2018 tragedy, Hockey Gives Blood set out to build something that is positive, is long-lasting, and is a tool for the hockey community to make a positive impact at every level.
The team is comprised of former players who believe Hockey Gives Blood has the potential to be a leader in sport benevolence. As passionate as they are about hockey, they are just as enthusiastic about this incredible movement!
Every year 100,000 new donors are needed in Canada with someone needing blood every sixty seconds. Half of all Canadians will either need blood or know someone who will need blood at some point in their lives. Yet only four percent of Canadians donate. There are approximately 1000 Canadians waiting for a stem cell transplant to save or improve their life. A patient battling leukemia can use up to 8 units of blood per week during treatment. A stem cell transplant can help treat over 80 diseases and disorders including leukemia, lymphoma and aplastic anemia.
Those wishing to donate blood can check their eligibility at https://myaccount.blood.ca/en/eligibility-quiz. You must be between the aged of 17-35 to join Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry. Book an appointment or learn more at blood.ca/HGB.
