I've been going to the Canes games for the past few years and have become a fan not because of the recent success of the team (although they deserve it!) but because the players (well except Jeff O'Neil graemlins/thumbdown.gif ) and coach are extremely nice and always take the time to talk with everyone after the game and out around town. Even if they lose, they still sign autographs and meet with the fans whenever they can. Francis is always donating to charities and donating his time to the community also. Does anyone else have an opinion on other teams/players/coaches that they care to share with the rest of us on who the nicest is? graemlins/cheers.gif

Here's a pic of Kevin Adams taking the time to talk to the fans after a game they lost (Damn Canucks!). It was about 28 degrees out and he's hanging out and signing autographs with wet hair..... graemlins/thumbup.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/uploads/1038847331.jpg

Well most of the people I hear about are Av's... duh lol
Shjon (sp) Podein has to be one of the nicest players out there for donating to the community. Even after he was traded to St. Louis he did about 3 charities for Colorado familys.

Sackic, Roy and Blake are three huge contributers to the community too.

I think all in all Hockey players out of any sport spend the most time signing autographs and just plain being good people.
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When the Av's first came to Denver it was much easier to get autographs at Mcnichols arena. They would all come out the same area and pretty much every one of them would sign anything that was asked. Since they built the Pepsi Center I think it is just a lot harder to get to where they leave the areana.

jontflesh

i hear ya flesh,
i think (watching the news and just general information)hockey players are the best athletes for the community.they seem to take time whenever possible to sign or appear in public or make contributions.they are good people.every once in a while football players do the same but not nearly as much as hockey.

thats why hockey rocks!!!!!!
later

Not sure if he's done anything since being in the pros, but Andy Ference of the Pens did a ton of things when he was in Juniors. Took the time to go to the hospitals (even when nobody else on the team goes), schools, and bought tix for under privelegded kids.

The Habs are visiting some child hospitals every years before christmas (they did 1-2 weeks ago) they give them gifts and support them. They also organise hockey practices where 10-15 years old kids can play hockey with them. Theodore won an award (for last year performance in front of the net) he won something like 40k$ and gave half of it to the Saku Koivu foundation (cancer research) and the other half to centraide. I'm pretty sure they do other stuff for the community but that's what I'm aware of.

I think most of that comes from their upbringing. Hockey doesn't have quite the status that other sports have, and this keeps egos in check prior to getting to the show. Cam Neely started the Neely House for families of Cancer patients, and does a special every year on Comedy Central to raise funds. Dennis Leary usually hosts the events.