HEROS Ambassadors

	Jay Bouwmeester St. Louis Blues HEROS Ambassador since 2010 Jay Bouwmeester joined HEROS as our first Ambassador in 2010. Born and raised in Edmonton, Jay’s family introduced him to HEROS programming when he was traded to the Calgary Flames in 2009. Ever since, Jay has been an active advocate for HEROS while representing Canada at the Olympics and throughout his time in the NHL. Not only does Jay bring accolades and awards, but his unassuming character is a welcome addition to our HEROS dressing room. Sitting with the participants, tying skates and talking about their day, Jay has an approachable nature that is meaningful and inspirational to the HEROS participants.
	Sven Bärtschi Vancouver Canucks HEROS Ambassador since 2014 Sven is a HEROS Ambassador who embodies our notion of “Once a HERO, always a HERO”. Joining us in 2014 while playing for the Flames, Sven has continued his support of the organization since his trade west to the Vancouver Canucks. “Coming from Switzerland, I know how hockey can make a person feel included and fit in. Sport is a great way to meet friends and what HEROS does is no different. It’s great to see that each kid has their own unique story but when they’re all together, no matter what city it is across Canada, they are all equals, they are all empowered, they are all HEROS.”

	Mason Raymond Hockey Canada HEROS Ambassador since 2014 Born in Alberta, starting his NHL career in Vancouver and now living in Calgary playing for Hockey Canada, Mason Raymond is a great addition to the HEROS Ambassadors roster. Mason’s path to the NHL includes two years in the NCAA which is a great inspiration for our All Stars who are looking at what is next for them while finishing up high school.
	Matt Dumba Minnesota Wild HEROS Ambassador since 2015 Matt Dumba, a defenceman from the Minnesota Wild joined the HEROS team of Ambassadors in 2015. Raised in Calgary, overlooking Bowness Matt played at the Edge School, a private school that is working closely with the HEROS Bowness Program, ignited by the Flames. He was 7th overall pick in the a 2012 draft and has played for Red Deer and Portland in the WHL, on the 2014 World Jr. team and has established himself as an NHL regular this season in Minnesota. To top it off, his uncle was a roommate of HEROS Founder, Norm Flynn while playing for Lethbridge in the WHL.
	Curtis Lazar Calgary Flames HEROS Ambassador since 2015 In his first season with the Ottawa Senators, Curtis Lazar made an impact on and off of the ice in his new Ottawa community. A young man who always has a smile on his face, Curtis has been an active addition to the HEROS program in Vanier, Ottawa. “Joining HEROS is an exciting experience for me. Hockey is my passion and I love having the chance to share that with the HEROS kids.”

	Freddie Hamilton Stockton Heat HEROS Ambassador since 2015 Freddie joins HEROS through a family connection. In the summer of 2015, the Hamilton family (Doug and Lynn along with sons Freddie and Dougie) invited a number of HEROS participants from Toronto to join them in Niagara to participate in a on ice session. Quickly, it was obvious that this was the beginning of a great connection. Freddie, a player for the Colorado Avalanche realizes that using his skill to help young people is a way to use the game he loves to support his community.
	Dougie Hamilton Calgary Flames HEROS Ambassador since 2015 Like his brother Freddie, Dougie Hamilton joins HEROS after an event with Toronto HEROS in his home town of Niagara, Ontario. In the summer of 2015, the Hamilton family (Doug and Lynn along with sons Freddie and Dougie) invited a number of HEROS participants to join them in Niagara to participate in a on ice session. Quickly, it was obvious that this was the beginning of a great connection, particularly because he had just signed with the Calgary Flames.
	Blake Orban University of Lethbridge Pronghorns HEROS Ambassador since 2015 Blake first became involved with HEROS as a member of the Vancouver Giants and a graduate of the Odd Squad’s Staying on Side program. In partnership with the Vancouver Police Department WHL players like Blake were educated about the life of young people living in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver and were empowered to go into the community, representing their team and speaking to young people about choices and “staying on side”. Upon being traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings during their Memorial Cup winning season (2013/14), Blake continued his involvement with HEROS. During his final WHL season in 2014/15 Blake won the Oil Kings Humanitarian award in large part for his work with HEROS. Now a CIS Student / Athlete with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, Blake continues his involvement, using his platform to inspire young people on the ice and in the classroom. Read Blake Orban’s articles HERE.
	Joel Ward San Jose Sharks HEROS Ambassador since 2015 Joel Ward knows first-hand how hockey can be an inclusive activity for all Canadians. Both of his parents were newcomers to Canada and Joel and his brothers had the opportunity to play hockey and create a social identity through their sport. With an unconventional path to the NHL, Joel has faced the ups and downs in his pursuit of a professional career. Joel’s commitment to the sport and his dreams lead him to NHL tryouts for the Detroit Red Wings, CIS Collegiate Hockey at the University of Prince Edward Island and finally the opportunity to break into the NHL with the Minnesota Wild. Joel has expressed his admiration of fellow HEROS supporter – Willie O’Ree and joins him as a strong role model for young people as an ambassador of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone program. Every day, Joel plays an active role of inspiring young people of all backgrounds to get involved in the sport.
	Kaleigh Fratkin New York Riveters- National Women’s Hockey League HEROS Ambassador since 2015 Kaleigh Fratkin is a Canadian women’s ice hockey player currently playing with the New York Riveters of the National Women’s Hockey League. Kaleigh began her involvement with HEROS as a high school student volunteering with the program, and continued to volunteer after beginning at Boston University when she would return to Vancouver in the off-season. After her college career she became the first Canadian player to sign a contract in the NWHL. At the NCAA level, she accumulated 66 points with the Boston University Terriers women’s ice hockey program. With Canada’s U22/Development Team, she earned a gold medal at the 2015 Nations Cup in Germany. Kaleigh continues to work diligently to increase inclusivity in the game of hockey, and particularly to ensure there is always a meaningful place for girls and women of all ages in the game of hockey.
	Troy Brouwer Calgary Flames HEROS Ambassador since Troy Brouwer is a Canadian winger currently playing for the Calgary Flames in the National Hockey League. We first met Troy when our Calgary HEROS had a chance to skate with Garth Brooks as part of the Teammates 4 Kids event in Calgary. He had so much fun with our HEROS he asked to increase his involvement and has since visited our participants at their program and intends to spend time with the Calgary HEROS participants year round. Troy is a full-time Calgary resident and an avid angler, so he will be a natural leader for our annual fishing experience.
	Brenden Dillon San Jose Sharks HEROS Ambassador since Brenden Dillon is a Canadian player currently playing with the San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League. A long time student of HEROS founding Board Member and pro skate coach, Barb Aidelbaum, Brenden wanted to support HEROS as we opened in his hometown of Surrey. Brenden actively promotes HEROS in the media and on social media, provides year end awards to the Surrey program, and looks forward to taking part in school activities in Surrey in his NHL off- season.
	Jujhar Khaira Edmonton Oilers HEROS Ambassador since Jujhar joined our Ambassador team when he heard HEROS was coming to his home town of Surrey. Since then he has hosted an end-of-school floor hockey afternoon and pizza party in Surrey and visited with HEROS in his NHL home of Edmonton.