Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Gavin Betts as the 2026 recipient of the Dayna Brons Honorary Award.
This past season Gavin led the player ambassador program with two life-saving initiatives that demonstrated remarkable leadership and determination. Gavin’s flagship initiative Bettsy’s Big Save, was an incredible success – with fundraising pledges over $20,000 to support the vital work of Canadian Blood Services.
Later in the season, Gavin hosted a 43-day blood drive at the Kingston Donor Centre inspiring teammates and the wider community to donate. This collective effort made an immediate impact and saw the Kingston Frontenacs’ Partners for Life blood donation team triple in size.
Gavin’s selflessness and dedication to his community reflect the very qualities that Dayna Brons was known for. Congratulations Gavin on this outstanding achievement!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce, for the very first time, Tash Falk of the Dalhousie Tigers and Payton Hargreaves of the UNB REDS as co-recipients of the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award.
This past season, Tash and Payton embodied the qualities Cameron Bulger was known for, demonstrating unwavering commitment and a shared passion for supporting patients who rely on Canadian Blood Services. Competitors on the ice, they matched each other’s dedication in the community—leading multiple blood drives that helped recruit many new donors, hosting game nights to recognize both recipients and milestone donors, and spearheading fundraising initiatives that showcased the generosity of the hockey community and the ongoing need for new blood and plasma donors. Together, they have inspired communities across Atlantic Canada, and beyond, through their selfless leadership—giving their time, energy, and voices to make a meaningful difference.
Congratulations, Tash and Payton, on this incredible achievement.
Learn more or book an appointment to donate at blood.ca/HGB
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Charlie Morrison of the Quebec Remparts as a nominee for the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award.
Charlie is the first-ever Player Ambassador to be nominated for this award for his contributions in support of both Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec. Simply put, Charlie is a dependable leader who has balanced a commitment to helping patients in need while pursuing hockey at a high level. His willingness to give more than he takes is a testament to his character and the reason he is respected among teammates and peers.
Inspired by former teammate Leyton Stewart, Charlie volunteered as the team’s Player Ambassador by becoming a blood donor himself and encouraging teammates to do the same. He served as the face of the team’s blood drive with Héma-Québec and also led a fundraising initiative that raised more than $1,000 in support of Canadian Blood Services.
More importantly, Charlie embodies the Player Ambassador program. He is responsive, reliable, and displays many of the traits for which Dayna Brons was known, including selflessness, kindness, and dedication.
Congratulations, Charlie, on this well-deserved nomination!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Gavin Betts of the Kingston Frontenacs as a nominee for the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award.
This past season, Gavin demonstrated leadership and determination through two life-saving initiatives that made a meaningful impact on patients who rely on blood and blood products. Gavin’s flagship initiative, Bettsy’s Big Save, was a major success, raising more than $20,000 in support of the vital work of Canadian Blood Services.
Later in the season, Gavin hosted a 43-day blood drive at the Kingston Donor Centre, inspiring teammates and members of the community to donate. This collective effort made an immediate impact and helped the Kingston Frontenacs’ Partners for Life blood donation team triple in size. Gavin’s selflessness and dedication to his community reflect the qualities for which Dayna Brons was known.
Congratulations, Gavin, on this well-deserved nomination!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Ryan Michael of the Kamloops Blazers as a nominee for the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award.
Since becoming a Player Ambassador at the beginning of the 2025–26 season, Ryan has gone above and beyond to raise awareness about the importance of Canada’s Lifeline, sacrificing his spare time to help others. In doing so, Ryan quietly demonstrated to his peers that hockey players can make time to volunteer and give back to their communities.
Ryan’s most notable contributions include his fundraising initiative, “Every Shot Counts,” which raised nearly $4,000 in support of the vital work of Canadian Blood Services. He also donated blood, joined the stem cell registry, and spoke to his teammates about the importance of donating blood, walking them through the process and showing just how simple it can be.
As a respected leader within the league, Ryan is leaving junior hockey better than he found it through the actions he took and the qualities he displayed — many of which Dayna Brons was known for, including selflessness, kindness, and dedication.
Congratulations, Ryan, on this well-deserved nomination!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Tash Falk of the Dalhousie Tigers as a nominee for the 2026 Cameron Bulger Memorial Award.
Tash’s impact on patients who rely on Canada’s Lifeline has been significant. Following in the footsteps of former teammate and ambassador Gaby Nordijk, Tash continued the tradition of inspiring teammates to donate blood and join the Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry.
Through her support and dedication, Canadian Blood Services has seen increased donor recruitment and student involvement both at the university and throughout Halifax. Much of this success is the direct result of Tash’s commitment to organizing blood drives, game nights, and social media outreach. In her final season with the Tigers, Tash also introduced a fundraising initiative that capped off an impactful season off the ice.
For Tash, making a difference comes naturally. She demonstrates many of the qualities for which Cameron Bulger was known, including humility, selflessness, and kindness, while consistently sacrificing her personal time for the benefit of others.
Congratulations, Tash, on this well-deserved nomination!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Gaby Gareau of the TMU Bold as a nominee for the 2026 Cameron Bulger Memorial Award for her commitment and contributions in support of Canadian Blood Services.
This past season, Gaby exemplified the spirit of volunteerism on many occasions, inspiring her teammates and fellow student-athletes by hosting multiple blood drives throughout the year. One of Gaby’s most impactful qualities was her ability to work independently while planning events that achieved meaningful success, including a year-end fundraising initiative that raised more than $3,000 in support of Canada’s Lifeline.
Gaby is a difference-maker both on the ice and within a critical donor recruitment region for Canadian Blood Services — the Greater Toronto Area. She inspires those around her, consistently gives more than she takes, and follows through on everything she sets out to accomplish. Her ability to bring people together for the benefit of others reflects the values and leadership qualities for which Cameron Bulger was known.
Congratulations, Gaby, on this well-deserved nomination!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Bronwyn Boucher of the Saskatchewan Huskies as a nominee for the 2026 Cameron Bulger Memorial Award.
For two consecutive years, Bronwyn has demonstrated a commitment to giving back through the Player Ambassador program by co-hosting multiple blood drives, stem cell recruitment events, and fundraising initiatives that have positively impacted patients who rely on Canadian Blood Services both locally in Saskatoon and across Canada.
As a busy student-athlete, Bronwyn balanced the demands of competition, academics, and community involvement with enthusiasm and selflessness, regularly sacrificing her personal time for the benefit of others. Her role as an off-ice leader for the Huskies women’s hockey team reflects the character and leadership qualities recognized by those who know her best.
Like Cameron Bulger Bronwyn seeks no recognition for her efforts supporting Canada’s Lifeline and demonstrates many of the qualities he was known for, including selflessness, kindness, and humility.
Congratulations, Bronwyn, on this well-deserved nomination!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Payton Hargreaves of the UNB REDS as a nominee for the 2026 Cameron Bulger Memorial Award.
Before becoming a Player Ambassador, Payton was already demonstrating leadership and selflessness by donating blood, joining the Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry, and supporting patients in need.
Since becoming a Player Ambassador, Payton has elevated her involvement by coordinating multiple blood drives, game nights, and fundraising initiatives while inspiring her teammates to become involved in the community. In addition to her professionalism and support of Canada’s Lifeline, Payton has become an important connection between the local donor centre in Fredericton and the university, helping Canadian Blood Services engage a generation that is critical to donor recruitment across Atlantic Canada.
As the top scorer in women’s hockey history at University of New Brunswick, Payton leaves behind a legacy built on dedication, selflessness, and kindness — qualities also associated with Cameron Bulger.
Congratulations, Payton, on this well-deserved nomination!
Tash Falk of the Dalhousie Tigers faces off against Avery Cant of the Saint Mary’s Huskies in a ceremonial puck drop ahead of a meaningful game night on January 28, 2026 in support of Canadian Blood Services.
Hockey Gives Blood game nights have been a constant theme across the Atlantic University Sport teams for multiple years when Player Ambassadors are actively involved. Their leadership and dedication has created a critical pathway to engage new donors and raise awareness about the importance of blood, plasma, stem cell and organ and tissue donation in Canada.
The result of these game nights is an evening to connect with a demographic that is essential to Canada’s Lifeline. A center stage opportunity that encourages fans and the hockey community to do more than just cheer, but to take action by booking an appointment and becoming one of the many new donors that are needed every day to support thousands of patients in Canada.
In total, five Player Ambassadors were involved in the game. Avery Cant and Sydney Mintz with SMU and Tash Falk, Hannah Robertson and Abby Larkin with the Tigers.
Special recognition goes to Tash Falk, Captain of the Tigers for her exceptional work in planning and coordinating all the details to help make this game night possible.
Learn more or book an appointment at blood.ca/HGB.
Gavin Betts is hosting a 43 day blood drive this season in support of Canadian Blood Services between January 19 to March 3.
As a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador Gavin is using his platform to encourage the Kingston community to join the Kingston Frontenacs team of donors by giving the gift of life and booking an appointment to donate blood.
Gavin’s goal is to recruit a donor a day over the next 43 days to help grow Canadian Blood Services donor base.
Everyone who join’s the Frontenacs blood donation team during these 43 days will be eligible to win a signed Gavin Betts prize pack and an opportunity to save a life.
To join Gavin’s team simply download the GiveBlood App on your phone, select ‘Partners’ and search HGB - Kingston Frontenacs.
Every 60 seconds someone in Canada needs blood to save or improve their life.
*Anyone can join the HGB - Kingston Frontenacs team, even if you don’t live in Kingston.
Learn more at blood.ca/HGB .
Thank you for your support!
When donating blood, the standard donation is approximately 450 mL, slightly less than half a litre or two cups. This represents a small portion of the blood in a person’s body, as the average adult has about 5 litres. The entire process takes just over an hour.
Looking after your health is important. On the day of your donation, there are a few extra things to do.
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Carson Wetsch as the 2025 winner of the Dayna Brons Honorary Award.
Carson’s exceptional commitment as a Player Ambassador has impacted many patients who rely on blood and blood products to save or improve their life. This past season Carson hosted a community blood drive, encouraged his teammates to join Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry and spent a generous amount of time being a positive role-model to Colton.
This friendship is a reflection of Carson’s character that also exemplified the traits Dayna was known for such as sacrifice, humility and kindness. Together, Carson and Colton inspired the hockey community and showcased the vital connection between donor, recipient and the life-saving impact that is just a step away.
Congratulations Carson on this outstanding achievement!
Hockey Gives Blood is proud to announce Cole MacKay as the 2025 winner of the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award.
As the longest serving member of the Player Ambassador program Cole has inspired the hockey community for 5 years with his championship character and humility. His consistent efforts in support of Canada’s Lifeline are a testament to his leadership and are a reflection of the late Cameron Bulger.
Since joining the UNB REDS Cole has helped lead multiple blood drives, stem cell recruitment events, game nights awareness events and has consistently promoted the vital role of Canadian Blood Services. Cole's passion to give back has significantly impacted others and has undoubtedly helped save and improve the lives of many Canadians.
Congratulations Cole on this outstanding achievement!
Carson Wetsch - Kelowna Rockets
We are proud to announce Carson Wetsch of the Kelowna Rockets as a nominee for the Dayna Brons Honorary Award. Since becoming a Player Ambassador in 2023 as a member of the Calgary Hitmen Carson has helped promote the importance of Canada’s Lifeline with enthusiasm and compassion. Carson’s biggest attribute has been ability to connect and care about others in a meaningful way. Most notably has been his relationship with Colton and the extra effort he put in to make every moment special. When Carson learned Colton was batting leukemia and loved hockey Carson immediately stepped up at the opportunity to help.
Over the past two seasons Carson has joined Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry, donated blood and encourage his teammates to do the same. Recently Carson hosted a community blood drive and volunteered his time to film an awareness video helping promote the need for blood, something Colton has needed multiple times throughout treatment.
Congratulations Carson on being nominated for the Dayna Brons Honorary Award!
Ben Danford - Oshawa Generals
We are proud to announce Ben Danford of the Oshawa Generals as a nominee for the Dayna Brons Honorary Award. Ben has consistently gone above and beyond to help promote the importance of Canadian Blood Services since becoming a Player Ambassador. As a blood donor and leader amongst his peers Ben has helped support others in his community and encouraged those around him to also give the gift of life. This past season Ben’s extraordinary character and time spent volunteering had an immense impact on Adam, a young hockey player who courageously beat cancer after being diagnosed with leukemia. Through this relationship they teamed up to share Adam’s story; one of hope, resiliency and how blood donors play a critical role supporting patients across Canada.
Congratulations Ben on being nominated for the Dayna Brons Honorary Award!
Preston Lounsbury - Moncton Wildcats
We are proud to announce Preston Lounsbury of the Moncton Wildcats as a nominee for the Dayna Brons Honorary Award. As a Player Ambassador this past season Preston helped support Canada’s Lifeline in many meaningful ways. His commitment to helping others was natural while never seeking anything in return. His leadership was at the forefront before the season started as he took the initiative to create his own social media video detailing the step-by-step process to donate blood. This was followed up with another social media video explaining it can take up to 50 donors to help save the life of someone involved in a serious accident. Preston’s genuine nature to lead by example was further evident later in the season when he visited the donor centre with his teammates and encouraged them all to donate blood and join Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry.
Preston’s biggest attribute as a Player Ambassador is his kindness and altruism, a trait Dayna Brons was also known for.
Congratulations Preston on being nominated for the Dayna Brons Honorary Award!
We are proud to announce Cole MacKay of the UNB Reds as a nominee for the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award. Cole’s outstanding leadership as a Player Ambassador has epitomized the essence of the program since 2020. Over the years Cole has dedicated many hours helping patients that rely on Canadian Blood Services. His commitment to donate blood remains an impressive staple of his character while stick handling the busy life as a student athlete. Over the years Cole has hosted many group and team blood drives, joined Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry, and volunteered at countless HGB events. His passion to always help others reflects Cameron Bulger’s character and continues to have a direct impact on patients in his community and across Canada.
Congratulations Cole on being nominated for the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award!
We are proud to announce Mckinley Nelson of the UPEI Panthers as a nominee for the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award. As a Player Ambassador for the past two years Mckinley has embodied many of the traits Cameron was known for and remained committed to saving lives as a busy student-athlete. This year alone Mckinley hosted two blood drives on top of encouraging her teammates to join Canadian Blood Services stem cell registry. Equally impressive, Mckinley is doing this on her own as the lone Player Ambassador at UPEI showcasing her leadership, humility, and dedication. As a blood donor, potential stem cell donor and registered organ and tissue donor Mckinley has become a vital resource to Canadian Blood Services locally in PEI by helping with donor recruitment on campus and across the Atlantic
Congratulations Mckinley on being nominated for the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award!
We are proud to announce Charley Healey of the uOttawa Gee-Gee’s Women’s Hockey as a nominee for the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award. As a Player Ambassador and student-athlete Charley proudly championed the importance of blood and stem cell donation. Like Cameron, Charley was still trying to help others even through a difficult time.
Over the span of two years Charley helped plan and coordinate blood drives on campus, stem cell recruitment events and participated in social media videos as her mother battled cancer. Through this adversity Charley took great pride knowing her actions were honouring her mom and helping others at the same time.
In late November Charley represented HGB at the Ottawa Senators Hockey Fights Cancer Game Night with a heavy heart following the passing of her mom.
Thank you Charley for your commitment to Canada’s Lifeline and congratulations on being nominated for the Cameron Bulger Memorial Award!
