On a mid-December morning, Reggie Newman is gearing up to join his teammates and get to work.
Not at the rink, but at Canadian Blood Services.
The Victoria Royals Captain is a player ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood, and has donated three times this season in hopes of making an impact in the community.
“Our organization takes great pride in giving back to the community in any way we can,” Newman explained. “Hockey Gives Blood is kind of the same thing. Just trying to give back in any way possible. We’re pretty public figures here in Victoria, so we can spread our awareness with the platforms that we have.”
Newman, along with Miles Cooper, Ethan Eskit, Seth Fryer and Wyatt Danyleyko, rolled up their sleeves to join thousands of other Canadians in donating blood.
https://twitter.com/victoriaroyals/status/2016656483417575442
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, more than 377,000 Canadians donated, according to Canadian Blood Services.
But for the players, staggering numbers come into clearer focus when you meet one person in need.
On December 11, 2025, the Royals roster grew by one as the team welcomed 11-year-old Eamonn Millar to their ranks for a special weekend.
Millar, who was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2024, took in part of a practice from the team bench before hopping on the ice to show Newman and the club his skills.
“(He’s) just an 11-year-old kid, but he’s definitely got some skill, and he loves hockey, and just seeing a smile on his face just makes everyone’s day so much better,” Newman grinned. “He’s had a pretty hard life so far, having 28 blood transfusions and stuff like that, but I think it’s just trying to make the most out of every day.”
Newman presented Millar with a custom Royals jersey, and the youngster got to attend Victoria’s Teddy Bear Toss game that weekend, which raised money for the Island Kids Cancer Association.
Millar is now continuing maintenance chemotherapy and returning to school- truly embodying the spirit of a hockey player.
For Newman, a 20-year-old veteran preparing to wrap up his fifth and final WHL season, moments like these will stick with him just as much as Victoria’s final-weekend sprint to lock down a playoff berth.
“It’s a big cliche- everyone says time flies, but you know, it’s been going by really quick,” Newman reflected. “I’m so fortunate to be able to play for the same organization for a whole five years. So, just taking these last games with a grain of salt and really soaking everything in. Just enjoying every moment.”
The Western Hockey League strives to promote and foster a welcoming environment in communities close to our 23 teams in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Each club has the creative freedom to allow its players and staff to work with the organizations and groups that they are most passionate about. The end goal is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships and ongoing partnerships within their community.
Through McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective, we aim to highlight these outstanding initiatives done by each club throughout the season.
