The Ontario Hockey League is proud to recognize Ben Danford, captain of the Oshawa Generals, as a nominee for the 2025 Dayna Brons Honorary Award.
This award celebrates an individual from Canada’s hockey community who demonstrates exceptional dedication to patients who rely on blood and stem cell products. Nominees must have made a meaningful and lasting impact in raising awareness about the importance of Canada’s Lifeline.
Named in memory of Dayna Brons— the athletic therapist for the Humboldt Broncos Hockey Club who tragically lost her life in the April 6, 2018 bus crash—the award honours her legacy of care, compassion, and commitment.
A passionate ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood, Danford actively uses his platform to promote the importance of donating blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues. He has used his voice and leadership position to shine a spotlight on the critical need for donors and has led by example through his own personal contributions.
Danford’s impact this past season extended far beyond advocacy. He formed a meaningful bond with Adam, a young hockey player and cancer survivor who overcame a 3½-year battle with leukemia. During his treatment, Adam received eight blood and platelet transfusions and numerous rounds of chemotherapy that helped save his life.
Together, Danford and Adam took part in the #450Challenge—an initiative encouraging Canadians to help Canadian Blood Services reach its goal of 450 new donors each day. Their partnership has powerfully illustrated the life-saving impact of blood donations and brought national attention to the cause.
As a Player Ambassador for Canadian Blood Services, Danford has inspired teammates, fans, and the community around him. His consistent efforts to promote the importance of giving the gift of life show the profound influence one individual can have.
Congratulations to Ben Danford on this well-deserved nomination! Thank you for being a role model on and off the ice, and for your unwavering commitment to making a difference.
