Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel has reached into his pocket to help people with intellectual disabilities.
On Thursday, the second overall pick in the 2015 draft presented a check for $40,000 to Best Buddies International. He also invited 50 beneficiaries from the foundation’s Nevada chapter to attend Golden Knights training.
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According to their website, Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for individual friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I have worked with Best Buddies in my home state of Massachusetts and in Buffalo. It was important for me to also embrace my new life in Nevada,” said Eichel, whose comments were reported by the website nhl.com.
The star player and some of his teammates also took the time to dress up to hand out Halloween candy to guests. This notably allowed Quebecer Jonathan Marchessault to put on his best taco costume.
Eichel was drafted by the Buffalo Sabers and traded to the Golden Knights in November 2021. He is in the sixth year of an eight-year contract that will allow him to earn $10 million annually.