Blood donor champion Ontario Hockey League’s nominee for Dayna Brons Honorary award

Oshawa Generals captain and Toronto Maple Leaf draft pick Ben Danford has given his fair share of blood in battles on the ice but his most important fight is for those in the community in need of blood and stem cell products.

Danford, an Ontario Hockey League third-team all-star this year, is the league’s 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 who died at the age of 24 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 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.

Other nominees for the award this year are Carson Wetsche of the Kelowna Rockets and Preston Lounsberry of the Moncton Wildcats.

Previous winners include Jacon Ingham (Mississauga Steelheads), Matt Welsh (Charlottetown Islanders), Braden Hache (Kingston Frontenacs), Logan Nijhoff (Regina Pats), Logan Stankoven (Kamloops Blazers) and Donovan McCoy (Sudbury Wolves).

Dayna Brons