NHL star Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche organization have pledged a staggering $50 million to support victims of the catastrophic flash floods in Texas. The donation will be split between assisting displaced families, funding search and rescue operations for missing individuals, and contributing to long-term recovery efforts.
đź’§ A Flood of Compassion
The devastating floods that swept across Texas left entire communities underwater, claiming lives, destroying homes, and leaving dozens missing. In response, MacKinnon—who previously gained admiration for his charitable work—stepped forward with the Avalanche to offer substantial aid during this unprecedented crisis. The funds will be allocated as follows:
$20 million to emergency search and rescue teams
$20 million for displaced families, covering temporary housing, food, medical care, and mental health services
$10 million toward rebuilding infrastructure, schools, and community centers in hardest-hit areas
🤝 Teaming Up for Impact
While MacKinnon’s personal contribution comprises a significant portion of the donation, the Avalanche organization pledged additional support through fundraising, community drives, and youth hockey program grants in affected regions. Together, the partnership underscores the NHL’s growing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
“We may wear Colorado blue, but our hearts go out to Texas,” MacKinnon said in a press release. “These are families who need help—fast. We’re here to help them rebuild and heal.”
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74156851/2188906330.0.jpg)
🌟 A Ripple Effect of Hope
The announcement has resonated well beyond Texas, prompting a wave of admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and political leaders:
“This is leadership in action—thank you, Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche,” tweeted one local mayor in Texas.
“Truly inspiring,” echoed an Avalanche fan.
🛠️ Looking Ahead
Funds are already being distributed, with focus on ramping up rescue efforts and mitigating immediate hardship. As floodwaters begin to recede, teams will shift toward reconstruction—using donations to repair roads, restore utilities, and empower survivors in their path to recovery.
❤️ More Than a Play
Nathan MacKinnon’s extraordinary gesture—and the Avalanche’s collective backing—serve as a powerful reminder that sports can unite us in times of crisis. Through swift, meaningful action, these champions have transcended the rink, displaying leadership when it matters most.
NHL News: Familiar face for Nathan MacKinnon joining Jared Bednar, Avalanche in Stanley Cup pursuit
Nathan MacKinnon will reunite with a familiar face joining the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, as they aim to win the Stanley Cup again.
The Colorado Avalanche are under the leadership of Jared Bednar and are looking to strengthen their coaching staff ahead of the 2025-26 season by adding an experienced coach who can provide leadership and strategic vision in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup. Star forward Nathan MacKinnon will now have a familiar, experienced figure to help guide him and the rest of the team.
MacKinnon remains the Avalanche’s main star and offensive engine. His explosiveness, scoring ability, and leadership on and off the ice continue to make him the team’s unquestioned centerpiece as they aim to make another deep playoff run next season.
Bednar is entering his ninth year as head coach of Colorado, having been named to the position in August 2016 after Patrick Roy’s unexpected resignation. Under Bednar’s guidance, the Avalanche captured the 2021-22 Stanley Cup and are looking to repeat that success with this new addition to the staff.
The new face joining the Avalanche coaching staff
“The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today the organization has hired Dave Hakstol as Assistant Coach,” the team stated, confirming his arrival to join Jared Bednar’s staff. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Avalanche,” Hakstol said, according to NHL.com.
Dave Hakstol, the new assistant coach of the Colorado Avalanche
A familiar face for MacKinnon
Hakstol is a familiar face to MacKinnon, as the two worked together with Team Canada at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, where they won a silver medal, an achievement the team repeated in 2019. Now they will reunite after having faced each other a few times in the NHL.
Hakstol’s background
Hakstol previously served as head coach of the Seattle Kraken. Before that experience, he was an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. He was also head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015 to 2019. Prior to that, Hakstol spent 15 seasons as head coach at the University of North Dakota.
