Charlie McAvoy honors Bruins tradition by giving back to Boston in big ways

Charlie McAvoy is certainly a strong man on defense for the Bruins and when it comes to off-the-ice activities, an important leader. Charlie McAvoy is the Bruins’ nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy , an NHL award recognizing leadership and community service, which he embraced in the Boston Bruins 's long heritage of philanthropy. Not far from giving at Christmas to major charity initiatives, he follows in the footsteps of legends, creating a difference in Boston.

Charlie McAvoy rises to carry on Boston Bruins' charitable means
Charlie McAvoy grew up with a blue-collar family in Long Beach, New York. When he came to Boston University and later became a member of the Bruins, he brought those values with him.


And when Boston Bruins legend Zdeno Chara departed the team, Charlie McAvoy took up his tradition of delivering pies to shelters every Thanksgiving. Now, it's a family tradition he gets to do every year.

Charlie McAvoy, the @NHLBruins' 2024-25 King Clancy nominee, says one of the foundational pillars of what it means to be a Bruin is being more than just a hockey player. He’s involved himself in a number of initiatives from helping first responders, military families, Special… pic.twitter.com/uIjcFW0koT

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) May 15, 2025

That's just one example of how McAvoy connects with the community. He's not doing it for attention. He does it because it matters to him. Being a Bruin, in his mind, is something more than just playing hockey. It's being in the city and giving back where you can.

Charlie McAvoy's initiatives get job done from hospital visits to hero assistance
Charlie McAvoy is partnering with Service Credit Union to launch "73 Reasons to Defend Those Who Serve." For each Bruins blocked shot or shutout, funds are donated to help local police and firefighters receive health screenings. What McAvoy and his teammates accomplish on the ice saves lives off of it.


He also participates in Bruins theme nights like Military Appreciation Night. McAvoy donates game tickets to veterans and personally thanks them after games. He's involved with initiatives that benefit children from Make-A-Wish , patients from hospitals, and athletes from Special Olympics Massachusetts , sometimes with help from Bruins Foundation leader Johnny Dunleavy, who McAvoy describes as the "coolest guy ever."


Even Charlie McAvoy’s pet, Otto, is helping out. Otto has a treat from a Boston-area dog bakery, whose proceeds from every sale go toward helping animals in need.


Charlie McAvoy is proud to wear the Bruins jersey, but he knows it doesn't come cheap. He'd like to continue the tradition of the team by doing his part for society. Whether it's helping families, first responders, or children in need, McAvoy is showing that real leadership goes far beyond the ice.


Also Read: Boston Bruins Coaching Search Heats Up With Big Names And Familiar Faces In Mix