“During his playing career, Andrew Ference demonstrated his commitment to excellence both on and off the ice serving as an innovative ambassador for the sport and the League in building vibrant communities through social impact,” said Davis. “We are thrilled to have him join our team.”

An eighth-round selection (208th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Ference played for the Penguins, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins (with whom he won a Stanley Cup in 2011) and Edmonton Oilers (during which he served as team captain). A native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, he also represented Canada at the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship.

Throughout his professional hockey career, Ference’s personal interest in environmental sustainability and health and wellness has led him to key leadership positions in both fields. He has been a member of the Green Sports Alliance’s board of directors since 2016, a partner with Fifth Season Ventures since 2015, and founded the November Project Canada free fitness movement in 2013. In 2014, Ference received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.