WINNIPEG — It was a trade many felt was inevitable. Andrew Ladd has played his last game as a Winnipeg Jet after being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks.
But it’s not just the hockey organization that is losing a captain… the city is losing a major player in the community.
Throughout his five seasons here in Winnipeg, Ladd became a familiar face to many kids, often spending his time helping charities.
READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets captain Andrew Ladd traded to Chicago Blackhawks
He’s a regular at Special Olympics Manitoba events. It’s a charity he’s been heavily involved in his entire time in Winnipeg.
“Andrew Ladd has had a huge heart for our organization, said Steve Dreger, communications manager with Special Olympics Manitoba. He always has time for our athletes. He comes to our events as much as possible.”
Ladd was one of the leaders at the organization’s golf tournament every summer. His name alone can help bring in huge donations the group relies heavily on to help its athletes.
“He would get out all of his friends that are NHLers,” said Dreger. “He would really draw in a lot of the community to really participate in the event. We do use the stars to bring in donations.”
Ladd is an honourary spokesperson for The Dream Factory, a charitable organization dedicated to fulfilling dreams for kids who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
Thank you so much for being our honorary spokesperson @aladd16 & best wishes in Chicago! #dreamfactorymb #winnipeg pic.twitter.com/DJOqfqGsBQ
— The Dream Factory (@DreamFactoryMB) February 26, 2016
“For charity, when you bring someone like Ladd in, that’s going to bring more people in to your event,” said economist Robert Warren. “That’s probably going to push up what you’re getting, especially if there is a silent auction. You need those people, in a town like this, to help build up not only your fan base but your organization’s base of supporters.”
When there was no NHL hockey during the 2012 lockout, Ladd organized a pick-up game of street hockey for fans to participate in at The Forks.
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“Off the ice it means we are losing a big asset. He’s a guy that was thoroughly engaged with the community,” said Warren. “When you trade your captain, you’re trading a team leader…but now you are also trading a community leader.”
#AGoodLadd has been trending on social media since news of the trade was announced late Thursday evening. Twitter users shared their favourite memories of the player along with what they will miss.
Ladd’s family has also been extremely active in the community they have called home for the past few seasons. Ladd’s wife, Brandy, sits on the board of the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.
The couple have both been involved in giving Special Olympic athletes and kids from Winnipeg’s Children’s Hospital an opportunity to attend Winnipeg Jets hockey games as well.
Ladd will be back in Winnipeg on Mar. 18 when the Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Jets at the MTS Centre.
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