Vincent Lecavalier is expected to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2009. (CP Images)
By Angela Ayles
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier may be an idol to thousands of aspiring hockey players, but his efforts off the ice have made him a hero to hundreds of families in dire need of support.
The 27-year-old Canadian-born skater has donated millions of dollars and countless hours to stimulate positive development in children and youth in both Tampa Bay, Florida and Rimouski, Quebec.
While many hockey legends are busy building their bank accounts, Lecavalier is building hope for less fortunate families.
In October 2007, Vinny announced he would be donating a whopping $3 million to help build a new All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The facility, which will be named the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, is expected to be completed in 2009 - just months after Vincent is expected to make the most important decision of his professional career.
Next summer, the Montreal native is scheduled to become a free agent. And while he's spent nearly a decade building relationships and growing with his Tampa Bay teammates, many believe the Stanley Cup winner will divert back to his roots and kick off the 2008-2009 season proudly sporting a jersey of his hometown Montreal Canadiens.
For generations to come, Vincent Lecavalier will be remembered, but not necessarily because of his actions on the ice. Not because of how many goals he scores, records he breaks or headlines he makes.
He will be remembered by children like 12-year-old Mary Lumapas who was diagnosed with kidney cancer when she was five years old and has spent over half her life in All Children's pediatric cancer program. Children like Mary who are now proud members of Vinny's VL4AllKids Team.
If every hockey player showed the same level of heart off the ice, the world would be a better place.
So Vinny's decision next year is undoubtedly a big one, but it won't make or break his reputation.
Besides, Vincent Lecavalier can change lives from anywhere.