Sabres winger Beck Malenstyn gives back off the ice

Beck Malenstyn is using his place in the NHL to help children find a way into hockey. The Buffalo Sabres winger's work with the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition includes volunteering with HEROS Hockey, which offers free programmes across Canada.

Malenstyn joined after the Coalition contacted the Sabres early last season. Founded in 2023, it brings together 18 current and former players, with P.K. Subban and Anson Carter as co-chairs.

In August, Malenstyn took children from Victoria to the Vancouver area for a hockey clinic. The visit also included lunch at Barnside Brewing Co., a restaurant co-owned by his father, Ken. Some of the children were visiting Vancouver for the first time.

HEROS executive director Kevin Hodgson told Sabres.com that Malenstyn adapted the day to each child's interests and needs. Hodgson has known him since his Calgary Hitmen years and praised his character.

Malenstyn, 28, is entering a longer commitment to Buffalo after signing a six-year contract through 2031-32. He and his wife, Annie, also hope to develop a community initiative in the Buffalo area. He told Sabres.com that a settled future with the team gives him more scope to take on that work.