MONTREAL — In a gesture that has stunned the hockey world and resonated far beyond the rinks of the National Hockey League, Montreal Canadiens’ rising star Juraj Slafkovský has announced he is donating his entire $10 million in performance bonuses and sponsorship earnings to charitable causes aimed at helping underprivileged youth and rebuilding war-torn communities.
At just 21 years old, the Slovakian left winger has shown maturity and compassion well beyond his years. Slafkovský made the surprise announcement early this morning during a press conference held at the Bell Centre, flanked by team executives, foundation partners, and a visibly emotional group of young beneficiaries.
“This game has given me more than I could ever imagine,” Slafkovský said. “I’ve come from a small country, from humble beginnings. Now that I have the chance to give back, I want to do it in a way that’s meaningful—not just symbolic. This is for the kids who dream big like I did, and for those who don’t even have the chance to dream yet.”
The donation will be split among three major initiatives: youth hockey programs across North America and Slovakia, post-conflict educational infrastructure in Eastern Europe, and mental health services for young athletes. One of the leading recipients will be the “Skate & Learn” Foundation, a Canadian-based nonprofit that provides hockey equipment and academic tutoring to children from low-income households. The second major recipient is the Slovak Relief Initiative, which has been instrumental in providing shelters and schools in communities devastated by conflict.
Canadiens President Geoff Molson, who stood beside Slafkovský, called the move “one of the most inspiring moments in franchise history.”
“We’ve seen heroes on the ice. But this—this is heroism off the ice,” Molson stated. “Juraj is setting a new standard for what it means to wear the Canadiens crest.”
Fans and former players immediately poured their appreciation on social media, with tributes from around the NHL and international sports community flooding in. Sidney Crosby called it “an extraordinary act of heart,” and Jaromír Jágr posted that “Slovakia and the world should be proud.”
Slafkovský’s bold move comes at a time when athlete philanthropy is under the spotlight, but rarely does a player commit such a substantial portion of their wealth so early in their career. His selflessness has already sparked pledges from other players to increase their own charitable efforts, creating what many are calling a new era of purpose-driven professional sports.
As Montreal continues to celebrate the generosity of its young star, it’s becoming clear that Juraj Slafkovský is not just building a legacy on the ice—he’s changing lives far beyond it.