The center’s pet project, Athletes for Animals, goes back to his college days spent volunteering at shelters. “We thought it was a good way to interact with animals without acquiring one, because we didn’t have a stable income or environment.” Today, he connects fellow hockey stars and even pros in leagues like the MLB with organizations that are looking for a hand and to spread the word about animal adoption and responsible ownership—initiatives that are close to home. The Backes family has rescued Maverick, a pure-bred Rottweiler that was running in the streets at 10 months old, and Rosie, a pit bull-lab mix they came across while helping rescue animals from kill shelters. “She was going to be euthanized later that day. Obviously, she went in the back of our truck.”

Their Favorite Things: Brad Marchand | Zdeno Chara | Torey Krug | David Krejci | David Backes