Ben Bonisteel is used to making a difference while playing for the Trenton Golden Hawks.
He has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance throughout his tenure with the organization.
It's fair to say that the Fenwick native is a dominant goaltender on an elite team. When needed, he can also steal tight contests.
Now, the left-catching backstop is making an additional contribution to the community. For every save he made in the regular season, Bonisteel pledged to donate fifty cents to VETS Canada.
"I've worked at Starbucks my whole junior career," he explained. "We receive tips, and they've always been there, but I never really spent them. I've always kept them in a jar in my room."
"I was looking for a way to invest my savings and give back, especially to a community that has embraced me as one of their own."
His charitable innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of Quinte West.
Most Canadian cities love their veterans. Since Trenton is home to the nation's largest Air Force base, it almost goes without saying that the region has a special bond with military members past and present.
Bonisteel wanted to commemorate this relationship in his mask design. In working to get the right art, he found the focus of his campaign.
He turned to Ryan Isbister, a retired Army Master Corporal and local graphic artist, to help develop his commemorative equipment.
They then connected with active service members to find the best non-profit charity to partner with and round out the details of the illustrations.
"We consulted with Captain Paula Findlater and Major Corey Gallagher to help design the mask," he reflected. "They recommended VETS Canada as the best organization to support veterans in staying off the streets and help them in their post-service transition."
Thus, the campaign was set in motion. Bonisteel also recruited several enthusiastic supporters to maximize donations.
In addition to the tremendous support he receives from the hockey club, numerous businesses and family members also demonstrated a commitment to giving back and provided matching contributions.
"Everybody has come together. The support has been overwhelming," he said." "Having my name attached to it at the start of the year has earned me a lot of congratulations, but really, it's the community."
Bonisteel views his funding drive as a way of giving back to individuals who sacrifice for the country's well-being. It is also an excellent motivation to never give up on a shot or play and strive to make tough saves on a routine basis.
"This is about helping those who provide us with the quality of life we have," he emphasized.
Since the launch of the initiative, Bonisteel has helped raise $6,500 for Canadian veterans.
While Bonisteel deserves recognition for his charitable endeavours, his remarkable play was instrumental in helping the franchise secure an Eastern Conference Regular-Season title.
He attributes that accomplishment to the guidance of Mike Murphy, his esteemed goaltending coach.
"I've explained it to a couple of people. If anybody has seen The Matrix, it's like you're taking the pill of truth. It bends your mind," Bonisteel said. "He has been a massive part of my success this year. It is unbelievable how he sees the game and the way he teaches it. I've clicked with him."
Evidently, Bonisteel is a perfect fit for the Golden Hawks. He considers his arrival last season as one of the most critical moments of his career.
"I won the lottery when I got traded here. These are friendships I'll have for the rest of my life," he said. "I wouldn't be the person or goalie I am today without this organization, and I'm grateful for that."