BREAKING NEWS: Avalanche Coach Jared Bednar Donates Entire $4 Million Bonus and Endorsement Deal to Community and Youth Programs
Denver, CO — April 20, 2025
In an era where headlines are often dominated by controversy and scandal, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has turned the spotlight toward something remarkably rare: selfless generosity.
In a stunning announcement early Monday morning, Bednar revealed that he will be donating the entirety of his recently earned $4 million postseason bonus, along with the full value of his latest endorsement deal with Mountain Ridge Apparel, to a mix of local youth programs, Indigenous community outreach initiatives, and mental health support services in Colorado.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Bednar said at a press conference held at Ball Arena. “This city, this organization, and these fans have given me everything. Now it’s time for me to give back—not just with words, but with action.”
A Legacy Far Beyond Hockey
Bednar’s Avalanche squad clinched another thrilling postseason berth this year, building off the momentum of their Stanley Cup-winning season just three years prior. His performance as head coach has earned him widespread respect not only from NHL insiders but from his players, many of whom consider him more mentor than manager.
But today, he’s etched his name into a different kind of legacy.
“We were shocked when he told us,” said Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. “Not because it’s out of character—this is who Jared is. But four million dollars? That’s not a donation. That’s a movement.”
Bednar’s gift is split into several key initiatives:
$1.5 million to fund the construction of three state-of-the-art youth hockey rinks in underserved Colorado communities.
$750,000 toward scholarships for Indigenous youth to participate in sports and education camps throughout the state.
$500,000 to fund suicide prevention and mental health counseling for athletes at both high school and collegiate levels.
$1 million to endow the “Rising Avalanche” program—a mentorship and leadership academy run in partnership with Denver-area public schools and community centers.
The remaining $250,000 was split between emergency housing services and a fund to support local coaches pursuing certifications in youth development programs.
The Inspiration Behind the Gift
Those close to Bednar say the move was inspired by a deeply personal moment he shared with a former player whose life was changed by youth hockey.
“Jared told me once,” said assistant coach Nolan Pratt, “that when he was growing up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, the only reason he got into hockey was because of a coach who loaned him a pair of skates. One pair of skates started everything. He’s never forgotten that.”
According to sources inside the Avalanche organization, Bednar had been working quietly for months with community leaders, determining the best ways to distribute the funds for long-term impact.
“Coach Bednar didn’t just write a check,” said Mayra Ortiz, Director of Youth Empowerment Colorado, one of the non-profits receiving funds. “He met with our team, asked real questions, and even sat in on one of our youth leadership workshops. He’s in this for the long haul.”
Reaction from the Hockey World
The NHL, which has recently increased its emphasis on social responsibility and diversity, released a statement praising Bednar’s decision.
“This is a powerful example of leadership both on and off the ice,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Coach Bednar’s donation sets a standard we hope to see emulated throughout professional sports.”
Former players, analysts, and fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration.
TSN analyst Ray Ferraro tweeted: “What Bednar did today isn’t just generous—it’s culture-shifting. The kind of move that makes you proud to be part of this game.”
In the Avalanche locker room, the mood was equally emotional.
“It hit all of us hard,” said goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. “It’s a reminder that we have a platform—and a responsibility. If your leader’s willing to give up $4 million to make lives better, what are you willing to do?”
The Endorsement Deal That Kept Giving
Bednar’s latest endorsement deal with Mountain Ridge Apparel—a Colorado-based outdoor lifestyle brand—was originally pegged at $1 million over two years. Instead of pocketing the money, Bednar collaborated with the company to funnel the entirety of the funds into a new “Gear for Growth” initiative, which will supply free outdoor gear, apparel, and training resources to economically disadvantaged youth in the Rockies.
Mountain Ridge CEO Devon Talbot praised Bednar as “a leader whose values are stitched into the very fabric of our state.”
“Jared told us he’d be part of the deal only if it made a real difference,” Talbot said. “We’ve never had a spokesperson turn down a paycheck and still go all-in. He’s the real deal.”
“It’s Not About Me”
When asked why he decided to give it all away, Bednar was characteristically humble.
“Look, I make a good living. My family’s taken care of. But there are kids out there who’ve never laced up a pair of skates because they can’t afford it. There are teens battling anxiety who have no one to turn to. This is my way of leveling the ice—just a little.”
As the press conference drew to a close, Bednar stepped aside and introduced 12-year-old hockey player Malik Rivera, who spoke briefly about how a local community grant helped him buy his first goalie pads.
“If it wasn’t for Coach Bednar’s program, I’d still be playing street hockey with a tennis ball,” Rivera said with a grin.
The two shared a quiet handshake, drawing a standing ovation from reporters, Avalanche staff, and fans in attendance.
In a sports world often fixated on the next championship ring or endorsement score, Coach Jared Bednar has just reminded everyone what real victory looks like: showing up, giving back, and lifting others up with you.
And in Colorado today, that’s worth more than any trophy.
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