Beard-a-thon Canada

If you plan on keeping your beard throughout the summer months,...

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:30:27 -0400

If you plan on keeping your beard throughout the summer months, you’ll need to know some of these tips on beard grooming to keep it in top shape!

Final Roundup

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:38:00 -0400

So it is that time of year again. Summer has finally arrived, you are finding yourself spending way more time enjoying the outdoors perhaps even on the golf course. With the NHL playoffs now over and the new cup champion Los Angeles Kings crowned, what better time than now to recap how our NHLPA Beard-a-thon participants fared in this year’s NHL playoffs and NHLPA Beard-a-thon donations.

The Vancouver Canucks had many players participating in the NHLPA Beard-a-thon this year. The team was surprised by a strong 8th seed in the first round of the playoffs and were eliminated in 5 games. Here is how their participating players fared in their fund raising.

Andrew Alberts $85
Keith Ballard $95
Alex Burrows $165
Marc-Andre Gragnani $90
Dan Hamhuis $255
Chris Higgins $110
Zack Kassian $100
Ryan Kesler $110
Maxim Lapierre $80
Manny Malhotra $85
Mayson Raymond $230
Cory Schneider $165
Christopher Tanev $95
Dale Weise $95

The Phoenix Coyotes had their best ever playoffs this year making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. In the finals ran into the powerhouse LA Kings and lost in 5 games. Here is how their participating players fared in their fund raising.

Adrian Aucoin $1520
Paul Bissonnette $985

The Boston Bruins were coming into the playoffs as defending cup champions looking to repeat. Their dream of a repeat was cut short in the first round at the hands of the Washington Capitals. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Patrice Bergeron $415

The Ottawa Senators had a hard fought first round series against the New York Rangers. Sadly for Sens fans it didn’t end the way they had hoped losing in 7 games. Here is how their participating players fared in their fund raising.

Matt Carkner $320
Chris Phillips $400

The Pittsburgh Penguins came into the playoffs as cup favourites but wound up playing state rivals Philly in the first round. This will probably go down as the most exciting series of the entire playoffs. The Pens wound up losing this amazing series to the Flyers in 6 games. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Pascal Dupuis $250

The St. Louis Blues surprised many in this years playoffs winning their opening round series against the San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately they met the LA Kings in the 2nd round and were eliminated in a sweep. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Brian Elliott $525

The Philadelphia Flyers put on quite the first round performance against the Penguins in a series was one for the ages. However they met up with cup finalist New Jersey Devils in the 2nd round and wound up losing in 5 games. Here is how their participating players fared in their fund raising.

Scott Hartnell $855
Max Talbot $630

The Washington Capitals played a great first round series against the cup champion Boston Bruins and a spirited 2nd round against the New York Rangers in which they came up just short of a birth in the East Finals. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Brooks Laich $575

The Chicago Blackhawks battled hard in their first round series against the Phoenix Coyotes with some great overtime games. Sadly for Hawks fans they came up just a bit short. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Jamal Mayers $180

The New York Rangers had a great run in this 2012 playoffs. Making it all the way to the conference finals against cross river rivals New Jersey Devils. The Rangers came 2 wins shy of a birth in the cup finals. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Brandon Prust $2525

The Detroit Red Wings had a very brief playoffs in 2012 getting bounced by the Nashville Predators in 5 games of the first round. Here is how their participating player fared in their fund raising.

Kyle Quincey $130

Congrats to all of the 2012 NHLPA Beard-a-thon participants for their accomplishments on and off time ice!

Your beard is probably pretty long by now. Learn how to maintain...

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:37:08 -0400

Your beard is probably pretty long by now. Learn how to maintain a beard when it’s at its longest.

The women behind the beards: Caroline Aucoin

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:17:14 -0400

We got in touch with Adrian Aucoin’s wife to see how she really feels about his playoff beard.

1. How did you feel about your husband/boyfriend’s beard?

As the playoffs approach, I never look forward to it, that’s for sure! However, once everything settles down and the family is watching him in the playoffs, it’s not so bad. I definitely think it’s a great way for the team to bond during the turbulent time of the playoffs. And now that he’s shaved it, I might even say I miss it!

2. What’s the worst part about being married to/dating a man with a beard?

Because this was the furthest Adrian had gone in the playoffs in his career, I have to say it’s actually not that bad even though it grew so thick! And of course, the kids and I were hoping he could grow it as long as possible!

3. Do you have a favourite style of beard?

Usually a trimmed one is best in my opinion. But for us, we knew the longer Adrian’s beard grew, the further the Coyotes had advanced in the playoffs. So for this year, we were thinking long, bushy beards were the best!

4. Do you think beards make men more high-maintenance?

I can’t speak for all the women out there, but for me, the playoff beard means lower-maintenance! He didn’t have to shave or trim nearly as much, and he could just wake up and get to the rink. The only thing that made the beard high-maintenance was reminding him to check for leftover food in it after meals!

5. Does he discuss his beard with his other male friends?

I think Adrian and his teammates had some fun with the younger guys on the team who can’t grow the best beards. Because he is one of the veterans on the team, he definitely had one of the better beards. I know that the players who were trying to win it all would do whatever it takes, including buying into the superstition of growing a beard!

6. Do you think he secretly wishes he could keep the beard all year long?

Definitely not! Because we live in Phoenix for most of the year, a thick beard in this heat can get tiring very quickly. For someone who has to exercise and workout year-round, I think having a beard all year long would become quite irritating!

7. How can women support the NHLPA Beard-a-thon even though they can’t grow themselves?

Personally, I was focused on supporting Adrian and his beard because I knew the team concept behind growing is important to him. I would recommend all the wives and girlfriends take pictures of their male counterpart’s beard and post the pictures on the NHLPA Beard-a-thon website. I’ve also heard about the “Build-a-Beard”, where women can create their own beards. Why not compete alongside your husband/boyfriend?!

NHLPA members past and present discuss the practice of beard...

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:17:14 -0400

NHLPA members past and present discuss the practice of beard growing among fans in this Bleacher Report video. John Cimperman of Cenergy (Beard-a-thon creators), along with dedicated beard-growing fans, explain the Canadian NHLPA Beard-a-thon and US-based Beard-a-thon concepts and how these fundraisers resonate with passionate hockey fans, their families, and NHLPA members.

Upload your photo to win an autographed hockey jersey!

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:13:00 -0400

Thanks for giving up the daily shave to save lives! You probably have quite the show of growth by now. So, how big has your playoff beard become? Upload the most recent photo of your playoff beard before June 6, 2012 for your chance to win an autographed hockey jersey.*

Attention ladies: Can’t grow your own? Build one! Visit beardathon.ca and click on the Build-a-Beard application, then save and share via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.

Hurry! Submit your photo on Facebook, Twitter or by email before June 6! The NHLPA will select one lucky winner to receive a signed jersey.

Remember — keep fundraising for your chance to win a grand prize trip for two!**

Attention ASHL members: remember to email beardathon@nhlpa.com with your ASHL location and team name to be eligible for prizing!

Tips and tricks for growing and maintaining your facial hair....

Tue, 29 May 2012 15:59:29 -0400

Tips and tricks for growing and maintaining your facial hair. Donate to the NHLPA Beard-a-thon today.

24 hours to win an autographed hockey jersey!

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:03:00 -0400

Way to grow! We’re in the thick of the Finals and the funds you’ve raised are making a huge difference! Now, here’s your chance to score an autographed jersey in just one day!

On Monday, May 28, starting at 3pm, you have 24 hours to maximize your fundraising. Raise the most money in 24 hours and win a signed jersey from an NHLPA member of your choice – it’s that easy!

Get sharp and go for the goal! Just one day is all it takes to get this jersey – a symbol of your dedication to the cause!

Start fundraising now!

*Contest runs from 3pm on May 28 to 3pm on May 29. Read the fine print.

Player Profile: Brandon Prust

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:51:00 -0400

The New York Rangers are on the verge of a trip back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. Brandon has been a key part of the Rangers so far successful playoff run. He proves much needed grit and physical presence that is required for a long and successful run at the cup. Originating from London Ontario, Prust has been in the NHL for 5 seasons and is currently involved in the longest playoff venture of his career. The only thing more impressive than the Rangers performance so far in the playoffs is Brandon’s NHLPA Beard-a-thon beard! Looking great out there Brandon, keep up the good work!

Support Brandon in his quest for a Stanley Cup worthy NHLPA Beard-a-thon beard.

Beard of the day

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:42:46 -0400

Congratulations to Maple Leaf fan, Ryan Packer from Milton, ON for making beard of the day on beardathon.ca!

Beard Grower Profile: Nicolas Noiseux

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:52:00 -0400

A heart surgeon by day, Nicolas Noiseux knows how important it is to make people aware of their cardiac health - which is why he’s so happy to give his time to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

A seemingly tireless Nicolas spends much of his spare time as a volunteer researcher for The HSF, but he says Beard-A-Thon is actually giving him time back in his day. “When you don’t have to shave in the morning, you realize how much time you can save,” he says.

Nicolas is also a hockey player, and tells his patients that it is imperative to exercise often and become to be aware of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and obesity.

It’s not just important to keep your own heart healthy, Nicolas says. Donating to organizations like The Heart and Stroke Foundation can help many other Canadians in need. “Research is essential to save lives and to improve quality of health care,” says Nicolas. “No support means no research. In Canada, we do state-of-the-art research and we should be proud of our achievements.”

Support Nicolas Noiseux in NHLPA Beard-a-thon

Photo

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:14:28 -0400

NHLPA will match your donation dollar for dollar!

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:33:11 -0400

Thanks for getting your beard on for a great cause! Now, the funds you raise for the NHLPA Beard-a-thon can be worth twice as much!

The NHLPA is matching up to $200 in new donations made to every beard grower until May 21. That means if you get $200 in pledges, you actually raise $400 for vital heart disease and stroke research.

You also get closer to rewards like an exclusive NHLPA sweatshirt and hat — yours for reaching just $500!

Hurry! Boost your fundraising dollars by May 21, 2012 for your chance at more prizes and to grow the number of lives the Heart and Stroke Foundation can save!

Start fundraising now! Raising just $50 (your $50 + $50 from the NHLPA) by May 21 now gets you to the $100 threshold and the official NHLPA Beard-a-thon t-shirt!

*Contest runs from 3pm on May 14 to 3pm on May 21. NHLPA agrees to match up to $200 per beard grower, for a total of up to $50,000. Read the fine print

NHLPA Beard-a-thon Android and iPhone apps

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:58:00 -0400

Your online fundraising headquarters has gone mobile thanks to NHLPA Beard-a-thon’s free mobile app. Registered beard growers can fundraise on the go with our iPhone or Android app. It’s a great tool to reach out to donors, track your fundraising progress, connect with other beard growers on the message board and more!

Participants can use this app to:- Track donations on an individual fundraising thermometer
- Solicit donations from their family & friends via their phone’s email address book, Facebook and Twitter
- View personalized event day information like dates, times, location and map
- Connect to Facebook to share fundraising updates
- Instantly process secure credit card donations through the mobile web
- View and share messages on their message board
- Learn more about Heart & Stroke Foundation

This app is free to download. Things are going to get hairy!

Download this app from the Google Play store for your Android device
Download this app from the iTunes store for your iPhone

Android screenshots

iPhone screenshots

Adrian Aucoin of the Phoenix Coyotes is an NHLPA Beard-a-thon...

Wed, 09 May 2012 17:18:06 -0400

Adrian Aucoin of the Phoenix Coyotes is an NHLPA Beard-a-thon participant. Check out his beard progress and sponsor him here!

Special prizes and perks for ASHL beard growers

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:22:00 -0400

If you’re an NHLPA Beard-a-thon supporter and a member of the Adult Safe Hockey League, we’ve got some special prizes and perks for you:

• Highest individual ASHL beard grower (raise minimum $1,000): 
- New pair of Reebok or Bauer skates

• Top five fundraising ASHL beard growers (raise minimum $100 — or $1,000 for top fundraiser):
 - NHLPA clothing prize pack

• Highest team ASHL beard growers (raise minimum $2,500):
 - Team set of new replica jerseys  
- 50% discount on ASHL registration for 2013 summer league

• Highest fundraising ASHL location Manager in the West & East: 
- Choice of signed jersey

NHLPA Beard-a-thon Profile: Paul Bissonnette

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:34:00 -0400

Originating from Welland Ontario, Paul Bissonnette has been in the NHL for 4 seasons. A fan favourite in Phoenix and around the league for his gritty on-ice play and his hilarious use of social media off-ice. BizNasty, as he is known by his followers, brings a physical style to a fast and speedy Phoenix Coyotes team that has made their mark in the 2012 NHL playoffs. If you are on twitter and don’t follow him at @BizNasty2point0, we would recommend doing so now so you don’t miss out on any funny tweets:

@BizNasty2point0: So let me get this straight. Grown men still ask hairdressers to “frost their tips?”

Lets all send Paul well wishes for the rest of the playoffs as well as for a nice thick playoff beard. Here is Paul’s NHLPA Beard-a-thon message “Calling on Coyote fans from Canada to help support my beard and I during another playoff season…”

NHLPA Beardathon video player updates

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:20:00 -0400

Veteran beard grower and NHLPA member Scott Hartnell reminds hockey fans how to go about putting their playoff beards to good use. How will your beard compare to Scott’s?

Washington Capitals veteran Brooks Laich discusses which players on the Caps have the best and worst beards.

French-Canadian players Patrice Bergeron and Benoit Pouliot ask the people of Quebec to take up the cause grow and playoff beards to help support the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Join NHLPA Beard-a-thon participant Scott Hartnell. Visit beardathon.ca and grow one for the cause!

How to support NHLPA Beard-a-thon once your team is out

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:30:00 -0400

Christopher Golden from Canucks Hockey Blog is a beard-grower and Canucks fan. Even though the Canucks have been eliminated, Golden will continue to support the NHLPA Beard-a-thon until the end of the playoffs. He took some time to speak with us about beard-growing and supporting NHLPA Beard-a-thon once your team has been eliminated from the playoffs.

Although Golden seems pretty enthusiastic about the beard he gets to grow for the playoffs and the NHLPA Beard-a-thon, he’s not a fan of the full beard. Golden’s regular facial hair is what he calls a “well-maintained goatee.” Golden insists that growing a full beard is nothing like maintaining a small goatee. “Late in the first round the beard would catch on collared shirts and become irritated, I’d constantly feel the need to scratch as it would be itchy by days end, and as the daily temperature crept up as the playoffs progressed it was as if I had a blanket on my face.”

When Golden was featured as one of the beards of the day on the NHLPA Beard-a-thon website last year, it made his itchy beard-growing woes disappear. “I was elated when asked to showcase what I was doing to help support the charity via the growth of a beard. I also found the showcase of my beard (and picture) attracted the attention of friends who donated and otherwise may not have - obviously any extra money to the charity is a good thing.”

The Canucks were eliminated from the playoffs in round one. Golden is a dedicated Canucks fan and has dropped his beard, but he will continue to support NHLPA Beard-a-thon until the end of the playoffs. “Our team is out, but our support is still strong — so we’re going to rally our readers to help by continuing to support the NHLPA Beard-a-thon through donations to us or any other beard grower they feel worthy.”

Five ways to continue to support NHLPA Beard-a-thon:

1. Your profile on our site doesn’t go away when your team is eliminated. Upload photos and keep your profile up to date.

2. Continue to send the link to your profile to your contacts.

3. Keep your profile link in your email signature. Post your fundraising page to your social networks.

4. Share your favourite beards, beards of the day and great profiles from beardathon.ca.

5. Donate to players/supporters who are still in the running.

Donate to Christopher Golden’s NHLPA Beard-a-thon campaign and read his profile here.

Fuel your fundraising efforts online

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:09:00 -0400

Blog about it
Whether you’re already a blogger, or are looking to start, blogging about your fundraising and training efforts can be a good place to raise money and awareness for the NHLPA Beard-a-thon. This way, your family, friends and online surveyors can join you in your journey. They might even feel more compelled to donate or grow a beard themselves!

Talk about things like how you plan to raise money, photos of your beard, and be sure to add a personal touch. People love learning why others are so passionate about raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Network on Twitter
Now that you’ve started your blog, you’ll want to have a social media presence as well. Twitter users often raise more money than non-users, but it is a commitment. If you are going to manage a Twitter account, you have to tweet often. Be sure to include a link or a call to action in your NHLPA Beard-a-thon-related tweets.

Use hashtags. When you search #NHLPAbeardathon on twitter, you’ll see a list of tweets containing that hashtag. It’s a great way to get caught up on what’s going on, find new people to follow and interact with others who are growing hair because they care.

Network on Facebook
You get more than 140 characters on Facebook, so use as many as you want! Tell a story, ask for donations, spark discussion. Get your friends and followers talking.

Here’s a sample facebook update:

5 things to remember
1. Get people engaged.
2. Always provide the URL to your profile page so people can easily donate
3. Social media can be a powerful tool, you just have to be dedicated.
4. Managing all of these networks takes time, but you will eventually see results.
5. Share your story. People will read it and they will care greatly.