Colorado Avalanche player trying to bring attention to a cause that is near and dear to his heart

With the divisiveness that has been caused by Pride nights for months across the National Hockey League, it was refreshing to see the NHL public relations Twitter account promote and celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day on Tuesday, March 21st, with a tweet highlighting Colorado Avalanche Left Winger Matt Nieto and his sister Erin who has Down Syndrome.

Through Nieto's philanthropic efforts during his career, the thirty-year-old from Long Beach, California has donated tickets to families of special needs children.

Special Olympics of Northern California has benefited from the eleven-year veteran's presence being involved with their floor hockey program and his purchase of athletic uniforms for every team at the school his sister attended.


Last season Nieto was the San Jose Sharks nominee for the King Clancy Award for his commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging through his passionate support of persons with disabilities.