Latest news with #Benny'sBuddies
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
For all the dogs: Panthers' Sam Bennett nets a goal for rescue animals
RALEIGH, N.C. — Tuesday was National Rescue Dog Day, which is not exactly a well-known event. Panthers forward Sam Bennett did not know that, but he celebrated in his own way, netting a goal in Florida's Game 1 win over Carolina. In October, Bennett launched 'Benny's Buddies,' a program that sponsors the adoption fee for a Humane Society of Broward County rescue every time he scores a goal. Advertisement 'That's awesome,' Bennett said when informed of the day's significance. 'I actually didn't know that, so that … just made my day. That's awesome.' Bennett, who had 25 regular-season goals, leads the Panthers with seven playoff goals. That is 32 more pets who will be free to adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County. 'We've had so much success with Benny's Buddies this year and got tons of support,' Bennett said. 'And it's just, it's growing a lot, and we're getting tons of traction, tons of pets, cats and dogs have got adopted this year. And I think there's even more to come with that program. So definitely really, really excited about it.' Luostarinen gets revenge, continues playoff hot streak Eetu Luostarinen started his NHL career in Raleigh. The Hurricanes signed him out of the Finnish league and sent him to the minors. Advertisement In 2019-20, Luostarinen played eight games for the Hurricanes before they dealt him to the Panthers during the season. Luostarinen, who played for Florida when it beat Carolina in the 2023 Eastern Conference final, got his first playoff goal against his former team in Game 1. He scored to make it 5-1 in the third period, helping ice the game. Luostarinen has been a standout on the third line with Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell. The 26-year-old forward has four goals and nine assists in 13 playoff games, leading the team with 13 postseason points. 'I just try to keep it as simple as possible,' Luostarinen said. 'Be honest, work two ways and (I am) getting rewarded right now.' Ex-UM coach supports other Hurricanes Manny Diaz, the former Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator and head coach who spent six years in Coral Gables, is now rooting for the other Hurricanes team. Advertisement Diaz, a Miami native, is the head coach at Duke, and he is sticking with supporting the local team. He was at the Lenovo Center Tuesday night, winding a siren to get the Carolina Hurricanes fans fired up. Diaz switched allegiances, though. When he was still coaching UM, Diaz was shown on the Jumbotron supporting the Panthers.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Why Sam Bennett's goal in Florida's Game 1 win against Carolina had special meaning
The Florida Panthers were already well on their way to a Game 1 win in the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday when Sam Bennett scored a third-period goal. The strike came on a simple play, with Bennett rolling up high on the power play and firing a snap shot from the point to give Florida a three-goal lead in its eventual 5-2 win at the Lenovo Center. But the goal also had special meaning for Bennett, who has been playing for a special cause this season. At the start of the season, Bennett announced a partnership with the Humane Society of Broward County called 'Benny's Buddies.' Every time Bennett scores a goal this season, he is sponsoring the adoption a dog or cat at the humane society. Tuesday also happened to be National Rescue Dog Day. Bennett has now scored 33 goals this season — 25 in the regular season, a team-leading seven this playoffs and one for Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. That's 33 animals whose adoption fees have been paid. 'We've had so much success with Benny's Buddies this year and got tons of support,' Bennett said. 'It's growing a lot, and we're getting tons of traction, tons of cats and dogs have gotten adopted this year. I think there's even more to come with that program. Definitely really excited about it.' Bennett and his fiancee Zoe adopted two pets — a dog Billie and a cat Gracie — from the humane society before starting 'Benny's Buddies.' Later this postseason, Bennett will also be one of six NHL players to take part in the NHL's second-annual 'Stanley Pup,' a friendly competition featuring adoptable rescue dogs that will take place during Stanley Cup Final. Similar to the Puppy Bowl for the Super Bowl, the Stanley Pup is a 90-minute television special in which dogs will face off in a competition showcasing their canine skills. This year, all 32 NHL teams will be represented by a four-legged friend, many of whom will be available for adoption from a shelter or rescue group in their respective city. The show will premiere at 7 p.m. June 6 and be broadcast on TruTV, with a rerun at 7 p.m. June 8 on the NHL Network. In addition to Bennett, the Tampa Bay Lightning's Victor Hedman, Hurricanes' Jaccob Slavin, Utah Mammoth's Alexander Kerfoot, and Washington Capitals' Brandon Duhaime and Ryan Leonard will introduce participating dogs in support of local pet adoption in their cities.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sam Bennett and Zoe Zeleny share common passion for love, hockey and animals
Sam Bennett and Zoe Zeleny (Credit: Facebook) Zoe Zeleny is more Than Just a Hockey Fiancée CANADA draws even on SAM BENNETT's goal 🇨🇦🎯 Benny's Buddies, cause created from the shared passion Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers warms up (Credit: Getty Image) A Power Couple On and Off the Ice Sam Bennett's life with Zoe Zeleny Sam Bennett has been a standout name in hockey since his early days as the Canadian forward. He was the top North American prospect in the 2014 NHL Draft. The Calgary Flames selected him fourth overall. This made an immediate impact in the 2015 career took a major turn. When he was traded to the Florida Panthers in 2021. The move proved pivotal as he became a key too in their 2024 Stanley Cup victory, here his aggressive playing style and clutch performances have made him a fan the ice, Bennett's life took another exciting turn. Right after he got engaged to Zoe Zeleny . Their shared love for animals brought them even closer. Together, they are making a difference beyond Zeleny is not just known as Sam Bennett's partner. She has carved her own identity as an animal welfare advocate. For over a year, she has volunteered at the Humane Society of Broward passion for animals stems from growing up with pets. She believes every shelter animal deserves love and a forever home. This belief led her and Bennett to launch Benny's Buddies , a campaign supporting pet initiative covers adoption fees for shelter animals every time Bennett scores a goal. It's a unique way to merge his hockey success with their shared mission. Zeleny's dedication has made her a respected figure in animal rescue Buddies is more than just a charity; it's a movement, as this campaign directly links Bennett's on-ice performance to helping animals in need. Each goal he scores translates to a covered adoption fee. This was encouraging more people to adopt. Zeleny plays a hands-on role. Often spending time at the shelter. She enjoys interacting with the animals and seeing them find loving homes, also the couple's commitment has inspired others in the NHL community to support similar and Zeleny are a perfect match, balancing hockey and philanthropy. While Bennett focuses on winning games, Zeleny ensures their off-ice efforts make a lasting impact. Their relationship is built on shared values and mutual success with the Panthers has brought more attention to Benny's Buddies. The couple hopes to expand their initiative in the coming years. They aim to partner with more shelters and increase adoptions story is a reminder that athletes can influence more than just sports. With love, dedication, and a shared mission, Bennett and Zeleny are scoring big; both on and off the more: Where to Watch Golden Knights vs. Oilers, Game 1 Tonight Sam Bennett's journey from a top NHL draft pick to Stanley Cup champion is impressive. But his life with Zoe Zeleny adds another layer to his work with Benny's Buddies shows how small actions can create big change, as Bennett continues to shine in hockey. Zeleny ensures their impact extends far beyond the rink. They are a true power couple. This is inspiring fans with their love for the game; and for animals.
