Flames F Huberdeau pledges brain to science

Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau has pledged to donate his brain to science.

Huberdeau, former astronaut Marc Garneau, All-Ivy hockey star Kalley Armstrong and Major General (retired) Denis Thompson have joined 170 Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans in pledging to donate their brains to Project Enlist Canada for research on brain injuries.

“As an NHL player, I’m very aware of the impact of traumatic brain injuries, concussions and the link to other mental health issues,” said Huberdeau in a Project Enlist release on Monday. “I’m proud to support Canadian military veterans by pledging to donate my brain to Project Enlist and support research to improve the quality of life of all military personnel who so bravely and courageously served our country.”

“Concussions ended my hockey career, but I have been able to recover. Other are not so lucky,” said Armstrong, a former Harvard captain. “It is important all Canadians understand that mental health issues can result from brain injuries and research will lead to new treatments. I am proud to support Canadian military members in pledging my brain to Project Enlist Canada.”

TSN Senior Hockey Reported Rick Westhead notes that Huberdeau's pledge comes five years after then-New Jersey Devils defenceman Ben Lovejoy became the first active NHL player to make the commitment in 2017.

Major General (retired) Denis Thompson and former Harvard University team captain Kalley Armstrong, whose hockey career was ended by concussions and whose grandfather was former Maple Leafs captain George Armstrong, also announced pledge with @ConcussionLF's Canadian partner.

Huberdeau, 29, is entering his 11th NHL season and first with the Flames after a trade last month from the Florida