Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers swapped the ice for a grass field last weekend, joining a roster of National Hockey League stars at the MayeDay Celebrity Softball Classic held in Massachusetts.
A Celebration of Community and Sport
The charity event, named for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and his wife Ann Michael Maye, brought together athletes, celebrities and fans to support two worthy causes: Boston Children’s Hospital and the MayeDay Family Foundation.
Organizers announced that the day’s activities generated $174,000, a sum that will directly benefit the hospital’s pediatric services and the foundation’s work with families facing hardship.
Among the familiar faces in the dugout were longtime Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith, and PWHL standouts Megan Keller and Jill Saulnier, each lending their presence to the cause.
Beniers' Unique Contest
Beniers, a Hingham native, took part in a quirky “Golden Arm” competition that required him to launch a ball from left field to knock down bats perched at first base; he finished 0‑for‑5 in that challenge but contributed offensively with a leadoff single and a run scored in the third inning.
Team Sox ultimately edged Team Patriots 17‑16, a nail‑biting finish crowned with fireworks that left the attending patients and their families with a memorable evening.
Beyond the scores, the event underscored the power of sport to unite communities, with Beniers noting the profound appreciation he witnessed among the children and their caregivers.