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Every save Matt Murray makes during the 2018-19 season will carry a little extra importance than previous years. Not only will each save keep the Penguins opponent from scoring, but for each save Murray makes, the goaltended will be donating $30 to youth-based charities.
Murray’s new saves program is called “Saves MATTer” and will benefit youth programs in Pittsburgh and his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario. For each save, $15 will go to the Ward Home in Pittsburgh and the other $15 will go to Children’s Aid Services and Dilico in Thunder Bay.
Since coming to Pittsburgh, Murray has been very active the in the community and has talked about wanting to use his role as a professional athlete to give back and help others. This program is a fantastic way to use his goaltending abilities for more than simply stopping the puck. All donations will be made in the name of his late father, James, who passed away earlier this year.
“I’m very fortunate to be a professional athlete and I want to do what I can to help others, especially kids and young adults,” Murray said. “My dad worked with his hometown charities both professionally and personally throughout his life, so this donation will be made in his honor.”
Last season, Murray made 1,290 saves during the regular season which would have equalled a total of $38,700 in total donations through this project. Injuries limited Murray’s season to only 49 games last year, so hopefully a good run of health lead to more games for Murray which means more saves and more money for some very deserving charities.
If you want to know more about the charities Murray will be donating to, you can check them out at their websites listed below:
The Penguins have always been present in the community, participating in various activities throughout the season. Having someone like Murray represent not only the team, but the city itself, shows how truly blessed we are as Penguins fans. Best of luck, Matt.