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While attending the Philadelphia Flyers Charities Carnival, I had the opportunity to speak with Garnet Hathaway and Owen Tippett on behalf of Hockey Hot Stove. Both players continue to make their presence felt well beyond the ice. Both have embraced their roles in the Philadelphia community, using their platforms to give back in meaningful ways. Whether it’s supporting first responders or helping introduce kids to the game of hockey, Hathaway and Tippett have made community involvement a priority during their time in Philadelphia.
For Hathaway, giving back is deeply personal. Alongside his wife, Lindsay, he founded Hath’s Heroes, a foundation dedicated to supporting first responders and their families.
“When I played in Washington and then came to Philly, we relied heavily on the Flyers to help us make connections with first responders in the area,” Hathaway said. “Two and a half years later, we’ve been so lucky to work with amazing foundations and get fans involved in supporting them.”
Since its launch, Hath’s Heroes has grown into a strong community initiative, powered by partnerships, fan engagement, and fundraising efforts throughout the season. Hathaway emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices first responders make every day.
“Each and every day, they and their families go through so much to keep us safe,” Hathaway said. “Any little bit that we can do to give back and show our thanks, Lindsay and I have been really lucky enough to do that.”
One of the foundation’s most recent initiatives includes Engine 19, an IPA created in collaboration with a local brewery. Proceeds from the beer go directly to Hath’s Heroes, helping fund continued support for first responders across the region. The couple also hosts auctions throughout the season, further extending the foundation’s reach and impact.
Tippett’s community involvement centers around growing the game at the grassroots level through the Flyers’ Learn to Skate Rookie Program, an initiative he participates in alongside his wife, Taylor.
“Yes, we do the Learn to Play, and it’s great,” Tippett said. “Taylor played growing up and I still play, and anytime you can give back to the community, it’s special.”
Hockey is something Tippett and Taylor share deeply. Taylor played growing up all the way through university, and the two actually met while attending school for hockey. That shared background has made participating in the program even more meaningful.
“Anytime you can see the joy on the kids’ faces and the excitement it brings, it’s a lot of fun,” Tippett said. “It brings you back to learning how to play and skate yourself.”
The Flyers’ Learn to Skate Rookie Program provides kids with equipment and a series of lessons, helping lower the barrier to entry for families who may not otherwise have access to the sport.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Tippett said. “There’s a sign-up process, kids get gear, a few lessons, and it’s just a lot of fun to be part of.”
Players like Hathaway and Tippett — along with Lindsay and Taylor — exemplify that mission, using their platforms to make a meaningful impact beyond the ice.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Tippett said. “There’s a sign-up process, kids get gear, a few lessons, and it’s just a lot of fun to be part of.”
Events like the Flyers Charities Carnival continue to highlight the organization’s commitment to the community. The community, in turn, has remained loyal to the Flyers. Hockey Hot Stove sponsor Carl’s Cards and Collectibles, whose founder and owner Carl Henderson passed away over the weekend, was a regular attendee and supporter of Flyers and Flyers Alumni community events. Ditto New Balance of Mount Laurel, whose owner Geoff Rabinowitz, has become a close friend to the Flyers Alumni.
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