NHL Star Max Domi Raises $1M for Type 1 Diabetes Research

When Max Domi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 12, Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke gave him hope that he could still achieve his NHL dreams. Now, the professional hockey player is paying that gift forward in a big way.

Domi launched his inaugural Max Domi Golf Classic on Monday at Aurora's Magna Golf Club, hitting his ambitious goal of raising $1 million for Breakthrough T1D Canada. The sold-out tournament brought together NHL stars including Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, and Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson.

For Domi, who has played professionally for nine years while managing his condition, the fundraiser represents a childhood promise kept. "I always told myself that if I was lucky enough to make it to the NHL, I wanted to do even a fraction of what Bobby Clarke did for me," he said.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that requires constant monitoring and insulin injections just to stay alive. "It's a full-time job," Domi explained. "Your glucose is always fluctuating, so you're trying to keep it in range."

The disease affects entire families, according to Breakthrough T1D Canada president Jessica Diniz. "Parents are waking up at three in the morning to check blood sugars," she said. "It's a disease the entire family lives with."

Why This Inspires

Domi's journey transforms a daily challenge into motivation for thousands of newly diagnosed children. His message is simple but powerful: if he can compete at hockey's highest level while managing type 1 diabetes 24/7, other kids can chase their dreams too.

The hockey community's overwhelming support shows how one person's determination can unite others around a cause. Players donated their time, sponsors stepped up, and volunteers made the event possible.

Canada leads diabetes research globally, with Breakthrough T1D funding 75 research projects across the country. The million dollars raised will accelerate work on new treatments and technologies that could one day lead to a cure.

Domi has partnered with the organization since 2019 through the Max Domi Fund. Diniz praised his authenticity: "People may know him as an NHL player, but those who meet him experience something more."

Even while recovering from an undisclosed health issue, Domi stayed focused on the bigger picture. "I'm getting better every day," he said. "I'm so grateful and appreciative of everyone who showed up."

The tournament marks just the beginning of Domi's fundraising efforts. "We're just getting started in terms of raising money," he said, already looking ahead to future events.

For every child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Domi wants them to know one thing: "If I'm doing it, why can't you?"