Advocating for a generation of “Head Smart” youth for a safer tomorrow
National Hockey League Hall of Fame defenseman and a four-time Stanley Cup champion, Denis Potvin created the Potvin Family Foundation in 2017, to advance awareness, education, research and technology designed to improve the youth sports experience through the “Head Smart” movement.
During the 1980’s, as the Captain of the N.Y. Islanders, one of the greatest professional sports teams and dynasties the world has ever witnessed, Denis learned quite a bit about teamwork, perseverance and hard work. And it is his desire to ensure that all young boys and girls have the same opportunity to learn these important life lessons by playing sports and pursuing physical activities in a fun and safe environment…one that assures our children are playing “Head Smart.”
Through the Foundation, Denis and his staff are committed to supporting efforts that improve awareness, education, advocacy, research and technology consistent with efforts to provide a “Head Smart” environment for all.
Denis also knows that it takes a solid defense partner to make things happen on the ice, and that’s why he’s dedicated to working with and identifying new partners who share his passion for advancing the “Head Smart” movement. If you share Denis’s desire to support this movement, please consider joining the team. Click here to get involved!
Meet the Potvin Family Foundation Staff
Denis C. Potvin
Founder & Chairman
Denis Charles Potvin is a retired Hall of Fame professional ice hockey defenseman and team captain for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. He is a four-time Stanley cup winner as a member of the early 1980’s New York Islanders and awarded as one of the Top 100 NHL players of all time. On the ice and in his current role as color commentator for the Florida Panthers, Denis has witnessed many concussion related injuries. He is passionate about furthering the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, recovery, and rehabilitation for concussion and neuroscience research.
Benjamin B. Thompson
Founder & President/CEO
Benjamin Thompson obtained his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Florida International University with high honors and graduated Magna Cum Laude with two undergraduate degrees from Florida State University. As an entrepreneur, he founded his first successful business at the age of 18 and has a wealth of knowledge around business development, strategy, technology and management. Benjamin has worked at a fortune 200 company for the past 14 years. He is passionate about innovation, technology, mentoring, and volunteering within the community.
Annabelle Thompson
Vice President
Annabelle Thompson graduated from the University of Ottawa with high honors in Communications. As an avid athlete and collegiate Rugby player, Annabelle witnessed many sports related injuries. Throughout her career she has worked in many industries, including aviation, event management, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and broadcasting. Her vast experience has provided her a wealth of knowledge in business development and management. Annabelle is passionate about health and wellness and is determined in the advancement of medical research.
What We Do
Awareness
We are committed to building community awareness programs to broaden outreach and impact
Research and Technology
Supporting research towards innovation and technology to properly assess childrens brains
Education
Our foundation will build programs to provide education for families to enable parents to make safe choices to prevent injuries and increase the success rate of recoveries
Youth Sports Advocacy
Sports play an important role in the development of children and we advocate for continued participation and return to play while being “Head Smart”
Why We Do It!
Concussion victims that have suffered long term effects
Billion dollar economic cost of MTBI per year
Percent of TBI-related hospital visits for children related to falls
Ratio of concussions that go unreported or undetected
OUR “HEAD SMART” TEAMMATES
