Aug 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brandon Saad of the Columbus Blue Jackets prepares to throw a ceremonial first pitch at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Saad has had quite a busy summer. He won his second Stanley Cup of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, was promptly traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets and signed a six-year, $36 million contract extension.
But Saad has had other more important matters to address, like helping his relatives flee Syria.
Saad's father, George Saad Sr., immigrated from Syria to America when he was 18, according to The Hockey News. The Saads still have a lot of family in Syria, a country in the middle of a harsh Civil War caused by the Bashar al-Assad regime.
George has brought his relatives to the United States, and Brandon has helped out with the process. He was asked if he has had any role in his father's rescue efforts, and if being a professional athlete has helped out with that process by Chris DeVille of the Columbus Monthly
"I don't think pro sports really helps too much with that," Brandon said. "But with him, it's been a process of getting them to safety in the States. I helped him sponsor some of the families, so I guess being a professional athlete helped with the financial side of it."
"If they need the help, I'm here to help them."
(h/t Columbus Monthly)
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