With the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship underway, this is a reminder that you don’t have to be an NHLer to make a difference in people’s lives. Team USA is the reigning champion and they currently have a player on their team who is contributing plenty on the ice, but also plenty off the ice. 

That player is the 2025 first-round draft pick (seventh overall), James Hagens. The Boston College center from Hauppauge, Long Island, is not only a talented hockey player but also a willing and dedicated philanthropist. And he is using that on ice success to bring attention to a crucial off-ice cause. 

This year, Hagens has partnered with Feeding America under the banner of his “Hagens’ Helpers” campaign to bring nutritious food and resources to those families who need it most. Blittner’s Blue Line chatted (via email) with Hagens and his representatives about this campaign and how it came to be.

*Editor’s Note: Questions and Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Question: What was the impetus behind starting Hagens’ Helpers and why now?

Hagens: “As I grow in my hockey career on the ice, I want to use my platform off the ice in a positive way. A lot of the players I looked up to as a kid were active in the community and set a good example. If I can contribute to causes that give back in a positive way, that’s something I want to be part of. The World Juniors is such a huge stage and it’s an honor to play in it a second time. This is the perfect time to launch Hagens’ Helpers.”

Question: Do you have a personal connection to Feeding America? 

Hagens: “Before starting this campaign, I did not. I knew that I wanted to give back to those less fortunate, and Feeding America seemed like a great organization to partner with, especially while competing for Team USA. Every win for Team USA will help a lot of people.”

Question: Out of all the causes out there, why, specifically, did you choose this one?

Hagens: “My goal is to use Hagens’ Helpers to contribute to a lot of important causes over time.  I know there are a lot of people less fortunate than me and it’s important to give back.”

Question: Have you ever previously volunteered or personally participated in anything with Feeding America?

Hagens: “No. This will be the first of hopefully many opportunities to work with Feeding America and similar organizations.”

Question: Is your Hagens Helpers initiative something that you anticipate being a one-time thing or is this the start of an annual (or repeat) campaign?

Hagens: “My goal is to continue these campaigns and eventually start my own foundation.”

Question: How involved (if at all) is your own family with this campaign and what has their support meant to you?

Hagens: “My family and I are super close. Both my siblings play hockey, and my parents have been at every big event for all three of us. My siblings and I know how hard they worked to afford us the ability to play this game and compete at such a high level. What comes with that is recognizing how many other people do not have those opportunities. It is important for all of us to give back, and Hagens’ Helpers is an opportunity for my family and the rest of the hockey community to join in.”

Question: Have you attempted to get any of your teammates from College or Team USA to participate?

Hagens: “The boys are all supporting the cause. My World Juniors coaches have been encouraging as well. Hockey is a team sport, and every game we win goes towards a great cause – all of the guys are helping.”

Question: What was the reaction from OT Sports Group when you approached them about this campaign and what does it mean to you knowing that you have their support?

Hagens: “My advisors at OT have been a huge help with getting Hagens’ Helpers off the ground. My family and I appreciate their support.”To help support the cause, please visit: https://invite.jointheglow.com/c/k9D7N5.

photo by Sportsology