Subban pledges $10 million to Montreal Children's Hospital

MONTREAL (AP) Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban and his foundation have pledged at least $10 million to the Montreal Children's Hospital.

The hospital is calling the donation the largest philanthropic commitment ever made by a professional athlete in Canada.

The agreement will have Subban, 26, become a spokesman for certain fundraising campaigns and flagship events organized by the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation.

On Wednesday, in recognition of the donation, the Children's inaugurated the ''P.K. Subban Atrium,'' located at the heart of the hospital's new facilities.

''It is really an amazing feeling to be here,'' Subban said. ''I am proud to walk in the footsteps of my idol Jean Beliveau by giving back to the community and feel privileged to be able to help transform the lives of sick children and their families.''

Subban was drafted by the Canadiens in 2007 and won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2013.

He is entering his sixth full season with the team.

Subban signed an eight-year deal worth $72 million prior to the beginning of last season.

The partnership will also see the creation of P.K.'s Helping Hand, a fund dedicated to assisting vulnerable families financially hurt by a child's illness.

Beliveau's widow, Elise, attended the news conference as did Subban's family.