Canadiens' P.K. Subban donating $10M to Montreal children's hospital

P.K. Subban is doing some unprecedented good.

The P.K. Subban Atrium was unveiled Wednesday at the Montreal Children's Hospital, in recognition of a $10-million donation and fundraising partnership commitment from the Montreal Canadiens' star defenseman and the hospital's foundation.

Subban will work with the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation for at least the next seven years, which falls in the line with the term remaining on his $72-million deal.

The hospital called Subban's gesture the largest philanthropic commitment by a sports figure in Canadian history.

He was asked why he donated such a large sum of money.

"Why not?" Subban said. "You know what? For me it's taking the step forward, it's taking the initiative to lead by example. It's not about the money; it's about leading by example and bringing a community together. In Montreal, this is my city just as much as it's yours.

"It's my job as well to make a commitment to this city that everyone can understand. If because I play for the Montreal Canadiens and people know me because of that and I can use that to raise money for the hospital, that's my responsibility. I feel that."

Subban wants people to remember him for more than his hockey career.

"In life I believe you are not defined by what you accomplish but by what you do for others," he said. "Sometimes I try to think, 'P.K., are you a hockey player or are you just someone who plays hockey?' I just play hockey. Because one day I won't be a hockey player anymore. I'll just be someone who played hockey. So what do I want people to remember me for other than being a hockey player?

"Well, every time you walk into this hospital, you'll know what I stand for."