Jakub Voracek to Raise Money and Awareness for Multiple Sclerosis

Jakub Voracek (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

There may be reason for even rival fans to root for Jakub Voracek to do well in the National Hockey League’s scoring race.

The Hockey News is reporting, Voracek’s sister Petra, is battling Multiple Sclerosis and he has come up with a way to raise awareness and money to help others who are fighting the disease. On September 1 he announced that he was setting up a foundation to help with the cause.

The Philadelphia Flyers right winger will be donating 1000 dollars for every point that he scores in the 2015-2016 season towards the cause. Voracek told Czech news outlet NovaSport, “The idea is an excellent idea. Professional athletes have so much money that they can afford it.”

In July, Voracek signed an eight year, 66 million dollar contract extension with the Flyers. So Voracek certainly has the money to fund his donation goal, but he hopes by doing this it will also raise awareness for the foundation and raise even more.

This past season Voracek had a huge start and put up a league leading 17 goals and 56 points in the first 48 games of the season. If he could manage a repeat performance in the upcoming season, not only would he be helping his Flyers win games, but it would help his campaign to raise money and awareness for MS.

Voracek is not alone in his connection with MS. Minnesota Wild netminder, Josh Harding has battled the disease throughout his career. Due to complications with the disease, the 31 year old goaltender has not played a NHL or American Hockey League game since December. It is uncertain whether Harding will be able to continue playing.