Blackhawks' Bickell uses dogs to save abused kids
Bryan Bickell's primary focus off the ice has been aiding abused pit bulls.
Now, the Chicago Blackhawks forward is looking to expand that focus as he hopes abused pit bulls can help save abused children.
Through The Bryan & Amanda Bickell Foundation, he launched the "Paws for Strength" program that couples rescued pit bulls and the people who adopted them with kids at The Hephzibah House. The Oak Park (Ill.) home is for abused or neglected children and their families.
"We're just proud of what we've accomplished and how many dogs we've saved and we've helped," Bickell told DNAinfo Chicago. "Hopefully, we can do it with the kids, too."
At the conclusion of the eight-week program, the children present the dogs during a graduation ceremony. The foundation has been active since 2012.