Ben Lovejoy

Ben "The Reverend" Lovejoy was born February 20, 1984 and is a professional ice hockey defenseman, currently with the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and theNew Jersey Devils. . His nickname "The Reverend" comes from The Simpsons character Reverend Lovejoy. Prior to the beginning of 2013–14 season, Lovejoy, as an unrestricted free agent, re-signed with the Ducks on a three-year contract. On January 3, 2014, Lovejoy celebrated the birth of his first child, Lila (born on December 31, 2013), by scoring two first period goals against the Edmonton Oilers. The two goals were scored less than three minutes apart, establishing a new Ducks franchise record.

On March 2, 2015, Lovejoy was traded back to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Simon Després. In the 2015–16 season, Lovejoy contributed 4 goals and 10 points in 66 games before playing in all 24 post-season games en route to the Penguins' claiming their fourth Stanley Cup. Lovejoy became the first New Hampshire native to win the trophy.

On July 1, 2016, Lovejoy left as a free agent to sign a three-year contract with the New Jersey Devils. He became the first active NHL to pledge his brain for donation to CTE research.

Lovejoy announced his pledge Thursday after his agent reached out to Concussion Legacy Foundation, which has collected pledges from more than 2,500 athletes and veterans for studying Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and concussions. Lovejoy is the first active NHLer to join that group.