Max Domi launches first annual Golf Classic to raise $1M for Type 1 Diabetes Research

July 30, 2026 · 0 Comments

By Jim Stewart

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Injured and rehabbing Toronto Maple Leaf Max Domi limped gamely into the Magna Golf Club

Clubhouse Dining Room on Monday morning and warmed up the room with his sunny disposition.

Domi chatted effortlessly with members of the media, accommodating numerous interview requests with a positive vibe and submerging the pains associated with his rehab program.

Domi’s First Annual Golf Classic, a fundraiser aiming to raise $1M for Type 1 Diabetes Research via Breakthrough T1D Canada, rolled out in beautiful tee-off conditions at 12 noon. The sold-out shotgun event was attended by an array of dignitaries, blending local politicians including Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas and playing partner Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt with numerous NHL players including teammates Chris Tanev, John Tavares, Easton Cowan, and Morgan Reilly, along with Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders Captain Bo Horvat.

The second-year Leaf was thrilled with what unfolded at Magna: “It’s great—the whole thing, seeing the community coming together. We have so many people working together to help achieve our goal of raising one million dollars. It’s a sellout event in Year One. It’s been a crazy ride, but it’s great to have so many people here at one of the most beautiful courses in Canada.”

Raising funds for Breakthrough T1D Canada is a cause near and dear to Max Domi.

The NHL veteran was stricken with Type 1 diabetes as a 12-year-old and was inspired by fellow diabetic Bobby Clarke—the rugged Captain of two Stanley Cup-winning teams in Philadelphia in 1974 and 1975.

“It’s satisfying to give back. It all goes back to meeting Bobby Clarke when I was twelve. It was the biggest moment of my life. A turning point. I promised that if I can make a difference as he did when I get to the NHL, that I would maximize my voice the help fund research into diabetes.”

The veteran NHLer is moved by his responsibilities to community as a professional athlete and noted the importance of fundraising in his life.

“It’s the most satisfying part of my life. My one hockey goal in life is to win a Stanley Cup, especially for the Toronto Maple Leafs. But, even more importantly, it’s great to see the looks in kids’ eyes when you show up to help them and talk to them. They light up with hope.”

Domi expressed a similar kind of hope for the Leafs 2026-27 season: “It’ll be great. I’m rehabbing day to day and I can’t wait to get back. There’s been lots of change and we’ve brought in guys with lots of championship pedigree. I’m super confident to help in any way I can and we’ll do everything we can.”

The talented winger had one of his most productive NHL seasons playing alongside Patrick Kane in Chicago.

Domi discussed the impact of Kane’s recent free agent signing with Chicago and what an impact the veteran will have on the young Blackhawks team, including Connor Bedard: “Growing up, my two favourite players were Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane. The main reason I signed with Chicago was to play with Kane. I learned more in six months from him than I had before I got to Chicago. It was a career highlight and he changed my game. They’ve got a lot of young talent right now and the Blackhawks fans will have lots to cheer for as Kane influences the younger players including Bedard.”

Domi’s own positive influence is not lost on Breakthrough T1D Canada President and CEO Jessica Diniz who joined us in the dining room and described the tournament host as “a beacon of hope, especially through his book No Days Off.”

The best-selling autobiography encapsulates Domi’s challenges of coping and living with Type 1 Diabetes and Diniz pointed to the random nature of “the autoimmune disorder.”

“Anyone can get it—anyone from our four-year-old ambassadors here today to 60-year-olds. It’s important to get the word out about the challenges of being a diabetic. They need insulin to stay alive—24 hours a day. It’s hard to keep your balance—to look after your blood sugar, especially for the younger children. They have to learn to self-regulate. It makes the little ones more responsible and more resilient at an early age. You’re always monitoring. That’s why Max is such a great spokesman for us for the nine years. He proves that diabetes doesn’t diminish one’s life.”

The President and CEO of Breakthrough believes that researchers are on the threshold of major breakthroughs regarding Type 1 Diabetes: “I know we’re going to find a cure for this. It’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. Type 1 Diabetes research is moving along so fast—advancements are happening every two months. It’s exciting to see the programs yielding results. Thirty different institutions are doing research including the University Health Network in Toronto as well as other Canadian universities such as UBC, UAlberta, McGill, and Montreal. We continue to work as an intermediary between pharmaceutical companies and the researchers. There’s a race right now—taking stem cells and turning them into beta cells and injecting them into test subjects. Ten different companies are in Phase 1 trials and many of the subjects no longer need insulin. Stem cell research is going to be the difference maker.”

Diniz and Domi are the kind of different makers needed to help Type 1 diabetics and their families.

It’s evident that Domi is dedicated to his quest and offered a simple message of encouragement, especially to young people who are faced with the challenges of Type 1 Diabetes: “It’s pretty simple. There will be days that will be challenging, but you can do it. I believe in you. You have a super power and you can turn it to your advantage. Diabetes will teach you to be accountable and responsible.”

The First Annual Max Domi Classic and its dedicated team of volunteers sent a strong message of hope during its inaugural tournament on Monday afternoon: that better lives for Type 1 diabetics are just around the corner.