By Ryan Braithwaite Not sure when this article came out or where it was taken from. I did find it in my mail and the date was Friday Feb 18, 2000.

Adam Graves' ability to lead by example, both on and off the ice, has placed him in a class of his own in the professional sports world.

When the New York Rangers signed Adam Graves on September 3, 1991 as a Group One free agent from the Edmonton Oilers, they knew he had the heart and determination to be a lasting force in the National Hockey League. The fans in the Big Apple, however, knew little of the man nicknamed "Gravy," who would eventually grace The World's Most Famous Arena with his hard-nosed play on the ice and his tireless generosity outside of the rink.

Since his acquisition, Graves has displayed tremendous talent and skill as a hockey player, establishing himself as one Rangers all-time greats. He scored 52 goals during his 1993-94 All-Star season, breaking Rangers legend Vic Hadfield's 22-year old mark of 50. The same year, he hoisted Lord Stanley's coveted Cup above his head and shared the excitement with the dedicated Blueshirt fans who had waited 54 years for the moment. Graves' consistency on the ice has placed him among the Rangers' all-time leaders in numerous categories, ranking 17th on the all-time games played list (626), sixth on the all-time goals list (249) and 13th on the all-time points list (446). While his accomplishments are notable, the impressive manner in which Graves has carried out his on-ice career pales in comparison to way he has devoted himself towards bettering the community which cheers for him.

Growing up in Toronto, Ontario, Graves shared his home with numerous brothers and sisters. Adam's parents, Robert and Lynda Graves, offered the roof over their heads to children who were not fortunate enough to have parents and homes to call their own. "Some kids would be there for two days, other kids two weeks, two months, a year, four years, six years," noted Adam. The children who passed through the household allowed Graves the opportunity to reach out and help others, while becoming more aware of how fortunate he really was to have a tight-knit family.

"It was such a good experience for me," Graves said. "You learn to share, you learn to put up with certain things, you learn to have patience. If you were shy, having all these little guys around helped you open up. It really makes you realize that you're in a fortunate position. Not everybody has a mother and a father to look up to. Not everybody has a home life to fall back on. Not everybody is as lucky as I have been."

With their generosity, Adam's parents instilled strong values and beliefs that he now passes on to his own children. "As a parent, that job is mine and my wife's to instill good values in our children and to fill the idea in their heads that family is the most important thing."

After witnessing the caring nature of his parents during his childhood, Graves grew to realize the importance of helping others achieve happiness and good well-being. This philosophy has transformed Adam Graves into the type of person who now has the influence to positively affect those around him. On the ice, "Gravy" is always the first player to come to the aid of a teammate in need of assistance. If the opposition feels the need to challenge any Rangers player, then it is Adam Graves who is always willing to stand up on guard and run interference. This type of demonstrative behavior has made Adam a clubhouse leader for the Rangers since his tenure began her in New York.

His assistance does not stop on the ice, however. Graves also comes to the aid of various needy children off the ice. Even more impressive than Graves' two Stanley Cups is his involvement with a number of charitable organizations in the New York metropolitan area. The left wing has taken it upon himself to organize an annual Toys for Tots drive, in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps, at Cronie's Restaurant in Manhattan during the holiday season. What started out as Adam and a possible a teammate or two, has now turned into a full-blown team event. When asked why the overwhelming interest, forward Todd Harvey succinctly explains, "Because it's for 'Gravy', and it's for the kids."

Another charity that Graves holds dear to him is Family Dynamics, a New York City child abuse agency which uses parental education, day care centers and after-school programs to help families stay together. As an active celebrity chairman, Adam has helped raise thousands of dollars for the agency, including more than $30,000 at the annual dinner and auction last February. Adam's thoughtfulness and compassion knows no geographic bounds as evidenced by his regular, unannounced visits to a local Burlington, Vermont hospital during the team's annual training camp.

"I'm very fortunate," he explained. "I had a mom and a dad and a family when I was growing up. They taught me how to live. You come here and see these kids and try to teach them the same things that I was taught. I love hockey. I love playing the game, love everything about it, but it's not real, is it? It's not real at all. Helping people is what's real. That is life."

Graves serves as an extraordinary role model, not only to the children that he touches on a regular basis, but also to his teammates and peers in the locker room and throughout the organization. Describing a player who truly bleeds New York blue, Rangers President and General Manager Neil Smith noted, "That is the way he is. Whatever you need, that's what he tries to give you. That's his character. Do you know the story of his family? He's from a strong, close family that tries to help any way possible where there is a need."

In a time where role models are few and far between, Graves exemplifies the true champion who relishes in bringing joy to the faces of children similar to those who passed through his childhood home. Giving is in his nature. It's the only way he knows how to live; the only way he goes about his daily approach to life.