Brian Gionta Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

Brian Gionta is a former professional ice hockey player who enjoyed a distinguished 16-season career in the NHL. Born in Rochester, New York, on January 18, 1979, he began playing hockey at a young age, influenced by his family's passion for the sport. Gionta attended Boston College, where he became the program's all-time leader in goals with 123 and helped lead the Eagles to a national championship in 2001. His impressive collegiate performance earned him a spot in the NHL, where he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the 1998 NHL Draft. Gionta's NHL career spanned from 2001 to 2018, during which he played for the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins. He was known for his leadership, serving as captain for both the Canadiens and the Sabres. Notably, he captained Team USA during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Over his career, Gionta accumulated 291 goals and 304 assists, totaling 595 points in 1,026 regular-season games. He also won a Stanley Cup with the Devils in 2003 and holds the franchise's single-season goal record with 48 goals in 2005–06. After retiring from professional hockey in 2018, Gionta transitioned into coaching and player development. In January 2023, he joined Niagara University's men's hockey team as the Director of Player Development, where he focuses on mentoring student-athletes and sharing his extensive experience with the next generation of players. His commitment to developing players and helping them reach their full potential is a testament to his passion for the game and dedication to fostering talent. Beyond his professional endeavors, Gionta is deeply involved in community service. He and his wife, Harvest, are active in supporting organizations that assist children with special needs and advocate for missing and exploited children. They work closely with both Buffalo's Children’s Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Gionta was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019. His career serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the impact of leadership, perseverance, and dedication both on and off the ice.