Tyler Bertuzzi. Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Leafs' Bertuzzi almost unrecognizable after donating hair for charity

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi returned from the All-Star break almost unrecognizable over the weekend. But the usually long-haired Bertuzzi was doing more than sporting a new look.

The left winger spent his bye week in Michigan. While there, he visited Alyssa Bellestri, a Detroit-based hairstylist who works for Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit that provides wigs to children suffering hair loss from cancer and other medical conditions.

"I donated my hair last year, and the lady that does it for me is in Michigan, too," Bertuzzi told the media. "It was kind of perfect timing, so I donated again to kids with cancer."

Bertuzzi says donating his hair had become an annual tradition. He first did it in 2022 when he was with the Detroit Red Wings.

"This is my second time doing it," Bertuzzi said. "It's a yearly thing. It's tough for the kids and the families, and little things like that make a difference. Instead of just cutting it off and putting it in the garbage, might as well donate it to them."

This is the first time the 28-year-old has cut his hair midseason. While many may believe it correlates with trying to shake things up on the ice, the reason behind it is much more profound. 

Fans can see Bertuzzi's new flow when the Leafs take on the New York Islanders on Monday at 7 p.m. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance
Vikings HC shares big Justin Jefferson contract update
Rafael Nadal switches gears, gives major update on French Open status
DeMar DeRozan confirms desire to return to Bulls
Mavericks defense rises to occasion in Game 5 win vs. Thunder
Steelers to make history in final two months of 2024 season
Packers will play on Thanksgiving with a rare twist in 2024
Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs
Padres pitcher has honest reaction to team getting booed off the field
Athletics place lefty on 15-day IL, transfer infielder to 60-day

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.