Dion Phaneuf - Off The Ice

Off The Ice

Phaneuf has maintained a much publicized relationship with Canadian actress Elisha Cuthbert since they began dating in May 2008, and the pair frequently participate in charitable events in Calgary. Their relationship became the centre of controversy in December 2008 when then-Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery, who had dated Cuthbert in the past, commented on how other NHL players, referring to Phaneuf, fell in love with his "sloppy seconds". Commissioner Gary Bettman referred to the remarks as "disgusting" and suspended Avery six games while the Stars cut ties with the player. Phaneuf and Cuthbert announced their engagement in September 2012.

While with the Flames, he was the official ambassador to the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary and donated tickets to Flames games to help families at the facility. The Flames named him the recipient of the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award in 2008 in recognition of his participation with the Children's Hospital. Phaneuf has appeared on the cover of the NHL 09 video game, and played a role in NHL promotions and commercials. He has appeared in a video supporting You Can Play, a campaign dedicated to fighting homophobia in sports.

Phaneuf is the fourth cousin of Canadian figure skater, Cynthia Phaneuf.