Joystiq

This morning we had the opportunity to speak briefly with LaFontaine about his charity's role in the humanitarian effort, and as a self-professed hockey fan I managed to keep myself from geeking out long enough to pick his brain. "It's funny," he told us, "because we've actually had a partnership with Microsoft for a long time on our Lion's Den rooms, where kids can play games and chat with each other." He added that the kiosks will feature age-appropriate games and content, including some sitcoms, all designed to offer children what he called a "safe haven experience."

LaFontaine, who joked about how things have come full circle given that he actually began his foundation using Microsoft stock, added that while the kiosks will be primarily used by children to play and interact with each other, "there could be times when celebrities or athletes jump on as well to play with the kids as well." It's a heart-warming effort, and is one that the hockey legend is obviously very passionate about.

"There is more and more research that supports the idea that distracting the mind from pain promotes healing. We're helping the healing process, and with the kids laughing and talking with each other online I think this gives them a much better chance of feeling better about themselves than being isolated and surrounded by cold machines."

Video games, is there anything they can't do?