Islanders goalie prospect Söderström auctions off World Junior equipment for children's cancer fund

Islanders goalie prospect Linus Söderström, who was named the best goalie at this year's World Junior Championships, is auctioning off his equipment from the tournament to benefit a children's cancer fund in his native Sweden.

An article from Aftonbladet.se (once again brought to our attention by our friend and Eyes on the Prize prospect watcher Zeb), reports that Söderström and his agent conceived of the idea as a way to honor two teammates who have lost family members to cancer. Rather than let the gear, "collect dust in the boys room," Söderström has posted his pads, blocker and catching glove on eBay, with all of the money going to Barncancer Fonden, a non-profit organization that collects money for children's cancer research and education.

You can check out the auctions and bid here. All three listings end next Thursday. If you want the stuff signed, he'll do that, too, according to the listings.

Söderström went 4-1 with a .947 save percentage and a tournament-leading two shutouts at the WJC. Sweden lost to Team USA in the bronze medal game, in which he did not play. Among his laudable performances during his time in Helsinki were a 5-2 win over Canada, a 1-0 shutout of Team USA in the preliminary round and a tough 2-1 loss in the semifinals to eventual champion Finland.

Before the tournament, Söderström came forward with his having Asperger's and ADHD, and his commitment to the message that disabilities shouldn't keep anyone from reaching for their goals. Looks like he's found another way to give back to world at large.