Flyers, Sixers band together against animal abuse

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Hockey players are rough and tough but a public service campaign wants you to see another side of them.

Flyers defenseman Nic Grossman was among several local athletes who posed for photos this week with their own dogs as part of the 'Show your Soft Side' campaign.

It was developed to bring awareness to animal abuse with the motto "Only a punk would hurt a cat or a dog."

"It's a great program. It's fun to see all the athletes for the dogs and I think it's' for a good cause," said Grossman.

When asked to participate, Grossman and his 8-year-old lab Trevi, were all ears! He and his girlfriend also foster dogs until they find good homes.

Teammate Braydon Coburn smiled with one of his two adopted dogs Celine.

"With animals they're voiceless and defenseless so it's the easiest thing to get behind," said Coburn.

Flyers legend Bernie Parent joined in as well with his grand-doggie Harley.

Former Flyer enforcer Riley Cote looked awfully gentle with his little guy Knuckles.

And hockey players weren't the only ones getting involved. Sixers player KJ McDaniels came too and brought a few of his furry friends.

The rookie forward brought his pit bull Simba. He also brought his newest puppies Snow and Cocoa, who are drooling, furry, 2-month old pit bull mixes.

"I feel like this is a great way to have dogs in the community and show how soft they are and show their soft side as well," said McDaniels.