Committed to making an impact on issues that matter to its members and connected by a passion for hockey and community, the NHLPA supports causes that raise awareness, fight disease, and help neighborhoods around the world become healthier places to live and play. In the spirit of giving back, the NHLPA enables its members, former players, fans and partners to make a difference and prove that with a team effort, anything is possible.
The Players’ charitable initiative is designed to assist grassroots hockey programs who are helping economically disadvantaged youth play the game of hockey. Qualified programs receive complete sets of brand new hockey equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund, to be distributed to deserving youth in their community.
For more than 20 years, NHLPA members have been donating equipment to programs in their NHL cities and hometowns around the world. More than 80,000 children have been provided the opportunity to play the game of hockey in 34 countries. Over that time, the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund has donated more than $25 million to help grow the game hockey.
Each year, on top of donating equipment, NHLPA Goals & Dreams Ambassadors make visits in cities throughout North America to meet young hockey fans, distribute the gear, sign autographs and answer both hockey and life questions. The Players enjoy the opportunity to meet and interact with young aspiring hockey players and provide a little insight into the life of an NHL player.
While ensuring the great game of hockey is available to as many children as possible remains a priority to the members of the NHLPA, many other important causes have been supported by the Players over the years, such as cancer research, heart disease and stroke research, natural disaster relief efforts, hunger awareness and supporting youth.
