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 that help deserving youth play the game of hockey. Qualified programs receive complete sets of new hockey equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams, to be distributed to deserving youth in their community.
Since 1999, NHLPA members have been donating equipment through NHLPA Goals & Dreams to programs in their NHL cities and hometowns around the world. Tens of thousands of children have been provided the opportunity to play the game of hockey in 40 countries. Over that time, the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund has donated more than $26 million to help grow the game hockey.
Each year, on top of donating equipment, NHLPA Goals & Dreams ambassadors meet young hockey fans where they help 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.
