Feature Photo: Getty Images

PRAGUE (Oct. 5, 2024) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association is pleased to announce that NHLPA Goals & Dreams is donating $30,000 worth of hockey equipment to youth hockey programs in Czechia and Germany. Together with Ondrej Palat, NHLPA Goals & Dreams will donate $20,000 in full sets of new hockey equipment to HC Frydek-Mistek Youth Academy. In Germany, G&D will donate $10,000 in hockey equipment to Hockey is Diversity.

“The players are glad they can leave behind a lasting legacy of these games in Czech Republic and Germany, through this NHLPA Goals & Dreams donation of hockey equipment to HC Frydek-Mistek Youth Academy and Hockey is Diversity,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “We also know how much it means to Ondrej Palat to make this donation to his local hometown program and how pleased he is to see some of the kids attend the games this weekend.”

A total of 24 local children representing HC Frydek-Mistek Youth Academy will attend the 2024 NHL Global Series games. Ahead of last night’s game in Prague, 12 players joined NHL players on each of the blue lines during the national anthems at O2 Arena, while the donation was recognized in arena, and a different group of 12 children will do so again at today’s game.

The HC Frýdek-Místek Youth Academy proudly supports 350 young athletes, ranging from ages 3 to 20, all guided by a dedicated team of professional coaches and assistants. At the heart of their program is the belief in equal opportunity – ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child's passion for hockey. The club provides equipment support, offering gear to young players at no extra cost, including a free hockey stick for each participant. They keep costs low through support from the city and their valued partners. The youngest players in their academy benefit from personalized coaching by Ondrej Palat’s parents, Pavel and Hana Palát, who lead recruitment and early development.

In Germany, the G&D donation to Hockey is Diversity, which was supported by J.J. Peterka, was recognized in arena during the Global Series Challenge Germany at SAP Garden Arena. Hockey is Diversity, a non-profit international network of ice hockey players in Berlin, is committed to diversity as the basis for treating each other with respect.