TORONTO/MELBOURNE (Sept. 21, 2023) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association is pleased to announce today that NHLPA Goals & Dreams will donate 50 complete sets of hockey equipment to Ice Hockey Australia. With NHL players such as Anze Kopitar, Clayton Keller, Matt Roy, Alex Kerfoot, Jordan Spence, Nick Bjugstad, Kevin Fiala and Jack McBain in Melbourne, Australia, for a pair of games to be played this weekend, the players’ program is proudly contributing to grassroots hockey in the country. The hockey equipment, valued at approximately $30,000 AUD, will be shipped to the IHA. A portion of the 50 sets will be distributed to the Kaurna Boomerangs ice hockey team and Ice Hockey Victoria, while the remaining sets will be distributed to member associations of the IHA.

“Ice Hockey Australia is extremely grateful to the NHLPA members on the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes for providing such a significant donation of equipment to help more children living in Australia play the game of hockey,” said Adam Woolnough, Ice Hockey Australia General Manager. “The players’ commitment to growing the game around the world should be commended, and this donation will go a long way to growing the game here in Australia.”

The donation was announced by Rob Zepp, NHLPA Director of Strategic Initiatives, at the IHA Fire and Ice event on Thursday evening in Melbourne.

“The NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund has played a significant role in helping at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Adelaide play ice hockey since 2008. The multiple donations the players have made to our hockey program has helped our Ice Factor hockey program grow from one to 20 school teams in South Australia. The Kaurna Boomerangs program supports our indigenous participants to access a team sport, engage at school, and make good choices,” said Marie Shaw, KC – Kaurma Boomerangs Founder. “To come to Melbourne and be a part of this weekend is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids, that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Youth from both the Boomerangs and Ice Hockey Victoria will enjoy the chance Friday to watch the open practices in Melbourne. Each program will be recognized during the games being played at Rod Laver Arena this weekend. Youth players on the Boomerangs will have an opportunity to join NHL players on the ice for the pregame ceremonies and skate during the first intermission of Saturday’s game, while a collection of children from the IHV organization will share the ice with NHL players for the anthems and skate during the first intermission of Sunday’s game. The NHLPA Goals & Dreams donation to IHA is scheduled to be recognized in-arena during both games.

“The game of hockey continues to grow in Australia and a donation of equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund, will help more kids living in Victoria get an opportunity to play,” said Veronica Ryan, Ice Hockey Victoria President. “Our kids are so excited to see some of the greatest players in world play live and to be able to go on the ice with them is just an incredible experience they will cherish.”