TORONTO/DENVER (November 2, 2026) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association and Colorado Avalanche announced that NHLPA Goals & Dreams and Devon Toews donated 22 full sets of hockey equipment to children of military families in Colorado through the United Heroes League.
The donation consists of 20 skater sets and 2 goalie sets from NHLPA Goals & Dreams – at an outlay of more than $14,000 – and was presented to local youth ages 7-12 from 13 different hockey associations in Colorado following an on-ice clinic attended by NHLPA member Devon Toews. Each child comes from a family affiliated with the UHL military charity program, which ensures that children of active-duty and veteran service members have access to ice hockey programs.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to give back through NHLPA Goals & Dreams and help make the game more accessible to children from military families,” said Devon Toews, NHLPA member and Colorado Avalanche defenceman. “Hockey has played a big role in my life, so I hope this donation to the United Heroes League will also help these kids experience the game’s joys.”
“This donation from NHLPA Goals & Dreams and Devon Toews is about much more than the game of hockey,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “For military children who constantly face life changes, hockey can be a great way to build communities and form connections no matter where they are.”
The donation was revealed during an event at Ball Arena, where Toews met 22 youth players for an on-ice clinic and joined them for a group photograph on the ice. The children were then surprised with new equipment and their own nameplates in the locker room, which they were able to bring home.
“We are so grateful for the continued support from Devon Toews, the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program, and the Colorado Avalanche, said Shane Hudella, President and Founder of UHL. “It’s truly special to see the smiles on the kids’ faces and the pride and gratitude from their parents when we can do something amazing for them like meeting Devon, skating at Ball Arena, and then the surprise new equipment donation to finish the day.
These families have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and we are eternally thankful to Devon, NHLPAGoals and Dreams, and the Avalanche for giving them such an incredible day and incredible “thank you” for what they’ve endured.”
United Heroes League supports military families by reducing barriers and providing opportunities for the children of active and retired service members to participate in recreational activities. The donation will support deserving Colorado youth and give future generations of military children access to the sport of hockey. This marks the third consecutive year of partnership between NHLPA Goals & Dreams and Devon Toews to donate hockey equipment in Colorado through UHL.
“For these 22 children, receiving full sets of new equipment means they can step onto the ice ready to participate and enjoy the game,” said Andrew Wolfe, Director, NHLPA Goals & Dreams. “NHLPA Goals & Dreams is proud to work with Devon Toews – for the third year in a row – and United Heroes League to remove one of the biggest barriers families face when introducing kids to hockey.”
-30-
About NHLPA Goals & Dreams:
In 1999, the National Hockey League Players’ Association launched NHLPA Goals & Dreams as a way for the players to give back to the game they love. The Players’ charitable program’s primary focus is on supporting grassroots hockey programs by providing complete sets of new equipment to deserving youth. For 26 years, NHLPA members have donated more than $27 million to grassroots hockey programs in 45 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.nhlpagoalsanddreams.com
About United Heroes League:
The United Heroes League (UHL) is a 501c3 nonprofit that keeps military kids healthy and active by providing equipment, camps, grants and special experiences. Based out of Hastings, Minn., UHL has provided over $35 million dollars’ worth of free sports gear, cash grants, youth camps, and pro game tickets to qualified military families across the United States and Canada.For more information, please visit GiveUHL.org
