TORONTO (August 5, 2026) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today, in conjunction with NHL player Jean-Gabriel Pageau, that NHLPA Goals & Dreams has donated 25 sets of hockey equipment to Hockey Loisir Gatineau through the Hull Minor Hockey Association, supporting children in Gatineau with continued access to the sport of hockey.
“It’s a sport that’s expensive and not a lot of kids have the chance to play,” said Jean-Gabriel Pageau, NHLPA member and New York Islanders forward. “We just gave 25 more kids the chance to be proud and to have the passion and to be able to have fun and chase their dreams. For me, it all started when I was very young and I am so grateful for what my parents did. They gave me a chance to play hockey, to meet some friends and have some goals."
Pageau played youth hockey in Quebec and returned to Complexe Branchaud-Brière recently to spend time with local youth hockey players. He surprised the 25 Hull players on July 19 with an equipment bag filled with a complete set of new equipment for each child. He then joined them on the ice for practice and signed autographs, interacting with the children throughout the day. The young hockey players were also given specially made Jean-Gabriel Pageau t-shirts designed by 500 Level.
“Jean-Gabriel’s connection to Gatineau makes this donation especially meaningful,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “Through NHLPA Goals & Dreams, players continue to support communities that shaped them and help the next generation of young players feel welcome in the game.”
“Jean-Gabriel's hockey equipment donation with NHLPA Goals & Dreams is about much more than sticks, skates and helmets. For the children, it means opportunity, inclusion and the chance to build confidence through sport,” said Dominic Charron, President, Hull Minor Hockey Association. “For the Hull Hockey Association, it strengthens our mission of making hockey accessible to every young player who wants to be part of the game. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and commitment to our community.”
The Hull Minor Hockey Association supports recreational hockey in Gatineau, offering the chance to gain hockey experience without the time and financial investment required from other hockey leagues. The organization also provides equipment to disadvantaged families. Hockey Loisir Gatineau is supported by the Hull Minor Hockey Association. Participating youth, ages 8-16, skate weekly throughout the season.
“Thanks to Jean-Gabriel Pageau, our NHLPA Goals & Dreams donation has given more children in Hull the opportunity to play hockey,” said Andrew Wolfe, Director, NHLPA Goals & Dreams. “We will continue to help more children around the world by giving access to new and safe hockey equipment.”
The equipment donation from Pageau and NHLPA Goals & Dreams to Hull Minor Hockey was part of NHLPA Goals & Dreams 2025-26 donations. The season’s total exceeded 1,300 sets and over $750,000 of equipment, which was donated to more than 75 youth hockey organizations in 10 countries.
