TORONTO (April 1, 2026) – NHLPA Goals & Dreams has donated 25 full sets of hockey equipment to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), expanding a free learn-to-play hockey program for youth across Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa. The contribution builds on last year’s 20-set donation and continues the partnership’s commitment to helping remove financial barriers and creating new opportunities for children to experience the game. Former NHL player, NHL Player Inclusion Coalition (NHL PIC) member and TNT studio analyst Anson Carter surprised 28 youth hockey participants at Iroquois Park Sports Centre by joining them on the ice as a guest coach, offering encouragement, mentorship and hands-on instruction.
Quotes
“By having NHLPA Goals & Dreams forge this connection with Durham Regional Police Service, our hope is to create an environment where kids can have fun and build friendships through hockey. Getting to know people in the community that can help in times of fun and times of need is an important message for all involved and we thank Anson Carter as well for joining the kids from the program on the ice.”
- Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director
“It is always a privilege to spend time with the next generation of hockey players and their families by creating memorable experiences as they develop in the sport. Through authentic engagement and representation, we can positively impact these young players as they gain on-ice skills, have fun, and receive meaningful support to foster a lifelong love of hockey.”
- Anson Carter, Former NHL player, NHL Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC) member and TNT studio analyst
“This program represents the very best of what community partnerships can achieve. With continued support from NHLPA Goals & Dreams and our partners at ProAction Cops & Kids, we can remove financial barriers and create meaningful opportunities for children across Durham Region. Hockey is more than a game — it builds confidence, teamwork, and trust. Seeing our officers on the ice with our youth is a powerful reminder that policing is about connection, mentorship, and investing in the future of our community.”
- Chief Peter Moreira, Durham Regional Police Service
“NHLPA Goals & Dreams helps to showcase that anything is possible. Not only do we look to work with minor hockey associations to open doors to the game, it’s also important for us to work with other community partners, like the Durham Regional Police Service, to make hockey more inclusive and enjoyable.”
- Andrew Wolfe, Director, NHLPA Goals & Dreams
DRPS and NHLPA Goals & Dreams Join Forces for a Memorable Event
The additional 25 sets of equipment donated by NHLPA Goals & Dreams in 2025-26 will allow DRPS to expand the program and provide more children, who otherwise may never have the opportunity, to experience organized hockey. Over the past two seasons, the combined 45 full sets of new equipment donated to DRPS come at an outlay of $24,000 to NHLPA Goals & Dreams. DRPS also works with ProAction Cops & Kids to cover ice time costs and help offset operation costs, ensuring the program remains fully accessible and free for participating families.
The program focuses on grade five students across the Durham region who have not previously had the opportunity to participate in organized sports. In 2025, 20 youth, 13 boys and seven girls, took part in the program, receiving financial assistance and full equipment sets.
The new equipment is being used during an 8-10 week skating and hockey fundamentals program delivered by DRPS officers. More than 20 officers support the initiative.
DRPS Youth Bureau works directly with local schools to identify families who would most benefit from the program. Selection criteria focus on children from families who would not otherwise be able to afford organized sport or hockey equipment, and who demonstrate an interest in learning the game.
Through strong collaboration between NHLPA Goals & Dreams, DRPS, and community partners, the program continues to grow as a model of positive engagement – creating safe spaces, building trust, and giving more children across Durham Region the chance to play the game of hockey.