A HISTORY OF NHLPA MEMBERS CREATING
Social Impact
In the spirit of giving back, the NHLPA enables its members, former players, fans and partners to make a difference and prove that with a team effort, anything is possible.
The Players' charitable initiative is designed to assist grassroots hockey programs who are helping deserving youth play the game of hockey. Qualified programs receive complete sets of brand new hockey equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams to be distributed to deserving youth in their community.
For 26 years, NHLPA members have been donating equipment to programs in their NHL cities and hometowns around the world. Thousands of children have been provided the opportunity to play the game of hockey in 45 countries. Over that time, NHLPA Goals & Dreams has donated more than $27 million to help grow the game of hockey.
Each year, on top of donating equipment, NHLPA Goals & Dreams ambassadors make visits to cities throughout North America to meet young hockey fans, distribute the gear, sign autographs and answer both hockey and life questions. The players enjoy the opportunity to meet and interact with young aspiring hockey players and provide a little insight into the life of an NHL player.
OREO STAY PLAYFUL
Back for a second season, OREO and NHLPA Goals & Dreams will once again award $200,000 in new hockey equipment grants to youth hockey organizations across Canada. Deadline for applications is March 27, 2026. Go to https://www.oreoplayful.ca/ to apply now. In the first year of the OREO Stay Playful For All program, OREO and NHLPA Goals & Dreams provided $200,000 in hockey equipment grants to youth hockey organizations across Canada. Designed to enhance the accessibility of grassroots hockey among youth in Canada, the program helps invigorate local communities, keep the sport inclusive, and nurture the next generation of hockey players. From coast to coast to coast, 14 hockey organizations received much-needed hockey equipment in the first year of the OREO Stay Playful For All program, enabling more kids to lace up their skates and experience the joy of the game. The selected teams represent a diverse group of communities that are dedicated to fostering a love of hockey among youth and are committed to keeping the playful spirit of the sport alive. The program is supported by NHL and PWHL star players who serve as ambassadors - Quinn Hughes, Zach Hyman, William Nylander, Nick Suzuki, Sarah Nurse and Marie-Philip Poulin. The campaign has inspired fans and communities to embrace the Stay Playful ethos by sharing their stories about what it means to them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does NHLPA Goals & Dreams provide?
The primary focus of NHLPA Goals & Dreams is to provide brand new sets of equipment to organizations that are helping deserving youth play the game of hockey. A brand new set of equipment provides a child with everything they would need to play the game of hockey (i.e., helmet, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, jock/jill, pants, shin pads, skates, hockey stick, bag, jersey and socks).
How many sets of equipment are provided in each NHLPA Goals & Dreams grant?
After each application is reviewed, a determination is made by the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Advisory Committee as to (1) whether the program will receive an equipment donation, followed by (2) the number of sets the program will receive. This is done on a case by case basis.
Can an organization apply more than once per year to NHLPA Goals & Dreams?
NHLPA Goals & Dreams will make one donation, per program, per season (July 1 – June 30). Programs can re-apply each season but must be able to show a clear need for receiving another equipment donation.
Will NHLPA Goals & Dreams make a cash donation to our organization?
No, NHLPA Goals & Dreams will not make financial contributions to youth hockey programs/organizations. However, it will provide packages that can be used to help with fundraising efforts (e.g., silent auctions) for charitable events/organizations. If you are looking for a donation to your organization’s fundraising efforts please click on Request Charitable Donation off the main page.
Will NHLPA Goals & Dreams help with our arena repairs and/or upgrades?
While NHLPA Goals & Dreams previously helped with arena upgrades and repairs when it was first launched back in 1999, the program has shifted its attention to focus its resources on providing complete sets of new equipment to help more deserving youth play the game of hockey. No cash donations will be made for these requests.
Who can apply for an NHLPA Goals & Dreams equipment grant?
Any organization or grassroots hockey program can apply for an equipment grant. However, there is a comprehensive application process and each applicant will have to a show a compelling need for the equipment, and a detailed plan on how the equipment will be used to help deserving youth play the game of hockey.
How long does it take for an equipment grant from NHLPA Goals & Dreams?
From the time an application is first submitted to the time equipment is delivered, NHLPA Goals & Dreams aims to have to the process completed in 8-10 weeks depending on how thorough an application is completed and the geographical location of the program.
Do you have to live in Canada to apply?
No you do not. NHLPA Goals & Dreams has made donations to programs in 45 countries around the world. Each year, the NHLPA Goals & Dreams receives applications from all over the world and provides gear to youth hockey programs.
Does our organization require affiliation with an NHL player in order to apply?
This is not a requirement. However, NHLPA Goals & Dreams is the players' charitable program, so any request that comes from a program that is affiliated with an NHLPA member will take precedence.
