Vernon Hills ice arean receives hockey donation

Submitted by Jill Schmidt PR

The Glacier Ice Arena recently announced a donation of 10 new sets of hockey equipment, courtesy of the NHLPA's Goals & Dreams Fund. This donation will help grow the game in the Northwest suburbs.

"I feel very fortunate to work with all new hockey players at the Glacier, and I am lucky to have the privilege of igniting their spark for falling in love with this game," Learn to Play Director Charice Paoli said.

"The NHLPA's donation of new equipment will give these young hockey players the security and confidence they need to take that first step onto our ice."

According to Glacier Hockey: "Our philosophy is simple: to develop the whole individual by improving confidence and self-esteem, in addition to teaching the sport and great game of hockey. We believe it is a necessity for all young players to receive proper instruction, and in our program all players, regardless of position or current skill, will be encouraged to carry the puck, make plays and have fun.

"This philosophy is instilled through the support of the level directors to the coaches by helping them design organized practice plans, on ice support and to be there to monitor the games to help with team play and player development."

"Over the last 18 years, NHL players have donated more than $24 million to fund and assist grass-roots hockey programs around the world," Chairman of the Goals & Dreams Fund Devin Smith said on the success of the program.

"We've sent equipment everywhere, from Australia to South Africa, Europe, Malaysia and North America. The biggest obstacle in participating in hockey is the cost of equipment. Our goal is to bridge that gap for less fortunate children."

In 1999, the National Hockey League Players' Association launched the Goals & Dreams Fund as a way for the players to give something back to the game they love. The players' program has donated full sets of hockey equipment that has benefited more than 80,000 economically challenged children in 34 countries and assisted with upgrades and the building of hundreds of arenas worldwide.

To date, Goals & Dreams has donated more than $24 million to grass-roots hockey programs around the world, making it the largest program of its kind.

For more information on the NHLPA, visit www.nhlpa.com.

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