By Basil Stroh
NHL, NHLPA and Rogers Thank Fans Who Purchased Tickets to Support Their Community and Make Hockey More Accessible to Youth
NHL Public Relations | NHLPA
Montreal, QC – [March 4, 2025] – Not only did the 4 Nations Face-Off provide incredible memories for the millions of fans who attended games, participated in community activities and watched across Canada, but the best-on-best tournament also left a lasting impact in the community with a $180,000 contribution to Sun Youth, a Montreal-based organization dedicated to supporting children and families in need.
Although Rogers, the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the National Hockey League kickstarted the 50/50 fundraising campaign with a joint $50,000 contribution, the real heroes of the tournament are the fans across the province of Quebec, who ultimately contributed over $400,000 towards the 50-50 jackpot while tournament games were hosted in Montreal.
Proceeds from the 4 Nations Face-Off 50/50 raffle will support Sun Youth’s Hockey Development program, giving newcomers and underprivileged children ages 5 to 13 the opportunity to discover the sport we all love and thrive in a structured, safe, fun, and educational environment. Funds will be used to help remove financial barriers to hockey to ensure more local youth can play the game by providing better equipment, ice time and program accessibility.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who rallied behind our cause,” said Guinness Rider, Sun Youth Director of Athletics and Community Services. “Your generosity will provide opportunities for even more kids to access our national sport in a province where passion, hockey and community go hand-in-hand.”
Kids from Sun Youth were at the heart of 4 Nations Face-Off festivities throughout the week in Montreal, taking part in a skills workshop on NHL ice led by Finnish legend Teemu Selänne, watching Canada practice, and were even provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Canadian superstar Connor McDavid. McDavid surprised the group with an exclusive invitation to attend the Canada vs. USA game on Saturday night. Eight youth from Sun Youth’s Hockey Development program also enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the pregame ceremonies representing NHLPA Goals & Dreams at the Bell Centre prior to the Canada vs. USA game where they joined the starting lineups on the bluelines, and two youth players were a part of the captain’s banner exchange with Sidney Crosby and Auston Matthews.
The winning number, drawn at the end of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and USA on February 15, can be found here.
Sun Youth has been a pillar in the Montreal community for over 70 years, providing essential services and programs to underprivileged youth and families. Through initiatives like this, the organization continues to foster inclusion and opportunity for all through hockey.
About Rogers Communications Inc: Rogers is Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company and its shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For more information, please visit rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.
About the NHL: Visit nhl.com/info/about-the-nhl
About the National Hockey League Players’ Association: The National Hockey League Players’ Association, established in 1967, is a labour organization whose members are the players in the National Hockey League. The NHLPA works on behalf of the players in varied disciplines such as labour relations, product licensing, marketing, international hockey and community relations, all in furtherance of its efforts to promote its members and the game of hockey. In 1999, NHLPA Goals & Dreams was launched as a way for the players to give something back to the game they love. Over the past 25 years, tens of thousands of deserving children in 40 countries have benefited from the players’ donations of more than $26 million in hockey equipment to grassroots hockey programs. For more information on the NHLPA, please visit www.nhlpa.com.
About Sun Youth: Since 1954, we have been taking care of Montrealers by intervening with poor individuals and families. We provide a range of emergency services to ensure their basic needs and maintain their integrity. We actively contribute to crime prevention and promote the physical and intellectual development of young people through education, sport and recreation. Our fundamental objective is to alleviate poverty and prevent exclusion. WE HELP.
COURTESY NHL PUBLIC RELATIONS AND NHLPA
