A Grant with Purpose
The National Hockey League’s Player Inclusion Coalition recently awarded a $20,000 grant to the All STARS Youth Ice Hockey Program in Buffalo. The funding is earmarked to increase the program’s capacity by more than 30%, allowing it to serve a larger cohort of children from historically under‑represented communities.
All STARS provides a comprehensive suite of resources at no cost to participants, including equipment, transportation, ice time, meals, coaching and year‑round programming. By removing financial barriers, the program aims to let kids focus on skill development and the sheer joy of playing hockey.
Community Leaders Step In
Catherine M. Roberts, President and CEO of the Resource Council of Western New York, highlighted the transformative power of hockey for the youngsters the program serves. Her organization has partnered with the coalition for years, and the Buffalo Sabres have contributed over $2 million since 2015 to support RCWNY’s local initiatives.
The coalition itself is a collective of current and former NHL players as well as women’s professional hockey athletes. At the grant ceremony, representatives such as Blake Bolden, Julie Chu, Anson Carter, Mark Fraser, Jordan Harris, Georges Laraque, Al Montoya, Anthony Stewart and P.K. Subban were on hand to celebrate the milestone.
Anson Carter, speaking on the ice, stressed the importance of giving every child a chance to experience hockey’s unique blend of teamwork and excitement. He was joined by 28 participants from the Durham Regional Police Service’s learn‑to‑play program, underscoring the coalition’s commitment to community policing and youth engagement.
Looking Ahead
The NHL Player Inclusion Coalition has already distributed nearly $500,000 in community grants since 2023, funded through its Action Fund. Upcoming activities include a community hockey clinic co‑hosted with top prospects from the 2026 NHL Draft, where members such as Abby Roque and J.T. Brown will lead on‑ice sessions.
The coalition also took the opportunity to honor hockey trailblazers like Willie O’Ree and Angela James, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for greater diversity. With continued support from partners like Upper Deck and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the initiative aims to broaden access and inspire the next generation of players across North America.