The Hockey Canada Foundation, whose mission is to promote and foster accessibility to the game of hockey, distributed hockey equipment and conducted skills sessions as part of its Dreams Come True program, established to help families who meet the financial criteria give their kids a chance to play. Registration fees for the 2015-16 season are also covered under the program.

“There are no words to describe the satisfaction I feel seeing these kids excited to be receiving brand-new equipment, and knowing they get to play hockey this season,” said Joe Drago, chairman of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. Drago, a Sudbury, Ont., native, was joined by representatives from Hockey Canada and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association for the presentation and skills sessions. “Through Hockey Canada and the Hockey Canada Foundation, we want to make sure we get as many Canadians benefitting from the sport of hockey as we can. Dreams Come True is an important program that allows kids like these an opportunity to have fun and learn all of the invaluable life-lessons that hockey provides.”

The Dreams Come True program is supported by Bauer, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Hockey Canada branch members and local minor hockey associations across the Canada. The program, which started in 2007, has helped over 800 kids participate in minor hockey.

For more information on the Hockey Canada Foundation, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca/foundation.