Jean-Gabriel Pageau is helping put more kids in Gatineau on the ice.
The Islanders forward, working with the NHLPA, donated 25 sets of hockey equipment to Hockey Loisir Gatineau through the Hull Minor Hockey Association, giving children in Gatineau continued access to the sport. The announcement came Wednesday morning from the National Hockey League Players' Association.
Pageau’s ties to the area run deep. He grew up and played in Hull & Gatineau for much of his young life, including in the QMJHL, and the donation carried extra meaning because of that connection.
"It's a sport that's expensive and not a lot of kids have the chance to play," Pageau said in the statement released by the NHLPA. "We just gave 25 more kids the chance to be proud and to have the passion and to be able to have fun and chase their dreams.
For me, it all started when I was very young, and I am so grateful for what my parents did. They gave me a chance to play hockey, to meet some friends, and have some goals."
The NHLPA also highlighted why Pageau was the right person for this kind of effort.
"Jean-Gabriel's connection to Gatineau makes this donation especially meaningful," Marty Walsh, the NHLPA Executive Director, said. "Through NHLPA Goals & Dreams, players continue to support communities that shaped them and help the next generation of young players feel welcome in the game."
The Islanders have had several players involved in community work in recent years, with ex-captain Anders Lee, Kyle Palmieri and Bo Horvat among those leading that charge. Pageau’s donation fits right into that run of giving back.
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