NHLPA grant provides North Bay North Stars hockey program with $10K in new gear

NHLPA grant provides North Bay North Stars hockey program with $10K in new gear to allow players with intellectual or developmental disability to get on the ice

Sunday afternoon was a usual practice day at the Pete Palangio Arena for the North Bay North Stars hockey program.

The players skated in drills, training and then played a short scrimmage as they broke in new hockey equipment.

“I got new gloves and new skates,” said Leo Lott-Duquette.

The players on the North Stars all have either an intellectual or a developmental disability.

The program, which has been around for nearly two decades and supports three teams, allows them to play the game they love.

“I’ve made this friend, Kaitlyn, and she’s so nice,” said player Olivia Stanley.

“Everybody on the North Stars is so nice.”

Hockey is an expensive sport due to the cost of gear and gear -- and it’s even more so for players with disabilities.

“To be able to not have to worry about that when you have so many other things on your plate, you really can’t put a price on it,” said Kelli Van Buskirk, president of the North Bay North Stars.

When the North Stars heard of a unique partnership between OREO and the National Hockey League’s Players’ Association (NHLPA), where grassroots hockey programs would be selected to receive new equipment, they shared their story and mission.

“A lot of these guys are massive hockey fans. They follow the North Bay Battalion. They follow any number of NHL teams,” Van Buskirk said.

“They love hockey and they should be able to play hockey.”

As part of OREO and the NHLPA’s inaugural OREO Stay Playful For All program, designed to help foster the next generation of players and keep the playful spirit of the sport alive, 14 hockey programs across Canada receive $200,000 in new hockey equipment.

When the NHLPA and OREO heard about their program, officials were overjoyed.

They were chosen because they keep the sport inclusive and remove barriers that often prevent access to the game.

“Their focus has always been on fun and on development,” said Andrew Wolfe, NHLPA’s Goals and Dreams Program director.

“That really hits home for us because that’s the focus really of the initiative between the NHLPA and OREO.”

In total, 17 North Stars players were fitted with new gear, including two full goalie sets. Players also received sticks, helmets, cages, skates, jerseys, and jocks/jills.

“My elbow pads had broken straps and no matter what you do, they’d scratch at your skin,” said player Carter Rees.

“Now, it feels a lot better.”

Van Buskirk said the grant will allow the North Stars program to keep running for many years. When the players get older and outgrow the equipment, they can donate it to the next generation.

The North Stars are starting to practise hard for the upcoming Special Hockey International Tournament, which takes place in Toronto from March 5-7.

The players said they’re excited for the competition and being outfitted with new hockey gear allows them to be the best they can be on the ice.

“Why I like hockey is because of the skating and the fun I have with other people,” Rees said.

The North Stars program has as many as 45 skaters on three teams. They include the A team, the B team and the Shooting Stars beginner program.