Many young hockey players across the province will have a stick to put to the ice this year thanks to a national initiative.

Boys and Girls Clubs across the province have partnered with the NHL, the Players Association, Hockey Canada, and Bauer Hockey for the Hockey Relief Program.

The initiative gives hockey equipment to kids who need it to get them playing without having to worry about the financial burden.

Melissa Slaney is the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of St. John’s. She says her location has received 25 donations, each one consisting of a helmet, stick, skates, and gloves.

According to Slaney, the initiative has resulted in some happy players. They have a player who is signed up for hockey, but hasn’t been able to make any games this year because he didn’t have a pair of skates. She says he was “pumped” when he received the call.