Playing it Forward Gala Hosted in Newark
The annual event celebrated youth hockey growth and honored USA Hockey President Mike Trimboli.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Hockey
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The New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosted the third annual Playing it Forward Gala to support youth hockey programs. USA Hockey President Mike Trimboli was honored with the 2026 Playing it Forward Award.
Why it matters
The gala functions as a primary fundraiser for Hockey in New Jersey, a non-profit dedicated to increasing diversity and access to resources for youth athletes across the state.
Hockey in New Jersey currently manages 1,000 active participants, 25% of whom are female, across their various programs. The organization has secured 1,300 hours of ice time while collaborating with 20 partner entities.
The players
Mike Trimboli
He serves as the President of USA Hockey and was the recipient of the 2026 Playing it Forward Award.
Hockey in New Jersey
It is a non-profit organization that provides youth hockey resources and is recognized as the second-largest diversity-focused hockey program in the United States.
Elle Hartje
She is a hockey player who became the first female ambassador for Hockey in New Jersey in February 2026.
The Hughes brothers
They are professional hockey players who became the first official ambassadors for Hockey in New Jersey in 2024.
The details
The event featured a series of engagements including a VIP panel, a cocktail hour, dinner, and a silent auction. Attendees also participated in a moderated hockey discussion panel to close out the proceedings.
Timeline
The gala occurred on September 22, 2026.
Elle Hartje was named the first female ambassador for the organization in February 2026.
The Hughes brothers were appointed as the organization's first official ambassadors in 2024.
Season Trajectory
The gala highlights the ongoing expansion of youth diversity hockey programs in the United States. This event reflects the growth of initiatives like Hockey in New Jersey, which currently ranks as the second-largest program of its kind in the nation.
The organization continues to prioritize gender diversity, with 25% of current participants being female. This trend points to a shift in youth engagement, potentially impacting future pipeline opportunities for female athletes in the sport.
The takeaway
The sustained growth of programs like Hockey in New Jersey demonstrates a broader shift toward inclusive youth athletic participation. Supporters can track the program's evolution by observing the expanding roster of ambassadors and its increasing footprint of ice time hours.
Further reading
Learn more about the development of local youth sports initiatives in our Hockey section.
Live Poll
Do you believe local youth sports initiatives in your area effectively foster community and inclusion?
