NHL Foundation Hosts Youth Clinic in Newark
The NHL Foundation donated $50,000 to support Hockey in New Jersey following a youth clinic.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Do you believe youth sports clinics help strengthen community bonds in your local area?
The NHL Foundation and Hockey in New Jersey partnered to host a youth clinic for local girls at the Ironbound Recreation Center. The event included a $50,000 donation to support the organization and its ongoing efforts to grow the sport.
Why it matters
This initiative provides direct support to youth sports programs and aims to increase participation in hockey among young girls. By combining financial backing with professional instruction, the foundation seeks to expand access to the game.
Thirty girls aged 6 to 16 participated in the one-hour on-ice session. The NHL Foundation provided a $50,000 grant to the local organization, and the group later attended a New Jersey Devils game that ended in a 3-1 score.
The players
NHL Foundation
This is the charitable arm of the National Hockey League that focuses on community impact and growing the sport of hockey.
Hockey in New Jersey
This organization operates programs to introduce and develop youth interest in hockey throughout the state.
New Jersey Devils
This professional hockey team competes in the National Hockey League and plays its home games at the Prudential Center.
Haley Skarupa
She is a professional hockey player who served as a coach for the clinic.
Grant Marshall
He is a former professional hockey player and alumni who provided on-ice instruction.
The details
Coaches Haley Skarupa, Elle Hartje, and Grant Marshall led participants through an hour of drills and exhibition games. Following the on-ice instruction, the youth players attended a professional game at the Prudential Center.
Timeline
The youth hockey clinic took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This clinic aligns with the broader organizational goal of expanding hockey's footprint within the local New Jersey market. It reinforces the league's efforts to cultivate a new generation of players while deepening community ties during the active hockey season.
The involvement of professional players and alumni provides participants with direct access to high-level instruction and developmental coaching. The $50,000 grant supports the long-term operational capacity of Hockey in New Jersey to host more recurring clinics for local youth.
The takeaway
Supporting youth sports through professional partnerships can significantly lower barriers to entry for young athletes. Families interested in similar programs should monitor local community center schedules for upcoming registration opportunities.
Further reading
Learn more about local youth programs at the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.
Live Poll
Do you believe youth sports clinics help strengthen community bonds in your local area?
