Chatham-Kent native TJ Brodie is at it again, donating new hockey equipment to the Dresden Minor Hockey Association (DMHA).
This recent donation of 20 complete sets of new equipment is the second the NHL blueliner has made through the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) Goals and Dreams charitable program.
In 2022, Brodie donated 25 full sets of hockey equipment to Dresden Minor Hockey to help families who can't get into hockey because they can't afford the equipment or are struggling to stay in the sport because of the high costs to play.
This new donation will go towards outfitting new hockey players who are registering to play next season in Dresden.
“Supporting my hometown of Dresden by donating 20 sets of hockey equipment through NHLPA Goals & Dreams means giving more local kids the opportunity to play the game we all love,” Brodie said. “It’s an honour to give back to the community and help young athletes pursue the same game that has provided so much to me and my family."
The latest donation will provide further assistance for U7 and U9 players who are new to the game and in need of equipment, but Dresden Minor Hockey President Ian Avery told CK News Today the total number of new registrations and full scope of the program will take a while to assess.
The 2022 donation led to 29 new registrations for U7 players that season.
Avery said this generous donation definitely garnered some significant early interest on Tuesday night.
“Dresden Minor Hockey is proud to partner with DMHA alumni and local hockey hero TJ Brodie as part of the 25th anniversary of the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program,” said Avery. “DMHA volunteers will make Jr. Kings hockey more accessible and inclusive by removing the financial and technical barriers in getting young kids involved in our U7 programs, providing free equipment courtesy of the NHLPA, and technical assistance to parents who have never navigated the steps to register. Many thanks to the Brodie family and the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program for supporting grassroots hometown hockey in Dresden!”
Brodie is currently a member of the Chicago Blackhawks.