TORONTO (Nov. 27, 2025) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that NHLPA Goals & Dreams and the Czech Ice Hockey Association – together with Filip Chytil, Radko Gudas, David Jiříček, Jiri Kulich, Jakub Lauko, Petr Mrazek, Martin Nečas, David Pastrnak, Vitek Vaněček, Karel Vejmelka and Pavel Zacha – have donated a total of 125 complete sets of new hockey equipment to youth hockey programs across the Czech Republic, making it one of the largest single equipment donations in NHLPA Goals & Dreams’ history. A total of 11 local hockey clubs, each with an NHL/professional hockey player connection, have received equipment for youth hockey players from NHLPA Goals & Dreams and the Czech Ice Hockey Association’s Let’s Play Hockey ((Pojď hrát hokej) initiative.
In partnership with NHLPA Goals & Dreams and 11 professional Czech hockey players, all of whom have played in the NHL, Let’s Play Hockey is expanding its reach by helping to connect the country’s top players with the clubs that helped launch their careers.
Watch the donation here.
List of Clubs/Players Involved:
- Player: Filip Chytil (Vancouver Canucks) – Club: HK Kroměříž
- Player: Radko Gudas (Anaheim Ducks) – Club: Berounští Medvědi
- Player: David Jiříček (Iowa/Minnesota Wild) – Club: HC Klatovy
- Player: Jiri Kulich (Buffalo Sabres) – Club: SK Kadaň
- Player: Jakub Lauko (HC Dynamo Pardubice) – Club: Pirati Chomutov
- Player: Petr Mrazek (Anaheim Ducks) – Club: HC Slavoj Český Krumlov
- Player: Martin Nečas (Colorado Avalanche) – Club: SKLH Žďár n. Sázavou
- Player: David Pastrňák (Boston Bruins) – Club: HC AZ Havířov
- Player: Vitek Vaněček (Utah Mammoth) – Club: BK Havlíčkův Brod
- Player: Karel Vejmelka (Utah Mammoth) – Club: SK H. Slavia Třebíč
Player: Pavel Zacha (Boston Bruins) – Club: HHK Velké Meziříčí
“We have been working for many years to make hockey accessible to as many children as possible,” said Jiří Šlégr, General Manager of the Czech national team. “When the biggest players return to their home clubs to give something back, it makes a big difference in inspiring our youth players. It shows that the hockey family stands together across generations and continents.”
“NHLPA Goals & Dreams, working alongside the Czech Ice Hockey Association to equip youth clubs through player-connected donations, is creating meaningful ties and providing valuable resources to support youth hockey programs and players across the Czech Republic,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “With a diverse, global membership, the NHLPA is deeply committed to supporting grassroots hockey efforts worldwide.”
Since its launch in 2010, Let’s Play Hockey has supplied more than CZK 131 million (approx. USD 6.25 million) worth of youth hockey equipment to clubs across the country, removing a major barrier to entry for families. The nationwide recruitment initiative led by Czech Ice Hockey has helped thousands of children lace up skates for the first time by providing free access to essential gear and grassroots hockey events.
