Former Ottawa Senators forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau with a young fan. NHLPA

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Jean-Gabriel Pageau returned to his roots last month to give back to the community that helped launch his hockey career.

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The New York Islanders centre, who began his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators, was in Gatineau on July 19 to donate 25 sets of hockey equipment through the Hull Minor Hockey Association to Hockey Loisir Gatineau, helping provide local children greater access to the sport.

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Pageau, 33, grew up in Gatineau and played for the Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The donation was made in partnership with the NHL Players’ Association’s Goals & Dreams Fund.

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“It’s a sport that’s expensive and not a lot of kids have the chance to play,” Pageau said in a statement. “We just gave 25 more kids the chance to be proud and to have the passion and to be able to have fun and chase their dreams.

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“For me, it all started when I was very young, and I am so grateful for what my parents did. They gave me a chance to play hockey, to meet some friends and to have some goals.”

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Pageau returned to the Complexe Branchaud-Brière to spend time with local youth hockey players. He surprised them with an equipment bag filled with new equipment for each child. He then joined them on the ice for practice and signed autographs, interacting with the children throughout the day. The players were also given specially made Jean-Gabriel Pageau T-shirts designed by 500 Level.

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Former Ottawa Senators forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau donated hockey equipment to an organization in Gatineau. NHLPA

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The Hull Minor Hockey Association supports recreational hockey in Gatineau, offering the chance to gain experience without the time and financial investment required from other hockey leagues. The organization also provides equipment to disadvantaged families.

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“Jean-Gabriel’s hockey equipment donation with NHLPA Goals & Dreams is about much more than sticks, skates and helmets. For the children, it means opportunity, inclusion and the chance to build confidence through sport,” said Dominic Charron, president of the Hull Minor Hockey Association. “For the Hull Hockey Association, it strengthens our mission of making hockey accessible to every young player who wants to be part of the game.

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“We are deeply grateful for his generosity and commitment to our community.”

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The NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund was launched in 1999 as a way for the players to give back. The program’s focus is supporting grassroots hockey programs by providing complete sets of new equipment to deserving youth.

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For 26 years, NHLPA members have donated more than $27 million to hockey programs in 45 countries.

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