Giving Back To The Game

Helping hockey families during difficult times

Hockey is more of a fraternity than a sport. Just playing the game can bond total strangers in a way very few would understand.

“Oh, you play hockey? No way, me too!”

It happens that quick. A mutual admiration. A level of respect. An understanding that goes without saying another word. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a 13-year-old in the school cafeteria or a 31-year-old at the office water cooler. Whether your background includes Division-I college hockey or a local rec league, 18-and-over pick-up games or major junior. Hockey is hockey, and hockey is family. 

That sense of friendship extends from the family at 200×85 to the hockey community we serve, and was at the root of the Give Back program this spring. We set out to assist as many hockey families as possible, to help those in need or provide assistance for others dealing with challenges from the current global climate surrounding COVID-19.

“This has been an incredibly difficult year that has impacted many families in our 200×85 hockey community,” said Kevin Mann, CEO of 200×85. “Putting your customers first has always been a core value at 200×85, and along with our partners at CCM, it’s an idea that’s guiding our decisions today.”

After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions from people all across the world, we were able to help five families thanks to our corporate partners, CCM. We heard from friends, families, coaches and teammates about a special group of hockey players who deserved fresh pads, helmets, sticks and more, and are happy to be able to fulfill their equipment needs. 

The sheer amount of compassion and positivity people shared for each other was truly humbling. From a young man in Canada nominating his former teammate in Florida, to a coach reaching out to share a powerful story about one of his players, this endeavor highlighted everything that’s right in the hockey community.

We’re honored to assist the following players:

⭐️ Omer Petrin

⭐️ Joey Sesi 

⭐️ Ayden Cameron

⭐️ Ashtyn Cameron

⭐️ Nate, Cooper and Reed Seymour

⭐️ Jimmy Fitzgerald

Thanks to our partners at CCM, these young athletes will be outfitted with helmets, gloves, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads and shin guards so that they can continue to play a game they love.

“The hockey community is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced,” said Cora Seymour, mother of Nate, Cooper and Reed. “The friends made and relationships are heartwarming. This opportunity is so amazing for our family to be able to let hockey live on in our home in honor of the boys’ dad. He would be so happy and proud to see the outpouring of love and support we have received from the hockey tribes.”

There isn’t a person or industry that remains unaffected by events that have transpired over the last year. 200×85 is committed to helping bring back a sense of normalcy to the hockey world through the Give Back program, as well as its world-class tournaments and events. To find out more about what’s up next, click HERE.