Detroit Red Wings Foundation, Labatt Blue to Donate $60,000 to Three Community Hockey Rinks

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the community. Earlier this year, the foundation announced the Learn, Play, Score program. The Program, which is designed to increase hockey access for kids, is rooted in a commitment to build confidence in character, promote positive values and part enduring life skills to thousands of youth across Detroit.  

As an extension of the groundbreaking Learn, Play, Score program, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Labatt Blue are donating a total of $60,000 to three hockey rinks in the city of Detroit. The announcement was made during the Red Wings’ NHL Draft Virtual Show on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Jack Adams Memorial Arena, Clark Park and East Side Foundation Hockey Arena will each receive $20,000 to enhance programming and make facility improvements.

“We are committed to providing kids throughout Detroit with access to the game of hockey,” Kevin Brown, Red Wings director of community impact, said. “And this donation, to these rinks, all located in the city, is central to that effort.”  

Anthony Benavides, director of the Clark Park Coalition, said he’s excited to safely welcome hockey players back to the rink.

“This donation from the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Labatt will help the Clark Park Coalition engage more Detroiters in ice hockey and provide for a safe outdoor hockey experience,” Benavides said. “We are extremely grateful for this support.”

Brian Francis of the East Side Youth Sports Foundation echoed Benavides’ excitement.

“The East Side Youth Sports Foundation would like to thank the Detroit Red Wings and Labatt for donating $20,000 to be allocated for building improvements at the ESH Ice Arena in Detroit,” Francis said. “This investment will help us continue to keep our rink safe and efficient.”

Earlier this year, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, through the Learn, Play, Score initiative, caught up with Detroit Ice Dreams Hockey Association founder Jason McCrimmon and 13-year-old King Moore — just one of the Detroit kids who has flourished on the ice.

Learn, Play, Score is funded through a $1 million investment in partnership with the Red Wings, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund to grow and expand access to hockey across Detroit. Learn more at DetroitRedWings.com/LearnPlayScore.

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