Bryan Trottier Project launches Gift of Hockey fundraising campaign

The Bryan Trottier Project, Mike Bonelli Hockey Solutions and HeroPicks are launching Gift of Hockey to help schools in the U.S. and Canada raise money for hockey equipment and experiences. The campaign runs through Jan. 26, 2027 and ties community fundraising to equipment sets, Trottier visits and other prizes.

Why it matters: - The campaign is designed to help more schools introduce students to hockey, including on surfaces without ice. - Organizers say the effort could help kids discover teamwork, confidence and friendships through the game. - Schools can use the fundraiser to rally parents, local businesses, teams and fans around a shared goal.

What happened: - The Bryan Trottier Project launched Gift of Hockey, a fundraising campaign for schools and communities across the United States and Canada. - Mike Bonelli Hockey Solutions is supplying the equipment for the campaign. - HeroPicks is helping schools, teams and organizations promote and run their fundraisers. - The campaign runs through Jan. 26, 2027.

The details: - Schools that raise $2,500 will receive a branded hockey equipment set. - Schools that raise $25,000 or more will receive a “Day with a Legend” experience with Bryan Trottier. - The campaign will also recognize one winning school with a hockey camp and a visit from Trottier to deliver equipment. - Supporters can donate without selecting a specific school. - Donations above school milestones will go toward hockey equipment for additional schools and communities. - The equipment is meant to support floorball and other hockey-style games that can be played without ice. - Trottier said hockey gave him friendships, confidence and opportunities he could not have imagined as a kid. - Trottier said every child deserves a chance to feel that belonging and that the Gift of Hockey kits can help more kids pick up a stick for the first time. - Bonelli said the goal is to make it easier for schools to introduce kids to the game when the equipment and community support are in place. - HeroPicks will give participating groups a way to share fundraisers and invite others to support them. - The campaign will add prizes and experiences from hockey supporters as it grows. - Supporters can also enter HeroPicks’ five-question prediction game for the Jan. 26 Islanders at Penguins matchup. - Prizes include a signed Bryan Trottier jersey, signed books and “I Believe In You” bracelets, with more prizes to come. - Entry details and eligibility are available on the fundraiser page: More information.

Between the lines: - The campaign combines fundraising with a built-in competition structure, which could make school participation more tangible and easier to market locally. - Linking equipment awards to fundraising milestones gives schools a concrete short-term target and a larger aspirational prize. - The open-donation option broadens the campaign beyond individual schools and gives supporters a way to help underserved communities directly.

What's next: - Schools, sponsors and supporters can join the campaign now through the fundraiser page. - HeroPicks said additional prizes and experiences will be added as the campaign grows. - The project will continue collecting donations until the Jan. 26, 2027 end date. - Campaign participants can continue using the fundraiser page to track and share support as milestones are reached.