NHL's 'Gallons for Goals' initiative restores more than six million gallons of water for 2011-2012

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League announced today that through its Gallons for Goals initiative more than 6.7 million gallons of water will replenish a critically dewatered river in the Northwest.

This season, NHL Green introduced Gallons for Goals, a season-long commitment focusing on the issue of freshwater scarcity. The NHL Foundation pledged to restore 1,000 gallons of water to a critically dewatered river for every goal scored during the 2011-12 regular season, which drew to a close on Saturday.

Dan Boyle of the San Jose Sharks notched the final tally of the season, bringing the League's total goal scoring to 6,726. Through Bonneville Environmental Foundation's (BEF) innovative Water Restoration Certificate Program, the League will replenish Oregon's Deschutes River, helping to restore streamflow to the watercourse.

To further this initiative, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has produced a PSA titled "Hockey Depends on Water," illustrating a joint effort with the League to preserve, protect and restore bodies of freshwater.

The frozen pond is the spiritual birthplace of hockey. For years, NHL stars have learned to skate and play outdoors. The League and the NRDC are committed to preserving these natural rinks for future generations.

"All Americans need access to a clean, plentiful supply of water," said Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist at NRDC. "The NHL should be applauded for its work protecting our nation's most precious and increasingly scarce resource -- fresh water. NRDC congratulates the NHL for using its unique visibility and market influence to engage millions of NHL fans on the importance of protecting U.S. and Canadian water supplies. The NHL is a model for responsible corporate citizenship. All businesses should follow its lead by supporting environmental stewardship."

The NHL and NRDC PSA aims to raise public consciousness about the threat of water scarcity and its effect on the environment, recreation and youth participation in sport.

The NRDC has been the League's top environmental advisor since 2008, at which time it assembled "NHL Greening Advisors" for each Member Club. NRDC's support was integral to the official launch of NHL Green, on New Year's Day 2010. Today, NRDC provides fundamental support to the NHL in the League's ever-expanding commitment to ecological responsibility, advising on sustainability issues associated with facility operations, premiere events and renewable energies.