Islanders Donate $50,000 During 50th Anniversary to Ice Hockey in Harlem

The New York Islanders, through the Islanders Children's Foundation, have on the occasion of the team's 50th anniversary donated a further $50,000 to Ice Hockey in Harlem, a youth hockey and educational program that offers free hockey instruction to children in Harlem.
This follows a $27,000 donation to the organization from the team earlier this year in honor of Isles legend John Tonelli, who wore number 27 and is an advocate for the organization.

The financial support is key for Ice Hockey in Harlem, which has a mission to make "ice hockey accessible to families in the community." The donation will help cover program costs for participants, including equipment, ice time, and travel to and from rinks. Ice Hockey in Harlem currently welcomes more than 175 participants, ages 4-18, with a majority of students representing minorities.
The need for financial support for Ice Hockey in Harlem increased in 2021, as Lasker Rink, the program's primary practice rink in Central Park, was closed for a three year renovation. The closure has resulted in increased ice time demand for and transportation costs to both Wollman Rink, in Central Park, and World Ice Arena, in Queens.

In addition to on-ice instruction, Ice Hockey in Harlem participants attend enrichment and educational experiences that include speaker series and college exploration series.
"The Islanders are committed to growing the game of hockey in metro New York, both on and off of the ice," said Isles co-owner Jon Ledecky when speaking at the team's recent annual alumni celebration.
"Our children start at a young age and they stick with us until they go off to college," Malik Garvin, Executive Director of Ice Hockey in Harlem, said.
"Our program is more about building better people than it is about being ice hockey players. Everyone knows the life lessons and values you learn playing hockey and I'm fortunate to see kids pick it up every day. It's not possible without the support of the Islanders and others out there."