WASHINGTON -- When Ralph Featherstone started playing hockey in the seventh grade, he didn't know the impact the sport would have on his life.

In fact, he didn't even like it.

TAMPA -- In September, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association unveiled hockey's Declaration of Principles, developed to create the best possible family hockey experience, and was adopted by 17 hockey organizations globally.

The next step in advancing those principles came Friday at the 2018 NHL All-Star Declaration of Principles Summit at the Westin Tampa Waterside, which kicked off 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend in Tampa.  

STOCKHOLM -- Former Ottawa Senators forward Daniel Alfredsson is interested in the Declaration of Principles, unveiled by the NHL and the NHL Players Association two months ago, because he has four hockey-playing sons, giving him a stake in the future of the game at the youth level.

"I think they're very good points, valid points, and I totally, fully support all of them," Alfredsson said before taking part in a Declarations of Principles event at Ericsson Globe on Thursday. "I think the toughest part is making sure everybody lives by them." 

NEWARK, N.J. -- Kiira Dosdall still remembers the only item she had written down on her Christmas list almost 18 years ago -- a New Jersey Devils cap.

Dosdall, 26, who plays defense for the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women's Hockey League, can't believe she'll have an opportunity to play on the same ice as her favorite sports team as part of a NWHL/NHL doubleheader at Prudential Center on Saturday.

The Westchester Warriors Hockey club, a group of more than 50 youth players between the ages of 11 and 13, were recognized by Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine for raising $100,000 to support Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.

The fundraising total was nearly 10 times the amount raised by the Warriors in 2016. The group raised the money during its 2017 spring/summer season to benefit the advanced pediatrics facility.

As part part of the 2017 NHL China Games presented by O.R.G. Packaging, Kevin Westgarth, the League's Vice President of Business Development & International Affairs, visited the Western Academy of Beijing on Tuesday to share his hockey story with the students. Chris Clark, the PR & Digital Communications Specialist at the school, was there. Here is his story:

NEW YORK -- When 17 hockey organizations helped craft the Declaration of Principles, they had someone like Philip Bannerman in mind.

Bannerman, 13, is in his ninth year playing for Ice Hockey in Harlem, a youth program in New York. He said the values he's learned through playing hockey have helped him on and off the ice.

NEW YORK -- Pope Francis commended the Declaration of Principles, unveiled Wednesday by the NHL and NHL Players' Association.

A letter from the Vatican was read during a press conference in Manhattan to announce the principles, which unites 17 organizations covering all areas of global hockey to advance policies, programs and initiatives, and inspiring fans, players and communities to create the best possible experience for the entire hockey community.

NEW YORK/ TORONTO - The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) today unveiled hockey's Declaration of Principles - developed by and for hockey stakeholders - to advance policies, programs and initiatives, while inspiring fans, players and communities to create the best possible experience for the entire hockey community. This joint statement advocates the game of hockey as a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills that transcend the game. 

The NHL believes hockey should be an enjoyable family experience, and that it develops character and life skills.