On January 24, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, in collaboration with Meijer, donated $15,000 to the Eastern Michigan Hockey Association (EMHA) at the 810 Sports Complex in Flint. This contribution is part of the Red Wings’ Centennial Rink Rehab Program and aims to expand youth hockey opportunities in the Flint area.
Enhancing Access for Young Hockey Players through New Programs
EMHA, a nonprofit organization that supports Flint Jr. Firebirds youth hockey, oversees 10 teams for children aged 6 to 16. The recent donation enables EMHA to launch a Mini Mite program, designed specifically for aspiring hockey players aged five and under. Thanks to the donation, participating families will no longer have to bear the costs of equipment and ice time, lowering financial barriers for young athletes.
Local Leaders Welcome Funding to Ease Financial Burdens
Katie Hoffmeyer, secretary of EMHA, highlighted the donation’s impact on families in Flint.
“We are so thrilled to accept this donation and start this program here at 810,” Hoffmeyer said. “It’s something that we’ve wanted to grow. Having this (program) starting at a younger age and being able to provide families with the equipment they need is important. Hockey is pretty expensive, as we know, so not having to purchase equipment and commit to that before even knowing if their child will continue their hockey journey is super helpful.” – Katie Hoffmeyer, EMHA Secretary
810 Sports Complex, with over 50 years serving the Flint community, is recognized for its role in fostering young talent. General manager Tom Garavaglia emphasized the significance of the Red Wings Foundation’s generosity in sustaining this mission.
“Having the Red Wings and Meijer come in to help us grow means a tremendous amount to us,” Garavaglia said. “Community is everything for us. We want to be a safe space for the community. We want people to know they have a place to go and have a good time as a family, and what better way to do that than through sports. With hockey being so engrained in our bloodlines, it means so much for us to have this funding to help grow the game.” – Tom Garavaglia, General Manager of 810 Sports Complex
Supporting Diverse Hockey Programs in Flint
The 810 Sports Complex is also home to the Flint Inner City Youth Hockey Program, established in 2010 by Rico Phillips to introduce hockey to children who might otherwise lack access. This free program focuses on teaching skating and hockey skills.
Phillips, honored with the NHL’s 2019 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award and featured by the Red Wings during Black History Month 2022, expressed enthusiasm for the event and the expanded programming it supports. He hosted a youth hockey clinic for nearly 100 participants involved with the Red Wings’ Little Wings Learn to Play program during the donation event.
“I couldn’t be more proud to share this great sport with so many kids who really wouldn’t have the opportunity without this program,” Phillips said.
“Grassroots hockey does not happen without corporate sponsorships and people interested in finding how they can help us in financial ways,” Phillips added. “As we all know, the cost of hockey can be quite expensive. What’s great about it is these kids who flourish in the sport get their start in a very grassroots way.” – Rico Phillips, Founder of Flint Inner City Youth Hockey Program
Former Red Wings Player Highlights Community Connection
Brent Fedyk, a former Detroit Red Wings forward, also attended the donation event. He shared his appreciation for giving back to the metro Detroit community that supported him during his playing days.
“It’s great that the Red Wings are giving back to the community,” Fedyk said. “Everybody in the metro area supports our team very well, so it’s important that we give back and have that fanbase for life.”
“I made my home in the Detroit area and we’re giving back to the community today,” Fedyk continued. “I think it’s very important that we do give back to the community. I’m happy to be here today, and I think it’s a very good cause.” – Brent Fedyk, Former Detroit Red Wings Forward
Fedyk was selected by the Red Wings in the 1985 NHL Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career in Detroit. After retiring, he remained in the Detroit area and started his own Learn to Play Program in Grosse Pointe, continuing his commitment to growing youth hockey.
Continued Investment in Local Hockey Facilities
The Red Wings Foundation plans to maintain its support for local hockey rinks throughout the Centennial Season by continuing the Centennial Rink Rehab Program. The initiative intends to improve rink facilities and expand access to the sport across the region. Updates on future rink renovations will be shared via DetroitRedWings.com and the team’s social media channels, highlighting ongoing community engagement efforts.
