MLA Statement

Street hockey is a Canadian tradition. All you need for a neighbourhood game in the cul-de-sac are some sticks, old baseball gloves and some couch cushions for the goalie. But for kids who wish to take their hockey dream to the next level, it costs money. If your child has a disability, it can cost even more. Thanks to the PuCKS program, hockey is becoming accessible to more and more kids whose dreams would otherwise end in the cul-de-sac.

PuCKS stands for promoting community through kids in sport. Their goal is to offer hockey to all kids with or without disabilities, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Through partnerships with organizations such as VanCity, WestJet and TEAM 1040 Sports Radio, PuCKS provides equipment and financial support to kids like Maranda Rudolph.
I met Maranda and her family when I, along with my colleague the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, had the opportunity to present her with a new chest protector on behalf of PuCKS. Maranda is the goalie for the Langley girls Peewee C Sharks. At the 2008 Ice Classic in Richmond, Maranda was the game MVP against Kamloops, facing 70 shots and allowing only nine goals. Maranda is also a PuCKS hockey scholarship recipient. Through PuCKS, Maranda receives gear and financial support to ensure her continued success.

Not only will Maranda continue to excel as an athlete, but her involvement in sports has given her the confidence to set important goals for herself in other areas of her life. At 15 she is looking forward to attending university once she graduates from high school.
With the help of PuCKS, Maranda can look forward to more game MVPs and — who knows — maybe a future NHL contract.