The war in Ukraine is political. Youth and Junior hockey players from Ukraine have no political stake in the war that is displacing them from their country.
These players and their families are losing their homes, their possessions, and some of them are losing their lives fighting, or due to bombing.
As many if not all of you know I spend a lot of time scouting Ukraine players. I have been there several times, and know hundreds of these families. The one thing they should not lose on top of everything else is the ability to play hockey.
I am seeking help from Junior Hockey Teams and Leagues, parents and players. Not to make a political statement in any way, but to ensure that these displaced children can continue playing while they wait in Poland to be able to safely return to their homes in Ukraine.
We are looking for people to collect used equipment, new equipment or money to buy equipment and ice time for these players and teams who have been displaced due to the war.
I can tell you for sure that none of these children are bringing their hockey equipment when they leave their country for shelter in Poland. Most of them are arriving by train with little to no clothes.
All equipment collected in the United States and Canada will be put into a container and shipped to Poland. The equipment will be distributed in Krakow to all Ukraine youth and junior players completely free of charge without having to return any of it.
My goal is to collect 200 sets of equipment, from skates to gloves, helmets, and all other items needed to play. While that likely will not be enough, it will be something.
TJHN will be donating 200 jerseys and 200 pair of socks.
Profits generated from this years College Commitment Showcase will be used to pay for a shipping container out of Detroit to Poland in June. The cost of the 40 feet container and shipping which will take about a month to reach Krakow is close to $7000.
This container will arrive in Gdansk Poland by July and then in Krakow once clearing customs. A distribution center in Krakow is being arranged for players to come, get fitted and get prepared to get back on the ice. If players can not make it to Krakow, a distribution network among youth hockey clubs is being created to reach all cities and players in need.
A Go Fund Me page will be set up for those who can not donate equipment. These funds will be used to purchase ice time for teams to practice and if possible have a season until they can return home.
If you, your team, your league or association would like to help these children, please email me and we will arrange how you can get involved. More information will be coming over the next few days.
These players have lost everything. Lets make sure they don’t have to lose hockey too.
Joseph Kolodziej
