Nominations open for Kruger Big Assist program
Who: Kruger Products
What: The paper manufacturer has announced the fifth year of the Kruger Big Assist program and a roster of hockey stars who will serve as 2025 program ambassadors.
Each of the Kruger Big Assist ambassadors will serve as a representative for one of the program's five regions across Canada.
From now until Feb. 10, Canadians can nominate a minor hockey association for their chance to receive $100,000.
The Kruger Big Assist athlete ambassadors are:
- Pacific: Macklin Celebrini, first overall 2024 NHL Draft Pick
- Prairies: Nazem Kadri, Stanley Cup Champion
- Quebec: Marie-Philip Poulin, four-time Olympic medalist and three-time world champion
- Ontario: Natalie Spooner, three-time Olympic medalist and world champion
- Atlantic: Hayley Wickenheiser, five-time Olympic medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer
"Now in the program's fifth year, we're proud to see the impact the Kruger Big Assist has made on communities across Canada to date," said Susan Irving, CMO of Kruger Products, in a release. "As a Canadian company, we're thrilled to be celebrating this milestone year by partnering with five incredible Canadian hockey professionals to rally Canadians across the country to join in on the assist that will ensure more kids get the opportunity to play minor hockey."
Since 2020, the Kruger Big Assist has committed $1 million to provide more kids with access to hockey. In its first five years, the program has donated funds to over 45 hockey associations from coast to coast and helped over 1,000 Canadians families access the sport.
This year, five Canadian minor hockey associations will receive $25,000 each, and one grand prize winner will receive an additional $75,000 as decided by a public vote, to make hockey more accessible and inclusive in their community.
Last year's Kruger Big Assist grand prize winner, TASA Minor Hockey Association, received $100,000. Located in Upper Tantallon, N.S., TASA used their funding to launch "Come Try Hockey," a 16-week training program for boys and girls aged 8-13 to get on the ice for the first time. All kids were provided with the necessary gear and registration free of charge.
