On Wednesday, 9/6 in New York City, 17 leading hockey organizations from around the world, including the NHL, NHLPA, NWHL, and others launched the Declaration of Principles.

Newark Public Schools & Hockey in New Jersey – Newark participants East Side’sGabe Dos Santos and Oliver Street’s Jayden Barros took part during the festivities in New York City as part of the announcement of the Declaration of Principles & This is Hockey initiative.

Hockey in New Jersey inspires youth to develop life skills, succeed academically and create positive relationships through the sport of hockey.

HNJ is part of the National Hockey League’sHockey is for Everyone initiative and partners with the New Jersey Devils, has over 400 Newark city boys & girls playing ice hockey absolutely free of cost.

For the first stop – along with fellow Hockey is for Everyone program, Ice Hockey in Harlem, the children played street hockey at the famed studios of the Today Show. Players took pointers from former NHL players Pat LaFontaine & Brian Mullen, Olympic Gold Medalists Cassie Campbell (Canada) & AJ Mleczko (United States) and current NHL stars Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Seth Jones (Columbus Blue Jackets), Marc-Andre Fleury (Vegas Golden Knights), and Ryan McDonaugh (New York Rangers).

Following the Today Show appearance, Gabe and Jayden took part of the press conference with the 17 hockey governing bodies, which included NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, NHL Stars Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators), Kevin Shattenkirk (New York Rangers), and Seth Jones.

The Declaration of Principles is a joint statement advocating 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 Declaration of Principles is the foundational element of a new initiative supported by all of these 17 organizations: This is Hockey. Hockey organizations will pledge to celebrate and advance policies, programs and initiatives of their respective organizations – and to inspire their fans, participants and communities – to create the best possible family hockey experience.

For more information on the Declaration of Principles & This is Hockey – ThisisHockey.org