NHL, NHLPA award $2.5M to Variety Boys & Girls to build youth hockey center in Queens, New York

The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association have announced a $2.5 million grant through the Industry Growth Fund to the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens in New York City. The award will help develop a new clubhouse featuring a dedicated hockey innovation space, creating an state-of-the art, inclusive environment for youth programs, mentorship, and sports engagement, serving over 16,000 young people annually. Scheduled to begin construction in late 2026, the project enhances the club’s capacity for education, wellness, and community engagement.