Story Summary
The NHL, NHL Players’ Association and Detroit Red Wings have donated a new Zamboni to Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Cedar Springs, Michigan, backing the venue’s ability to continue offering hockey programming for local families and surrounding communities.
The donation was unveiled after an NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play session delivered in partnership with the Red Wings. The event included members of the inaugural Ram’s Little Wings Learn to Play programme, local families, Red Wings alumnus Jason Woolley and community guests.
Funding for the Zamboni comes through the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, which supports league and club initiatives intended to develop fans over the long term, increase hockey participation at every level, particularly among young people, and bring the game to communities across North America.
Key Facts
- The NHL, NHLPA and Detroit Red Wings donated a new Zamboni to Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
- The donation is intended to support continued access to hockey programming for local families in Cedar Springs and surrounding communities.
- It was revealed following an NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play session held in partnership with the Red Wings.
- The session brought together participants in the inaugural Ram’s Little Wings Learn to Play programme, local families, Red Wings alumnus Jason Woolley and community guests.
- Participants took part in a clinic introducing new players to hockey’s fundamentals in a supportive environment.
- The donation is supported by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund.
- The Industry Growth Fund supports NHL and club projects focused on long-term fan development, participation and youth access to hockey.
IHM Discussion
A Learn to Play event can introduce children and families to hockey, but sustained participation also depends on the local facility being able to keep its programming running. This donation places the emphasis on that longer-term infrastructure at Cedar Rock Sportsplex.
The NHL, NHLPA and Red Wings combined a youth clinic with support for the venue hosting it. That pairing reflects the stated purpose of the Industry Growth Fund: not simply staging a single event, but supporting initiatives intended to keep opportunities available after the day itself.
Rob Knesaurek, the NHL’s Senior Vice President of Youth Development and Industry Growth, described Cedar Rock Sportsplex as an important gathering place for the community and said the donation would help it serve young players and families in the years ahead. Chris Campoli, the NHLPA’s Divisional Player Rep, said the rink gives young players a chance to develop an attachment to hockey and that the partners wanted to help it continue serving Western Michigan.
Why It Matters
For families considering hockey for the first time, local access is central. The Learn to Play clinic offered an entry point for new participants, while the Zamboni donation supports the rink environment in which programmes can continue to be offered.
The initiative also joins league, players’ association and club resources behind a community facility rather than limiting the engagement to a one-off appearance. The practical focus is on reducing barriers to participation, strengthening local hockey infrastructure and creating opportunities for the next generation of players and fans, which are the goals identified by the NHL, NHLPA and Red Wings.
Mini Q&A
Who donated the Zamboni to Cedar Rock Sportsplex?
The NHL, NHLPA and Detroit Red Wings announced the donation, with support from the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund.
What was held alongside the donation announcement?
An NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play session was hosted in partnership with the Red Wings, featuring participants from the inaugural Ram’s Little Wings Learn to Play programme.
What is the purpose of the Industry Growth Fund?
It supports NHL and club initiatives that promote long-term fan development, increase participation in hockey, particularly among youth, and expand access in communities across North America.
Coach Mark Comment
The strongest coaching value in this initiative is continuity. A welcoming introductory session helps children take their first steps in the game, but repeat opportunities are what allow basic skills and confidence to build. Supporting the facility that hosts those sessions gives the local programme a better foundation to keep bringing newcomers onto the ice.
IHM Final View
The new Zamboni is a tangible investment in Cedar Rock Sportsplex and its place in the local hockey community. By linking a Learn to Play experience with support for the rink itself, the NHL, NHLPA and Red Wings have directed the Industry Growth Fund towards both immediate access and the continued delivery of youth programming.