Former Senator J.G. Pageau returns to Gatineau to donate hockey equipment to kids

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, a former Ottawa Senators forward who currently plays for the New York Islanders, gives back to Gatineau.

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Jean-Gabriel Pageau returned to his roots last month to give back to the community that helped launch his hockey career.

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The New York Islanders centre, who began his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators, was in Gatineau on July 19 to donate 25 sets of hockey equipment through the Hull Minor Hockey Association to Hockey Loisir Gatineau, helping provide local children greater access to the sport.

Pageau, 33, grew up in Gatineau and played for the Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The donation was made in partnership with the NHL Players’ Association’s Goals & Dreams Fund.

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“It’s a sport that’s expensive and not a lot of kids have the chance to play,” Pageau said in a statement. “We just gave 25 more kids the chance to be proud and to have the passion and to be able to have fun and chase their dreams.

“For me, it all started when I was very young, and I am so grateful for what my parents did. They gave me a chance to play hockey, to meet some friends and to have some goals.”

Source: Read the original article on ottawacitizen.com