Lordco Auto Parts and the Hockey Canada Foundation have joined forces once again to make hockey more accessible for young athletes in British Columbia and Alberta. Through the foundation's Assist Fund, Lordco Auto Parts helps alleviate the financial burden of playing hockey for youths and their families.

In November, we marked the continued partnership by giving Elijah and Micah, two BC Minor Hockey players and assist fund beneficiaries, an unforgettable day. The brothers joined Candace Gottschalk, Vice President of Human Resources at Lordco, and two-time Stanley Cup champion Andrew Ladd for a private on-ice session.

"Our involvement with the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund ensures players like Elijah and Micah can afford to play the game they love. Lordco Auto Parts contributes $20,000 annually to the Assist Fund to cover player registration costs and offset some of the financial burden to their families. We're happy to partner with the foundation once again," said Gottschalk.

Ladd, a former Maple Ridge resident with ties to Lordco Auto Parts, was excited to be part of the experience. His uncle worked at the company for over 35 years, adding a meaningful layer to this collaboration.

"I think anytime you get the chance to come back to where you grew up, it brings back a lot of memories… I still consider (Maple Ridge) home," said Ladd.

Now retired from the NHL, Ladd focuses on youth development through his Ladd Foundation and its 1616 program, which promotes confidence, competence, connection, and character in young athletes–qualities Micah and Elijah exhibit.

"I just love the competitiveness, making friends, and just having fun in general," said Micha. Elijah echoed his brother's sentiment and said, "Once you score a goal, you just get really excited and (your) teammates hyping you up." 

Reflecting on the challenges of the sport, he added, "I fall way too many times, but that's still good...You fall down sometimes in life, but you always get back up. That's a good thing."



Through our partnership with the Hockey Canada Foundation, we help keep players in the game and do our part to in supporting the the Hockey  Canada Foundation Assist Fund, which helps over 10,000 kids play organized hockey.