Moncton, NB, January 16, 2026 – As Moncton welcomes fans for Scotiabank® Hockey Day in Canada, Smilezone Foundation is bringing the spirit of hockey off the ice and into the heart of the community with the unveiling of new Smilezone spaces at The Moncton Hospital, generously donated by NHLPA Goals & Dreams.
The newly opened Smilezone spaces transform three areas within the hospital’s Pediatric Department, creating bright, welcoming environments designed to reduce stress, spark joy, and make hospital visits a little easier for children and families. The opening represents a powerful moment where community, care, and Canada’s game come together and marks a high-energy way for Smilezone Foundation to kick off 2026 in Moncton.
Keeping with the hockey theme, the spaces feature vibrant hockey-inspired murals and displays, including signed jerseys from featured players Jake Allen (Fredericton native and New Jersey Devils goalie), Ross Johnston (Moncton Wildcats alumnus and Anaheim Ducks forward), and Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders rookie defenceman and Smilezone Foundation supporter) helping bring the excitement of the game directly into the hospital setting.
“At Smilezone, everything we do is about helping children feel a little more like kids, even when they’re facing incredibly tough moments,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder Smilezone Foundation. “Seeing these new Smilezone spaces come to life at The Moncton Hospital especially in partnership with NHLPA Goals & Dreams shows what’s possible when community, care, and compassion come together. We’re proud to help create environments that bring comfort, positivity, and moments of joy to children and families when they need it most.”
The Moncton opening marks the second collaboration between Smilezone Foundation and NHLPA Goals & Dreams, building on a shared commitment to supporting children and families through the power of hockey. Between the two Smilezone spaces, at The Moncton Hospital and Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton last season, NHLPA Goals & Dreams has contributed over $200,000 to these projects. The ongoing partnership reflects the strong alignment between the two organizations, combining Smilezone’s expertise in creating therapeutic hospital environments with the NHLPA’s long-standing dedication to giving back to communities across Canada. Together, the organizations continue to bring the comfort and inspiration of the game into health-care settings, helping young patients feel supported both on and off the ice.
“Hockey’s legacy in Canada is built on community, teamwork and giving back,” said NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh. “In the spirit of Hockey Day in Canada, we’re proud to collaborate with the Smilezone Foundation to extend the impact of the game far beyond the rink and into the heart of communities in New Brunswick.”
Hockey Day in Canada host and Smilezone Foundation Board Member, Ron MacLean, was on hand to celebrate with patients, families, and hospital staff, underscoring how meaningful Smilezone’s mission is to him. A long-time supporter of the Foundation, MacLean continues to champion the importance of creating welcoming, uplifting spaces that help make hospital experiences easier for children and their families.
“We’re pleased to celebrate the opening of the Smilezone in the Pediatric Department at The Moncton Hospital,” said Frances LeBlanc, President & CEO of Friends Foundation. “Thanks to the partnership between Smilezone Foundation and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, children and families will be able to benefit from brighter and more comfortable spaces to help enhance their experience and help relieve stress that may be associated with hospital visits.”
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ABOUT SMILEZONE FOUNDATION:
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity in Oakville, Ontario committed to improving the lives of children receiving medical treatment at health facilities across Canada. In 2012 founders Adam Graves and Scott Bachly were approached to make a financial contribution to the construction of a local hospital. Through partnerships with hospitals, community centers, and other organizations, Smilezone creates accessible, fun, and therapeutic environments where children can heal and thrive. The Foundation has transformed 500 spaces into Smilezones across Canada, benefiting communities in all ten provinces and reaching hundreds of thousands of children, parents, health care workers and families. For more information, visit www.smilezone.com.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE MONCTON HOSPITAL FOUNDATION:
The Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Moncton Hospital whose mandate is to help to inspire health care transformation and changing lives. The Foundation helps to fund new technologies, innovations, renovated spaces, and placing the right tools in the hands of our frontline workers to strengthen patient care. Our investments align with five strategic pillars including cancer care, brain health, women and children, mental health, and innovation. For more information, visit www.FriendsFoundation.ca.
ABOUT NHLPA GOALS & DREAMS:
In 1999, the National Hockey League Players’ Association launched NHLPA Goals & Dreams as a way for the players to give back to the game they love. The Players’ charitable program’s primary focus is on supporting grassroots hockey programs by providing complete sets of new equipment to deserving youth. For 26 years, NHLPA members have donated more than $27 million to grassroots hockey programs in 45 countries around the world.
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For more information:
Micki Benedetti Allison Henderson
Smilezone Foundation Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation
P: 905-466-2575 P: 506-377-2841
benedetti.micki@gmail.com allison.henderson@friendsfoundation.ca
Stephanie Maniago Julie Thebeau
NHLPA Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation
P: 416-313-2370 P. 506-381-9021
smaniago@nhlpa.com Julie.Thebeau@FriendsFoundation.ca
To download the press release, please click here: Moncton Hospital-NHLPA Press Release FINAL
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