In January 2026, we installed THREE Smilezones at The Moncton Hospital! The Smilezones include: fresh paint, colorful murals, sensory and interactive gaming elements!
Thank you to our generous donor, NHLPA Goals and Dreams, for making this project possible!
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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.
