Devils' Jake Allen Gives Back Through Hockey Charity Work

Goaltender uses platform to provide equipment and access to youth hockey players in need

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:09am

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New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen has a long history of philanthropic work, including his own nonprofit organization Program 34 and partnerships with the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program and Hockey New Brunswick. Allen has raised and donated over $1 million to provide hockey equipment and access to youth players, recognizing the high costs of the sport can be a barrier. As an active NHL player, Allen sees it as his duty to serve as a role model and give back to the community that supported him.

Why it matters

Allen's charity work highlights the significant financial barriers many young people face in accessing hockey, a sport with high equipment and participation costs. By providing equipment and funding, Allen is helping to remove those barriers and ensure more kids have the opportunity to play the game he loves.

The details

Through Program 34, the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, and Hockey New Brunswick, Allen has donated over $1 million to provide hockey equipment and access to youth players. Most recently, he donated 25 sets of equipment, including two sets of goalie gear, in partnership with the Smilezone Foundation. Allen has also hosted an annual golf tournament that has raised $600,000 for his nonprofit. The donations have allowed local hockey associations to provide financial assistance for registration fees, equipment, and other costs.

  • In January 2026, Allen donated 25 sets of hockey equipment.
  • Since 2015, Allen has hosted an annual golf tournament that has raised $600,000 for his nonprofit Program 34.

The players

Jake Allen

A goaltender for the New Jersey Devils who has a long history of philanthropic work, including his own nonprofit organization Program 34 and partnerships with the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program and Hockey New Brunswick.

Program 34

A nonprofit organization founded by Jake Allen in 2015 with the mission of reducing and eliminating barriers to participation in hockey caused by poverty, distance, disability, and culture.

NHLPA Goals & Dreams

A program run by the National Hockey League Players' Association that provides equipment grants to volunteer-based, grassroots hockey programs.

Hockey New Brunswick

The provincial governing body for grassroots hockey in New Brunswick, Canada, a non-profit, volunteer-based organization.

Andrew Wolfe

The leader of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program.

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What they’re saying

“We've been given a platform in this line of work that not many people have. And we have a voice, and we have a platform and a way to give back ... [I want] to set an example for kids down the road, so there's multiple reasons [I want to give back]. It's just really a no brainer.”

— Jake Allen

“Jake's consistently been involved and it's been amazing to see. He'd be among the top group whose consistently involved in giving back ... It's amazing. It sets that example that he's reached the pinnacle of a career in terms of a hockey player, but that he's continuing to give back, and not forget where he came from.”

— Andrew Wolfe, Leader of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program

“Jake is like an extended ambassador for all of New Brunswick. Anytime we've asked of Jake to to attend some of our camps, to provide provide video messages of support to provide financial assistance. Anything that's asked of him, he's always been willing to help out.”

— Nic Jansen, Executive Director of Hockey New Brunswick

The takeaway

Jake Allen's extensive charity work, including his own nonprofit and partnerships with hockey organizations, demonstrates how professional athletes can use their platform to make a meaningful impact in their communities. By providing equipment and access to youth hockey, Allen is helping to break down financial barriers and ensure more kids have the opportunity to play the sport he loves.