NHL, NHLPA team up to donate tens of thousands of dollars to teachers

Sam Jarden

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NHL, NHLPA team up to donate tens of thousands of dollars to teachers image

The NHL and NHLPA have teamed up with educational technology company EverFi to donate tens of thousands of dollars to three teachers — and hockey fans — across America.

Back in January, the three groups announced the Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher program, which nominated 36 teachers from Canada and the United States to receive an award for their hard work in their community. After public voting, the field was narrowed down to three finalists before the winner was chosen earlier this month.

The grand prize-winner was Joan Kilban, a fifth-grade teacher from Weymouth, Mass. — and a massive Bruins fan. She won a surprise donation of $30,000 from NHL sponsor SAP to go towards in-classroom technology for her students. Bruins forward Charlie Coyle, nicknamed "The Mayor of Weymouth," also paid her and other school members a visit via video chat. 

"Growing up in the same area Joan teaches, it has always been important to me to give back to this community," Coyle said in a statement. "Joan is a true role model and I admire and appreciate everything she has done for the town of Hingham, Massachusetts. STEM education is more important than ever right now and knowing that Joan is continuing to help with these kids’ educational journey is truly inspiring."

The other two finalists, Megan Campedel, an eighth-grade teacher from Pittsburgh, and Jennifer Armstrong, a seventh and eighth-grade teacher from Pottstown, PA, who are Penguins and Flyers fans, respectively, each earned a $10,000 donation of their own. They also received visits from Bryan Rust and James van Riemsdyk, some of their favorite players from their teams.

“We are honored to participate in the NHL, NHLPA Most Valuable Teachers program celebrating our teacher heroes — Joan, Jennifer, Megan and all of the teachers who are inspirations to us during these challenging times,” said Amy Schulz, Senior Director of SAP Global Sponsorships. "[We] hope that our donations towards new technology resources in schools can play an impactful role in enhancing the learning experience for students around the country.”

Sam Jarden

Sam Jarden Photo

Sam Jarden joined Sporting News as an intern in 2020 and returned as a content producer in 2022. In between, he spent a year and a half at Turner Sports, managing the social media accounts for Bleacher Report, NBA on TNT, NBA TV and others. A proud UNC alumnus, he spends his free time following the Tar Heels, Buffalo Bills and Newcastle United FC, and has been known to occasionally hit the links.