USA Hockey Foundation

Marcos Alvarez played basketball, but when he received a hockey stick for a birthday present in his early teens, he quickly became hooked on hockey. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to play for a team because of his family couldn’t afford the fees and equipment costs.

Now, as an adult hockey player, Marcos feels like it’s the right time for him to give back to “the greatest sport in the world.”

Initially, the Pomona, Calif., native donated once annually during the registration process. But last summer he decided to make monthly recurring donations instead.

“I’m in a position to give back to the sport I love, even just a little,” he said. “Maybe it will help some kid who doesn’t have the money to play.”

According to Marcos, hockey is unlike any other sport. He is happy to see the sport grow in Southern California, and he hopes that his donation can help it grow even more.

Marcos feels strongly that kids should learn to play hockey because it teaches teamwork and determination. It also creates life-long friendships.

“I still know and play hockey with people that I met through hockey when I was younger,” he said. “I don’t consider them friends anymore, to me, they’re more like family.”

The USA Hockey Foundation is happy to call Marcos part of its family.