Parayko donates hockey equipment to kid in Edmonton

ST. LOUIS - Thanks to Colton Parayko, there's a little girl in Edmonton who is getting to try hockey for the first time.

Last month, the Blues defenseman worked with his equipment supplier - Warrior Hockey - to donate some hockey gear to Sport Central, an organization in Edmonton that gets equipment for children whose families are unable to afford it.
"Kids come to Sport Central under a certain poverty line and they're able to go in and get fitted for equipment," Parayko said. "It could be hockey, but it's not just hockey. They cover all sports. They give an opportunity to kids who might not have an opportunity to play. It's pretty special."
Thanks to Parayko's donation, the little girl in Edmonton is learning to become a goalie.

For the Blues defenseman, learning someone got the opportunity to play who otherwise wouldn't have makes the extra effort worth it.
"I was very, very fortunate to be able to play sports growing up, and I was in a family that was able to support me and help me play," Parayko said. "If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't be sitting here right now in this position. Hockey changed my life completely. If I'm able to give someone the chance to play that doesn't always get the chance, it can be life changing for a kid.
"If she doesn't play for more than a year, at least she had the chance to try," Parayko added. "It's a life experience and that's all that matters. I'm just fortunate to be in a position to help."